Football Game Preview: Centennial Bulldogs vs. Palo Verde Panthers

The Centennial Bulldogs will challenge the Palo Verde Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The squads are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Centennial has struggled recently with four losses in a row, while Palo Verde will arrive with eight straight wins.

Centennial is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Nevada's top teams: Basic, who was ranked ninth at the time (Centennial was ranked 22nd). Centennial received a blow on Wednesday as they fell 18-0 to Basic.

Meanwhile, Palo Verde blew past Silverado, posting a 39-7 victory. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won six contests by 20 points or more so far this season.

Centennial better keep an eye on Samantha Manzo. She was instrumental in Palo Verde's win, rushing for 76 yards and three touchdowns, while also picking up 67 receiving yards and one touchdown. The dominant performance gave Manzo a new career-high in rushing touchdowns. Another player making a difference was Yolana Huff, who threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Palo Verde didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Isabella Foldy, Alexis Manzo, and Caitlyn Torpey picked up one apiece.

Palo Verde's win was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-1. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 8.0 points per game. As for Centennial, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-9.

Centennial was dealt a bruising 37-9 loss at the hands of Palo Verde in their previous meeting back in January of 2024. Will Centennial have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.