Game day: Las Vegas prep football teams challenging out-of-state opponents

Kahuku (Hawaii) High School quarterback Troy Mariteragi (1) is tackled by Bishop Gorman cornerback Hayden Stepp (32)during the first half of a high school football game at Bishop Gorman’s Fertitta Field Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. Photo by: Steve Marcus

Southern Nevada’s high school football programs over the next two days will showcase their strength against national opponents. 

Of the 23 games this week featuring local schools, 12 will pit Las Vegas-area teams against out-of-state opponents, while two more face Northern Nevada foes — Canyon Springs hosts Carson City, and Faith Lutheran travels to Reno to battle Damonte Ranch.

Over the past decade, Las Vegas earned a reputation for quality prep football. Bishop Gorman alone has captured four mythical national championships in the last 11 years, but the excellence extends far beyond the Gaels. 

Liberty proved its mettle with a road victory over a nationally ranked Texas program, Arbor View earned a spot in the national top-300 rankings this season, and Desert Pines has become a pipeline to Division I colleges.

This dominance translates to the professional level, where 16 players with Las Vegas ties are on NFL rosters.

Friday presents another opportunity for local programs to make their mark. 

Las Vegas schools will face opponents from Hawaii, Utah, California, Idaho and Nebraska. Arbor View hosts Millard South from Omaha in perhaps the most geographically ambitious matchup of the week.

Check back later for scores. Send game updates on social media using #sunstandout.