Week 1 Previews and Predictions
By: J. Ray Dockter
Welcome to Battle Born Preps first crack at previews and predictions for the 2024 season.
Below are my thoughts on each matchup, Thanks for your patronage and I hope you enjoy.
Bishop Manogue Miners @ Damonte Ranch
Dockter's Note(s): The Miners begin their season as 'Road Warriors' Tonight making the short trip to Damonte Ranch to take on the Mustangs. The Miners come into this game on a 10-game winning streak, while the Mustangs are currently on a five-game losing streak. Both teams will be motivated to start their seasons off right with a victory, but unfortunately only one will. In this battle of South Reno rivals, I believe that the Miners and their experienced coaching staff will get the better of the Mustangs in this week one duel, which also doubles as our Battle Born Preps 'Battle of The Week.' Fireworks are sure to be in full effect this evening.
Lynn's one liner: The Mustangs [are] returning a lot of key contributors, [they] have a new attitude, and coaching staff. Facing Manogue, the first week of the season is better than facing them later in the season when Coach Howren has them running on all cylinders, I am going to say Damonte pulls [off] the upset, 27-24.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Bishop Manogue 34, Damonte Ranch 24
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Damonte Ranch 27, Bishop Manogue 24
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Bishop Manogue
Michael Reeves Prediction: Bishop Manogue 42-14
Douglas Tigers @ Fernley Vaqueros
Dockter's Note(s): The Tigers will head to Fernley in a battle of two teams wearing the same uniform colors - black, orange and white. This is one of the most intriguing matchups of week one. The Douglas Tigers are coming off of one of their best seasons in recent memory, and they will be looking to make a name for themselves in the Northern 5A, Division-II this season. The Fernley Vaqueros, under the leadership of third-year head coach Anfernee Sloan, will be looking to take the next step toward becoming a championship-caliber team once again. They will be led by a big group of juniors who are expected to be a top three seed in the Northern 3A this season. This game will be an extremely physical matchup as both teams like to play 'ground and pound' football offensively while playing fundamentally 'physically, violent' defense. Ultimately, I believe that the Fernley Vaqueros will come out victorious in this matchup.
Lynn's one liner: [I am] calling the upset, Fernley returns a lot of guys while Douglas looks to replace key losses to graduation, Fernley wins 28-21.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Fernley 21, Douglas 10
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Fernley 28, Douglas 21
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Fernley
Michael Reeves Prediction: Douglas Tigers 21-7
Spring Creek Spartans @ Galena Grizzlies
Dockter's Note(s): One of this week's many crossover matchups pit the Galena Grizzlies as hosts to the Spring Creek Spartans in a matchup of teams that have had success in the recent past. Both of these teams have made it to the State Bracket in the last two seasons. Galena will be looking to take the next step and claim a State Championship this season under the steady hand of QB Colson Kermode. Spring Creek will look to set the tone on the offensive and defensive lines with Nevada commit Colin Banning serving as the anchor of the Spartans front. This should be a hotly contested matchup of two teams that know what success tastes like. My only concern is how does Spring Creek do with the travel this early in the season. I am giving Galena the benefit of the doubt in this one, since they are the home team. I believe they start the season 1-0.
Lynn's one liner: Returning QB Colson Kermode leads the Grizz to victory, 34-12.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Galena 17, Spring Creek 13
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Galena 34, Spring Creek 12
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Galena
Michael Reeves Prediction: Galena Grizzlies 28-7
Reed at Churchill County
Dockter's Note(s): Yet another crossover matchup on our schedule for this week see the Raiders travel to the Greenwave this evening. In a matchup that dates back to their days as High Desert League rivals this game is always a slugfest and Reed snuck away with one at home last season. Fallon has undergone many changes in the past year, including being under the leadership of new head coach Calvin Connors. Not much is known at this point about changes that have been made within the program so tonight will be a 'coming out' party of sorts for the Greenwave. One thing that is for certain, Fallon will show up and be physical, disciplined and have effective execution. Reed has many weapons that they can roll out this season and I think they have an outside chance of winning the 5A, Division-II. With that being said, I think the Raiders get it rolling and win this one on the road tonight.
Lynn's one liner: Reed returns their starting quarterback and running back, they always have size and are well coached, Reed spoils Churchill County’s home opener, 31-14.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Reed 24, Churchill County 14
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Reed 31, Churchill County 14
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Reed
Michael Reeves Prediction: Reed 35-7
Simi Valley (Calif.) at Spanish Springs
Dockter's Note(s): The Cougars welcome the Pioneers of Simi Valley (Calif.) into Sparks Tonight. The Pioneers were the Regional Runner-up's in their division last season. After finishing fourth place in league with a record of 9-6 overall they scored 518 points last season. The Pioneers averaged 34.5 points per game last season. They were led by RB/WR Brice Hawkins, who gained 2,463 yards of total offense on 312 touches to go along with 27 TDs. He was also a threat in the return game taking his total yardage number to 3,127 yards after including his kick and punt returns yards. Sports Illustrated listed him as the '11th Best RB in the state of California' based on (yardage gained) production last year. Hawkins was also listed as the 37th best player in Southern California headed into the season, by Sports Illustrated. The Cougars will be led by 'Jack-of-all-Trades' Brady Hummel in the defensive backfield and fellow Junior Kyler DePaepe is leading the linebacking corp. The Cougars will have their hands full with the Pioneers this evening, but my question is "Do they have enough fire power to keep up with the visiting Pioneers offense this evening?" Unfortunately, I don't think they will...
Lynn's one liner: Spanish Springs play a 'Top 100' California team, but it’ll be the Cougars night, 28-24.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Simi Valley (Calif.) 35, Spanish Springs 14
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Spanish Springs 28, Simi Valley (Calif.) 24
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Simi Valley (Calif.)
Michael Reeves Prediction: Spanish Springs 28-21
Wooster at Pershing County
Dockter's Note(s): In a battle of horses with great program history, the Colts ride into Lovelock to take on the Mustangs. Also, a rematch from last year's season opener for both of these teams, in which Wooster won 33–0 the Mustangs will surely look to exact revenge on the visiting Colts this season. This game was really close last season until the final 12 minutes when Wooster pulled away for the victory. It was also the first of three consecutive losses that Pershing County had to start last season. They went on to win nine straight games, as well as league and regional championship before playing in the state championship game where they unfortunately lost to Lake Mead Christian Academy 49-6 at Allegiant Stadium. They return a plethora of starters from that team and will look to get their season off on the right foot against a 5A Division-III opponent they've become very familiar with over the last few seasons. I think the Mustangs will get it done this time.
Lynn's one liner: These teams opened the season last year and Wooster won 33-0, the Mustangs will be looking to exact revenge this year in front of their home fans, but “Wooster vs. Everyone” motivates the Colts in tough situations, and I think Wooster gets the win, 33-28.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Pershing County 21, Wooster 20
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Wooster 33, Pershing County 28
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Wooster
Michael Reeves Prediction: Wooster 28-14
North Valleys at Sparks
Dockter's Note(s): Brad Rose returns to his old stomping grounds at Sparks HS (for the second time in three seasons) in the matchup that I am unofficially renaming "The 'Rose' Bowl." This is the rubber match between these two teams over the last three seasons with each team scoring a victory on their home field. Sparks returns QB Max Hendrix for his senior season as he will be a three-year starter by the end of the season. North Valleys will be led by RB/LB Hector Nunez who is also a three-year starter for the Panthers. These two have developed quite a rivalry over the years, in fact, I was lucky enough to play in one of the first meetings between these team when the Panthers scored a 35-19 victory in the fall of 2003. As a former Panther I believe this game will set the tone for the season ahead for the 'Boys of Golden Valley Rd.' I project the Panthers will win this one, 42-20.
Lynn's one liner: Should be an exciting game, I think North Valleys leaves Sparks with the win, 28-21.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: North Valleys 42, Sparks 20
Lynn Ault's Prediction: North Valleys 28, Sparks 21
Brady Raggio's Prediction: North Valleys
Michael Reeves Prediction: North Valleys 21-14
Hug at McQueen
Dockter's Note(s): A matchup of two area teams who were once dominant and seek a return to glory. The Hawks fly into Lancers territory on Friday in hopes of scoring a huge upset of the McQueen Lancers. This game is scheduled for an 8 PM kickoff and will be a highly contested matchup from start to finish. The Hawks will look to break in their new coaching staff with a victory, while the Lancers will look to start their season off with a victory for the first time under Coach Matt Marner. I've been told that the Hawks have had issues with numbers and participation this off-season, but my hope is that they have enough football team members to compete and complete the entire season this fall while they continue to build at the lower levels. The Lancers seek a return to glory this season after struggling through the past two years post their magical run to the regional championship just three short years ago. At this point I don't know much about either one of these teams, but I suspect The Lancers will come out victorious in this one.
Lynn's one liner: A successful home opener for the Lancers, [as they roll] 34-7.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: McQueen 34, Hug 10
Lynn Ault's Prediction: McQueen 34, Hug 7
Brady Raggio's Prediction: McQueen
Michael Reeves Prediction: McQueen 28-0
Canyon Springs at Carson
Dockter's Note(s): The Senators are set to host the Pioneers for a Saturday afternoon matinee in the state capital. Canyon Springs will embark on the 428-mile trip north to the capital city. The Senators are coached by former Liberty assistant coach Ryan Boshard, who is intimately familiar with the Pioneers program because of his time with the Patriots down south. Boshard expects the Senators to be very competitive this season. This game will set the tone for how they plan to compete for the rest of the year. I think the Pioneers athleticism will be too much for the Senators this Saturday. My prediction is the Pioneers win 27-13.
Lynn's one liner: [The] Canyon Springs [Pioneers] make the trip to Carson and will spoil the Senators home opener, 38-21.
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Canyon Springs 27, Carson 13
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Canyon Springs 38, Carson 21
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Canyon Springs
Michael Reeves Prediction: Canyon Springs 35-14
J. Ray Dockter has been covering high school sports since 2022. If you have a story worth telling let him know via Twitter @J_RayDoc.
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