Centennial-Arbor View rivalry leads tonight’s prep football docket

While some teams have already played three times, a handful of Division I Sunset Region squads hit the gridiron for the first time this week. Here’s a look at some of the top matchups and key storylines for Week 3.

Centennial (0-1) at Arbor View (0-0) — This has become one of the area’s most interesting rivalries. The teams split last season, but Centennial won the game that mattered, ending the Aggies’ season in the Sunset Region semifinals.

Palo Verde (0-0) at Legacy (1-0) — Palo Verde has the respect of area coaches, holding down the No. 2 spot in the latest coaches poll even though the Panthers haven’t played a game. They’ll face a stiff test right off the bat against an explosive Legacy team led by running backs Casey Hughes and DeMichael Walker, who combined for 367 rushing yards last week.

Basic (0-1) at Las Vegas (1-0) — Lovers of old-school defense might want to avert their eyes. These teams combined to score 97 points last week, while giving up 90. Basic’s Antraye Johnson is about as explosive as any athlete in town, and he passed for 234 yards while rushing for 125 last week. But the Wolves gave up 646 yards against Green Valley and will have to improve to slow Trevor Swenson (323 passing yards) and the Wildcats.

Mojave (2-0) at Moapa Valley (2-0) — These are probably the top two Division I-A teams in the area as they meet in a rematch of last year’s state quarterfinals. Moapa Valley won that one 36-32, but face an improved Rattlers team, led by running back Ty Flanagan (318 rushing yards).

Desert Pines (2-0) at Valley (1-0) — The Vikings scored 27 unanswered points in a 34-23 win over Del Sol last week. But Valley probably won’t be able to dig itself out of such a big hole against the Jaguars and their two-headed running attack of Malik Davis and Eric Wilkes.

For live scores and updates from all of tonight’s games visit nevadapreps.com.