We are down to the final week of high school football games in Nevada. It’s time to crown some state champions.
SLAM Nevada travels to Northern Nevada to face Truckee in the Class 3A title game on Saturday, while Legacy will also head to the Reno area for a showdown with Galena for the Class 5A-Division III title.
The rest of the state plays Nov. 21 at Allegiant Stadium. Check out the schedule.
The picks column is 169-27 for the season and also looking to finish strong. Here’s the analysis.
Class 5A-Division I
Bishop Gorman vs. Liberty
If anyone can beat Gorman, it’s Liberty. But, it will take a perfect game from Liberty combined with some good fortune to derail Gorman’s championship hopes. Bishop Gorman 51, Liberty 13
Class 5A-Division II
Bishop Manogue vs. Faith Lutheran
Bishop Manogue should win big over Faith Lutheran, giving large-school teams from the Reno-area their first state title since McQueen in 2008. The title would be the result of Northern Nevada schools fighting for a decade to get realigned away from Bishop Gorman, saying they couldn’t compete against the resources of the state’s best program. Bishop Manogue 38, Faith Lutheran 13
Class 5A-Division III
Legacy at Galena
Legacy — regardless of travel — is the better team. Longhorns start slow, but finish strong in claiming their first football championship. Legacy 28, Galena 19.
Class 4A
Centennial vs. Sunrise Mountain
Centennial has been the best team in the classification since realignment was announced. The Bulldogs win the title everyone expected them to. Centennial 31, Sunrise Mountain 14
Class 3A
SLAM Nevada vs. Truckee
If this game was played on a neutral site — say halfway between the two schools located about eight hours apart — the pick would be Slam. But traveling to Northern Nevada is tough on all teams. It’s enough to give Truckee another state game win. Truckee 30, Slam 17