1A STATE: Pahranagat seniors eye perfect four years

It’s not often that a high school football player goes undefeated his entire high school career.

But that’s exactly the opportunity ahead of Pahranagat Valley’s seniors as they prepare for the Class 1A state title game against Carlin at noon Saturday at Damonte Ranch High in Reno.

The Panthers (11-0) have won the past three 1A state titles, riding a state-record 45-game winning streak into the championship game against the Railroaders (10-1).

“We haven’t talked about (the streak), because if you’re worried about that, you’re not prepared to execute,” Panthers coach Ken Higbee said. “The key word is 'finish.’ We finish what we start.”

Pahranagat Valley has outscored opponents 750-99 on the season, including a 50-42 win at Joshua Springs, perhaps the top eight-man program in Southern California.

“It starts with our line,” Panthers quarterback Austin Poulsen said. “Our linemen are the best in the state. They block to the whistle, block fast and do exactly what they need to do.”

Poulsen is one of the biggest reasons for Pahranagat Valley’s dominance.

The junior quarterback has been stellar in his first year as a starter, with 1,784 yards and 30 touchdowns passing, and 903 yards and 29 TDs rushing.

The 6-foot-1-inch Poulsen also is a standout cornerback, with a team-high seven interceptions.

“Our players have complete trust in me to make the right call or audible,” Poulsen said. “Defensively, I think it starts with our defensive ends controlling the line of scrimmage, and our nose guard doing his job.”

Pahranagat Valley’s offense has been even more explosive since a 66-6 win at Beatty on Oct. 21, when running back Chase Hansen returned from a leg injury. The senior has scored six touchdowns over the past four games.

“Chase Hansen, I really believe, is the best athlete in 1A,” Higbee said. “Having the best athlete back only adds to what we can do.”

The Panthers’ offense also showcases junior running back Tyler Higbee (920 yards, 17 TDs rushing) and senior tight end Kade Wadsworth (41 catches, 856 yards, 16 TDs).

Pahranagat Valley rolled to a 72-0 home win over Carlin in September. But the Railroaders are coming off an impressive 44-30 victory over Spring Mountain, which entered the semifinal averaging 57.8 points.

“They’re a big, physical, traditional Carlin team,” Ken Higbee said. “Obviously they’re improved, but we’ve improved as well.”