FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Unbeatens meet at Canyon Springs
Four of the area’s top 10 teams are idle this week, and just one Division I or I-A matchup features two teams with winning records. Still, there are some interesting matchups and storylines. Here’s a look at some of them.
Desert Oasis (2-0) at Canyon Springs (3-0) — Desert Oasis was just 2-8 last season, but the Diamondbacks have quickly matched that win total behind senior running back Jocquez Kalili, who has rushed for 500 yards and 10 TDs in two games. The third-ranked Pioneers counter with a stingy defense that has held opposing runners to an average of 3.2 yards per carry.
Las Vegas (2-1) at Rancho (0-4) — The fifth-ranked Wildcats had outscored their first two opponents 117-60 but got a taste of their own medicine last week in a 66-14 drubbing at the hands of Rancho Verde (Calif.). That wake-up call could be bad news for a Rancho team that has been outscored 211-15 this season. Still, the “Bone Game” is the state’s oldest rivalry, and that alone should make for a lively game.
Silverado (1-2) at Palo Verde (1-1) — The Skyhawks have one of the biggest lines around, and even feature a 295-pound tight end, but that size hasn’t translated into too much success early. The seventh-ranked Panthers are coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Green Valley last week, and are looking to build some positive momentum for league play.
Faith Lutheran (3-2, 0-0 Sunset) at Mojave (2-2, 0-0) — These teams are the current favorites in the Division I-A Sunset League, and they face each other in the league opener. The running back battle between Faith Lutheran’s Keenan Smith (513 yards) and Mojave’s Ty Flanagan (486 yards) should be a good one, and the winner will have the leg up in the Sunset.
Mountain View (2-1, 2-0 Division III Southern) at The Meadows (3-1, 2-0) — On a week without many marquee large-school games, we take a look at what should be a good one in Division III. The Saints were the favorites heading into the season after advancing to the state title game last year, but haven’t been as dominant as some thought they would be. That has opened the door for The Meadows and leading rusher Bryson Navallo (562 yards).
Go to NevadaPreps.com for a full schedule and complete scoreboard.
