High School Football Picks: Week 1

High school football is finally back this week.

After the most bizarre offseason in state history, none of it will matter once Friday night arrives and the 2026 season officially kicks off.

Still, the fallout from that offseason — when Clark County School District programs opted for independent status rather than compete against private and charter schools — will be on full display in Bishop Gorman’s opener.

Perennial power Gorman, ranked in the preseason top five, opens against Somerset Losee in what should be a lopsided win. Here’s the kicker: the two teams will likely meet again later this season — in the Open Division state championship game.

That’s because Gorman, Losee and Faith Lutheran are the only three teams left in the division, which guarantees each of them a spot in a championship game. The top seed, Gorman, will face the third seed for state. 

That third seed will be whichever team loses the Faith Lutheran-Losee matchup later this year. The winner of that game then plays the Northern Region champion for the Class 5A title.

It’s an awful system — but something we won’t worry about until the end of the season.

Each week, we’ll be here with our picks. Last season, this column went 179-57. Let’s make it another fun one.

Somerset Losee at Bishop Gorman

Bishop Gorman secures a spot in the Open Division state championship game — yes, in mid-August. Gorman 55, Somerset 0

Mater East at Faith Lutheran

What a matchup: Mater East’s passing attack of quarterback James Monaghan IV, tight end Mike Taylor and receiver Justin McCullah against Faith’s secondary of Treylon Fox and Ace Brimmer. Mater East 36, Faith Lutheran 29

Spring Valley at Durango

Durango doesn’t have an answer for Spring Valley’s King Kahalewai, who had 714 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Spring Valley 32, Durango 26

Arbor View at West (Salt Lake City)

A road game in Utah to open the season won’t be forgiving for an Arbor View squad working in new starters at key spots, including on the offensive line. West is led by Michigan-commit Kamden Lopati at quarterback. West 39, Arbor View 32

Sunrise Mountain at Western

I’m buying stock in the Warriors. Western 23, Sunrise Mountain 18

Bonanza at Chaparral

We rarely pick against the Chap Cowboys, the city’s greatest school …and my alma mater. Chaparral 20, Bonanza 12

Green Valley at Foothill

Foothill has an elite quarterback in junior Ryder Dobbs, who at 6-foot-4 passes the eye test. He can sling it. Foothill 38, Green Valley 23

Coronado at Centennial

Anyone have a coin? Centennial 22, Coronado 19

Silverado at Legacy

Silverado’s offense likes to go at a fast pace. They’ll run circles around Legacy. Silverado 34, Legacy 16

Eldorado at Las Vegas

Las Vegas thinks it is the king of the eastside. They certainly will look that way against Eldorado. Las Vegas 42, Eldorado 8

Palo Verde at Desert Pines

Both programs are starting new eras. Palo Verde 25, Desert Pines 23

Hurricane (Utah) at Virgin Valley

Virgin Valley’s ground game will be too much for a Hurricane squad with many first-time varsity players. Virgin Valley 23, Hurricane 11

Beaver (Utah) at Moapa Valley

Moapa Valley lost at the buzzer in last year’s state championship game — a spot they reached one season ahead of schedule. The program has long targeted this season as the one when it brings the trophy back to the valley. Moapa Valley 30, Beaver 12