High School Football Picks: First week of the Las Vegas playoffs

9 hours ago 1

Team Portraits

Members of the Desert Pines High School football team are pictured during the Las Vegas Sun's high school football media day at the Red Rock Resort on July 22, 2025. They include, from left, Portland Yandall, Michael Taylor and Peyton Yandall. Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 | 12:23 p.m.

The first round of the high school football playoffs is typically played on a Thursday because of Nevada Day.

Since we’re already weighing in on ways to improve the playoff seeding process, here’s another suggestion: play on the Nevada Day holiday itself, even if it means giving up the three-day weekend.

If the regional cross country meet can be held on Nevada Day, why can’t football?

The picks column went 16-3 last week and sits at 164-46 for the season. Let’s step up our game for the playoffs.

Centennial at Shadow Ridge

The big loss to Bishop Gorman and subsequent playoff-seeding drama is a lot for teenagers to manage. Shadow Ridge wins — but it’s close. Shadow Ridge 20, Centennial 18

Faith Lutheran at Desert Oasis

Faith Lutheran received good fortune to make the postseason. That fortune ends Thursday. Desert Oasis 33, Faith Lutheran 14

Green Valley at Desert Pines

Desert Pines might be the last team standing in the Class 5A bracket. Desert Pines 38, Green Valley 22

Sloan Canyon at Valley

I’ve already seen this movie. Sloan Canyon 50, Valley 0

Mater East at Sierra Vista

Anyone have a coin? Mater East 33, Sierra Vista 24

Clark at Silverado

Closer than you think. This is an awful spot for Silverado. Silverado 30, Clark 22

Mojave at Las Vegas

Anyone have a coin? Las Vegas 22, Mojave 20