July 4, 2012

Will Levi
NevadaPrepReport.com Publisher

Huge changes have taken place in the former 3A division as it has now been classified as 1A. 4A contenders Cheyenne and Desert Pines have been added to the conference among others that should allow for a very competitive blend of programs in the North and the South.

With a chance to improve the battlefield through the entire state, the 1A has a chance to establish itself as a high quality football conference led by traditional contenders Truckee and Moapa Valley.

With a host of standout football player working hard and getting ready to take the field this season, here is a look ahead to the Nevada 1A:

Division 1A Pre-Season All-State

Offense
QB Geovanni Vasquez Sparks
RB Myloe Lewis Cheyenne
RB Conner Mortensen Moapa Valley
RB Jake Pettit Truckee
WR Anthony Pryatel-Farmer Faith Lutheran
WR Dee Bowler Virgin Valley
TE Michael Kelso Boulder City
OL David Burnham Truckee
OL Cody Anderson Lowry
OL Josh Joyner Dayton
OL Michael Cisneros Desert Pines
OL Matt McDermand Moapa Valley

Defense
DL Dylan Power Cheyenne
DL Josh Joyner Dayton
DL Michael Cisneros Desert Pines
DL Zach Pettit Truckee
LB Sean McConnell Moapa Valley
LB Billy Murphy Mojave
LB Eric Holmer Truckee
LB Graham Christian Truckee
DB Tyson Ernst Churchill County
DB Iquan Corsey Desert Pines
DB J.T. Pete Elko
DB Dee Bowler Virgin Valley

Northern

1. Truckee- The Wolverines are physical and aggressive with a tradition that allows them to always play like champions. Zak Pettit and Jake Pettit are legitimate game changers surrounded by a hard charging group of standouts..

2. Churchill County- The Greenwave are much deeper with a larger turnout in the move to 3A last season. They proved to much more competitive late in the season and return a seasoned group of players led by junior quarterback Morgan Dirickson.

3. Elko- The Indians found some footing in the Northern 3A they will lean on running back David Jackson and defensive standout J.T. Pete to stay in the mix.

4. Lowry- The loss of a player that caliber of running back Jace Billingsley drops Lowry a notch but they should get plenty of offense from his cousin Michael Billingsley as a do it all quarterback.

5. Dayton- The Dust Devils will lean on Cody Yeater to provide offense behind a quality offensive line led by big lineman Josh Joyner.

6. Sparks- The passing of Geovanni Vasquez should provide the offense for Sparks but they need improved defensive play to earn a playoff berth.

7. Fernley- The Vaqueros don't look like playoff contenders. They return a competitive team but will need to break in new skill players on offense

8. Spring Creek- The Spartan will be solid in the trenches but overall depth leaves them trailing the top team this season.

9. South Tahoe- The Viking bring a solid game plan offensively and are capable of moving the ball but a traditionally weak defense keep them out of the hunt

Sunset League

1. Cheyenne- A 4A traditional power, the Shield somehow got regulated to 1A in realignment. Running back Myloe Lewis could be one of the most explosive players in the conference and defensive end Dylan Power can be a force off the edge.

2. Mojave- The Rattlers struggled making the playoffs in the rugged Northwest but a step down should see them rise to power this season. Billy Murphy is one of the best athletes in the state while Tyrique Carter looks ready for a breakout season.

3. Faith Lutheran- The Crusaders showed life in the shift to 4A, they had a very strong roster returning led by receiver/linebackers Hayden Solis and Anthony Pryatel-Farmer.

4. Clark- Once a regional power, Clark gets new life with a shift to 1A leaving the shadow of Bishop Gorman in the Southwest. A thick line and speedy sophomore Deyon McKinney should allow them to lock up a playoff berth.

5. Pahrump Valley- The Trojans finally started to become competitive last year, a senior heavy team should place them in the battle to earn a playoff spot.

6. Western- Five years ago the Warriors were on the verge of knocking of moving on to the state playoffs. A program traditionally loaded with athlete, the Warriors will look to get back to their former winning ways.

Sunrise League

1. Moapa Valley- The Pirates are a legitimate power and a very competitive team at any level of play. Sean McConnell, Conner Mortensen and Matt McDermand are a great nucleus of player that will carry this program all season.

2. Desert Pines- Another 4A strong contender on the football field with a great history, the Jaguars are capable of running the table. Michael Cisneros and Jaylyn Watson are arguably the best combination of defensive linemen in the state. Powerful junior Eric Wilkes will have every opportunity to push into the elite in his class at running back and linebacker.

3. Virgin Valley- The Bulldogs have struggled with consistency but have always produced a strong program. Junior skill players Dee Bowler and Trevor Thompson should move into position to carry this team to a playoff berth.

4. Boulder City- The Eagles have the potential to be a strong defensive team led by Michael Kelso. If junior Xavier Steel can be productive once again out of the backfield, they should be in position to coast into the playoffs.

5. Chaparral- The Cowboys have been in serious rebuilding mode but should get a break with the shift to 1A. The team has a good combination of player at running back and the building blocks of a solid group of linemen.

6. Sunrise Mountain- The Miners have had solid talent since opening a few years ago but they have yet to produce a competitive season. If they can get solid play from third year starting quarterback Chris Moore, they should be in position to make a playoff run.