Friday’s high school football games to watch

Bishop Gorman at Liberty

The annual clash between the Gaels and Patriots is generally considered the most anticipated league game of the season.

But this year’s game has lost a bit of luster. Liberty, ranked fifth in Class 5A, is 1-4 overall and 0-1 in 5A Division I after a 47-7 loss to league rival Coronado.

Bishop Gorman (3-1, 0-0) is ranked fifth in the country by Max Preps and figures to run the table in league play. The Gaels’ loss was to nationally top-ranked Mater Dei (California).

The Patriots are averaging just 11 points a game, and that won’t be enough against Gorman. Senior Jamar Malone has started at quarterback, but there has been some experimentation with reserve Troy Kan, so things could get interesting.

No matter who starts under center for Liberty, the Gaels have the best defensive line in Southern Nevada and are unlikely to allow big plays.

Arbor View at Coronado

Both teams are arguably playing their best football in program history.

Behind the impressive play of sophomore quarterback Thaddeus Thatcher, who averages 254 passing yards per game, second-ranked Arbor View (4-0, 1-0 5A Division I) has one of the top offenses in the valley.

But third-ranked Coronado (3-1, 1-0) has one of the better defenses and could have a big say in Thatcher’s success. The Cougars also have a strong quarterback in Aiden Krauss, who has thrown for 1,003 yards and 11 touchdowns in four games.

Coronado has home-field advantage and is coming off a landmark win over Liberty, but this game falls in the toss-up category and could be decided on the final drive.

Faith Lutheran at Sierra Vista

At 5-0, 2-0 5A Division II, the fourth-ranked Crusaders are favored.

They rolled to wins over three out-of-town teams before manhandling Shadow Ridge and Silverado in the past two weeks. Quarterback Alex Rogers has completed 51 of 86 passes for 828 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Cale Breslin leads the rushing attack.

The Mountain Lions (2-3, 1-1) have shown moments of strength, but they are still looking for a signature victory. Running back Christian Lee, who has rushed for 144 yards per game, could be the answer.

Faith Lutheran will have a defensive edge, but Sierra Vista will be at home and eager for a victory after last week’s seven-point loss to Legacy.

Las Vegas at Desert Oasis

Both teams are 4-1, 1-0 5A Division III.

The Wildcats have played a slightly more challenging schedule and can largely credit their wins to Tanner Vivabul. The versatile quarterback is a dual threat, averaging 82 rushing yards and 182 passing yards per game.

The Diamondbacks will counter with quarterback Preston Helsham, whose strong passing game has helped the team average 37 points this season.

If Desert Oasis slows Vivabul with another strong defensive performance, this is another game that could be decided on the final possession.

Chaparral at Eldorado

The annual “Cleat Game” features two teams that have a combined victory total of two.

Records aside, the annual matchup is a big deal to coaches and players, and anything can happen in a rivalry game.

At 2-2, 1-0 4A Mountain, Chaparral is the favorite. The Cowboys have won two straight — an 18-12 victory over Mater East and a blowout over Del Sol. They scored 34 against Del Sol, but are averaging just 17 offensive points a game.

Eldorado (0-4, 0-1) will try to exploit Chaparral’s offensive limitations. But that might not be enough, as the Firehawks are scoring just 11 points per game. Quarterback Jerome Kalama and running back Tristan Savea have led the way.

If the score stays low, this game could be close. If one team blows the game open, it probably will be Chaparral.

Contact Jeff Wollard at jwollard@reviewjournal.com.