Columnist Spencer Patterson: Local football moving up in class

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999 | 9:50 a.m.

Spencer Patterson's prep sports column appears Thursday. Reach him at spencer@vegas.com or 259-4085.

When it comes to prep football, the Las Vegas area has never been confused with Texas, Florida or Southern California.

Certainly, in any given year, Southern Nevada may have been home to a couple of solid teams -- teams that might or might not have defeated their northern counterparts in the state title game.

And to be sure, the area has produced its share of collegiate talent, some of which has gone on to play in the NFL in recent years.

But as the 1999 regular season comes to a close, it's becoming increasingly clear that this year has produced some very respectable football in a town long known for its high school basketball and baseball.

First and foremost, the play of Las Vegas High and Cimarron-Memorial -- the area's two unbeatens -- has been nothing short of stellar, even if it has gone unnoticed by those who compile USA Today's regional rankings.

The Wildcats and Spartans have rolled over everyone in sight, with each posting an impressive win over an out-of-town opponent -- a sure sign that Las Vegas' best are catching up with the big boys from neighboring states.

Above all, though, the improvement in local prep football will likely be measured on Feb. 2, the first day high school players can sign with colleges.

Although the past two years have been awfully lean for coaches scouting Southern Nevada, 1999 looks to be a banner year for the area -- with as many as 12 or 13 players deserving of big-time college offers.

One, Chaparral offensive lineman John Ream, has already verbally committed to UCLA. He should most likely be followed into the collegiate ranks by teammate Mario Hagan -- the state's top running back -- Cheyenne defensive lineman Lynn McGruder and Las Vegas quarterback Anthony Marini.

And the list of potential Division I signees goes on. Western lineman Marcus Levi, Bonanza linebacker Adam Seward, Las Vegas linebacker Jonathon Pollard, Rancho receiver Rod Lukes, Durango quarterback/safety Jamaal Brimmer, Cimarron linebacker Taylor Miller, Mojave linebacker Willie Ealy, Valley linebacker Jesse Adarme and Cheyenne running back Deon Ned all appear to have what it takes to make it at the next level.

Of course, whether they get that chance will depend greatly on their grades and test scores. Many talented athletes from Las Vegas have failed to qualify over the years.

It will also depend on their ability to get noticed in a state that has largely been ignored by many collegiate recruiters over the years.

But if this year's bumper crop can succeed, it may be just the thing to put Las Vegas football on the map, once and for all.

* GATORS HALFWAY HOME: As expected, Green Valley's girls golf team had no trouble distancing itself from the rest of the field on day one of the 4A State Tournament on Wednesday. The Gators shot a 393 at the par-72 Canyon Gate Country Club, 42 strokes better than second-place Bishop Gorman.

The Gators were led by sophomore Christine Fernandez, last week's Southern Zone champion. She shot a 73 to take the individual lead by two shots over teammate Kimberly Kindig and Durango's Erin Andrews. Green Valley's Mary Fernandez (78) and Emily De'Ath (80) also finished the day among the top 10.

Play resumes today, with the event slated to conclude by 4:30 p.m. A Green Valley win would give the Henderson school its fourth consecutive state title.

* TIDBITS: McQueen rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final 3:30 to post a 18-14 victory over Reed and retain the No. 2 ranking in the Sun's state-wide prep football poll. The Lancers scored a late touchdown, recovered an onside kick, and scored again to avoid the upset loss. No. 4 Elko had no trouble in a 31-7 win over Sparks, No. 5 Wooster bested Hug 37-18 and No. 8 South Tahoe stayed hot with a 56-14 victory over Carson...

Boulder City claimed the No. 2 spot in this week's Southern Nevada Cross Country Coaches Association girls poll, behind Green Valley and ahead of Durango, Bonanza and Basic. On the boys side, Bonanza remained No. 2, followed by Boulder City, Durango, Basic and Green Valley...

Palo Verde High will host a basketball camp Nov. 11-13 for boys and girls in grades 3-9. The cost is $100. For more information, call 799-1450, Ext. 237 or 254-4028.