Members of the Bishop Gorman High School football team are pictured during the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day at the Red Rock Resort on August 3rd, 2021. They include, from left, Jj Bwire, Jake Taylor and Zion Branch.
Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 | 4 p.m.
It’s been 90 weeks.
That’s when the last meaningful high school football game in Las Vegas was contested, when on Dec. 1, 2019, Liberty defeated Centennial for the large-school state championship.
The activity returns tonight with a nearly full slate of games, signaling a rebirth after the 2020 season was canceled out of safety concerns because of the coronavirus health crisis. Although five schools in Southern Nevada last spring played a four-game exhibition season, tonight marks the first time all area teams are eligible to compete.
Coaches and players agree: They are appreciative of being able to take part in the Friday night tradition.
“Last year was rough on everybody; it’s been a challenge,” said Joe Aznarez, whose Palo Verde Panthers take on Desert Pines in the opener. “Just to be back out with the boys and having fun and getting to do what we love do the most has been a blessing. We’re hoping to get through everything this year.”
With COVID-19 cases surging in Clark County and low vaccination rates, the season will undoubtedly be impacted by health and safety protocols. Two games were canceled this week — Legacy vs. Faith Lutheran and Sunrise Mountain vs. Pahrump Valley — after positive tests within one of the programs. A total of 262 Clark County School District students have reported being positive since Aug. 1.
Athletes in all CCSD sports will be tested weekly and schools are following strict guidance from the Southern Nevada Health District. Everyone is pulling in the same direction to get the athletes to compete, said Tim Jackson, director of athletics for the School District.
“The No. 1 thing everyone needs to know is everyone in CCSD, from health services to the lowest coach on the ‘B’ team, is doing everything they can to play,” Jackson said.
The opening week of games is highlighted by three matchups featuring teams ranked in the top-10 of the Sun’s preseason poll — No. 5 Arbor View at top-ranked Liberty; No. 9 Green Valley at No. 7 Canyon Springs, and No. 6 Centennial vs. No. 8 Shadow Ridge.
Also, Bishop Gorman — ranked No. 12 nationally by MaxPreps — is hosting St. Louis of Hawaii.
We’ll keep everyone posted as scores become final. Tag me on Twitter @raybrewer21 if you have a score to report, or use the #sunstandout hashtag. Here’s wishing everyone a healthy and enjoyable season.
