Palo Verde never trailed in a 41-23 win over Las Vegas on Friday, and Canyon Springs turned a botched field-goal attempt into a winning touchdown to stun Arbor View 24-20.
Palo Verde
Durango and Bishop Gorman will meet for the third time this season after posting three-set state semifinal wins at Faith Lutheran on Friday.
Running back Charron Thomas rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns to lead Palo Verde past Las Vegas on Friday night in the Mountain Region quarterfinals.
Kennedi Steele had 22 kills and 18 digs, and the Trailblazers shook off early errors to rally from two sets down and reach the Class 4A state tournament semifinals.
The Mountain Region playoffs begin Friday, and none of the higher seeds expect an easy quarterfinal matchup — not even the league champions who are facing No. 4 seeds.
Liberty, Gorman look to keep rolling in the Desert Region semifinals, while the Mountain Region playoffs begin with intriguing quarterfinal matchups.
The Gaels weren’t as dominant as last season, but they’re back at the state tournament after winning the Desert Region. They’re joined at state by Durango and Palo Verde.
The Centennial boys claimed their second straight Class 4A state championship, while the Coronado girls earned their second crown in school history.
Canyon Springs got off to an 0-6 start against a difficult schedule, but the Pioneers enter the Mountain Region playoffs with confidence after three straight wins.
Tommi Stockham had 26 kills, and the Gaels claimed the Desert Region championship; Palo Verde started fast, put away Rancho in three sets for the Mountian Region crown.
Daniel Britt threw four touchdown passes and ran for one as the Patriots rolled to the Desert Region semis. Bishop Gorman domainated Coronado 52-7.
The top-seeded Trail Blazers will meet No. 2 Bishop Gorman for the Desert Region championship. It’s No. 1 Palo Verde vs. No. 3 Rancho for the Mountain League crown.
Bishop Gorman, Green Valley, Liberty and Silverado hosting first-round games. Arbor View and Palo Verde meet with a Mountain Region home playoff game on the line.
Durango takes care of Foothill in three sets, while Palo Verde has its way with Arbor View. Bishop Gorman’s Stockham reaches 1,500 career kills in a win.
Centennial beats Arbor View 2-1, advances to face No. 1 Faith Lutheran. Desert Region No. 1 Coronado blanks two-time defending 4A state champion Bishop Gorman 3-0.