Desert Pines High School

From blue chip prospects to Division II recruits keeping the dream alive, signing day produced several memories in Las Vegas: Thursday, February 2, 2012; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Every high school football player has a different story to share on national signing day. There are usually plenty of tears of joy, smiles and hugs from loved ones, and the look of relief on the faces of recruits as they officially commit to a college by signing a letter of intent. Getting to the day, which always falls on the first Wednesday of February, is typically easier said than done for the athletes. In Las Vegas, this year’s recruiting cycle produced more than its share of noteworthy events. Here are some of their stories:

Decision to leave high school early for college football dreams a no-brainer for local player: Monday, January 16, 2012; ray brewer:; By Ray Brewer; The benefits behind a high school football player graduating a semester early to enroll in college and participate in spring practice always confused me. Why rush growing up?

Desert Pines offensive lineman Cedrick Poutasi picks Utah football: Thursday, December 29, 2011; hs football:; By Ray Brewer; Desert Pines High offensive lineman Cedrick Poutasi waited until Thursday night to verbally commit to the University of Utah football program, announcing his decision during the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Cedrick Poutasi, Ronnie Stanley to play in national all-star games: Tuesday, December 13, 2011; high school football: Poutasi, the 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive tackle from Desert Pines, will make his college decision Dec. 30 during all-star game; By Ray Brewer; Two of Southern Nevada’s top college football recruits will be playing in national all-star games in the upcoming weeks. Desert Pines High senior offensive tackle Cedrick Poutasi will play Dec. 30 in the Offense-Defense All-America Game at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Foothill sophomore QB continues break through season, leads Falcons to a playoff win: Friday, November 4, 2011; high school football:; Edward Hauth, Las Vegas Sun; Even a flu virus and rainy conditions couldn’t stop Foothill High sophomore quarterback Drew Doxtator from winning his first playoff game. Doxtator threw four touchdowns Friday to help the host Falcons advance to the Sunrise Regional semifinals with a 34-12 victory against Desert Pines in the regional quarterfinals.

Desert Pines rushes past Chaparral, 48-8: Friday, October 28, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; The Desert Pines High football team rushed for more than 300 yards in the first half Thursday in a 48-8 victory against host Chaparral.

Desert Pines safety Leon Hayes commits to UTEP: Wednesday, October 26, 2011; prep recruiting:; By Ray Brewer; Desert Pines High senior safety Leon Hayes became the first local from the class of 2012 to verbally commit to a Division I football program when he selected UTEP this week.

Desert Pines bullies Sunrise Mountain: Friday, October 21, 2011; high school football:; By Case Keefer; Desert Pines rebounded from a disappointing loss to Rancho last week Friday night by defeating Sunrise Mountain 32-6. Leon Hayes led the Jaguars with 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Desert Pines got off to a fast start and never let Sunrise Mountain in the game.

Rancho scores minor upset against Desert Pines, back in playoff hunt: Saturday, October 15, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; The Rancho High football team’s quest to reach the postseason improved dramatically Friday night with a 37-27 victory against visiting Desert Pines.

Desert Pines' Cedrick Poutasi enjoyed trip to Utah, won't decide until late December: Wednesday, October 12, 2011; prep recruiting: The Las Vegas area's top recruit says he will announce college plans at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl; By Ray Brewer; Desert Pines High offensive tackle Cedrick Poutasi won’t announce where he’ll play college football until an all-star game at the end of December. But it’s safe to assume the University of Utah will be in major consideration.

Four touchdowns from Leon Hayes lifts Desert Pines past Valley: Thursday, October 6, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Leon Hayes scored four touchdowns Thursday to lead the Desert Pines High football team past visiting Valley, 35-0. Hayes, a senior with a scholarship offer from UTEP, had two rushing touchdowns, and also found the end zone on an interception and kickoff return. After opening the season with four straight defeats, Desert Pines has won its last two games.

Desert Pines handles Eldorado to break into the win column: Saturday, October 1, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Desert Pines High sophomore Eric Wilkes rushed for 260 yards and five touchdowns Saturday to lead the Jaguars football team to a 53-20 victory against visiting Eldorado.

Las Vegas' Farrell Victor rushes for 212 yards in homecoming victory over Desert Pines: Friday, September 23, 2011; high school football:; Edward Hauth; Las Vegas High senior running back Farrell Victor rushed for 212 yards and three second-half touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to a 31-10 homecoming victory over Desert Pines on Friday.

Late touchdown pass carries Canyon Springs past Desert Pines: Thursday, September 15, 2011; high school football:; By Sun Staff; Kevion Glenn’s touchdown pass to Ladarrell Mongkholtham with about a minute to play Thursday gave the visiting the Canyon Springs High football team an 18-16 victory against Desert Pines in the Northeast Division opener for both schools.

Liberty rallies to beat Desert Pines, 35-21: Friday, September 2, 2011; high school football:; Edward Hauth; Liberty senior Jeremy Lagasca returned a Desert Pines failed field goal 92 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half to help spark a 35-21 comeback victory for the Patriots.