NV 3A/4A Playoff Standouts
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Breaking down the top performers from Nevada’s 3A and 4A playoff matchups. 3A Damien Nevil NV #42 ATH #5 HEIGHT 5'11" WEIGHT 175 POS ATH CLASS 2025 View Profile Damien Nevil Instagram Twitter State: Nevada School: SLAM Academy Nevil rushed…
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Continue ReadingBreaking down the top performers from Nevada’s 3A and 4A playoff matchups.
3A
Nevil rushed 22 times for 240 yards and 3 TDs in SLAM’s 28-21 win over Virgin Valley. He’s been a major stock-riser among NV’s 2024 RBs this season showing upside in his natural speed and elusiveness. Nevil’s been a key piece of SLAM’s 9-game winning streak heading into the 3A state semifinal- he’s totaled 200+ yards and 2+ TDs in each of SLAM’s past three games. SLAM advances to the 3A state semifinal where they’ll face Elko on Saturday, 11/11 at 1pm.
Highlights
Degan Jones
Degan Jones
Jones caught 3 passes for 139 yards and 3 TDs, took 3 carries for 67 yards and 2 TDs, and a returned a kick 87 yards for a TD in Moapa Valley’s 62-14 win over Boulder City. He showed elite speed and fluid athleticism producing explosive plays with the ball in his hands. He presents obvious talent and upside in his playmaking ability and track-level speed. Moapa Valley will face Truckee in the 3A state semifinal this Saturday, 11/11 at 12pm.
4A
Plotnikov completed 13/18 passes for 245 yards and 4 TDs in Centennial’s 39-7 semifinal win over Bonanza. He’s been one of the most productive passers in Nevada this season throwing for over 2,000 yards and 32 TDs. He’s a mobile pocket-passer that can throw with accuracy over the middle of the field and take advantage of space with his legs. #1-Centennial faces #2-SAL in the 4A Desert championship in a matchup that will feature two of 4A’s most prolific playmakers: Plotnikov and SAL RB Malachi Johnson.
Malachi Johnson
Malachi Johnson
Johnson handled 21 carries for 201 yards and 3 TDs in SAL’s 44-29 semifinal win over Mojave. He flashed his natural speed on a 55-yard TD run through the teeth of the defense and showed lateral explosion bouncing a run outside for a TD. Johnson, the state’s second-leading rusher, has continually produced at a high-level this season with over 1,600 yards and 20 TDs. SAL advances to face #1-Centennial in the 4A Desert championship on Friday.
Cunningham led Sunrise Mountain to a close 36-35 win over Eldorado with 17 carries for 269 yards and 3 TDs. He flashed his explosive speed and ability to fight through contact on two 40+ yard TD runs. Cunningham’s a talented runner with underrated speed and athleticism out of the backfield. He’s totaled 100+ yards in each of Sunrise Mountain’s past seven wins. #1-Sunrise Mountain will face #2-Canyon Springs this Friday in the 4A Mountain championship for a chance at the D4 state title game.
More Playoff Standouts:
- Angelo Ahern Angelo Ahern 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Centennial | 2024 State NV (ATH / 2024 / Centennial): 5 catches, 98 yards, TD
- Derrick MacFarlane Jr. (DL / 2024 / Centennial): 7 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks
- Maxx Ellermeyer (LB / 2024 / Truckee): 9 tackles, 3 TFLs
- Jace Estabrook Jace Estabrook 5'8" | 145 lbs | QB Truckee | 2025 State NV (QB / 2025 / Truckee): 14/16, 180 yards, 2 TDs
- Tony Carrillo (DL / 2026 / Moapa Valley): 4 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks