Columnist Nick Christensen: Experience in big game could be key

Nick Christensen

Friday, Dec. 3, 2004 | 8:52 a.m.

Nick Christensen covers high school athletics for the Sun. Reach him at (702) 259-4085 or by e-mail at nick.christensen@lasvegassun.com.

So the picks were a bit off last week. Nobody's perfect.

Actually, as far as Vegas is concerned, the picks have been off for many weeks. Wildcats coach Chris Faircloth has taken to calling this reporter "Lucky Charms." Half the Wildcats roster was feigning injury at Thursday's practice, in an effort to ensure that they are again picked to lose.

So after last week's predictions were a total bust, I called up the experts -- coaches.

Bonanza's Jay Weinman, Eldorado's Frank DeSantis and Cheyenne coach Charles Anthony all coached against both teams this year.

"I think they're pretty evenly matched," Anthony said. "They're different in the way they do things. I think it's going to be a close game, probably another 21-20 game or something like that, and it's going to come down to a field goal or a missed extra point."

Anthony said Vegas' Eric Jordan will be tough for Palo Verde to stop.

Anthony's call?

"I think Vegas is going to win," he said. "The only reason I think Vegas is going to win is because they've been there before."

DeSantis, who knows a thing or two about state championships after winning a state record five consecutive 2A titles at The Meadows, said the two teams have very contrasting styles.

"I think that Vegas is the more physical team, and Palo Verde's more finesse," DeSantis said. "Then again, Jordan's not a bad finesse guy."

When asked who he thought was going to win Saturday, DeSantis tried to hedge.

"That's a tough one. I think Vegas has got some momentum, and I think Palo might be a little physically tired, but I don't know," he said. "I think Palo will beat them, because Palo will do something to win. They always do."

Weinman wouldn't make a prediction other than to say that turnovers would decide the game.

"I'm not sure Vegas can stop Palo up front, and I don't know that Palo's going to contain Jordan," he said.

"It's a coin toss, it really is."

Easy for you to say.

Last weekend when Jordan, reached on the team bus heading back from Reno, said he'd only talk to the Sun if we promised to pick Palo this week, I obliged. At the moment, it seemed like a good idea.

But at some point, it's time to give credit to what the Wildcats have done. They definitely have the momentum. They've been handling opponents very well defensively, and offensively, all it takes is three or four breaks by Eric Jordan to put the game away.

Palo Verde plays good teams by wearing them down. But how worn down are the Panthers, a team heavy on guys playing both sides of the ball? And how much time will Palo take chipping away at yardage (and time) while Vegas just needs a few sudden moments to put it away?

Saturday's game at Sam Boyd is going to be a fun one to watch, especially if the great crowds that consistently turn out to both teams' home games make the trip to the stadium. The bands are the best in town. And the teams are the best in the state. But Vegas gets the edge to take its 15th state championship.

The call: Las Vegas 31, Palo Verde 20.