DON McDERMOTT / PVT Pahrump Valley football coach Leo Verzilli, right, discusses game strategy with his assistant coaches; tonight, the Trojans play Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in a Sunset Region Southwest Class 4-A Division game at PVHS. Advertisement

Today, 7 p.m.

Who: Pahrump Valley Trojans, 0-1, vs. Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Gaels, 2-0.

What: Sunset Region Southwest Class 4-A Division football game.

Where: Pahrump Valley High School football stadium.

The Gaels:

Coach: Tony Sanchez, first year

2008 record: 12-2 (7-0 Southwest)

Returning starters: 7 offense, 3 defense

Top players: DE Alex Turner (Sr.); TE Xavier Grimble (Sr.); LB/OL Evan Palelei (Sr.); OL Geoffrey Gibson (Sr.); LB/FB Jordan Welte (Jr.); RB Victor Belen (Sr.); DE Jalen Grimble (Jr.); DT Tim Wilkinson (Sr.); WR Taylor Spencer (Sr.)

Outlook: Sanchez took over a program that has lost just two games in the last two years, and the Gaels again should be the favorites to win the Southwest.

Though only three starters return, the defense should be one of the toughest in the area, especially up front. Turner, who has committed to Stanford, leads the way along with returning All-Southwest League pick Wilkinson.

Jalen Grimble is getting interest from some of the nation's top programs, including Southern California and Louisiana State, and defensive tackle Ian Bobak has garnered Division I looks despite not starting last year.

Linebacker Palelei also has committed to Stanford, and Sanchez expects big things from Welte, as well.

On offense, the Gaels will be inexperienced in the backfield after losing all three players who played quarterback, along with leading rusher Kawika Antolin.

Welte returns at fullback after rushing for 639 yards, and will help carry the load with running backs Belen and sophomore Shaquille Powell.

Belen and Powell combined for just 24 carries last season, but Sanchez said "they really can do some great things."

Gorman is especially young at quarterback with freshman Anu Solomon and sophomore Mark Philippi battling for the starting role. But they'll have good targets in Grimble, who has committed to USC, and Spencer, and good protection from a line led by Gibson, who has committed to California.

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The Trojans:

Coach: Leo Verzilli, second season.

2008: 1-9, 0-7 division.

The outlook: There are 29 players on the varsity roster, including 13 seniors. Developing depth will be vital for the Trojans as they play their second season in Class 4-A football.

Players to watch: QB Alex McGuire; LB Nick Murphy; WR Tyler Lepley; RB Shane Ervine; RB Dajhan Celius; TD Kenneth Sager; DL Leo McCormick; DL Kory Daffer; DL Robin Grandel.

Verzilli says: "The boys have to do what we want them to do. If they do, I think we can be successful."