Youthful Wildcats favored to reign

When asked about favorites before the season, they almost always point to last year’s champion, saying "the usual suspects" will be the best teams.

But when coaches make those comments during football season in Southern Nevada, they’re not avoiding the question. The fact is, Las Vegas High has been the area’s best team year in and year out no matter how many stars it loses from the previous season.

"I don’t care if Vegas loses 15 or 20 guys — the way that program runs, they just rebuild," Chaparral coach Fernando Carmona said.

The Wildcats have won the last two Class 4A state championships and have played in the state title game five of the last six seasons. They also won the title in 2001.

Las Vegas returns one starter on offense this year and three on defense, but the team’s history has other teams understandably wary.

The past also has shown Palo Verde probably will be among the last teams standing. The Panthers have played in the state semifinals the past five seasons.

"History shows you Vegas is going to be there, Palo Verde is going to be there and Cimarron has always been good," Green Valley coach Matt Gerber said. "Until someone knocks off the king, Vegas is the team to beat."

Las Vegas has work to do to return to the state championship game. Not only did the team lose most of its starters, but some of those players were among the state’s best.

Among the losses was quarterback and state player of the year O’Ryan Bradley, who passed for 2,758 yards and 29 touchdowns last year and rushed for 653 yards and 13 scores.

And defensive lineman Billy Winn, a first-team all-state pick after recording 81 tackles and 15 sacks, is at Boise State.

"We’re young," Las Vegas coach Chris Faircloth said. "We’ve got a lot of holes to fill. It’s been an interesting project to say the least."

But the Wildcats have a history of plugging big holes. After leading rusher Eric Jordan transferred to Shadow Ridge for his senior year in 2005, Las Vegas turned to Jamal Lomax.

Lomax rushed for 2,189 yards and was named the state player of the year. After Lomax graduated, Bradley took the offense on his shoulders and led the Wildcats to a second consecutive title.

"It’s an attitude," Del Sol coach Preston Goroff said. "They have a swagger over there, and they expect to win. That’s a big thing."

That swagger will take the Wildcats only so far. Eventually they will have to fend off tough league foes on the field. Canyon Springs returns a stellar group of skill players from a team that went 8-4 last season, and the Pioneers should push the Wildcats in the Northeast Division, and Desert Pines should be good as well, led by running back Michael Ball.

Canyon Springs quarterback Devonte Christopher leads the way. Christopher is the area’s top returning passer, after throwing for 2,736 yards and 33 TDs as a junior.

All-state receivers Raveon Samuel (57 catches, 937 yards) and Juron Criner (36 catches, 788 yards) give Christopher two outstanding targets, and top rusher DeCasio Collins (1,115 yards, 11 TDs) also is back.

"Canyon Springs, I know they’re loaded," Gerber said. "They might be able to give Vegas some competition this year. They have probably the two best receivers in town. They are definitely going to be dangerous, and that quarterback is something else."

Defending Southeast Division champ Del Sol also could contend in the Sunrise Region. The Dragons lost leading rusher Tim Johnson (2,749 yards) but return a talented group of offensive linemen.

"From what they have coming back, you’ve got to pick them to win the league," Faircloth said of Canyon Springs. "Them and Del Sol early on is going to be a very interesting game. Those two may be the favorites early on."

Palo Verde is one of many Sunset title contenders. The Panthers must replace key starters, but their double-wing offense usually manages to eat up yards and opponents.

Cheyenne, another strong Northwest Division team, also figures to contend with most of its team back after an 8-4 season last year.

"Potential, that can go either way. But potentially, this is the best team I’ve had at Cheyenne overall," Desert Shields coach Charles Anthony said. "We might have had some sprinkles of greatness, but I think overall this might be the best team I’ve had."

Western brings back several outstanding players, including all-state lineman Lawrence Guy, breakaway running back Reggie Bullock (1,031 yards) and receiver Phillip Payne (38 catches, 666 yards).

The Warriors will have to fend off a talented Bishop Gorman team under a new coaching staff and an experienced Spring Valley squad.

"We should be as good as anybody, we just don’t have the depth," Western coach Brian Murray said. "As long as our guys stay away from injury and eligibility and stuff, I think we can match up with anybody."