GALENA (4-2, 6-3) at RENO (4-2, 6-3)
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Foster Field, Reno High School
Last week: Reno 31, Carson 13; Reed 27, Galena 17
Notes: Both teams rely on punishing ground games for the bulk of their yards. The Huskies are led by Brennan Locker, who has gained 804 yards on 136 carries. John Rice, more known for his baseball exploits, gained over 130 yards against Carson and scored a touchdown. Galena's ground game is led by Ryan Krueger, who gained 1,318 yards on 197 carries. Jimmy Sargent gives the Grizzlies a nice complementary back when Krueger needs a breather. The Grizzlies' young QB Jacob Anderson has completed 34 of 85 passes for 515 yards and seven scores. Reno will have the advantage in the passing game, as John Dankworth has completed 72 of 140 for 1,269 yards and 11 scores. Dankworth's favorite target are Anthony Brown and tight end Daniel Knapp. Anthony Fritsche is Anderson's go-to receiver. Galena's defense has been especially impressive with its swarming-style attack. Linebackers Joseph Milegich, Jake Hess, Sargent and Casey Ernst are top-notch, and Justin Gates has played well on the defensive line.
SPARKS (2-4, 4-5) at DAYTON (3-3, 5-4)
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Dayton High School
Last week: Fernley 42, Dayton 34; Sparks was idle
Notes: These teams met two weeks, and the Dust Devils escaped with a 31-27 victory. Sparks got off to a 4-2 start, but faded down the stretch with losses to Spring Creek, Lowry and Dayton. The Dust Devils are coming off a 42-34 upset loss to Fernley, which cost them the Golden Pick, annually given to the top football team in Lyon County. Both teams have plenty of offensive firepower. Dayton QB Travis Wood completed 119 of 234 passing attempts for 2,046 yards and 16 scores, and multi-dimensional Erik Hopper had 1,236 yards rushing, and also is a threat to catch the ball whether he's lined up in the backfield or out wide. Jordan Stokes, a senior transfer from Las Vegas, has enjoyed a nice season with47 catches for 860 yards. Sparks counters with junio QB Alex Toler, who completed 50 percent of his passes for 1,417 yards and 17 touchdowns. Senior running back Gabe Villacorta rushed for 1,032 yards and six touchdowns. Fullback Chris Orsborn has 29 catches for 328 yards and seven TDs. He accounted for another 312 yards rushing. Sophomore receiver Zach Quilici, who was called up from JV at midseason, has 17 catches for 554 yards and seven scores. Jamaine Blackburn has 350 receiving yards.
FERNLEY (2-4, 5-4) at SPRING CREEK (6-0, 9-0)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Spring Creek
Last week: Fernley 42, Dayton 34; Spring Creek 56, Lowry 7
Notes: The Vaqueros should have the confidence they can play with Spring Creek after giving the Spartans all they could handle in a 35-23 loss at Fernley earlier this year. Fernley also debuted an offset I-formation last week against Dayton, with Brandon Frunk and Colt Ainsworth each going over 100 yards rushing. Fernley also has numerous weapons, including the versatile Travis McCurry and quarterback Colin Hodges. But the Vaqueros will have to deal with Spring Creek running back James Edwards, who has gained 2,120 yards this year.
YERINGTON (5-3, 5-5) at LOVELOCK (8-0, 10-0)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Lovelock
Last week: ROP 26, Yeringon 22; Lovelock 36, Battle Mountain 28
Notes: Yerington should also have confidence it can play with Lovelock, losing to the Northern 2A's top team 34-30 earlier this year. The Lions should also have their top two offensive players back in quarterback Matt Richardson and running back Ricky Menesini. The Lions were either going to play Lovelock or Battle Mountain in the playoffs and since both games went down to the wire - Yerington lost to Battle Mountain 34-29 - the Lions weren't that concerned about their playoff seed, so they decided to allow Menesini to heal up for the playoffs. Menesini, who has been out with a pulled quad, has gained 821 yards on 105 carries for a 7.8-yard average. Richardson, who hurt his hip last week against Rite of Passage, has thrown for 808 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lovelock is led by Lucas Montes, who has gained 1,787 yards on 238 carries for a 7.5 average.
Editor's note: Many of the statistics listed were provided by NevadaPrep.com.
