FIELDER’S CHOICES: Matchups sound familiar? Hello, McFly?
No, you haven’t slipped into a time machine. Marty McFly is nowhere in sight.
But if the region semifinals look a little familiar, that’s because all of these games happened less than a year ago.
Eric did a good job filling in last week, but now that Southern Nevada's Class 4A is down to the final eight, I’ll haul the pigskin from here.
Each team is plenty familiar with its opponent this week, having played a similar game within the last 365 days. Or even 36.5 days, for some.
Strap on your self-lacing tennis shoes, grab a Hoverboard and check out these matchups before the clock is struck by lightning.
Las Vegas (9-1) at Liberty (9-1)
These teams met in last year’s Sunrise Region championship game, and a lot of people were expecting big things out of the Wildcats.
A lot of people still expect big things out of Hasaan Henderson and Farrell Victor, but both Las Vegas stars have been matched pretty well by Liberty standouts Kai Nacua and Niko Kapeli.
This game could be explosive on the Patriots’ home turf.
Home-field advantage isn’t always key in high school football. But this time it will be ... Liberty by 4.
Basic (6-4) at Foothill (8-2)
You don’t have to go back to last season to see the last time these Henderson rivals squared off.
That would be Oct. 21 at Basic, when the Falcons eked out a 42-35 victory over the Wolves.
Foothill sophomore Drew Doxtator has gotten better as the season’s gone on, and Kyle Keplinger gives him an explosive target downfield.
But the Falcons will have their hands full trying to stop Basic quarterback Eddie Vega, who was outstanding last week in the Wolves’ upset of Northeast League champ Canyon Springs.
One touchdown seems like a slim margin for any game.
This one could be decided by less than the first time ... Foothill by 2.
Arbor View (9-2) at Bishop Gorman (12-1)
Is there a team in Nevada history that has played more games than the Gaels by this point in the season?
OK, one of Gorman’s wins was a forfeit by Western and came during a 2-0 week. The Aggies should remember that week well.
Hand it to coach Dan Barnson and Arbor View, who have shown they’re not afraid to schedule anyone. Even if that meant getting thumped by the Gaels 56-7 in the waning weeks of the regular season.
Shaquille Powell has been good on both sides of the ball, and Jarrett Solomon (or is it Anu? I keep confusing the two) has the Gaels on course for a third straight state title.
A 49-point margin is awfully big in the playoffs.
The Aggies make it a little closer this time ... Gorman by 28.
Centennial (7-3) at Palo Verde (10-0)
Someday, the Panthers are going to have to come down from the hill and play a game away from home. For now, Parker Rost seems to be enjoying the view from there just fine.
Palo Verde has cruised through the season, and Centennial didn’t give them too much pause Sept. 9.
The Bulldogs are better since then, with Jacobi Owens and Austin Turley keeping the offense chugging along.
But the Panthers have their sights set on next week — a big-time showdown with Sunset rival Gorman for a state berth.
Commence the hype ... now ... Palo Verde by 17.
Last week: 8-1, 7-2 with points
Season: 62-19, 46-33-2 with points
