Sunset Regional Rematch
Bishop Gorman and Palo Verde get ready for a rematch of last year's Sunset Regional championship game.
Regional Championship Preview
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Team: Las Vegas Wildcats
The skinny: Since stumbling to Utah's Snow Canyon High 47-40 back on Sept. 5, the Wildcats have operated like a well-oiled machine to steamroll opponents en route to what they hope will be their sixth consecutive Sunrise Regional championship. Las Vegas averages more than 43 points per game and they do so with one of the Valley's most balanced offenses. The Wildcats have racked up 2,094 yards through the air and 2,268 on the ground, which has helped them drop opponents by an average of 21.3 points.
Keys to victory: Nobody can stop Del Sol's powerful rushing attack, but if the Wildcats can at least slow down the Dragons' Derek Eamon and Jon Kirschbaum, then Las Vegas should have another title to add to the trophy case.
Players to watch: Senior running back Reggie Bullock and senior quarterback Emir Lopez have combined for more than 3,700 yards of total offense and are truly class players.
Team: Del Sol Dragons
The skinny: Del Sol is a pure, smash-mouth football team that is all about running the football. Although one dimensional, the Dragons' trio of Eamon, Kirschbaum and Earnest Hall makes opposing defenses shiver. Del Sol High has lost to Las Vegas in the past two regional championships, so the Dragons should have plenty of motivation Friday night.
Keys to victory: Run, run and run. Del Sol has to do what they do best in order to advance to the state semifinals. The Dragons also need to pressure Las Vegas' Lopez, to make the Wildcats one-dimensional.
Players to watch: Eamon and Hall are a potent one-two punch that have rushed for close to 4,000 yards this season. Kirschbaum is the emotional leader who is good for about 10 yards per carry as well. Flying under the rader is senior quarterback Saei Huihui who has to manage the game and not turn the ball over to lift Del Sol past Las Vegas.
Team: Palo Verde Panthers
The skinny: It is no fluke that the Panthers are still undefeated. This Palo Verde team has dismantled the competition this season, outscoring opponents 445-123. The Panthers have waited all year for another shot at Bishop Gorman, since the Gaels pulled off a last-minute comeback in the Sunset Regional title contest last season.
Keys to victory: Bishop Gorman has one of the best defenses in the state, so the Panthers will need to establish a run game early with Chaz Thomas to free up quarterback Kelly Zurowski.
Players to watch: Thomas, Zurowski and Liloa Nobriga will anchor the Panthers Friday. If they play well, Gorman's quest to defend its state title could end.
Team: Bishop Gorman Gaels
The skinny: If defense wins championships then the Gaels have a shot to rule 4A ocne again. Senior defensive end Justin Chaisson and senior cornerback Charles Childers lead a defense that has pitched four shutouts this season. Bishop Gorman needed a last-minute touchdown to drop Cheyenne in the semifinals, so perhaps they are a team of destiny.
Keys to victory: Bishop Gorman's offense is not as potent as its record would indicate. The Gaels are great at converting turnovers into points, so Gorman's defense must force turnovers to avoid another week of relying on a late-game comeback.
Players to watch: Bishop Gorman is loaded with Division-I prospects, but keep an eye on quarterback Joe Huber. Huber has a 53 percent completion rate, but when he has time to throw the ball, it usually ends in a big play thanks to receiver Taylor Spencer.
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