Title on line for Wildcats, Pioneers

When the bottom four teams in your league are a combined 0-16 entering league play, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what the best matchups are going to be.

And it took the players and coaches at Las Vegas High and Canyon Springs no time to figure out that tonight's matchup might determine the Northeast League title.

"It's not hard for us to get up for," Canyon Springs coach Hunkie Cooper said. "It's the cream of the crop."

Fifth-ranked Las Vegas (4-1, 2-0 Northeast) plays at No. 9 Canyon Springs (4-1, 3-0) at 7 tonight.

"The last time we played them over there, we lost on the last play of the game," Las Vegas coach Chris Faircloth said. "We expect it to be another very, very tough game."

And it's a game that could have implications beyond the regular season. The winner will have the inside track to the league title and home-field advantage in the playoffs.

"We're pretty hyped," Las Vegas linebacker Jason Stetson-Faubion said. "The last couple of games were not as tough teams. This is probably the best team we'll play."

The key to the game could be how the Wildcats handle Canyon Springs' aggressive defense. The Pioneers have forced nine fumbles and have six interceptions.

"We're in double digits in turnovers," Cooper said. "That's beautiful for me."

It's also a cause for concern for Las Vegas.

"Turnovers have been kind of a nemesis for us this year, so that's kind of unsettling at this point," Faircloth said.

Faircloth said Canyon Springs uses its speed to contain opposing offenses.

"They're very aggressive, and they're going to track you," Faircloth said. "It's very, very difficult to get a play of more than 10 yards at a shot because they run so well and they play so hard. They pursue to the ball.

"They're pretty impressive."

The Wildcats have been impressive on offense the past two games, scoring 104 points. Sophomore quarterback Hasaan Henderson, who sat out last week's game against Chaparral, has passed for 870 yards and 10 scores.

"We'll be tested," Cooper said. "This is really the first team that will throw the football a lot."

The Pioneers counter with their own solid passing game led by senior quarterback Tyler Ward, who has thrown for 650 yards and eight touchdowns. Six receivers have caught TD passes.

"They've got a lot of fast athletes that can run," Stetson-Faubion said. "Their offense is well-rounded. They can pass, they can run, and they've got good blocking schemes."

Cooper said the key might be Ward's decision making.

"Tyler Ward has been a tremendous asset to us as a quarterback, and he's made plays for us," Cooper said. "And hopefully we can get Tyler going with his reads and continue to spread the ball around. That, with a balanced running attack, can give us a chance against Vegas."

Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4587.