Who’s going to knock Reed off?
For the fifth straight year, it’s the biggest question entering the Northern Nevada prep football campaign. The Raiders will go for their sixth straight regional title (and seventh in eight years) and it all starts Friday night.
The Sparks Tribune Prep Football Power Rankings will be released weekly. To view how the power rankings progressed in 2015, click here.
1. Reed Raiders (0-0)
No need to get too crazy here. The Raiders were installed as unanimous favorites to win the regional title by all 11 4A North coaches this year and are an obvious choice for No. 1. That’s the respect the program has earned.
But several key players from key positions are gone. The Raiders have to prove it. They start with maybe the hardest game on their schedule at Clayton Valley Charter, which produced Raiders’ coach Ernie Howren.
Next game: Friday at Clayton Valley Charter (Concord, Calif.) 7 p.m.
Last week: NA
2. Damonte Ranch Mustangs (0-0)
There was preseason hype for the Mustangs as well last year, then the team went 4-7.
Two of those losses were by less than a touchdown. Different results would have completely changed the outlook of the 2015 campaign.
Damonte returns sophomore quarterback Cade McNamara (who is going to be a force) and the lightning quick Cameron Sandoval in the backfield. The Mustangs are no dark horse. They’re a legit contender.
Next game: Friday at Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.) 7 p.m.
Last week: NA
3. Galena Grizzlies (0-0)
The Grizzlies did it on defense a season ago and were one poor game against Carson from winning the Sierra League.
There is no reason to think the group will take a big step backward in 2016. Throw in the return of maybe the most skilled backfield in Northern Nevada (quarterback Derek Kline, running backs Jake Berger and Mateo Lemus) and Galena enters the season with realistic regional title aspirations.
The Grizzlies open the season Saturday at home against Mesa, which was coached by former Spanish Springs coach Scott Hare until this year.
Next game: Saturday vs. Mesa (Mesa, Ariz.) 2 p.m.
Last week: NA
4. Carson Senators (0-0)
There are 10 teams in the 4A North that are tired of Reed winning regional titles. None more so than the Senators, who have fallen to the Raiders in three straight regional title games.
The Sierra League coaches named the Senators the favorite to win the Sierra League (a nod to what coach Blair Roman has done), but have multiple question marks on both sides of the ball.
Abel Carter returning for his junior season is undoubtedly a boost. He’s one of the most electric players in the region.
Carson rounds out what is shaping up to be a highly entertaining race for the Sierra League No. 1 seed.
Next game: Saturday vs. Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, Ariz.) 6 p.m.
Last week: NA
5. Reno Huskies (0-0)
Some teams will make minor adjustments in the offseason due to personnel and other justifications. Not Reno.
Coach Dan Avansino is completely changing what the Huskies are doing, largely because much of last year’s girth is gone. Defensively, Reno is going to use a two-man front to get as many linebackers on the field as possible. Offensively, the Huskies are going to use more finesse and trickery – a far cry from last year’s ground and pound attack.
It’s a big change, but it’s not uncommon. In his 14th season, it’s hardly the first time Avansino has changed things up schematically to play to his strengths.
A faster offense makes sense in the 4A North, which features several potent offensive attacks.
Next game: Saturday vs. Stagg (Stockton, Calif) at South Tahoe High School 2 p.m.
Last week: NA
Outside looking in: McQueen Lancers
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