Every Thursday, we will publish our all-class Northern Nevada high school football power rankings. Here are this week's rankings.
Last week: Beat Spanish Springs, 38-6 Sew Machine Spare Part
This week: at McQueen on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: Although the Cougars were without starting quarterback Tate Hummel, the Miners showed their prowess. Cody Fleishmann recorded two touchdowns while Ben Scolari notched two of his own. It seems as if the Miners receivers won't ever drop a pass. That just shows the high-skill level coach Ernie Howren expects of his players. The Miners will remain on top until a team can come and displace them.
Last week: Beat McQueen, 42-7
This week: at Reno on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: Bronwyn Rios has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in just six games, not to mention he is a sophomore that saw limited time in the backfield as a freshman while playing mostly on defense. And it's not like Rios is the only rusher in Reed's arsenal. Sione Vakapuna has 172 yards of his own. The Raiders' offense is averaging 29.5 points per game, which is second among Northern 5A-II teams (Manogue is at 29.8 ppg).
Last week: Beat Galena, 51-21
This week: vs. Hug on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: Douglas' Connor Jackson ran for 304 yards and four touchdowns against Galena last week and nears the 1,000-yard milestone. The Tigers were impressive against Galena's defense, posting a season-high 51 points against what is likely its closest competitor in the 5A-III. Trace Estes caught a pair of touchdowns from Jackson Ovard as the Tigers overcame a slow start. Cole Smalley had 14 tackles and is at 68 through six games this season.
Last week: Beat Churchill County, 35-22
This week: at Lowry on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: It was the most anticipated game of the week. Considering the Greenwave sat above the Wolverines in last week's rankings, Truckee came out to play. Joe Birnbaum recorded four touchdowns and 140 yards on just 12 carries. The Wolverines stayed undefeated and continue to show exceptional strength. Not only did the Wolverine offense produce, but the defense picked off three passes, driving the nail in the coffin.
Last week: Lost to Bishop Manogue, 38-6
This week: vs. Damonte Ranch on Thursday, 7 p.m.
In short: Without starting quarterback Tate Hummel out, the Cougars struggled to find points and has now been held in single digits in three of its six games. Spanish Springs' defense allowed 186 passing yards and 271 rushing yards against Manogue but should have a much more favorable schedule down the stretch as it plays Damonte Ranch, Reno and McQueen over it next three games, all teams we have the Cougars ranked above.
Last week: Lost to Truckee, 35-22
This week: vs. Fernley on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: The Greenwave met their match, losing a 3A showdown to Truckee. Bryce Adams was picked off three times, which proved crucial as Churchill County moved the ball well with 207 rushing yards and 143 passing yards. But the Greenwave allowed five rushing touchdowns. There's another tough test this week against Fernley, which played Truckee to a 19-10 score two weeks ago.
Last week: Lost to Reed, 42-7
This week: vs. Bishop Manogue on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: It was a rough go for the Lancers against Reed's powerful offense. It will be another difficult test for McQueen as they host Bishop Manogue, which means back-to-back games against our top two teams. The Lancers were tagged for two interceptions and a blocked punt and must play a much cleaner game to keep close to the Miners this week.
Last week: Beat Reno, 16-12
This week: at Spanish Springs on Thursday, 7 p.m.
In short: It wasn't pretty, but Damonte Ranch got the win over Reed, holding on late after taking a 16-0 lead into the fourth quarter. The Mustangs completed just two passes on five attempts and had only 138 rushing yards on 43 carries (3.2 yards per attempt), so credit the defense for playing well in the win. Three Mustangs (Carsen Galvin, Jack Wyatt, Dekai Spears) had double-digit tackles with the unit forcing four turnovers. DJ Gonzalez-Brown was the only Mustang to score, rushing for two touchdowns on 14 carries that covered 50 yards.
Last week: Lost to Damonte Ranch, 16-12
This week: vs. Reed on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: Reno fell to Damonte Ranch in a low-scoring game the Huskies probably should have won. Reno outgained Damonte Ranch, 320-153, but committed four turnovers, including three lost fumbles, each by the team's two quarterbacks. The Huskies need more ball security there as it will be a big underdog this week against Reed. Champ Notyce had 17 tackles against Damonte Ranch and is up to 66 on the season.
Last week: Beat Lowry, 42-0
This week: at Sparks on Friday, 7 p.m.
In short: Elko takes Galena's spot in the power rankings after the Grizzlies were blown out by Douglas (the Indians lost to the Tigers, 14-9, earlier this season). Elko has stomped South Tahoe and Lowry the last two weeks by a combined score of 90-0 and should have similar success this week against Sparks, which is 0-6.
Shuttle Loom Parts Nikki Pica is a reporter for Nevada Sports Net. If you have a story idea, you can email her at npica@sbgtv.com or follow her on Twitter @NikkiPica27.