National powerhouses headline this week’s prep football slate

Here’s a look at some of this week’s most interesting high school football games.

St. John Bosco (Calif.) at Bishop Gorman (5-0) — This is the game of the week, not just in Las Vegas, but in the nation as the country’s top two teams battle it out at 6 p.m. on Friday. UCLA-bound quarterback Josh Rosen leads the Braves, who have won 19 straight games and are ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today. Gorman sophomore Tate Martell has taken over as the team’s starting QB, and has thrown 11 TDs with just one interception for the second-ranked Gaels. This game will get even more attention, as it’s the area’s only Division I or I-A football game on Friday. All of the Clark County School District’s teams will play on Saturday because of Rosh Hashanah.

Palo Verde (2-1) at Liberty (3-1) — Any other week, this would probably be the marquee matchup, as traditional Sunset Region power Palo Verde faces four-time Sunrise Region champ Liberty. The Panthers shut out Las Vegas last week, and will need another strong defensive effort against the Patriots. Liberty is coming off a 21-0 loss to Arizona power Hamilton.

Centennial (3-0) at Las Vegas (2-1) — Centennial has emerged as a defensive force this season, allowing a total of 30 points in three game sand shutting out Palo Verde. Las Vegas looked like an offensive force before getting shut out by Palo Verde last week.

Coronado (2-1) at Arbor View (3-0) — Coronado battled until the final seconds before falling 14-13 to Liberty earlier this season. Now the Cougars are out to prove that their defense is good enough to stop the area’s No. 2 team, which is led by running back Herman Gray (466 yards, 5 TDs).

Eldorado (3-0) at Canyon Springs (2-1) — It’s been a feel-good year thus far for the Sundevils, who won just one game a year ago. But Canyon Springs and running back Zaviontay Stevenson (404 yards, 6 TDs) represent a significant step up in class. Eldorado’s first three opponents have combined to go 2-9 thus far.

Go to nevadapreps.com for a full schedule and complete scoreboard.