PREP TEAMS GOING BEYOND NEVADA

Saguaro, a top Arizona school. Gorman opens the season against Dematha of Maryland on ESPN, and also has games against a who’s who of other schools — California’s Mater Dei and De La Salle, and Miami Central of Florida.

“We aren’t ducking anyone,” Faith Lutheran coach Vernon Fox said. “We are trying to play the best competition because we want not only to be one of the best teams in Nevada, but ultimately at some point to be considered nationally.”

Last season, Faith Lutheran hosted St. Pius X, and traveled to Hawaii to face Kaimuki High School.

“Those are things that were unheard of when I was in high school,” said Fox, a Cimarron-memorial graduate who and played eight seasons in the NFL.

“I think it helps a lot. When you look at the teams we are playing against and the players they have, these are kids that are highly recruited that are going to some of the best schools in the country. You know there will be some exposure on our guys as well.”

The trend of playing outof-state opponents has spread from Bishop Gorman, Faith Lutheran and Liberty to other less-established football programs looking to make their mark.

Bonanza and Desert Oasis will both host teams from California this year and Canyon Springs takes on St. Augustine of San Diego before hosting Clayton High of California two weeks later.

In total, Southern Nevada schools will play 18 games against out-of-state opponents.

“We like to match up and see where we line up with teams across the country,” Canyon Springs coach Gus Mcnair said. “These guys are up for the challenge. It’s going to get bigger each year for us.” jesse.granger@lasvegassun. com/702-259-8814/@ Jessegranger_