As hand-me-down, little bro takes over predictions
Right now, you are probably asking yourself, “Didn’t Fielder write in February that he was going to graduate?” And the answer is yes.
Fielder finally made it out of high school and is about to start college. Shocking, right? But before he left, he handed over this column to me, his younger brother.
That’s right, another Fielder. Nice to meet you.
I couldn’t have picked a better time to start writing, either, because Week 1 of the prep football season is highlighted by the unofficial Clark County School District playoffs.
Liberty, the six-time defending Sunrise Region champion, hosts two-time Sunset Region runnerup Arbor View in one “semifinal.” Centennial travels to Class 3A juggernaut Desert Pines in the other.
Depending on the results Friday, the unofficial public school title game could come Sept. 15 when Liberty takes on Desert Pines.
That’s a ways off, though. Until then, I’ll continue the Fielder family tradition of picking games. And don’t forget to visit Nevadapreps. com for more games from this week’s schedule.
Arbor View at Liberty — This is a long trek for the Aggies, which might explain why these powers located at opposite ends of the valley haven’t played since 2011. Google maps says it’s 29.2 miles between the schools, but it seemed hella farther on my moped.
The contrasting styles of each team makes this matchup so intriguing. Arbor View will try to chew up clock with its running game and then rely on its talented defensive line to slow the Patriots’ high-octane offense. U.S. soccer goalie Hope Solo probably would call the Aggies “cowards.” I wouldn’t. … Liberty by 3.
Centennial at Desert Pines — This summer, Nevadapreps.com ranked its top five quarterbacks in Southern Nevada, and 40 percent of the list will be playing in this game. Centennial’s Jamaal Evans checked in at No. 4, just behind the Jaguars’ Marckell Grayson.
Desert Pines opens against one of the big boys from 4A for the second straight season. We all know what happened last year against Arbor View (50-14!), and the Jaguars are expected to be even better in ’16. … Desert Pines by 7½.
Wells at Pahranagat Valley — It’s party time in Alamo. The host Panthers have won 93 straight games and will set the national record for the longest winning streak in 8-man football with a victory.
The Panthers never lose to Wells, their traditional season-opening opponent. That means only 57 more wins to catch De La Salle (California). … Pahranagat Valley by 21.
Bishop Gorman at Cedar Hill, Texas (Saturday) — This appears to be the Gaels’ toughest test since they rose to national prominence six years ago. Not only is Gorman entering a hostile road environment, but this game is being billed by some as a referendum on Texas football, so the Gaels will have an entire state rooting against them.
Much of that ire will be directed at Gorman quarterback Tate Martell, who decommitted from Texas A&M this spring and is blamed for the death of Harambe by residents of the Lone Star State. Martell says he feeds off the boos. We’ll see if he’s right. … Bishop Gorman by 1. Last week: 0-0, 0-0 (with points) Season: 0-0, 0-0 (with points) Contact Fielder at Fielder@nevadapreps.com. Follow him: @FielderNVP