Battle Born Preps

Week 7 is loaded with possible shakeups, and one upset could change everything.Michael Reeves and Brady Raggio break down the biggest Nevada high school football matchups, argue over who belongs in the top five, and spotlight the games that could reshape the race in 5A, 4A, and 3A.The conversation starts with a loaded 5A slate, where McQueen’s statement win over Bishop Manogue has suddenly changed the conversation at the top. Can Spanish Springs keep building momentum against a surging Damonte Ranch? Is Reed in danger of getting caught in a letdown spot after McQueen’s breakthrough? And could Bishop Manogue and Douglas turn into the kind of tight, fourth-quarter battle that decides more than just one Friday night?You’ll also hear the case for why Reno and Galena are separating themselves in 4A, why Churchill County still looks like the team to beat in 3A, and why Truckee at Elko may be the most important matchup on the board. Michael and Brady also react to the week’s biggest storylines around the Nevada Wolf

Douglas Tigers head coach Kyle Mays joins the Battle Born Preps Podcast to discuss Douglas’s close losses, the mental execution and physical football needed to turn the season around, and the team’s proud tradition. Mays highlights key players on both sides of the ball and previews the Tigers crucial league matchup with Bishop Manogue, including the challenge of containing a powerful offensive line and explosive playmakers. It’s a conversation about resilience, team standards, and what it will take for Douglas to control the line of scrimmage and keep its playoff hopes moving forward.

Bishop Manogue head coach Ernie Howren joins Michael Reeves to discuss the Miners’ difficult 1-5 start, staying committed to their process, and preparing for a physical matchup against Douglas. Howren reflects on the players stepping up, the importance of the offensive line and run game, and what it will take to put together four consistent quarters of football.

Lynn Ault is more than the voice behind the mic, he’s a high school sports insider who knows the players, coaches, campuses, and storylines that matter. In this bonus Battle Born Preps episode, Michael Reeves gets to know Lynn’s journey from coaching and teaching to announcing at Damonte Ranch, and explores how his work with young people across Northern Nevada informs his sports commentary. They discuss why Lynn puts student-athletes first, the latest high school football storylines and standout players, and his takes on college football, the Broncos, and the upcoming Niners matchup.

The playoff picture is starting to take shape across Northern Nevada. Michael Reeves and Brady Raggio break down the biggest Week 6 high school matchups, including Spanish Springs–Reed, McQueen–Bishop Manogue, and Reno–Galena, share their latest team rankings, and look ahead to Nevada’s game against Air Force and a packed weekend of college and NFL football. It works by pairing specific matchups with bold predictions, giving fans a clear reason to tune in before kickoff.Want me to generate show notes next?

Reed is turning the corner at exactly the right time and Friday's rivalry test could reveal how far this group has really come. After five weeks of close calls, Reed finally flashed the version of itself it has been building toward. Coach Garrett Hughes breaks down why the 49-7 win over Carson felt like a breakthrough, why this team has learned more from adversity than from easy victories, and why league play against Spanish Springs suddenly feels like a whole new season.Host Michael Reeves sits down with Hughes to unpack the growth of quarterback Peyton Smith, the emergence of freshman running back Delaney Knowles, and how Jesse Douglas has become a game-changing weapon while the rest of the receiving room starts to make opponents pay for focusing too heavily on one star. They also get into the offensive line settling into its best rhythm, the defensive identity built around Oscar Cezares, and the under the radar players who are making Reed tougher every week. You'll hear Hughes explain what has chan

Northern Nevada’s Race Is Wide Open. Nevada high school football is wide open, and Week 5 could redraw the whole map. Michael Reeves and Lynn Ault break down the biggest games, injuries, rankings, and storylines across Northern Nevada from Damonte Ranch’s unbeaten run and McQueen’s winning streak to Bishop Manogue’s first win and the pressure building on Reno, Spanish Springs, Reed, and more. They also preview the week’s key matchups, debate their top five rankings, discuss the 3A race, check in on Nevada football, and share college and NFL predictions.

Reno Huskies head coach CJ Wintch discusses his team’s physical identity, emerging depth, sophomore quarterback Trevor Martinelli, all purpose standout Jackson Matthews, and the keys to defeating a dangerous Spanish Springs team. He explains why Reno must play with relentless energy for all four quarters as league play approaches.

Coach Rob Hummel joins Michael Reeves to discuss Spanish Springs football’s uneven start, key injuries, developing players, and the team’s search for its own identity after last season’s championship run. They also preview the upcoming matchup with Reno and examine what the Cougars must improve to turn their potential into results.

Week 4 shakeups, rivalries, and a brutally honest Northern Nevada football power ranking Week 4 exposed a lot of teams in Northern Nevada, and Michael Reeves and Lynn Ault break down exactly which programs are surging, which ones are slipping, and which rivalry games could reshape the season in a single night. If you want the real read on Fallon, Damonte Ranch, McQueen, Spanish Springs, Reno, Bishop Manogue, and the rest of the region, this episode is packed with the kind of film room insight and local context you won't get anywhere else.Michael and Lynn dig into the biggest results from the weekend, including Damonte Ranch's explosive showing, Reed's much needed win over Galena, Mountain View's dominant trip, Reno's trench driven performance, and Churchill's statement against Truckee. They also weigh how much to separate record from quality when a program like Bishop Manogue starts 0 and 4 against an elite schedule, and why depth is becoming a real separator as the season moves into t

Ready to publishGalena heads into the Battle for the Crosssaw with something to prove and Coach Aaron Cook says the Grizzlies are a lot closer than their 1-2 record suggests. If you think this rivalry is just another early season game, this conversation will change your mind fast. Michael Reeves sits down with Cook to break down Galena's first three tests, the injury hits that forced the Grizzlies to adapt on the fly, and why this team still believes November is where it all comes together. From the Reed game to the Truckee battle, Cook explains how his staff is building around a next man up quarterback situation, limited depth, and a physical schedule designed to harden the team for league play.You'll hear why Simon Green remains a key weapon, how Galena's defense has already shown it can bend without breaking, and what the Grizzlies are doing to prepare for Christian Diehl and a Damonte Ranch team Cook calls energetic, disruptive, and well coached. He also opens up about the coaching philosophy

Nevada’s football pecking order is taking shape fast, and this episode has the takes that matter before the season hardens into truth. Churchill County, Damonte Ranch, Reno, Spanish Springs, McQueen, Douglas, and Bishop Manogue are all under the microscope as Michael Reeves, Brady Raggio, and Lynn Ault break down who is rising, who is surviving a brutal early schedule, and who needs a statement win right now. The conversation starts with the teams making the loudest noise early, including Damonte Ranch’s surge, Reno’s resilience, and Churchill County’s argument as the best team in Northern Nevada. From there, the crew zeroes in on the pressure points Reed trying to get over the hump, Spanish Springs proving tough scheduling pays off, and Bishop Manogue grinding through a punishing opening slate against top opponents.You’ll hear:why Churchill County looks like a real run-the-table threatwhat Damonte Ranch’s loaded skill talent and stingy defense say about their ceilingwhy Reed’s early season results may be mis

Churchill County’s state championship mindset is being tested early, and Coach Calvin Connors says the first three weeks have already revealed who this Green Wave team really is. After a shocking 3-0 start against Bishop Manogue, Reed, and South Tahoe, Connors breaks down how his group keeps winning close games, staying humble, and turning “underdog” energy into a real edge.He opens up about the culture behind the run, from a blue-collar Fallon identity to the “one play away” mantra that keeps his players locked in when games swing on turnovers, blocked kicks, and momentum changing stops. Connors also details how this year’s seniors have made the team their own while building on last season’s championship standard.You'll hear what makes this offense dangerous, including motion, personnel shifts, explosive play design, and a deep stable of contributors. On defense, Connors highlights the impact of coordinatos plus the next-man-up mentality that turned early injuries into opportunity. Then the focus shifts

Ready to publishTruckee’s season has already been tested by a brutal opener, a four and a half hour bus ride through Northern Nevada traffic chaos, and the loss of a beloved program figure and Coach Josh Ivens says that’s exactly where this team finds out who it really is. With defending state champion Fallon next, this episode is a revealing look at how the Wolverines are trying to turn adversity into identity. Michael sits down with Coach Josh Ivens of Truckee Football, who breaks down what the Wolverines learned from the early season, why the team’s grit matters far beyond Friday nights, and how the offense is still searching for consistency while the defense is proving it can hang with explosive opponents. He also shares the emotional toll of losing longtime coach and community figure Tom Mowen, and how the program is honoring him while still pushing forward.You’ll discover:Why Truckee’s slow start against Konawaena became a blueprint for improvementHow the team handled an emergency travel mess that nearl

Ready to publishNorthern Nevada high school football is already delivering chaos, controversy, and statement wins and week two looks even bigger. Michael Reeves and Brady Raggio break down the games everyone is talking about, from the Reno-Bullard finish that had the whole region buzzing to Reed's new-field debut, Spanish Springs' dominant opener, and the officiating debate that's only getting louder.They also tackle why the preseason matters more than people think, what big venues like Mackay and Allegiant mean for these kids, and which programs are poised to keep climbing. Then it's straight into a loaded week-two slate: Bishop Manogue vs. St. Mary's, Damonte Ranch at Carson, Douglas at Somerset-Losee, Galena vs. Truckee, McQueen hosting Wooster, North Valleys on the road, Reed at Legacy, Reno at Foothill, and Spanish Springs taking on Foothill of Henderson.You'll hear:Why Reno's controversial ending isn't as simple as "bad luck"Why Brady says officiating shortages make perfection impossible at the high sch

The preseason debate that could define Northern Nevada football starts here. Brady Raggio and Lynn Ault join Michael Reeves for a no-coaches, all-in preview of the 2026 high school season, and the picks get bold fast - from Bishop Manogue and Spanish Springs to McQueen, Damonte Ranch, Reed, Reno, and the rest of the region.Michael, Brady, and Lynn break down the biggest question marks, the most interesting teams, and the players who could swing the entire season. They dig into the North vs. South split, what the NIAA shakeup means for Nevada football, and why the bottom of the 4A and 5A landscape matters more than ever.You'll discover:Which program Brady trusts to reload at the top of 5AWhy Lynn thinks Spanish Springs, McQueen, and Damonte Ranch could define the yearThe quarterbacks, defenders, and playmakers to circle now, including Ryder Tucker, Christian Deal, Damari Stacker, Andrew Kennan, Jackson Matthews, and moreThe coaches feeling the most pressure in Northern NevadaThe 4A, 5A, and 3A regional cha

North Valleys is no longer the program people overlook. Coach Brad Rose breaks down how the Panthers are turning loyalty, belief, and tough-minded culture into real playoff momentum, and why this year's team might be the most complete group he's had yet.Rose and host Michael Reeves dig into what has changed at North Valleys since he returned, from the youth pipeline and depth development to the mentality shift that has the Panthers embracing adversity instead of fearing it. If you want to understand how a smaller-school program builds real staying power, this conversation is packed with the details.You'll discover:Why North Valleys has made playoff runs in all but one year under RoseHow the Panthers' pistol air raid hybrid fits their personnelWhy the 3-4 defense gives them freedom to attackThe importance of developing twos and threes before injuries force the issueWhich players are poised for breakout seasons, including Trent Reina, Ben Morello, Jaden Gonzalez, Keelan Williams, and moreRose al

Coach Calvin Connors reveals the inside story of Fallon’s rise, sharing how a pivotal loss in 2022 turned into a blueprint for success this season. Discover the behind-the-scenes mindset, from building a winning culture to leveraging explosive plays and adapting to an ever-changing game.In this episode, Coach Connors dives deep into how Fallon football maintains its edge with innovative strategies like spreading defenses and mastering RPOs, all while fostering a community that lives and breathes football. You'll hear how they develop top-tier athletes, rotate a deep defensive line, and instill confidence that turns good teams into champions. Plus, insights on sideline momentum, coaching philosophies, and the importance of embracing challenges—all tailored for coaches, players, and fans who believe football’s more than just a game.We break down:The defining moment of Fallon’s season and the lessons learned from adversityBuilding a championship culture that sticks across generationsTransitioning from underd

Uncover the secrets behind Carson's football resurgence with head coach Steven Nelms—who’s transforming a community and shaping future leaders on and off the field. What does it take to build a program that’s poised to dominate? Find out how Coach Nelms combines intense discipline, detailed coaching, and a culture of trust to prepare his team for both brutal games and life’s biggest challenges.In this episode, Steven shares how he’s elevating Carson football by emphasizing the power of details—hand placement, eye discipline, relentless hustle, and a violent, disciplined mindset. Discover the unique approach that keeps his players motivated, confident, and ready to compete at the highest level, even if championship hardware isn’t yet in hand. He describes a practice that’s structured, efficient, and high-energy—where every second counts and players are trusted to execute with precision.You’ll discover:The core values fueling Carson’s community-driven program and how it transforms young men into leaders.Pra

Discover how Coach Aaron Cook retools Galena High School’s football team with a focus on culture, resilience, and smart development. After a challenging 2023 season, Cook’s approach emphasizes care, community impact, and strategic tweaks—aiming not just for wins, but for producing well-rounded individuals who thrive beyond the gridiron. This episode reveals the secrets behind Galena’s rising talent, innovative coaching philosophy, and how they’re building a team that embodies toughness, discipline, and unity, ready to compete at the highest level again.You’ll discover why maintaining community and caring for each other is the foundation of success in high school football. Coach Cook shares insights on developing versatile offenses, adapting to game evolution, and cultivating leadership — all while emphasizing the importance of smart, aggressive defense. He highlights the rising stars, like quarterback Colton Smith and linebacker Sam Griffin, and how underdogs like Simon Green could become household names by s