Michael Reeves and J. Ray Dockter give you their thoughts for each matchup and Michael provides a little insight into what may be expected in this week's slate of games. (NOTE: Unfortunately Lynn Ault, Michael Reeves, and J. Ray Dockter recorded an incredible podcast this week but due to it not capturing audio we will not be publishing a podcast this week)
5A DII Matchups
Bishop Manogue Miners at Las Vegas Wildcats
Reeves Thoughts: In a matchup where heat could definitely play a role the Miners travel to Las Vegas to take on the Wildcats. Bishop Manogue faced Las Vegas last season and won in convincing fashion 55-14. The Miners change quarterback this season but see much of the same as Manu, Fleischmann, Marconato, & Scolari continue to build on terrific high school careers.
Doc's Orders: Bishop Manogue must start fast against Las Vegas in order to have a chance to secure the victory in Southern Nevada.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Bishop Manogue 35, Las Vegas 21
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Bishop Manogue 28, Las Vegas 27
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Bishop Manogue 35, Las Vegas 28
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Bishop Manogue
Churchill County Greenwave at Reed Raiders
Reeves Thoughts: This game is a rematch of a close one from last year as the Raiders emerged victorious winning 34-28 in Churchill County. This year Reed gets to play the role of host.
Doc's Orders: Maybe the game of the week, these two teams will be playing competitive football until the final whistle. Reed wins in a battle.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Reed 38, Churchill County 35
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Reed 41, Churchill County 28
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Reed 45, Churchill County 20
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Reed
Hug Hawks at Damonte Ranch Mustangs
Reeves Thoughts: The Mustangs play host to the Hawks, and this is a game that is sure to be a measuring stick game for both programs. For Hug they see if their team can compete and what kind of effort we should expect to see for the season to come. For Damonte Ranch are they a fringe 5A D-II or D-III team or maybe even more.
Doc's Orders: This matchup will have two former North Valleys head coaches going against one another, the teacher vs. the pupil. Who will gain the upper hand early will control how this game plays out.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Damonte Ranch 42, Hug 21
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Damonte Ranch 34, Hug 28
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Damonte Ranch 35, Hug 17
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Damonte Ranch
Grant Pacers at McQueen Lancers
Reeves Thoughts: LaGrone and Duran lead a Lancer program that finds itself searching for where it stands in Northern Nevada football. Is this the Lancer team that can recreate images of the Ken Dalton Era or is it a program in flux. This game is a tough one to start with for McQueen as they lost 42-0 last year.
Doc's Orders: Tough opener for the Lancers as Grant rolls out 6-8 kids with Division-I potential. If the Lancers offensive and defensive lines can control the pace of play, they have a chance. If McQ fails to keep Grant's playmakers as bay, it could get ugly.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Grant 42, McQueen 21
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Grant 31, McQueen 24
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Grant 35, McQueen 17
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Grant
Christian Brothers Falcons at Reno Huskies
Reeves Thoughts: The Falcons are the 128th ranked team according to MaxPreps in the state of California. Christian Brothers went 10-3 in their season last year. This should be a tough matchup for the Huskies. How will CJ Wintch and his staff open up their new era of Reno Football.
Doc's Orders: I believe in the Huskies even though Christian Brothers will be a tough matchup for them, 'Who let the Dogs out?!?'
Michael Reeves Prediction: Reno 35, Christian Brothers 28
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Reno 20, Christian Brothers 17
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Christian Brothers 21, Reno 19
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Reno
Spanish Springs Cougars at Oak Ridge Trojans
Reeves Thoughts: Oak Ridge ranked 21st in California last year according to MaxPreps as they have visited Northern Nevada multiple times in years past. Expect Coach Hummel and his team to give a good effort but we will see if that effort leads the Coug's to victory.
Doc's Orders: In my pre-season interview with Coach Hummel he said "we schedule difficult opponents because it gives us an opportunity to put some weaknesses on tape." I believe the Cougs will have plenty of things to talk about next week.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Oak Ridge 42, Spanish Springs 28
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Oak Ridge 38, Spanish Springs 24
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Oak Ridge 55, Spanish Springs 17
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Oak Ridge
5A DIII Matchups
Douglas Tigers at Argonaut Mustangs
Reeves Thoughts: Tigers look to take on the Mustangs but this time from Jackson, CA. Douglas should have the upper hand as they beat Argonaut last season 20 to 0. Tigers will be making the trip over the hill this season in what could be the start to a successful season.
Doc's Orders: The Tigers will begin the season 1-0 and have a successful season.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Douglas 35, Argonaut 7
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Douglas 20, Argonaut 14
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Douglas 28, Argonaut 7
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Douglas
Galena Grizzlies at Spring Creek Spartans
Reeves Thoughts: Galena looks to change their potential end to the season as they now play in the 5A DIII which means they have chances to compete with teams more comparative to their school. This season though it seems like that will not be the case as the Grizz look to be heavy favorites and should dominate much of the year. This will be one of their more competitive games with Miller, Kermode, and Czyz looking to put their stamp on this season.
Doc's Orders: If I weren't going to the Truckee game this evening this would be the game I'd be headed to see. Tyler Miller vs. Colin Banning is going to be an epic matchup in the trenches.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Galena 49, Spring Creek 7
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Galena 45, Spring Creek 42
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Spring Creek 45, Galena 42
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Galena
Galena Grizzlies at Spring Creek Spartans
Reeves Thoughts: Galena looks to change their potential end to the season as they now play in the 5A DIII which means they have chances to compete with teams more comparative to their school. This season though it seems like that will not be the case as the Grizz look to be heavy favorites and should dominate much of the year. This will be one of their more competitive games with Miller, Kermode, and Czyz looking to put their stamp on this season.
Michael Reeves Prediction: 49-7 Galena
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction:
Lynn Ault's Prediction: 34-31 Galena
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Galena
Pershing County Mustangs at Wooster Colts
Reeves Thoughts: PC Mustangs had a great year last season going 8-3 overall. Looking to this year the Mustangs are ranked 51st and the Colts 52nd according to MaxPreps. This should be a tight affair as both teams are capable of beating each other.
Doc's Orders: Wooster picks up the close victory as road travels get the best of the Mustangs.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Pershing County 28, Wooster 21
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Wooster 14, Pershing County 13
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Wooster 23, Pershing County 20
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Wooster
Sparks Railroaders at North Valleys Panthers
Reeves Thoughts: J. Ray Dockter is thrilled about the capabilities of his Panthers this season. This will be a tough test on week one even if the Railroaders won this matchup 25 to 0 last season.
Doc's Orders: The Valleys avenge their season ending loss to the Railroaders as they begin the season 1-0.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Sparks 21, North Valleys 20
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: North Valleys 21, Sparks 20
Lynn Ault's Prediction: North Valleys 14, Sparks 13
Brady Raggio's Prediction: North Valleys
Carson Senators at Sutter Huskies (Saturday 7PM)
Reeves Thoughts: Coach Boshard and the Carson Senators lost to Sutter last season 35 to 0 last season. It will be a tall task for the Senators to come out of this one with a win but with a good effort anything is possible on any given Friday.
Doc's Orders: Sutter is a good team, travel catches the Senators by surprise.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Carson 10, Sutter 7
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Sutter 27, Carson 14
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Sutter 19, Carson 14
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Carson
Truckee at Colfax (Calif.)
A rematch of last season's opener between these two teams the Wolverines should roll in this one.