Nevada’s Class 5A‑North football landscape is poised for another electric year as the 2026 season approaches, with traditional powerhouses and emerging programs vying for the state crown.
Key Players to Watch
Bishop Manogue’s senior lineman Marcus Carey brings a blend of size and leadership that has earned him honorable‑mention All‑League honors, while his teammate Demari Stacker, a junior who doubles as a wide receiver and safety, has emerged as a three‑year varsity stalwart and second‑team All‑League selection after posting 46 catches for 563 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
At Damonte Ranch, senior quarterback Christian Diehl capped his high school career with 1,363 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, a performance that secured him an honorable‑mention All‑League nod. Across the field, Braden McDonald of Spanish Springs, the defending Class 5A champions, returns as a first‑team All‑League standout, anchoring a squad that aims to repeat its title run.
McQueen’s rising star Nick Shannon, a wide receiver celebrated for his blistering speed, is already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated newcomers, while Douglas’ senior quarterback Keston Sadabseng finished the previous campaign with a 45‑of‑77 completion rate for 717 yards, underscoring his reliability under center.
Ryder Tucker, also from McQueen, delivered a spectacular season with 123 completions out of 179 attempts for 2,357 yards and 33 touchdowns, adding two interceptions that highlighted his dual‑threat capabilities. Meanwhile, Bishop Manogue’s defensive end Zeke Peterson, who led the team in sacks as a sophomore, earned second‑team All‑League recognition and will look to build on that momentum.
On the defensive front, Jacobe Cherry, a senior tackle for Bishop Manogue, has cemented his status as a first‑team All‑League player and attracted over ten Division 1 scholarship offers, while newcomer Isi Lotulelei brings a rare combination of physicality and speed to McQueen’s defensive line, positioning him as a prospect to watch.