Southern Nevada high school football top 10

Bishop Gorman once again stands as Nevada’s premier high school football program, claiming the top spot in the Sun’s preseason poll for another season.

The Gaels have dominated the state since the late 2000s, capturing all but one state championship since 2009.

This year’s squad could rank among Gorman’s finest.

The defense boasts elite talent with two five-star prospects: senior safety Jett Washington (Oregon commit) and junior defensive back Hayden Stepp. Senior defensive lineman Prince Williams, an Arizona commit, anchors the line after recording 12 sacks last season.

On offense, senior quarterback Maika Eugenio returns after an impressive 2024 campaign in which he completed 104 of 149 passes for 2,043 yards and 31 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

Here are the rest of the rankings:

2. Arbor View

Why the Aggies: Arbor View returns most of the skilled-position players from a team that averaged 35 points per game last season in reaching the state title game.

Players to watch: Junior quarterback Thaddeus Thatcher (Utah) has plenty of options in the passing game with wide receivers Jayden Williams (Sacramento State) and Damani Warren, and tight end Zac Fares. Williams had 11 touchdowns last season. The defense will be led by cornerbacks Teddy Johnson (Idaho State) and Jeremiah Cole, and lineman Tani Ma’afala-Barbasa (Wyoming).

3. Liberty

Why the Patriots: Liberty may be young and unproven across most positions, fresh off its first losing season since 2008. But don’t let that fool you — this is the same program that captured the 2019 state championship by dethroning Gorman. With that championship pedigree and plenty of motivation to erase last year’s disappointment, Liberty has every reason to bounce back stronger than ever.

Players to watch: Junior running back Ezra Sanelivi rushed for 860 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and wide receiver Kellen Iwamuro is primed for a big season.

The Patriots have experience and size on the lines with David Pritchard and Trent Tufele.

4. Faith Lutheran

Why the Crusaders: Faith Lutheran has been one of the state’s most consistent programs over the past few seasons, producing college players and playing in consecutive state title games. There’s no reason to believe there will be a decline, especially with Jay Staggs — the former UNLV defensive standout — being elevated to head coach.

Players to watch: The Crusaders will be strong defensively with safeties Matthew Mason (BYU) and Gavin Day (Washington), and linebacker Joey Nicci (71 tackles and nine sacks in 2024) leading the way. Wide receiver Aipa Kuloloia, who had 864 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, leads the offense.

5. Shadow Ridge

Why the Mustangs: Since taking the helm at Shadow Ridge in 2014, Travis Foster has built the program around a devastating misdirection rushing attack that leaves opposing defenses scrambling. This offensive philosophy has become Shadow Ridge’s calling card, fueling the program to two state championship appearances and consistent top 10 rankings.

Players to watch: Senior Ula Cox does a little of everything, including leading the team at quarterback, offensive lineman Kainoa Nihipali is a strong blocker, and AJ Smith is a veteran defender at linebacker.

6. Coronado

Why the Cougars: Coronado is rapidly emerging as a perennial powerhouse, having upset Liberty last season en route to the large-school state semifinals. While the Cougars must replace their standout quarterback and top wide receiver, they boast exceptional depth with talented underclassmen ready to step up. The program’s success may stem from what could be argued as the state’s most impressive participation numbers.

Players to watch: Junior Jackson Humphries started all last season in the secondary as a sophomore. This season, he takes over at quarterback. The Cougars also return two experienced linemen in Luke Pratt and Ty Roberts. Pratt will be a four-year varsity starter.

7. Foothill

Why the Falcons: Don’t underestimate Foothill — this proud program boasts a talented roster, particularly on offense. The narrative feels familiar: last season, it opened with five consecutive victories before stumbling through a six-game losing streak to finish the year.

Players to watch: Braxton Bonnett is one of the top returning wideouts in the valley, catching 41 passes for 909 yards and six touchdowns last season. Safety Brody Dobbs anchors the defense, and defensive lineman Dallin Bair has the potential to be an all-state pass rusher.

8. Green Valley

Why the Gators: Green Valley, fresh off a seven-win season, is just getting started with second-year coach Bill Powell. Even with some inexperienced players at the skilled positions, the Gators should take another step forward.

Players to watch: Wide receiver Evan Williams, a three-star prospect with scholarship offers from the likes of Fresno State and San Diego State, is a threat to score each time he touches the ball. Clayton Floyd and Bryce Clarke bring experience to the line, and linebacker Roman Adams will lead the defense.

9. Las Vegas High

Why the Wildcats: Armed with a seasoned quarterback, explosive young running back and gritty talent on both sides of the ball, Las Vegas is poised to be a nightmare matchup all season.

Players to watch: Dual-threat quarterback Tanner Vibabul is coming off a breakthrough campaign, throwing for 1,827 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 1,295 rushing yards and 11 scores on just 83 carries. On defense, the team boasts a formidable core anchored by linebacker Chris Fernandez, defensive lineman Salvador Ramirez and defensive back Dasean Deayon. Keep an eye on sophomore Steven Bullock III — cousin of Vegas legend Reggie — who’s poised to make his mark.

10. Moapa Valley

Why the Pirates: Moapa Valley has established itself as the perennial powerhouse of the 3A Southern League. Despite fielding a young roster — a common theme across the classification — the Pirates are poised for another strong campaign. Don’t be surprised to see them rack up double-digit wins and make another deep run to the state semifinals.

Players to watch: Moapa Valley will win games with its running game led by tailbacks Caden Rawson and Brody Redd, and two-way lineman Tony Carrillo.