The Cleat is the prize for the winner of the annual football game between Chaparral and Eldorado.
Published Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 | 7:48 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 | 2:46 p.m.
Southern Nevada’s population growth has brought the development of new high school after new high school over the past two decades.
It’s not always easy to build tradition and community interest in new parts of town, especially in a city where catching a game on Friday night competes with other entertainment options.
It’s slightly different at Chaparral and Eldorado.
The east Las Vegas school will meet at 6 p.m. Friday for the 50th time in the Cleat Game rivalry. The winning team maintains possession of a bronzed cleat donated to the series by NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen.
Host Chaparral is inviting back all alumni for the game for a pregame tailgate. Eldorado officials anticipate it will be standing room only on its side, because both alumni bases are determined to celebrate something a school — and rivalry — that’s near and dear to their hearts.
Chaparral and Eldorado likely won’t be making playoff runs to add more significance to this game. The winner gets a trophy and bragging rights.
The picks column went 15-4 last week and stands at 57-16 for the year. Here’s another week of projections:
Eldorado at Chaparral
It’s the 50th anniversary of this great rivalry. And, of course, I’m picking my beloved Cowboys in a close one. Chaparral 15, Eldorado 13
Arbor View at Desert Pines
Closer than you think. Arbor View 35, Desert Pines 34
Bishop Gorman at Silverado
Both teams have won back-to-back state titles. Bishop Gorman 53, Silverado 0
Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) at Liberty
Liberty gets back on track. Liberty 34, Cathedral Catholic 13
Bonanza at Centennial
Can anyone explain why Centennial is playing league games with Western and Bonanza? Centennial 50, Bonanza 0
Sunrise Mountain at Del Sol
Another dominating win for the Miners. Sunrise Mountain 38, Del Sol 8
Desert Oasis at Palo Verde
Palo Verde will be playing meaningful games in November. Palo Verde 31, Desert Oasis 18
Legacy at Clark
Don’t sleep on Legacy. Legacy 43, Clark 6
Cheyenne at Rancho
Anyone have a coin? Cheyenne 7, Rancho 6
Las Vegas at Foothill
Foothill has a great offense; its defense is still developing. Foothill 45, Las Vegas 13
Shadow Ridge at Coronado
Shadow Ridge has momentum after program-changing victory against Desert Pines. Shadow Rigde 39, Coronado 11
Cimarron-Memorial at Mojave
For all of the complaining about realignment, this league tilt is spot-on. Cimarron 19, Mojave 16
Western at Somerset Losee
Western, unfortunately, is still developing its program. Somerset Losee 40, Western 0
Durango at Basic
Basic is a 57-yard field goal away from being undefeated in league games. Basic 23, Durango 20
The Meadows at Virgin Valley
Virgin Valley continues to impress in the Class 3A. Virgin Valley 50, The Meadows 9
Moapa Valley at Boulder City
Expect another close game between the Pirates, Eagles. Moapa Valley 13, Boulder City 12
Sierra Vista at Faith Lutheran
Faith Lutheran making a strong argument as a state contender. Faith Lutheran 29, Sierra Vista 13
Democracy Prep vs. SLAM Nevada
Some feel SLAM is a favorite to win state. SLAM 38, Democracy Prep 15
