Moapa Valley and SLAM Academy look like two of the favorites in Class 3A, but defending 2A state champion The Meadows is moving up to provide a potential challenge.
Moapa Valley
A running clock has been the theme for Southern Nevada high school football games this season, and officials and coaches are looking for answers.
Moapa Valley remains No. 1 in the Southern Nevada Class 3A football rankings, but faces a stiff test against Boulder City in one of two top-five matchups this week.
Moapa Valley blew a 20-0 lead and needed a fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown to beat Hurricane (Utah) 26-22 and run its winning streak to 15 games.
Moapa Valley lost a deep and talented senior class after last year’s 12-0 season and state championship but is still No. 1 to open the season.
Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley have established themselves as the top programs in the Class 3A Southern Region, but charter and inner-city schools are improving.
Moapa Valley doesn’t have much varsity experience back after a senior-laden team ran to an undefeated season and the Class 3A state championship last year.
Running back Landon Wrzesinski is one of the few returners from Moapa Valley’s state title team, and he’ll be called upon to lead the offense this season.
Moapa Valley scored 27 consecutive points and defeated rival Virgin Valley to win the Class 3A state football championship Thursday night at Allegiant Stadium.
Moapa Valley has been the dominant team in Class 3A this season, but its biggest rival, Virgin Valley, stands between the Pirates and the state football championship.
The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association announced game times for four state football championship games that will be played Thursday at Allegiant Stadium.
Moapa Valley and Pahrump Valley earned byes to open the Class 3A football playoffs, while Virgin Valley and SLAM Nevada will host first-round games.
Moapa Valley had a rocky start but rolled once it got going, routing Virgin Valley on Friday night for its second consecutive victory in the Hammer Game.
The annual Hammer Game between Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley will decide the Class 3A Mountain League championship Friday.
No. 1 Moapa Valley hosts No. 2 Virgin Valley in the Hammer Game on Friday, with the winner claiming the Class 3A Mountain League crown.