HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

TONIGHT’S GAMES

NONLEAGUE

* HIGHLAND (0-0) vs. LAS VEGAS SILVERADO (1-0) at Silverado, 7 p.m.

Highland hopes to put a frustrating 1995 season behind it tonight against a team that has already done so. Highland was 3-7 last season, 0-5 in Golden League play. Silverado was 0-8 last season, but opened its season last week with a 28-24 victory over Basic. Highland must endure a 4 1/2-hour bus ride to Las Vegas, where the temperature at kickoff last week was 112. Coach Lin Parker has instructed his players to load up on potassium, but he’s not concerned about the heat. “We live on the Mojave Desert,” Parker told his players. “Heat is not a factor.” Highland has 16 returning starters, led by all-league defensive back Marcus Prevost, who will also play running back this year. He will be joined by promising ball carriers Brandon McElvaine, Marcuss Fisher and Will Amey. Camy Smith will play quarterback. Will Demps returns at fullback. Silverado’s Wing-T offense is led by running back Rod Gipson (27 carries, 159 yards last week). On defense, the Bulldogs will stack the line of scrimmage to stop the run.

* LITTLEROCK (0-0) vs. LAS VEGAS VALLEY (1-0) at Las Vegas Valley, 7 p.m.

Littlerock hopes to improve on a 4-6 showing last season, but it won’t be easy with only seven players back. That rather small nucleus could get a boost from a junior varsity that was 7-3. Bryant Perez (6 feet 3, 260 pounds), Rene Torres (5-7, 200) and Dan Marino (6-4, 210) return to the offensive line. Running back Devon Reece and linebacker Conrad Castrellon (6 feet, 193) should be among the Golden League’s best players. Valley was 0-8 last season but opened last week with a 14-12 upset of Bishop Gorman. Running back LaRontae Johnson rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown in 19 carries. Valley’s best offensive lineman is Charles Rhoden, while the defense is led by linebacker Paul Robinson and safety John Brazelle, who combined for 27 tackles last week.