Looking ahead at the week in high school sports
Here is a look at some of this week’s top high school sports matchups.
CROSS COUNTRY
Saturday — Moapa Valley Invitational at Overton, 7:30 a.m.
There isn’t a major local meet this week, with a pair of California meets — the Woodbridge Classic and Mt. Carmel Invitational — drawing some of the local teams.
But the weekend isn’t without a cross country event, as the Moapa Valley Invitational in Overton will offer six races, beginning with the 1.6-mile boys middle school race at 7:30 a.m. The varsity “A” races begin at 9:20 a.m.
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FOOTBALL
Thursday — Desert Pines at Liberty, 7 p.m.
The game of the week won’t happen on Friday night, as the Jaguars, ranked No. 3 in the latest Southern Nevada coaches poll, travels to face the No. 2 Patriots. This game might have been even more interesting had Desert Pines quarterback Marckell Grayson not torn his anterior cruciate ligament in Week 1, but the Jaguars still have plenty of weapons.
Friday — Centennial at Las Vegas, 7 p.m.
Jamaal Evans has been an offensive machine for the Bulldogs, accounting for 793 yards of offense and 11 TDs (six rushing, five passing) in Centennial’s first two games. Las Vegas has its own offensive standout in running back Elijah Hicks.
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GIRLS GOLF
Monday — Centennial vs. Bishop Gorman at Bear’s Best, 3 p.m.
The youthful Bulldogs have been one of the early-season surprises, led by freshman Hailey Stevenson. Gorman won by 12 strokes when the teams played a nine-hole match Sept. 1 at Paiute.
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BOYS SOCCER
Monday — Durango at Desert Oasis, Monday, 3 p.m.
Durango cruised to the top spot in the Southern Nevada Boys Soccer Coaches Poll and for good reason: The Trailblazers are 7-1 with a plus-16 goal differential. They begin league play on the road Monday against the Diamondbacks.
Tuesday — Las Vegas at Coronado, 3 p.m.
Two of the best in the state meet when the Wildcats, ranked No. 3 in the Southern Nevada coaches poll, visit the No. 4 Cougars.
Thursday — Cimarron-Memorial at Palo Verde, 3:30 p.m.
So far these two squads have been the class of the Northwest League and this matchup could go a long way in determining the eventual league champ. Arturo Baneha has six goals this season for the visiting Spartans.
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GIRLS SOCCER
Wednesday — Sierra Vista at Desert Oasis, 3 p.m.
The rival schools face off in a Southwest League game that could turn out to be critical for playoff position down the road. Bishop Gorman probably has the top spot locked up, but seeds two through four are up in the air.
Thursday — Centennial at Faith Lutheran, 5:30 p.m.
The Northwest League arguably is the toughest in Southern Nevada and every league game will count, especially for the recently moved up Crusaders.
The Bulldogs, who finished as the Sunset Region runner-up last season, are off to an impressive start but will this be a roadblock?
Friday — Palo Verde at Coronado, 3 p.m.
The Panthers, who have won the last two Southwest League titles, will meet four-time defending Southeast League champ Coronado in the final non-conference match before league play.
Palo Verde will look for big games from Jadyn Nogues and Macee Barlow, while the Cougars turn to Jensen Boman and Evie DiFiore.
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BOYS TENNIS
Thursday — Liberty at Bishop Gorman, 3 p.m.
After ending Clark’s 68-match winning streak on Tuesday, the Gaels have had no time to sit back and enjoy it. Gorman played two days later, and faces a strong Patriots team on Thursday.
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GIRLS TENNIS
Monday — Legacy at Faith Lutheran, 3:30 p.m.
Faith Lutheran enters the week a game behind Palo Verde in the Northwest League. The Crusaders play three times this week, including a tough league test against the Longhorns.
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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Tuesday — Arbor View at Shadow Ridge, 6 p.m.
Two of the favorites in the loaded Northwest League square off in the league opener. The Mustangs swept Arbor View 2-0 when they met Aug. 27 at the Las Vegas Invitational.
Friday and Saturday — Durango Fall Classic, 2 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday at Coronado, Durango, Green Valley and Palo Verde.
The 22nd annual event features 64 teams and is widely regarded as one of the nation’s best tournaments. Coronado was the top local in 2015, finishing in 12th place. Assumption (Louisville, Kentucky) is the defending champion.