Columnist Adam Candee: LV, Reno get nods to meet in 4A final

Adam Candee

Friday, Nov. 28, 2003 | 9:48 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.

We've spent our time in courtrooms and hospitals during this apparently cursed prep football playoff playoff season. Solace, in whatever form it takes, is best found between the white lines.

That is why we anticipate both the beginning of Saturday's 4A State Tournament semifinals and the end of the playoffs altogether. For as long as the games offer comfort, we'll take them, but there will be no complaints when the wounds of the Cheyenne court case and the on-field death of Edward Gomez can start to close.

Does that enigma really make sense? No, but neither do enigmas in general or anything else that has happened in the local prep world in the past three weeks.

On to an extended look at both state semifinals ...

Palo Verde (SS-1, 12-0) at Las Vegas (SR-1, 12-0)

Offense: Palo Verde's double-wing mystifies opponents with its deception. The Panthers will have trouble wearing down the sturdy Las Vegas linemen, though, and the running attack could be slowed as a result. The Wildcats are relying on a great balance of passing and running, and the key to success will be sophomore QB Jeremy Craddock. He must find a way to stretch out the Panthers' defense. EDGE: Even

Defense: These are both excellent defensive teams. Palo Verde effectively defended some high-powered offenses in the Northwest Division. Las Vegas totally shut down both Foothill and Desert Pines in the playoffs, but displayed a weakness against the pass in allowing 34 points to Basic. The loss of Edward Gomez off the field is tragic, but it also affects an already shaky Las Vegas secondary. EDGE: Palo Verde

Intangibles: Kris Cinkovich is adamant that he will not pressure his team to win this game for the memory of Gomez. Try telling that to his players, who undoubtedly want to honor their fallen teammate. If any coaching staff in town can help its kids through such a difficult time and bring them out motivated Saturday, it's this one. EDGE: Las Vegas

The skinny: This is the game of the year and also the de facto state championship game, no matter what the schedule says. Either of these teams will roll past Desert Pines or Reno.

The pick: Las Vegas 19, Palo Verde 17.

Desert Pines (SR-2, 8-4) at Reno (N-1, 7-5)

Offense: Reno was reborn midway through the season with the return of QB John Wallace and the emergence of RB Conor Martin, who scored three times in the Northern title game. The Huskies can be effective against Desert Pines with running game. The Jaguars must establish both QB Josh Webster and RBs Steve Golden and Donte Minton early. This is not a team that can play from behind. EDGE: Even

Defense: Desert Pines crumbled early against Las Vegas, giving the Wildcats just about anything they wanted on the ground and in the air. The Jaguars are not a bad defensive team, as evidenced by holding down Coronado. How they respond to the cold, wet air of Reno will be interesting. The Huskies must give their offense time to win this game, because it can given the opportunity. EDGE: Even

Intangibles: You just don't get on the kind of roll Reno has, coming back from near-elimination to get a fourth seed and then beat defending champion McQueen and overwhelming favorite Douglas. Desert Pines' lone quality win came against Coronado in the playoffs, and they don't have much momentum after losing to Las Vegas. Rain is in the forecast for Saturday. EDGE: Reno

The skinny: Reno has some strange magic working right now. Frankly, Desert Pines has wilted against tough competition this year and the Jaguars have a lot to prove here.

The pick: Reno 28, Desert Pines 14.