Wildcats hoping to add to successes

Richard Brian

Las Vegas High will rely on its offensive line this its quest to win another Sunrise Regional title. The line is anchored by, from left, seniors Madison Hales, Austin Woo and Greg Holotik.

By Brent Hinckley (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Three state titles, five state championship games, six state playoffs and six Sunrise Regional titles.

Las Vegas High’s list of gridiron successes since 2001 is nothing short of impressive. If the Wildcats add to the success this fall, their offensive line will be the difference, coach Chris Faircloth said.

“This is the best unit we have on the team,” Faircloth said. “Every year, we’re only as good as our line, and they’re doing a great job.”

Senior linemen Greg Holotik and Madison Hales and junior Austin Woo are returning starters from last year. Woo has been on the varsity team since his freshman year, while Hales and Holotik have played since their sophomore campaign.

“Coaches moved me up and I saw how hard (Holotik and Hales) worked and saw how they played. This is our third year together now, and we work together as a team,” Woo said.

The line will be blocking for two new additions. Senior quarterback Emir Lopez transferred from Sierra Vista and running back Reggie Bullock transferred from Western. Lopez was 86-of-191 for 1,558 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, while Bullock rushed for 1,267 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“They’ve done a great job so far. They’re hard workers, and they’ve become dependable,” Faircloth said. “When you get new players there’s a trust factor. They have to always show up and work hard or they won’t be accepted.”

Holotik and Hales both said the transfers are true Wildcats.

“They’ve done everything they’re supposed to. We’ve included them as part of the team and let them know how things are done here,” Hales said.

How things are done includes winning for the Wildcats.

The team has reached the state playoffs six times since 2001 and won three titles (2001, 2005 and 2006).

The Wildcats failed to reach the state finals last fall for the first time since 2002, losing to Reno’s McQueen High 34-20 in the state semifinals.

That didn’t sit well.

“We underachieved and fell short last year,” Faircloth said. “We can’t make up for the loss, but we can improve on our mistakes.”

The Wildcats also have a streak of 11 consecutive home wins dating back to September 2006.

“We’re going to keep that going this year,” Holotik said. “We’re going to beat people at home and win some road games and get it done this year. State in ‘08.”

Brent Hinckley is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2687 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.