Las Vegas High Football

Respected coach, adminstrator picked for Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame: Tuesday, March 20, 2012; high school football: Frank Nails, a local legend on the prep gridiron, part of five-member hall class along with UNLV's Stacey Augmon, others; By Ray Brewer; If you are looking for Frank Nails on a Friday night in the fall, you might want to check the bleachers at a local high school football game. Nails just can’t stay away from the event he loves. The 73-year-old Nails spent 37 years as a high school coach and administrator in Las Vegas, winning a pair of state championships, countless coaching accolades and influencing the lives of thousands of area children. This summer, he’ll add another prestigious award to his resume.

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:

Las Vegas High kicker Jay Mattox rated as one of the nation's best, earns spot at elite showcase: Thursday, January 26, 2012; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Jay Mattox places a football on the kicking tee, paces out a few steps and lines up a field goal attempt. Seconds later, he lets fly on a long-range kick, easily drilling the ball through the uprights from about 40 yards out. He quickly reviews the mechanics of the kick, decides if adjustments need to be made and reaches for another ball to continue the practice session. It’s end of January, some seven months before Mattox’s senior season will begin at Las Vegas High, and the 5-foot-11 the left-footed kicker is busy trying to master his craft.

Las Vegas HS quarterback Hasaan Henderson picks UNR over UNLV: Monday, January 9, 2012; prep recruiting: The Rebels, however, gain a commitment from a local lineman, are in contention for two from power Bishop Gorman; By Ray Brewer; Las Vegas High quarterback Hasaan Henderson this weekend verbally committed to the UNR football program, picking the Northern Nevada school over UNLV.

Liberty rallies past Las Vegas to reach Sunrise championship game: Friday, November 11, 2011; Las Vegas High keeps it close until second half; By Case Keefer; Despite how it may appear, the Liberty coaches didn’t accidentally issue a No. 12 jersey to two different players. It’s just that sometimes Kai Nacua does so many different things on the gridiron that it’s hard to believe it’s the same person. The junior is not an ordinary starting quarterback.

Redemption Thursday: Region semifinals feature four teams out to avenge earlier defeats: Wednesday, November 9, 2011; high school football: A victory by Bishop Gorman and Palo Verde will set-up the highly-anticipated annual showdown between the perennial powers; By Ray Brewer; Las Vegas High football coach James Thurman has stressed each week for his players to play a faceless opponent on Friday nights. Instead of worrying about the opposition — whether weak or strong — on the other side of the field, Thurman tells his players the first step to victory is executing their game plan successfully. On most Fridays in Las Vegas’ weak Northeast Division, the faceless opponent strategy is not overlooking a struggling opponent. But Thursday in the Sunset Regional semifinals, the Wildcats will face a tall order in beating host Liberty (9-1). Not only did the defending Sunrise ...

Las Vegas High lone Northeast team to win a playoff game: Friday, November 4, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; The Las Vegas High football team might have lost the Northeast Division title when it was defeated by Canyon Springs, but one week later the Wildcats can stake claim to another achievement: being the league’s lone team still playing.

Change of the guard in the Northeast as Canyon Springs tops Las Vegas in overtime: Friday, October 28, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; This time, the Canyon Springs High football team’s 2-point conversion attempt was successful. The Pioneers’ Donnel Pumphrey ended the game Thursday night by scoring on a 2-point conversion in overtime to give Canyon Springs a dramatic 22-21 victory in overtime against Las Vegas High for the Northeast Division title. Trailing 21-14 after Las Vegas scored on its possession in overtime, Pumphrey brought Canyon Springs to within one point when he scored on a 1-yard run on a fourth down play. Canyon Springs coach Hunkie Cooper elected to attempt the 2-point conversion for the win, opting for victory over the much ...

Las Vegas takes another Bone Game victory against Rancho, continues to be one of the state's best teams: Friday, October 21, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Farrell Victor has been waiting all year for someone to punt the ball in his direction. The Las Vegas High senior finally got his chance Thursday in one of the Wildcats’ most important football games of the season, returning a punt 59 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter of “Bone Game” against visiting Rancho to help the Wildcats win for the 16th straight time in the rivalry, 49-12. Victor rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns and the Wildcats held Rancho scoreless in the second half to continue their impressive domination in the series. Las Vegas typically beats ...

Las Vegas High still No. 3 in Sun's rankings, ready for Bone Game rivalry with Rancho: Tuesday, October 18, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; The third-ranked team in the Sun’s top-10 rankings will be involved in one of the most anticipated games this week. It’s rivalry week on the local high school gridiron, starting Thursday night when No. 3 Las Vegas High attempts to extend its winning streak against Rancho in the annual Bone Game to 16 straight seasons.

Las Vegas takes care of Sunrise Mountain, will enter Bone Game with Rancho undefeated: Friday, October 14, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Vince Castro had a rushing and receiving touchdown Friday night to help the Las Vegas High football team down host Sunrise Mountain, 48-14.

3-interception game from Kivon Rhone highlights Las Vegas High win: Friday, October 7, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Las Vegas High quarterback Hasaan Henderson accounted for four touchdowns Thursday night and Kivon Rhone had three interceptions in a 61-18 victory against visiting Chaparral.

Las Vegas High takes out Valley 31-16: Saturday, October 1, 2011; high school football:; By Case Keefer; Las Vegas High stayed undefeated and took out a promising divisional rival in the process Saturday afternoon.

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.

Las Vegas opens Northeast play by blowing out Eldorado: Saturday, September 17, 2011; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Farrell Victor had three rushes for 103 yards and two touchdowns Friday in the Las Vegas High football team’s 58-13 victory against Eldorado in the Northeast Division opener for both schools.