Canyon Springs opened its season by getting blanked at Carson, but the Pioneers turned things around enough to reach the 4A title game.
Photo by Carter Eckl.
5A-DIV. I
No. 1 Bishop Gorman (10-1) vs. No. 2 Arbor View (10-1)
Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Allegiant Stadium, 7 p.m.
What are the odds? Bishop Gorman has won the state title in Nevada’s highest classification every season since 2009, with the exception of 2019 and 2020 (no postseason due to COVID). The Gaels already defeated Arbor View, 49-14, back on Oct. 10. Bishop Gorman ran for 231 yards and five touchdowns while the Aggies tallied 11 yards on the ground. The private school power seems destined for another title unless Arbor View can pull off a major upset.
5A-DIV. II
No. 1N Bishop Manogue (9-3) vs. No. 1S Faith Lutheran (11-0)
Saturday, Nov. 23 at McQueen, 1:30 p.m.
It’s a rematch from last year except this game will be played on a Northern Nevada field and in the elements. The Miners are defending champs after winning, 40-21, last season. Last week was the first time this season the Crusaders’ defense has allowed a team to score more than 20 points. If the Miners can get their potent offense rolling, the Division II title game could turn into a shootout.
5A-DIV. III
No. 1N Galena (9-2) vs. No. 1S Centennial (6-5)
Monday, Nov. 25 at Bishop Gorman High School, noon
The Grizzlies will have to go south to try and win a state title this season after falling in last year’s 5A-III state title game to Legacy, 21-14. The Bulldogs breezed through the Southern regional tournament and have won six of their last seven after beginning the year 0-4. Centennial may be rolling, but the defense has shown a porous quality at times. Galena hasn’t given up more than 14 points in a win this season.
4A
No. 1D Mojave (11-1) vs. No. 2M Canyon Springs (8-5)
Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Allegiant Stadium, 3:40 p.m.
The southern-only classification decides its champion Tuesday night — and what a wild story one potential champion could be. Canyon Springs kicked off its season by getting blanked by Carson, 27-0. The Pioneers’ second game of the year was a 34-0 drubbing at the hands of their state final opponent, Mojave. Canyon Springs started the season 0-4 before winning eight of nine to end up playing for a state title. The Pioneers might dance in the streets if the 2024 campaign can finish with a crown.
3A
No. 1N Truckee (12-0) vs. No. 1S SLAM Academy (8-4)
Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Allegiant Stadium, 12:20 p.m.
These two sides are not strangers to each other, having met in the last two 3A state title games. The Wolverines won both, 40-13 (2022) and 35-14 (2023). SLAM barely escaped Fallon in the state semifinals, dodging the Greenwave, 28-27 in overtime. Truckee’s Jace Estabrook and Joseph Birnbaum chewed up the Bulls in last year’s title game and have been monsters again this season. With the way they’ve been playing this fall, all signs are pointing to a Wolverine three-peat.
2A
No. 1N Pershing County (11-0) vs. No. 2N Incline (10-0)
Saturday, Nov. 23 at McQueen High School, 10 a.m.
Pershing County won three straight Class 2A state titles from 2016-18, but hasn’t hung a banner since falling last season in the final to Lake Mead, 49-6. Incline was 0-18 all-time against Pershing County until early last season when the Highlanders got a 21-14 win. Both sides have allowed less than 100 points this fall. Pershing County has run for 2,709 yards on the ground and 50 touchdowns while Incline’s offense has been more of an even split.
1A
No. 1C Tonopah (10-1) vs. No. 1S Pahranagat Valley (12-0)
Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Allegiant Stadium, 9 a.m.
Since 2005, these two sides have met 25 times, but it’s a meeting that has been dominated by Pahranagat Valley. The Panthers have won 24 of those 25 meetings with the only loss coming in November of 2018. The Otteson brothers have done it all for Tonopah this season as Drew, a senior, has thrown for 1,000 yards with 16 touchdowns and one interception. His younger brother, Dustin, has 1,813 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns. Pahranagat Valley has given up a grand total of 64 points in 12 games. Something will have to give.