Featuring nationally ranked team in Bishop Gorman and Liberty, the newly shuffled Desert Division is the home of the teams in the state with the most consecutive regional titles. Gorman has 9 straight while Liberty has 7 straight but only one can win the Desert:
Top 30 Players to Watch
1 CB Kyu Kelly Bishop Gorman 6’0 160
2 OT Beau Taylor Bishop Gorman 6’4 285
3 OT Troy Fautanu Liberty 6’4 260
4 DE Treven Ma’ae Bishop Gorman 6’4 220
5 S Austin Fiaseu Liberty 6’0 200
6 LB Kyle Beaudry Liberty 6’1 225
7 OT Brandon Yates Liberty 6’5 250
8 QB Micah Bowens Bishop Gorman 6’1 185
9 DL Von White Silverado 6’4 270
10 S/RB Zyrus Fiaseu Liberty 6’0 200
11 RB Ikaika Ragsdale Bishop Gorman 6’0 200
12 S Jordan Blakely Foothill 6’2 175
13 DL Luke Toomalatai Liberty 6’2 255
14 OG Cade Briggs Bishop Gorman 6’3 285
15 DE/TE Falcon Kaumatule Bishop Gorman 6’8 220
16 WR Cervontes White Liberty 5’10 175
17 DB/RB Sheik Fofanah Chaparral 6’0 180
18 CB/RB Samaj Bolin Coronado 5’10 160
19 OG Tomas Benitez Chaparral 6’3 290
20 DE Sergio Ibarra Silverado 6’3 245
21 RB Amod Cianelli Bishop Gorman 5’10 200
22 WR Rome Odunze Bishop Gorman 6’3 185
23 QB Jordan Solomon Sierra Vista 5’11 180
24 DE Mitch Jacobs Green Valley 6’2 220
25 CB Donte Bowers Liberty 5’11 155
26 LB Jahssiah Maiava Sierra Vista 5’11 200
27 WR Kalyja Waialae Green Valley 5’9 155
28 S/DB Isaiah Bigby Clark 5’10 190
29 RB/LB Tau Fotu Durango 5’11 195
30 S/QB Kana Hoapili Silverado 6’1 180
Southern 4A Desert Southeast Look Ahead
Liberty
The Liberty Patriots have had a steady hand with just three starting quarterback in the last 8 season but 2018 will a new starter look to rise to for the Patriots where Victor Epstein returns as the most experienced player at the position.
Whomever is the primary passer, they will have experienced weapons in the passing game with Cervontes White and David Elder. Both player have strong hands and have the ability to make plays in space. The team has plenty of depth that should make the passing game effective even with the loss of record breaking four year starter Kenyon Oblad.
The team also gets a major plus in the run game with tackles Brandon Yates and Troy Fautanu setting the edge. They should be able to open up space to move the ball with Zyrus Fiaseu returning as the leading rusher among a committee of backs.
Defensively, linebackers Zephaniah Maea, Kyle Beaudry and Toa Tai form the heart of a relentless crew of playmakers. Beaudry has a knack for playing behind the line of scrimmage and should be complemented by defensive end Luke Toomalatai on the edge.
Austin Fiaseu is the leader of the secondary from his safety position but the team lost a trio of outstanding defensive backs. The team has a potential star in cornerback Donte Bowers but lack a great amount of game experience among returnees.
After eight straight Sunrise Title, the Patriots bit off a very tough schedule to open the season with so many new faces. The program won’t have an easy schedule entering conference player either. The team has the staff and the players to make another run but will have to battle in league play to land the top seed in the Southeast.
Green Valley
The Gators surged to the Sunrise Title game last season and will be entering the season with confidence this season
Taking over at quarterback should be Garrett Castro who gained some snaps as a sophomore last season. He is capable of being a very productive passer and benefits from one of the top weapons in the division, receiver Kalyja Waialae, returning this season. Waialae is a player that is capable of creating big plays on his own in the open field while power back Julian Hulse will be looking to cap off his senior season breaking the 1000-yard barrier. Look for plenty of offensive production from the Gators this year operating behind the makings of an impressive offensive line.
Defensively, the Gators will need to develop an effective unit but has a good core in defensive end Mitch Jacobs and linebacker Reyden Morrett. The late loss of a key star at linebacker will bring question marks to the front seven but the team appears to have a very capable group in the secondary that can step up immediately.
Offensively, this is a team that should be as strong as they proved to be last season but defensive question marks can allow for stiff competition in league play.
Foothill
The Falcons will be a team that revolves around offensive firepower with the return of junior quarterback Koy Riggin and pass catcher Braeden Wilson.
The leading returning passer in the division, Riggin accumulated 1917-yards passing and 22 total touchdowns as a sophomore to stabilize the Falcons passing attack. With Braeden Wilson along with Jordan Blakely and Jordan Wilson, he has a pass catching trio that can rival any team in the state with 89-receptions and 1099-yards produced last season. There is a question mark in the running game but is the passing attack is working on all cylinders they will be tough to manage with a solid group of blockers up front led by center Julian Bradley.
Defensively, the Falcons will be looking to build around a strong returning core of player that can deliver athletically. Leading returning tackler linebacker Ma’Teo Monterde is a player that has shown he can chase down the football. He will be looking for safeties Jordan Blakely and Jordan Wilson to help in developing a strong run defense. Nose Guard Micah Dion-Johnson is a good plug in the center of the defense while Jace Derryberry returns as the top edge defender at corner.
Coming off of an 8-win season, the Falcons feature the playmakers to make a run this season once again. If they can get a high level of play out of the new faces on defense, they have the ability to challenge for the top seed this season. .
Chaparral
Moving up from the 3A, the Cowboys will try to bring their hard nosed brand of football to the Southeast this season.
The return of junior athletic standout Sheik Fofanah means the Cowboys should be able to move the football on offense. A well built player with power and speed, he has the opportunity to emerge as an elite player in his class with a big season.
He will benefit from the return of quarterback Iopu Tauiliili who is an impressive athlete in his own right. A very capable runner, he will be looking to become a better decision maker and playmaker in the passing game as a junior. He also gets the benefit of a good group of athletes on the edge at receiver.
The Cowboy offense won’t feature a deep offensive line this season but Tomas Benitez is a great player to build around that should be among the league best.
Defensively, the Cowboys has the athletes to be very effective this season. Fofanah and Tauiliili will key the secondary with the ability to help the front seven in run defense. Defensive tackle Sonny Togagae has the ability to tie up blocker at the point of attack but the team will have a lot of young players playing big roles.
The Cowboys are looking to prove they belong and will have to battle rise to the challenge in a tough division.
Basic
Coming off of a gritty and hard fought season in 2017, the Wolves will be looking to return for yet another playoff berth this season.
The return of quarterback Paul Myro and running back Dorian McAllister is a big plus for the team this season. Myro proved to be a steady hand passing for over 1500-yards as a sophomore while McAllister was the team leading rusher who return bigger and stronger for his senior season. The team doesn’t appear to have the high volume of pass catchers of years past but Steven Justice can be a go-to player on the edge for an offense looking to turn up the heat.
Defensively, the Wolves aren’t as depth heavy as years past but have standout linebackers returning in Trace Evans and Justice. With Chris Render and Franco Mays manning the secondary, they have the building block of a good unit.
The Wolves have potential and were a playoff team last season but will need the offense to lead the way with more efficiency. They are very capable of mounting a challenge and will be a team to watch this season.
Coronado
The school with the highest enrollment number in Las Vegas, the Cougars have struggled with coaching stability and have had difficulty rising to the top. They will have a new shift this year looks to shift more to the ground game.
Speedster Samaj Bolin returns as the teams most productive back but had less than 20 carries as a junior. The teams will be looking to use a number of player out of the backfield employing an option style offense this season. With a good number of big bodies up front, they have the chance to produce a great offensive line that could allow the transition to be very effective.
Defensively, the program had some bright spots last year returning some talented pieces to the mix. Outside linebacker Isaiah Sedacy and Azayah Hartfield were impressive as juniors and should allow the program to funnel plays back to the interior. The team also features stand out corners in Bolin and Jayveon Hawkins.
If the Cougars can develop enough talent in the heart of the defense, the will be another team that can challenge for a spot in the playoffs this season.
Southern 4A Mountain Southwest Look Ahead
Bishop Gorman
Seaking their 10th straight Nevada 4A title, this edition of the of the Gaels won’t begin the season with as many well known names but they have a great shot at producing the same results.
This year the Gaels have another ultra-athlete at quarterback in Micah Bowen who has the ability to do it all. They also have Donovan Smith returning who brings high caliber skills as well. They won’t have a bunch of pass catchers with big game snaps but Rome Odunze, Blaze Boudreau and Falcon Kaumatule are big guys who can move among a deep group of options.
The ground game will be led by the Gaels largest line in the last 4 years led by Cade Briggs and Beau Taylor. This group should have no problem keeping the quarterback clean and paving the way for a strong duo of backs. Ikaika Ragsdale was emerging as an elite level back entering the playoffs before an injury and Amod Cianelli has had great production the last three seasons, they each have the ability to produce huge number at running back.
The Gaels have some question marks at defensive tackle but Kaumatule and Treven Ma’ae have the makings of a great defensive end tandem this season. The team also has proven commodities in linebacker Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner and Andrew Ruelas. Although speedster Kyu Kelly is the only returning starter in the secondary, the Gaels have the numbers that should allow them to showcase a great group on the field.
The Gaels loaded up a tough four game stretch to open the season but avoided an long road trips. Quarterback play will be a factor in getting through that stretch undefeated but with a loaded offensive line, the Gaels will be a tall task to overcome in local play in the Quest for 10.
Sierra Vista
The Mountain Lions didn’t roll over and play dead versus the Gaels last season and will be looking to be the program’s best challenge again.
The addition of Anu Solomon’s younger brother Jordan Solomon has Sierra Vista’s offense appearing to be on the rise. He brings plenty of skill and awareness to the position that should allow the program to be more dynamic of on offense.
The program also gains from the return of Bryan Lagrange at running back. A physical player that can be dominant when given space, he can be dominant as a senior with an effective passer operating the offense.
If the program can replace a great group of linemen and get consistency out of a new group of pass catchers, this is a team that will be looking to make a run this season.
Defensively, defensive end Sergio Ibarra and linebacker Jahsiaah Maiava are dominant edge player that can produce big plays. Combining with defensive end Cole Foss and linebacker Talease Gaoteote, the Mountain Lions return enough player in the front seven to be effective out of the gate. The team will need to find new defensive tackles and develop players in the secondary this year to be at full potential on defense.
Sierra Vista has every reason to see this as an opportunity for a big year on the football field. The program has buckled down and appears to be very capable of having a big season.
Durango
The Trailblazers turned in a strong season last year making the playoffs will face a coaching shift this season as they try to keep the success rolling.
The return of 1000-yard rusher Tau Fotu and quarterback Kaden Renshaw is a big plus during the transition. Both can make plays on the ground with good speed in space. Fotu has the ability to challenge for all region honors as a senior while Renshaw also proved to be an effective passer.
Renshaw also gets a major plus with the return of receiver Kevin O’Neill on the edge but he team will be looking to develop a new group of offensive linemen.
Defensively, the Trailblazer will be keyed by a front seven featuring Fotu, Jayden Nersinger, Frankie Pelton and Tavita Ioane. An athletic group that can make plays behind the line of scrimmage, that have an opportunity to be tone setter as senior with good overall size and speed as a whole.
Sophomore corner Justin Johnson and O’Neill at safety will be key players in the secondary.
Durango doesn’t look ready to take down Gorman but they have the guys in place to challenge for the #2 seed. The program showed huge growth last season and have enough senior in place to challenge with another winning record.
Silverado
Moving out of the challenging Southeast, the Skyhawks will have some breathing room to develop a roster that annually has plenty of size and plenty of athletes.
Offensively, feature intimidating size in the trenches where Treve Guillirod, Graham Laumatia, and David Parker on the interior should be able to generate a great push in the run game. With Matt Laporte on the edge at tackle, the Skyhawks offensive line is capable of being dominant this season.
Kana Hoapili returns at quarterback this season and will benefit from having more room to operate. He brings good ability and size, he should see his number rise as a senior. With a group of large and physical backs along with good speed among his edge receivers, Hoapili should be in position to manage a very productive offensive attack.
The combination of defensive tackle Guillirod and end Von White gives Silverado a potentially dominant duo in the trenches on defense. Both player have the ability to clog lanes and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Jacob Mendez and Andrew Woods are capable of producing a breakout year while Hoapili is also a standout safety. With good options at corner, the Skyhawks defense should be much improved.
Moving to a more favorable division, the Skyhawks should be much improved from their two win season a year ago. Physically, this is a team that is capable of pushing for the #2 seed in the division and should finish the season with a winning record.
Spring Valley
The Grizzlies have had no problem putting a good product on the field year in and year out, this year should be no different despite a number of personnel losses.
Jonathan Vazquez should take over at quarterback this season with Mason Decunzo as the team’s leading returning rusher and Marco Godinez as the team leading returning receiver. The team also should see impressive play of of Kevynn Fernandez this season on offense. Traditionally a balanced football team, the Grizzlies have shown a knack for finding success playing to the strength of the athletes available.
Defensively, the Griz will feature a good anchor in the center of the defense in Tz Yahudah and return linebacker Jovanny Granados as well. Thriving with the committee approach defensively, the Griz will be looking for a lot of new faces to play big roles.
Spring Valley has a team that can be very good but they will need to get on track quickly. They will challenged to get out of the bottom three in the playoff hunt..
Clark
With one of the program’s stronger rosters, the Chargers are looking to mount a challenge on the 4A level.
Returning an offensive weapon in Isaiah Bigby, the Charger will need to find way to get the ball in his hand to have offensive success. With Jared Jenkins at quarterback and Kobe Mosley at running back, the team is hoping to finally have the guys in the trenches to generate consistent offensive production.
Bigby also returns as the programs top defender out of the secondary. He is expected to combine with Antwaun McClure to provide an impressive duo of safeties. If the Chargers can gain more production out of the front seven, they can have a lot more defensive success this season.
Last season the Chargers had a shot in three games that would have given the program a winning season. With a good group of seniors leading the way, they will
Desert Oasis
The Rattlers had troubles on both sides of the ball last season going winless but they have reason to be optimistic plenty of experience returning.
The team’s most productive returning offensive player will be junior running back Christian Vaughn. He is a player with very good speed and should continue to be productive in the running game.
The passing attack played a big role in last season’s struggle and the team will look to junior Colton Zorbist to solidify the quarterback position. Zorbist saw action as a sophomore and will look to keep defenses honest to allow the program to put some point on the board. He has a solid offensive line so efficiency is the biggest key entering this season on offense.
Defensively, the team will also need huge growth after struggling to get teams off the field last season. Linebackers Idris Shuaib and Alvin Pomare are among several returnees from last season that will be looking to lead a big turnaround. Cornerback Kian Jay Jose and defensive end Jose Lozano are key returnee to their respective units.