FIELDER’S CHOICES: Getting (kind of) excited for small-school playoffs
It’s small-school playoff time, so get excited.
Or at least as excited as one can get.
The state quarterfinals start Friday and Saturday in Classes 1A, 2A and 3A, with the state finals scheduled for Nov. 20 at Arbor View.
As always, the first week is filled with rematches from the regular season.
As always, the first week is filled with rematches from the regular season.
I won’t tell you now that Truckee wins the Class 3A state title and Pahranagat Valley takes state in 1A. You’ll have to wait another two weeks for that — or just go back and read the last sentence.
But I will tell you who I think wins this week. Read on, and check back later in the week for my Class 4A picks.
Virgin Valley (7-2) at Moapa Valley (5-4)
The Pirates earned the right to host this game by beating Virgin Valley, 7-6, last week in Mesquite.
This one won’t be quite as low scoring.
Moapa quarterback Kelan Weiss and Bulldog signal caller Humberto Urias need to show everything in their arsenal. The winner of this should win next week, too, but then have to face Truckee for the Class 3A state crown.
One game at a time, though. Moapa surprised me last week.
I may be wrong, but I still think the Bulldogs are a hair better. Virgin Valley by 2.
Mountain View (5-5) at Needles (6-3)
Mountain View got a taste of the playoffs last week, having to beat White Pine just to qualify for the postseason.
T.J. Engel and the Saints can definitely move the ball on offense. The defense, though, needs to be much better.
In Daric Courtwright, the Mustangs have a top-notch running back. And running the ball against Mountain View is a good plan.
Needles has won three triple-overtime games this year, including a 63-62 victory over Mountain View three weeks ago.
Mountain View has two things on its side — history ... and me. Here’s my upset pick. Mountain View by 6.
The Meadows (5-4) at Agassi Prep (6-2)
What’s this? Agassi gets to host a playoff game? (OK, it’s at Rancho, but still) And The Meadows isn’t the No. 1 seed?
It’s been a different year in Class 2A.
The Mustangs haven’t played well in weeks, and there isn’t any real sign pointing toward them turning it around this week.
Agassi steamrolled The Meadows, 62-34, three weeks ago, but the Stars aren’t immune either. The loss to Needles last week — again, in triple overtime — makes you wonder if Agassi is for real.
DeVonn Porter and Tank Carter carry the Stars to the next round in a close one. Agassi Prep by 4.
Tonopah (5-4) at Pahranagat Valley (9-0)
Speaking of games that will be close. Er, um, yeah, never mind. Wrong game.
At least one website has Pahranagat Valley ranked No. 1 ... in the country.
After going 4-0 against California and Idaho, the Panthers outscored the Class 1A Southern League 324-13 in five games.
Tonopah is having a bit of a down year, but it’s always good to be a Mucker.
Except when you’re facing Cody Hosier and the Panthers. Pahranagat Valley by 40.
Spring Mountain (6-2) at Indian Springs (6-2)
Quick. Which Southern Nevada team has scored 80 or more points in a game three times this year?
And no, Bonanza’s opponents don’t count.
It’s Spring Mountain, which beat Tonopah by 60 one week, lost to Pahranagat by 58 the next, then beat Round Mountain by 78 the following week.
The Golden Eagles have had one game decided by fewer than 40 points, and that was their 38-32 loss to Indian Springs on Sept. 17.
The Thunderbirds, led by quarterback Adam Reinke, have put up 50 or more points five times this year.
This will NOT be a defensive struggle. Indian Springs by 6.