Every week, we will preview and offer a prediction for every Northern Nevada 5A and 4A game high school football game. Here is our Week 11 preview.
Friday
5A North
Bishop Manogue at Spanish Springs: Anytime these teams meet, it’s usually a good matchup. But last season, the Cougars dominated the Miners in a 46-14 victory in the regular season. The gap seems closer this year. Manogue is coming off back-to-back dominant wins over Reed and Douglas, outscoring them 94-27. The Miners’ run game has been stellar. They’re averaging 164.4 yards per game on the ground. Meanwhile, Spanish Springs beat an 0-3 Douglas squad by just three points last week after losing to Damonte Ranch in it previous game. Cougars quarterback Kanon Boggs has 1,849 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, but both quarterbacks have been turnover prone. Boggs and Manogue quarterback Parker Scholl each have nine interceptions. This game should be tight, but the way Ernie Howren’s team has been playing lately, it’s hard to go against them. Prediction: Bishop Manogue 28, Spanish Springs 21
Damonte Ranch at Reed: The Mustangs lost in blowout fashion to McQueen last week, 38-13. Damonte’s offense hasn’t been producing like it was earlier this season. In the last four games, the Mustangs are averaging 18.3 ppg. Before that, it was 43.5 ppg. The defense has been great, and if you take away the two pick-sixes against the Lancers, Damonte allowed 24 points to McQueen, some of which were in garbage time. Now, the Mustangs face a struggling Reed team. The Raiders are 0-3 in league play, and their opponents have scored 141 combined points in those games. I think Damonte’s offense will get right in this game, while Reed has a difficult time putting up points against a top defense. Prediction: Damonte Ranch 28, Reed 7
Douglas at McQueen: The Lancers are riding high following their win over Damonte Ranch and a 3-0 start to league play. They’ve scored 31-plus points in each of their league games and held opponents to 45 points. The team’s stout offensive line has helped McQueen rush for 1,303 yards, with running backs Nico Panelli and Joseph Zuccarini leading the way. The Tigers are winless in league play but put up a fight against the defending 5A champions. Quarterback Keston Sadabseng was fantastic against Spanish Springs. He completed 16-of-21 passes for 192 yards and three passing touchdowns, plus 93 rushing yards and a touchdown. It’s the best the offense looked in weeks after being held to 13 total points against Manogue and Damonte Ranch. But I think they’ll find the McQueen defense very difficult to score on. Prediction: McQueen 30, Douglas 13
4A North
Carson at Reno: There’s a lot at stake in this matchup with both teams 3-0 in league. The winner of this game will be promoted to the 5A North next season. Carson beat Galena, 14-7, last week, which set up this crucial game. The Senators have struggled in the red zone and have just 15 touchdowns on offense. Carson’s strength has been the run game, averaging 185.4 rushing yards per game. Reno’s offense has been much better. Sophomore quarterback Trevor Martinelli has thrown for 1,140 yards with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions while Reno is averaging 186.1 rushing yards a game. Both defenses have been playing well. In the three league games, Reno has allowed 18 points with the Senators giving up just 14. I think the Huskies offense will show their strength in this one. Prediction: Reno 21, Carson 10
Wooster at Galena: The Grizzlies lost to Carson, 14-7, last week. Galena’s offense has really struggled. Junior quarterback Dray Noble went 12-for-25 with 138 passing yards and an interception against the Senators. The team’s been held to 20 or fewer points in all but two games. Galena is 1-2 in the 4A North with its other loss coming to Reno. The Colts won their first league contest against Hug but have back-to-back losses to Reno and North Valleys since then. Wooster is giving up 35.9 ppg while averaging 4.9 ppg. The Grizzlies offense should have plenty of success against this Colts defense. Prediction: Galena 45, Wooster 0
3A North
Elko at Spring Creek: Bonus prediction for the 3A North’s marquee game. Elko and Spring Creek are tied for third in the league standings. The Indians have lost two of its last three games, with those defeats to Truckee and Churchill County. They allowed 40-plus points in those two games. Elko’s offense runs primarily through running back Riott Duke, who has 1,275 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Spring Creek is coming off its third straight win. It also has league losses to Fallon and Truckee. The Spartans dismantled one of the league’s best defenses in South Tahoe, 44-7, last week. They have a great offense, averaging 38.2 ppg. This game will come down to who can stop the run the best, as both teams lean heavily in the ground game. Prediction: Spring Creek 30, Elko 21
Season record: 44-20
Zack Larsen is a reporter for Nevada Sports Net. If you have a story idea, you can email him at zlarsen@sbgtv.com or follow him on Twitter @_ZacharyLarsen.