High School Football Picks: Week 9

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

Here's another week of high school football picks as teams jockey for playoff position.

The picks column went 18-1 last week and stands at 111-41 for the season. We expect another strong week of analysis.

Las Vegas at Desert Pines

This feels like the kind of game where, if played 10 times, each team would win five. Las Vegas 23, Desert Pines 22

Desert Oasis at Liberty

This, at least according to the NIAA standings, is tracking to be a playoff matchup. Liberty 42, Desert Oasis 20

Foothill at Coronado

The Ryder Dobbs-to-Braxton Bonnett connection has accounted for 12 touchdowns this season for Foothill — impressive considering Dobbs is only a sophomore. Foothill 34, Coronado 18

Faith Lutheran at Basic

Something has to give: Faith Lutheran doesn’t generate many big plays, while Basic just gave up more than 60 points last week. Faith Lutheran 21, Basic 20

Pahrump Valley at Moapa Valley

Aside from Bishop Gorman and Liberty, name a Southern Nevada team capable of beating Moapa Valley in Overton. And before my Mesquite friends chime in — yes, Virgin Valley always has a chance in the rivalry game. Moapa Valley 21, Pahrump Valley 15

Palo Verde at Centennial

Centennial seems to get a little better each week. Centennial 30, Palo Verde 6

Durango at Bonanza

Speaking of close games. Here’s another one that won’t be decided until the end. Durango 16, Bonanza 12

Green Valley at Arbor View

Arbor View’s last four weeks: 45, 49, 49 and 55 points. Arbor View 51, Green Valley 16

Shadow Ridge at Losee

There shouldn’t be many passing attempts in this game. Shadow Ridge 27, Losee 13

Legacy at Canyon Springs

Bragging rights on the line in this North Las Vegas rivalry. Canyon Springs 13, Legacy 12

Silverado at Mater East

Anyone have a coin? Finally, a good game in the Class 4A. Silverado 33, Mater East 29

Clark at Western

The teams in the bottom of the Class 4A standings are hurting with numbers in the final weeks of the season. Clark 43, Western 0

Sierra Vista at Cadence

Here’s a chance for Sierra Vista’s offense to gain some confidence. Sierra Vista 45, Cadence 6

Spring Valley at Del Sol

Spring Valley has a good one in sophomore receiver King Kahalewai. Spring Valley 37, Del Sol 13

Slam at Cimarron-Memorial

Slam is getting hot. Watch out. Slam 39, Cimarron-Memorial 9

Pinecrest at Chaparral

Go easy on my Cowboys. Pinecrest 50, Chaparral 0

Rancho at Cheyenne

Both teams are 1-5. And both teams are still fighting. Should be a great game. Cheyenne 20, Rancho 8

Boulder City at The Meadows

A must-win for Boulder City’s playoff hopes in the close Class 3A. Boulder City 31, The Meadows 12

Democracy Prep at Virgin Valley

I don’t understand the logic of populating the Class 3A — a league of rural schools — with teams from Las Vegas. Virgin Valley 39, Democracy Prep 14

Sunrise Mountain at Eldorado

This is a backyard brawl of significance on the east side. Eldorado 23, Sunrise Mountain 20