STATE SEMIFINAL READY TO KICK OFF
The Class 4A state football semifinal game between Palo Verde and Las Vegas is just about to kick off at Arbor View High School.
The facility in the far northwest corner of the valley is not exactly centrally located for fans, but the "field turf" playing surface provides ideal footing for the players.
The game pits two of the most successful programs in Southern Nevada in a state semifinal for the second time.
Las Vegas defeated Palo Verde 6-0 in 2004 and went on to win the state title.
In fact, the programs have combined to win three of the last four state titles, with Las Vegas winning in 2004 and '05, and Palo Verde bringing home the trophy in '06.
The winner of today’s game will face McQueen in Reno at noon next Saturday.
LONG TRIP
Las Vegas has the home sideline and what appears to be a slight advantage in number of fans in attendance, though turnout is high for both teams.
The Las Vegas fans clearly had the longer trip all the way across town.
There is just one mostly empty section of bleachers on each side of the field. The rest of the sections are almost full.
WEATHER FAVORS PANTHERS
As if Palo Verde’s loaded team needed any help, Mother Nature has done the Panthers a favor.
The winds are really gusting on the field, a clear advantage to Palo Verde’s run-always attack.
Las Vegas would love to get its passing game going against the stout run defense of the Panthers, but the wind could pose additional challenges.
Other than the wind, the weather is perfect.
