Las Vegas High Football

It's rare for kickers to get a scholarship, but Las Vegas High's Jay Mattox found a spot at UTEP: Tuesday, February 19, 2013; high school recruiting: The left-footed kicker verbally committed to the Miners Tuesday after a weekend visit; By Ray Brewer; Las Vegas High senior Jay Mattox was rated as one of the nation’s top place kickers for the class of 2013 for the past two years. Yet, each college coach that recruited him had a similar sales pitch: “We’d love you to walk on.”

Coronado eliminates Las Vegas to set up rematch with Green Valley: Friday, November 9, 2012; high school football:; By Case Keefer; One of the best football seasons in Coronado history will last for at least one more week. Coronado notched its first playoff victory since 2003 Friday night, never trailing in a 21-7 win over Las Vegas High in the Sunrise quarterfinals.

Canyon Springs takes down Las Vegas to secure home playoff game: Friday, November 2, 2012; high school football:; By J. Patrick Coolican; The Canyon Springs Pioneers finished off their regular season with a dominant 33-12 victory on senior night against the Las Vegas High School Wildcats.

Running game, defense carry Las Vegas to victory against Valley: Thursday, October 25, 2012; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Las Vegas High’s Andrew Moreland rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries Friday to lead the Wildcats past visiting Valley, 33-14.

Last-second TD lifts Las Vegas past Silverado: Saturday, October 20, 2012; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; Vince Castro’s 15-yard touchdown reception from Trevor Swenson with 13 seconds remaining Friday gave the Las Vegas High football team a 38-35 victory against host Silverado.

Mitchell Barry and Green Valley savor taste of lopsided victory over Las Vegas: Saturday, October 13, 2012; high school football: Gio Hernandez has more than 250 yards of offense for the Gators; By Case Keefer; Mitchell Barry had two of Green Valley’s four interceptions to lead the Gators to a commanding defensive performance and a 43-14 victory.

This series belongs to Las Vegas High: Wildcats win 17th straight 'Bone Game' against Rancho: Saturday, October 6, 2012; high school football: Vince Castro's three touchdowns, strong defensive effort lift Wildcats to another victory in series against Rams; By Ray Brewer; The Las Vegas High football team had six sophomore starters on its defense Friday night in the annual “Bone Game” against Rancho. And, in a true statement of Las Vegas’ domination of the series, none of those players were born the last time Rancho won a game in the rivalry. The trend continued Friday night with host Las Vegas using three touchdowns from Vince Castro and never being challenged in a 45-0 victory for their 17th straight win against Rancho.

Las Vegas prevails against Foothill in high-scoring affair: Saturday, September 29, 2012; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; The Las Vegas High football team had 520 yards of offense Friday in a 55-40 victory against visiting Foothill.

Las Vegas' second half rally falls short: Saturday, September 15, 2012; high school football:; By Ray Brewer; The Las Vegas High football team nearly erased a 28-point deficit first-half deficit Friday against visiting Rancho Verde High of California, but a last-minute pass into the end zone was broken up in a 35-28 defeat.

Andrew Moreland, Jay Mattox step up for Las Vegas High in tight opening game: Saturday, September 8, 2012; hs football: Las Vegas rallies to beat Desert Oasis 17-13; By Case Keefer; For the last few years, the Las Vegas High football team has marched behind the cadence of two superstars.

Expectations still high at traditional power Las Vegas High: Wednesday, September 5, 2012; high school football: Despite graduating top offensive threats from last year, Wildcats still plan on contending for a state title; By Ray Brewer; The Las Vegas High football team will have a different look this fall. When the traditional power Wildcats open the season Friday at Desert Oasis, they’ll do so with a different starting quarterback and running back for the first time in three seasons.

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.