2025 North Valleys Panthers Season Preview

2025 North Valleys Panthers Season Preview

By: J. Ray Dockter

We are less than a week away from the start of the high school football season in The Silver State and I could not be more excited. Over the next few weeks, I will be previewing many teams from our local area as well a few other surprises, before getting into football season full swing on Aug. 14^th when the first games kick off. Without further ado here is Today’s team: Noth Valleys.

North Valleys Panthers

Head Coach: Brad Rose, fourth season at North Valleys (10-22 overall, 4-11 league in three seasons at North Valleys; 22-54 overall, 19-50 league over eight seasons at Sparks and North Valleys)

Previous Season Record: 5-7 overall, 2-3 league

Overview: North Valleys enters the 2025 season in a period of transition, coming off a year that was defined by a rash of injuries and the graduation of over 30 seniors – many of whom were major contributors to the program’s success over the past three seasons. Despite the setbacks, the program’s win total has steadily increased each of the last three years, under Head Coach Brad Rose, signaling growth and resilience. Now, with a younger but battle-tested group, the team is optimistic about what lies ahead. Several underclassmen who now step into starting roles were part of successful runs at the freshman and JV levels the past few years, building chemistry and confidence along the way. 

Offensively, The Panthers will continue to operate out of the pistol spread, a scheme designed to maintain balance and exploit matchups in both the run and pass game. The unit brings back four starters, including record-setting Senior Quarterback Mikole Almond, who broke multiple school passing records last season when he completed 65-percent of his passes for 2,024 yards and 24 TDs. With a better understanding of the offense and improved timing with his receivers, Almond is expected to lead a more explosive and efficient attack. Returning experience on the offensive line, led by Senior DJ June and at skill positions, like Senior WR Colby Duggin and Senior TE O’Rion Maniscalco, give the offense the foundation to improve each week. 

On defense, the team will line up in a 4-2-5 base, a flexible scheme that allows for a variety of looks against both run-heavy and pass-first opponents. The defense returns five starters, including standout senior defensive ends Nate Carreto, DJ June and O’Rion Maniscalco and inside linebacker Junior Christian Burgos, all of whom bring toughness and leadership to the front six. Coach Rose is excited about the group’s overall defensive IQ, which should allow them to make quick adjustments on the fly and hopefully limit big plays. With speed and experience in key positions, the defense is expected to be competitive from day one. 

While youth and inexperience may lead to some early growing pains, this team is built to improve each week. The passing game is a clear strength and just as important, the team’s culture – forged by years of watching upperclassmen lead - remains strong. Players are buying into the daily grind, lifting each other up, and taking pride in preparation. Defensively, a high football IQ and ability to disguise coverages and adjust to offenses will be key to staying competitive in a tough league. I expect the Valleys to keep moving forward with their upward trajectory.

Despite the roster turnover from last season, there’s a strong sense of optimism around the North Valleys program. Coaches believe that with consistent effort and weekly improvement, this team has the potential to make some noise as the season progresses, after back-to-back years with playoff victories – which is the first time in school history. With a high-ceiling quarterback, a scheme tailored to its strengths, and a culture that prioritizes hard work and accountability, The Panthers may surprise opponents who overlook them. One thing is clear – they’re ready to compete, grow, and continue building toward sustained success. 

Potential Projected Starters:

Offense

QB Mikole Almond, Senior: Almond is the clear QB1 for The Panthers and is in his third year as a starter; he also set school records last season. Trenton Reyna will be QB2 this season.

RB Hayde Leris, Senior: Took over for Hector Nunez mid-season when he got injured. Jayden Gonzalez, Junior will back him up this season.

WR Colby Duggin, Senior: Returns after being the second leading receiver last season.

WR Lucas Sadler, Senior: Played primarily defense last season but will get more reps at WR this season.

WRs Jalen Mickel, Sophomore OR Rylan Brussard, Junior OR Prestyn Price, Senior will be WR3 for The Panthers this season.

TE O’Rion Maniscalco, Senior: Got reps in playoff victory as a Sophomore but tore his ACL in camp last season. He’s a potential breakout candidate for The Panthers this season.

OT Brandon Beck, Senior: Returning starter from last season.

OG Tyberious Gay, Junior

C Alex Lopez, Sophomore

OG Braden Moore, Sophomore OR SP Peo, Junior

OT DJ June, Senior: Primarily played defense last year but will be on the offensive side of the ball this season as well. Also look out for Freshman Josiah Aemperosa at OT this season.

Defense

DEs Nate Carreto, Senior and DJ June, Senior OR O’Rion Maniscalco, Senior

DT Manase Poleo, Senior OR SP Peo, Junior

OLBs TBD

MLB Ben Morello, Junior: Morello had 60 tackles as a Sophomore last season as he took over for injured All Region player Chase Busick.

MLB Christian Burgos, Senior: Returning Starter.

DBs Lucas Sadler, Senior: Started several games last year; and Frank Anthony, Junior.

Safeties Julian Germain, Senior: Got reps last year and was a special teams player; and Anthony Medina, Senior: Also got reps last year and was a special teams player.

Kicker TBD

Punter TBD

Kick Returner TBD

Punt Returner TBD

Season Schedule:

Aug. 14 at South Tahoe (Calif.)

Aug. 22 vs. Churchill County

Aug. 29 vs. Galena

Sep. 5 vs. Wheatland (Calif.)

Sep. 12 at Douglas

Sep. 25 vs. Carson *

Oct. 3 at McQueen *

Oct. 17 vs. Wooster *

Oct. 24 at Hug *

Oct. 30 at Reno *

J. Ray Dockter has been covering high school sports since 2022. If you have a story worth telling let him know via Twitter/X @J_RayDoc.