2025 Week 1 Football Picks

The wait is over — Friday nights under the lights are back, and Week 1 in Nevada high school football offers some intriguing matchups to kick off the 2025 season. From cross-regional clashes to early rivalry sparks, here’s a breakdown of each highlighted game along with predictions from J. Ray Dockter, Brady Raggio, Lynn Ault, and Michael Reeves.

North Valleys @ South Tahoe

South Tahoe has a team that can show their speed in space, but North Valleys brings a more balanced attack and a physical offensive line that could control the tempo. Both teams are looking for an early-season confidence boost, and this one has the feel of a fourth-quarter nail-biter.

• Reeves’ Pick: North Valleys 28-21

• Dockter’s Pick: North Valleys 27-21

• Ault's Pick: North Valleys 31-14

• Raggio's Pick: North Valleys

  
  

Bishop Manogue @ McQueen

The defending powerhouse Bishop Manogue Miners return plenty of firepower and should have little trouble with a McQueen team still in rebuild mode. Expect the Miners to score early and often behind their explosive offense.

• Reeves’ Pick: Bishop Manogue 56-7

• Dockter’s Pick: Bishop Manogue 48-10

• Ault's Pick: Bishop Manogue 56-14

• Raggio's Pick: Bishop Manogue

Boulder City @ Churchill County (Fallon)

Boulder City makes the long trip north, but Fallon’s defense should be stout at home. Expect a physical, low-turnover contest with the Greenwave doing just enough in the trenches to prevail.

• Reeves’ Pick: Fallon 24-21

• Dockter’s Pick: Fallon 30-17

• Ault's Pick: Fallon 24-7

• Raggio's Pick: Fallon

  
  

Fernley @ Douglas

This one is a coin flip. Fernley’s ground game will test the Tigers Defense, but Douglas has playmakers who can change the game in a single snap. This game could come down to which team controls the final possession.

• Reeves’ Pick: Douglas 21-17

• Dockter’s Pick: Fernley 23-21

• Ault's Pick: Douglas 17-14

• Raggio's Pick: Fernley

  
  

Sparks @ Hug

Don’t expect a shootout here, both defenses have the edge over the offenses. This might be a “first to 10 wins” type of night. Field position and special teams could decide it.

• Reeves’ Pick: Sparks 9-6

• Dockter’s Pick: Hug 7-6

• Ault's Pick: Hug 21-14

• Raggio's Pick: Sparks

  
  

Spanish Springs @ Simi Valley (CA)

Spanish Springs gets tested early with a trip to California. Simi Valley’s passing attack is dangerous, and if they can dictate pace, it could be a long night for the Cougars.

• Reeves’ Pick: Simi Valley 35-14

• Dockter’s Pick: Simi Valley 34-24

• Ault's Pick: Simi Valley 35-31

• Raggio's Pick: Simi Valley

  
  

Truckee vs. Konawaena (HI)

Truckee’s disciplined style meets Hawaii’s Konawaena Wildcats, who bring speed and aggressive defensive looks. Dockter is siding with Truckee’s ability to grind games out, while Reeves likes the athleticism and big-play potential from Konawaena.

• Reeves’ Pick: Konawaena 31-14

• Dockter’s Pick: Truckee 34-28

• Ault's Pick: Konawaena 34-28

• Raggio's Pick: Konawaena