Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

high school football:

High school football top 10: Parity in Sunrise Region producing great finishes

Green Valley vs. Las Vegas

STEPHEN SYLVANIE / SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Las Vegas High linebacker Jacob Anderson (9) walks off the field Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, after Las Vegas lost to Green Valley 39-38.

Green Valley vs. Las Vegas

Green Valley Gator players celebrate after defeating visiting Las Vegas High in their homecoming game 39-38. Launch slideshow »

If Friday was any indication, next month’s Sunrise Region high school football playoffs could feature some wild finishes.

Las Vegas High was in complete control most of the game against host Green Valley but squandered a double-digit second-half lead in losing on a game-ending field goal.

With as many as four teams — Green Valley, Las Vegas, Canyon Springs and Liberty — apparently on even ground, the last team standing in the Sunrise is anyone’s guess. All four teams are ranked this week, including Liberty at No. 2 and undefeated Canyon Springs at No. 3.

Here are the rankings:

1. Bishop Gorman (5-2): After playing six tough out-of-state opponents to open the season, Bishop Gorman was sluggish in the first half last week against Legacy. The four-time defending state champions still found a way to win. Up next: Friday vs. Cimarron-Memorial.

2. Liberty (4-3): The Patriots have a record above .500 for the first time this year. Up next: Friday at Eldorado.

3. Canyon Springs (6-0): Some feel the Pioneers' defense is the best in the Sunrise Region. What’s not up for debate is the obvious — they are the lone undefeated team in the Sunrise. Up next: Friday at Valley.

4. Green Valley (4-2): Green Valley’s come-from-behind victory against Las Vegas last week was one of the best games of the season. When the Gators’ offense is producing like it did in the second half, Green Valley is impossible to beat. Up next: Friday at Rancho.

5. Palo Verde (4-1): Palo Verde finished strong last week against Shadow Ridge to win the Northwest League opener. Up next: Friday vs. Spring Valley.

6. Arbor View (4-1): Devon Turner had three touchdowns last week for Arbor View, which blanked Spring Valley. Up next: Friday at Durango.

7. Moapa Valley (7-0): The Hammer Game this week against Virgin Valley could be one of the all-time great games in the rivalry series. Up next: Friday at Virgin Valley.

8. Legacy (3-2): Legacy drops just one spot after its loss last week to Bishop Gorman. The Longhorns showed they are the real deal. Up next: Friday vs. Bonanza.

9. Las Vegas (3-3): The Wildcats will be back after a tough loss last week to Green Valley, especially with the speedy Andrew Moreland carrying the ball and junior linebacker Jacob Littlefield leading the defense. Up next: Friday vs. Silverado.

10. Desert Pines (7-0): Can’t blame the Jags for looking past this week’s game against Chaparral. Next week, they’ll play Moapa Valley for the Sunrise title and No. 1 playoff seed. Up next: Friday vs. Chaparral.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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