Prep football: Top 10 teams in the Valley this week

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 | 1:56 p.m.

Las Vegas High led by 35 points at halftime last Friday in cruising to a 52-13 victory against Valley.

Just don't tell Wildcats coach Chris Faircloth that his team is the Sunrise Region's best. The Wildcats have won six of the last seven regional titles, but continuing the streak this November isn't guaranteed — especially if they play like they did in the second half against Valley, the coach said.

"We still have to get a lot better," Faircloth said.

Las Vegas remains in the third spot in the Home News rankings this week and shouldn't be tested again in a weak Northeast Division.

That gives Faircloth plenty of time to make adjustments. Las Vegas committed 15 penalties against Valley and the coach knows those mistakes would be disastrous against Palo Verde or Bishop Gorman, which are ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively.

1. Palo Verde (6-0): The Panthers were tested for the first time last Friday against Cimarron-Memorial and still emerged victorious.

2. Bishop Gorman (6-1): Gorman might be the most physical team in the Las Vegas Valley.

3. Las Vegas (5-1): Las Vegas still has room to improve, but the perennial power Wildcats should make another deep postseason run.

4. Cheyenne (5-1): Cheyenne pounded Centennial 44-3 last Friday.

5. Del Sol (5-1): Dragons are the class of the Southeast Division.

6. Legacy (6-0): This third-year school has its most significant game Friday against Cheyenne.

7. Spring Valley (4-1): Spring Valley won't lose another game until the playoffs.

8. Basic (5-1): Basic will be tested against Las Vegas High Friday night.

9. Green Valley (4-2): The Gators have won three straight games and are tied for first place in the Southeast Division.

10. Cimarron-Memorial (3-3): The Spartans led top-ranked Palo Verde in the second half last Friday before losing in overtime.

Dropped out: Arbor View; the Aggies lost back-to-back games.