FIELDER’S CHOICES: Arizona still has our number
You probably noticed a couple of changes to my appearance.
I got glasses over the summer, so now I finally can read what the teachers are writing on the board. Oh, I also ditched that Fisher Price “My First Flip Phone” and upgraded to a new smartphone. Had to sign a two-year plan, but it’s cool because this way I can go on my @FielderNVP Twitter account after chemistry class.
Of course, not everything around here is different. Eric still brags about how he sneaked into the alley behind the Beauty Bar and heard Imagine Dragons play live, like, three years before they got big.
And Arizona still owns Nevada in football.
Including last week’s losses by Bishop Gorman and Liberty, Nevada is 2-7 in the Sollenberger Classic since the showcase began inviting Silver State teams in 2008.
First, they give us bark scorpions. And now this?
The Arizona Interscholastic Association ruffled a few feathers last year when it declined to invite Gorman to the Sollenberger and opted for Sunset Region runner-up Palo Verde, citing the organizers’ desire for a more competitive game.
AIA associate executive director Chuck Schmidt defended the decision in June asking, “Do you want to show up and play a game where there is really no chance of winning?” (Palo Verde lost to Desert Vista 20-10.)
It should be noted that following Friday’s 28-21 home loss to Mountain Pointe, the big, bad Gaels are 1-3 in the Sollenberger Classic. Maybe if the AIA wants a more competitive game, it should consider inviting teams from Texas. Or California.
On the subject of California, a few high-profile matchups are on tap this week involving local teams and our neighbor to the west.
Boulder City at Mojave — Who would have thought a game between these teams would have so many intriguing storylines? Not only is it a battle between two Division I-A playoff teams from last season, but the matchup also features two of the area’s top running backs (the Eagles’ Xavier Steel and the Rattlers’ Ty Flanagan).
Boulder City won last season’s meeting by three points, so ... Mojave by 3.
Servite (Calif.) at Bishop Gorman — Once upon a time, this game had major implications on the national rankings. Not this season.
The Gaels’ offense sputtered in the loss to Mountain Pointe, while Servite is rebuilding under first-year coach A.J. Gass, who won two Grey Cups with the Edmonton Eskimos.
Tony Sanchez still coaches at Gorman. Advantage, Gaels. ... Gorman by 3.
Basha (Ariz.) at Green Valley — Granted, it’s not the Sollenberger Classic, but the Gators can save a little face for Nevada against a team from Arizona.
Green Valley is the chic pick in the Sunrise Region and will get a test from the Bears, who went 7-4 last season, including a seven-point loss to the same Desert Vista team that beat Palo Verde in the opener. ... Green Valley by 6.
Centennial vs. JSerra Catholic (Calif.) — About 78 schools are named Serra in California, including the one in the Bay Area that produced Tom Brady and Barry Bonds. This one is in San Juan Capistrano.
There probably will be several comments about Centennial running back Lantz Worthington and his dog, Spot, coming from the Serra rooting section. It’s like a SoCal inside joke.
Then again, they won’t be joking if Worthington and his offensive line figure out a way to move the ball against a team from the Trinity League, one of SoCal’s best. ... JSerra by 10.
Liberty at Centennial (Calif.) — This is like shooting 106 at TPC Summerlin one week and then playing Shadow Creek the next.
The Patriots are coming off a 41-point loss and now make the four-hour trek to Corona, Calif., to take on one of the nation’s best teams.
Liberty allowed five passing touchdowns against Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.) and get to face Huskies quarterback Robert Webber, who threw for 3,967 yards and 43 touchdowns as a junior. As Scooby Doo would say, “Ruh roh, Shaggy.”
Patriots coach Rich Muraco believes this season’s rugged schedule will prepare his young team for the future. He’s right. But that won’t help them much in this one. ... Centennial by 28.
Sunrise Mountain at Bonanza — The Miners have one on-field win over a varsity opponent in school history, but that hasn’t stopped them from mentioning the “P” word this season.
And before you sickos get any thoughts, that word is playoffs.
The Bengals are coming off a 2-7 season, but taking on any Division I team remains a tall order for Sunrise Mountain. Especially one that includes speedster Jayveon Taylor. ... Bonanza by 3.
Virgin Valley at Faith Lutheran — It didn’t take long for first-year coach Vernon Fox to put his stamp on the Crusaders.
Faith Lutheran showed an unbalanced line on several occasions in last week’s 35-7 loss to Lutheran (Colo.) and only attempted 14 passes. The Crusaders used to throw that many times in one quarter.
Rumor has it Fox was stewing all weekend after the season opener. It doesn’t get much easier this week against Dee Bowler and the Bulldogs. ... Virgin Valley by 4.
Rancho at Clark — These teams combined for one victory a year ago, but somebody is walking out of here undefeated.
The Rams have lost 11 straight games and managed only 40 points all of last season. They might get half that total against the Chargers, but it won’t be enough to end the losing skid. ... Clark by 1.
Contact Fielder at fielder@nevadapreps.com.
