Columnist Adam Candee: For all of the marbles

Adam Candee

Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 | 10:34 a.m.

Adam Candee covers high school sports for the Sun. Reach him at (702) 259-4085 or by e-mail at candee@lasvegassun.com.

Take a deep breath: The end of the prep football season is here.

For once, there is less anticipation of the state title game as there is a heavy air that floated in around the beginning of the playoffs. From the absurdity of the Cheyenne suspension situation to the tragedy of the death of Las Vegas player Edward Gomez, nothing has seemed quite right since the quarterfinals kicked off.

For once, the happier thought is not the game that ends the season, but the end that the game brings. We're all just very tired.

That is not to take away from Las Vegas and Reno, for whom a state title would mean no less in such a strange year. In fact, with the separate trials both teams have endured, this championship likely means a bit more than usual.

On to our final pick of the 2003 season ... and not a moment too soon. The 4A State Championship game:

Las Vegas (SR-1, 13-0) vs. Reno (N-1, 8-5)

Reno counters with running back Conor Martin, a California transfer who is averaging 200 yards and more than two touchdowns per game in the playoffs. The Huskies need another one of those performances to have a chance. Quarterback John Wallace absolutely must throw some deep balls early to stretch out the Las Vegas defense and test the Wildcats' shaky secondary.

EDGE: Las Vegas

Las Vegas bottled up the Palo Verde double-wing offense, something no other team did this season. The Wildcats are so tough against the run, using a strong group on the line and ball-hawking linebackers behind it. If Las Vegas forces even part of the seven turnovers it did against Palo Verde, this won't be close.

EDGE: Even

The Wildcats have overcome season-ending injuries to their starting quarterback and running back and the stunning death of a teammate to make it here. After trailing Basic by 13 points in the second half of their opening- round game, the Wildcats have done everything right since then.

Reno, once 2-5 and seemingly finished, is on a six-game winning streak that amazes even its coach. The Huskies cannot be judged by those five losses. Still, Las Vegas seems to have more emotion on its side.

EDGE: Las Vegas