Go to main contentsGo to main menu
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 1:23 AM

Northern 3A Power Rankings

We learned last week that Fallon passed its first Northern 3A test, with a convincing win over Truckee. The rest played out like we thought — well, maybe besides the South Tahoe win over Dayton.


1. Fallon (4-0, 2-0) (LW: 1)

How does one of the best teams in the state not play a home game until the first weekend of September? Fallon was facing its first test in league play and it turned into an open-book pop quiz. The Greenwave cruised to a 47-21 win and the score was not that close.

This week: vs. Sparks.


2. Spring Creek (3-0, 2-0) (LW: 2)

Spring Creek stepped out of Northern 3A play last Friday and hosted Virgin Valley. The Bulldogs played Fallon in the 2025 3A state championship. The Spartans broke open a 9-0 lead at halftime in their 30-0 victory. The loss dropped Virgin Valley to 0-4 on the season. Will they be a threat in the Southern 3A?

This week: @ Truckee.


3. Elko (2-1, 2-0) (LW: 3)

Elko jumped out to a 14-0 lead over Lowry in the first quarter and never looked back. The Indians’ run attack led the way through the Buckaroo defense. Add in a couple touchdown passes and an interception return, and the game turned into a blowout. Lowry miscues keep stopping drives and momentum.

This week: vs. Dayton.


4. Truckee (1-2, 0-1) (LW: 4)

Truckee has been the same Truckkee since its 2024 state title game to SLAM Academy. Don’t get me wrong, the Wolverines are still a strong and winning program. They just aren’t a top-two team right now. Truckee was dominated by Fallon in a score that didn’t show that. We will get an idea of what Truckee is when it hosts Spring Creek.

This week: vs. Spring Creek.


5. Fernley (2-2, 1-1) (LW: 5)

Fernley has had worse than Fallon schedule-wise with four straight road games to begin the season. Someone find them home games, please. The final in that stretch was a short trip to Sparks. The game was a blowout from the start, with Sparks severely undermanned. Hey — a home game this week.

This week: vs. South Tahoe.


6. South Tahoe (3-1, 1-1) (LW: 7)

It may have been just the second league game of the year for South Tahoe, but it was an important one. With six teams advancing to the playoffs, the Vikings needed a win over Dayton to have a chance at one of those spots. The Dust Devils used a touchdown and safety to lead 8-0 at halftime, but the Vikings rallied for a 12-8 win.

This week: @ South Tahoe.


7. Dayton (2-2, 1-1) (LW: 6)

Dayton was in the same spot as South Tahoe but, not having its top running back on the field for a second straight week, the Dust Devils’ offense was not there. Dayton will have to pull an upset down the road to get into the playoffs.

This week: @ Dayton.


8. Lowry (1-3, 0-2) (LW: 8)

Like Fallon, Lowry was on its home field for the first time this fall, with rival Elko standing in the way. The Buckaroos’ offense continues to move the ball but seems like every drive ends with a miscue or penalty. Lowry has to find a way to score points instead of giving them away.

This week: Bye.

 

9. Sparks (0-4, 0-2) (LW: 9)

Scoring just seven points all year and losing 46-0 to Fernley last week, it only gets tougher for the Railroaders. The winless squad heads to Fallon. Hopefully, Calvin has heart and ends it quickly.

This week: @ Fallon.

 


Share
Rate

Comment

Comments

COMMENTS
Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson