SLAM Academy looks to break through in Class 3A after losing the past two state title games, while 2A state champ Lake Mead Academy is dealing with changes.
Class 1A football teams in the Central and South League are preparing for the upcoming season. Pahranagat Valley is the three-time defending state champion.
Nine high school football games have been canceled for various reasons, including COVID concerns, brush fires and a shortage of eligible players.
Pahranagat Valley and Spring Mountain have alternated the past four state championships, hope to remain at the top of the Class 1A football ranks.
COVID, players opting to pursue other interests and spring break are among the unique issues football teams at small schools have had to deal with.
Several games around the valley were decided in the final minutes Friday, which made for an exciting night,
The Patriots led 12-0 in the first half and twice after halftime but couldn’t hold on in a 36-33 loss to Libery (Arizona) at home Friday night.
The Falcons bounced back after losing to Liberty by beating Green Valley on Thursday.
Micah Bowens had 438 total yards and five combined touchdowns in a 62-7 win at home Friday.
Talon Smith scored four touchdowns on Friday to lead GV Christian to a 32-16 road victory over Beaver Dam.
State championships: None
State runner-up finishes: None
League championships: None
Program history
2023: 3-4 (1-2 1A Southern/third)
2022: 0-6 (0-4 1A Southern/fifth)
2021: 1-5 (1-3 1A Southern/fourth)
2020: NA
2019: 0-9 (0-5 1A Southern/sixth)
2018: 2-6 (0-5 1A Southern/sixth)
2017: 1-5 (1-4 1A Southern/tied fifth)
2016: 3-6 (2-5 1A Southern/tied fifth)
2015: 5-4 (3-4 1A Southern/tied fifth)
2014: 0-7 (0-6 1A Southern/tied seventh)
Did not field a team in NIAA prior to 2014
Head coaches
Robert Chiodini (2019- ): 0-9, 1 season
Steve Feick (2018): 2-6, 1 season
Travis Delaney (2017): 1-5, 1 season
Rory Hurley (2011-16): 8-17 in 3 seasons with NIAA affiliation