Columnist Spencer Patterson: Plenty at stake in Reno

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000 | 11:15 a.m.

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

At first glance, Friday night's Northern Region football championship may look like a complete waste of time. After all, both McQueen and Wooster will participate in the upcoming 4A state tournament, regardless of the outcome.

But there is far more at stake for the Lancers and Colts than Reno bragging rights. The winner will earn homefield advantage for next week's state semifinals, while the loser will find itself in a most unenviable position.

The Northern runner-up will travel to Las Vegas next week, possibly for a matchup with two-time defending champion Cimarron-Memorial. And even if the Lancers/Colts loser pulls off the upset in round one, it may find itself returning to town one week later for a state title clash with the Sunrise champion.

In other words, don't look for the two teams to rest their stars in Reno Friday night. It may not be an elimination game, but this one should be played as though it is.

Barnson, who led the Cowboys to four state titles during his 20 years at the school, founded the Las Vegas Sports Committee in 1986. His organization brings sporting events -- such as the annual United States National Wrestling Tournament -- to Southern Nevada each year.

"It was a heck of an honor," Barnson said of the award. "I was very pleased."