Looking ahead at the week in high school sports
Here is a look at some of this week’s top high school sports matchups.
FOOTBALL
Friday — St. Thomas Aquinas (Florida) at Bishop Gorman, 7 p.m.
This is the last national test for the Gaels, who currently are ranked No. 1 in the nation. Three of Gorman’s first four opponents came with national rankings, and the Raiders are no exception. They were the preseason No. 1 team according to USA Today, and currently are ranked No. 9.
Friday — Silverado at Basic, 7 p.m.
The 10th-ranked Skyhawks improved to 4-0 with an easy victory over Rancho, and open Southeast League play against No. 6 Basic, which is coming off an overtime loss to Canyon Springs. This could be a contrast in styles, with Basic’s high-powered passing attack going up against a Silverado team based on defense.
Friday — Legacy at Centennial, 7 p.m.
The ninth-ranked Longhorns have opened the season 4-0 and head on the road to face No. 8 Centennial in a key Northwest League game. The winner will move to 2-0 in the league as teams jockey for position in the stacked Northwest.
BOYS SOCCER
Monday — Bishop Gorman at Durango, 3 p.m.
The top two teams in the Southwest League (by a wide margin), Gorman is the only thing standing between the Trailblazers and walking to a league championship. It is one of two meetings between the two this season, with other coming Oct. 10 at Gorman.
Tuesday — Sunrise Mountain at Western, 3:30 p.m.
The Miners make an appearance in the coaches’ poll for the first time, coming in at No. 9. They have yet to lose this season, and have seen the two-headed monster of Jose Arreola and Jusio Jimenez-Vazquez dominate, with 11 goals and six assists each in just six games. They visit a Western team who is just outside of the top-10 rankings.
GIRLS SOCCER
Wednesday — Coronado at Foothill, 3 p.m.
This match could determine the Southeast League champion.
Coronado is a perennial Sunrise power, but the Falcons have vastly improved the past few seasons. Will Foothill knock off the Cougars and make a run at its first league title in school history?
Wednesday — Bishop Gorman at Desert Oasis, 3 p.m.
The Gaels haven’t lost a match all season, and this will be their toughest test in Southwest League play.
The Diamondbacks probably need this one if they wish to win the league title, as Desert Oasis already has a tie with Sierra Vista in league play.
Thursday — Centennial at Arbor View, 3 p.m.
Here’s a rematch of last season’s Sunset Region championship (the Aggies won, 4-0).
The Bulldogs have the firepower to knock off Arbor View, but a lot will depend on how Marcella Brooks and McKenna Stratton perform.
BOYS TENNIS
Monday – Clark at Coronado, 3 p.m.
It’s tough to get a better meeting near the end of the regular season than the Chargers and the Cougars. Clark wraps up its regular season Monday, while Coronado has one more tune-up for the playoffs.
GIRLS TENNIS
Tuesday – Shadow Ridge at Palo Verde, 3 p.m.
The Panthers have dominated high school tennis for years and they have another chance at an undefeated season Tuesday, when they host the Mustangs, which would love nothing more than to play spoiler.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Tuesday — Bonanza at Bishop Gorman, 6 p.m.
The Bengals suffered their first Southwest League loss last week but, depending on the outcome of their match Monday, still could grab a share of first place with a win over the Gaels.
Tuesday —Faith Lutheran at Palo Verde, 6 p.m.
The third-place Crusaders are off to a solid start in the difficult Northwest League and represent the first of two major tests this week for the host Panthers.
Wednesday — Moapa Valley at Boulder City, 6 p.m.
Should both teams win on Monday, they would be undefeated heading into this Class 3A Sunrise League showdown.
Thursday — Palo Verde at Shadow Ridge, 6 p.m.
This figures to be a battle for first place in the Northwest League. The host Mustangs likely will be unbeaten in league play entering the match, while Palo Verde also could be undefeated, pending the result of its match Tuesday match against Faith Lutheran.