High School Football Picks: Week 2

Many Southern Nevada prep football teams will face out-of-state opponents Friday night, providing invaluable opportunities to fine-tune their games before league play begins.

These matchups offer unique advantages that in-state competition can’t provide because teams face unfamiliar opponents with different schemes and playing styles, forcing players to quickly adapt.

For squads traveling on the road, the added benefit of team bonding makes these games even more valuable.

After posting a strong 9-2 record in last week’s picks column, we’re looking to build on that momentum.

Lowry at Sloan Canyon

Lowry of Winnemucca only won just games last season. Traveling to Las Vegas to play any opponent is asking too much. Sloan Canyon 34, Lowry 8

Shadow Ridge at Snow Canyon (Utah)

I would have picked Shadow Ridge if the game was in Las Vegas. Snow Canyon 25, Shadow Ridge 23

Liberty at Skyridge (Utah)

Skyridge, one of the top programs in Utah, scored 52 points last week. Skyridge 41, Liberty 20

Mater East at Chaparral

I hate picking against my Cowboys. Mater East 18, Chaparral 13

Northview (Calif.) at Green Valley

Always take the California team. Northview 27, Green Valley 22

St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (Calif.) at Sierra Vista

This is a step up in competition for Sierra Vista. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy 41, Sierra Vista 18

Del Sol at Western

Del Sol grabs the win. Del Sol 26, Western 11

Foothill at Mojave

This is Foothill’s second game — and Mojave’s first. That matters. Foothill 27, Mojave 19

Desert Pines at Durango

Desert Pines has plenty of young, talented players. Desert Pines 22, Durango 12

Moapa Valley at Hurricane (Utah)

When was the last time Moapa Valley started the season 0-2? Hurricane 21, Moapa Valley 12

Reno at Palo Verde

New rule: Always pick a Las Vegas school over one from Reno. Palo Verde 25, Reno 16

Legacy vs. Highland (Idaho)

Tough travel. Tougher opponent. Highland 37, Legacy 13

Bonanza at Spring Valley

I don’t love having a rivalry game to open the season. Spring Valley 32, Bonanza 23

Canyon Springs at Clark

Watch out for the Chargers. Clark 27, Canyon Springs 16

Mililani (Hawaii) vs. Arbor View

Mililani can’t score with Arbor View. Arbor View 33, Mililani 13

Sunrise Mountain at Boulder City

Both teams struggled last week. Boulder City 13, Sunrise Mountain 9

Slam at Virgin Valley

Anyone have a coin? Virgin Valley 15, Slam 13

Bishop Gorman at Centennial

Centennial is not as bad as the final score will indicate. Bishop Gorman 51, Centennial 0

Desert Oasis at Dana Hills (Calif.)

Rules are made to be broken. Going with the local team in California. After all, quarterback Vincent Hales had five touchdown passes in a blowout win against Slam to open the season. Desert Oasis 29, Dana Hills 24

Somerset at Coronado

Coronado is one of the state’s best teams. Cougars make a statement in season opener. Coronado 39, Somerset 9

Cimarron-Memorial at Valley

Cimarron is ready to make noise in the Class 4A. Cimarron 37, Valley 8