Northern Nevada high school football history features standout athletes who transitioned from local fields to the collegiate level and the National Football League, according to historical rosters compiled by Nevada Sports Net. Because the regular fall sports calendar was altered due to COVID-19 health protocols, local sports analysts examined the region’s all-time greatest football talent, prioritizing entire playing careers and professional achievements in the NFL.
Quarterback Selections Led by Wooster High Alum Glenn Carano
The selection for the all-time Northern Nevada offensive quarterback came down to a competitive pool of signal-callers, including Jeff Rowe, Jeff Dankworth, Bart Hendricks, and Cade McNamara, according to Nevada Sports Net. Analysts ultimately selected Glenn Carano of Wooster High School. Carano starred at UNLV before playing seven NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He remains the only local quarterback to throw a pass in an NFL game, appearing in 36 contests with one start. He completed 21 of 57 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, earning a Super Bowl ring during his rookie campaign. Jeff Rowe of McQueen High School was named as the backup quarterback.
Running Backs and Fullbacks with Professional Stays
At running back, Anthony Corley of Hug High School earned a spot after starring locally and later leading the University of Nevada Wolf Pack in rushing in 1982 with 1,198 yards and six touchdowns, as reported by Nevada Sports Net. Corley played two seasons in the NFL, logging 18 carries for 89 yards across 18 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984 and the Chargers in 1985. Jace Billingsley of Lowry High School serves as his backup.
Chance Kretschmer of Tonopah High School rounds out the primary running back list. Kretschmer rushed for 5,021 yards, ranking sixth in state history and first in Class 2A. After walking on at Nevada, he led the nation in rushing in 2000 with 1,732 yards and 15 touchdowns before a torn ACL halted his professional prospects. Jim Bailey of Churchill County acts as his backup. At fullback, Moa Peaua of McQueen High School secured the top line. Peaua was a two-time Northern 4A defensive player of the year and the 1997 Gatorade Player of the Year, later playing fullback for 15 games at BYU. Parker Houston of Reed High School is listed as the backup.
Wide Receiver Standouts Reaching the Pac-12 and NFL
JoJo Townsell of Hug High School stands as one of the region’s earliest recruits to play for a Pac-12 program, catching 100 passes for 1,773 yards and 20 touchdowns at UCLA between 1979 and 1982, according to Nevada Sports Net. The Jets selected Townsell in the third round (78th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft. He recorded a six-year NFL career, totaling 70 receptions for 1,119 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 20.9 yards per kick return and 10.7 yards per punt return with three return touchdowns. Dan Plater of Reno High School serves as his backup.
Brandon Aiyuk of McQueen High School is featured as the second primary wide receiver. Aiyuk missed his junior high school season and attended junior college due to academics before starring at Arizona State University. The 49ers traded up in the NFL Draft to select Aiyuk, making him just the second local player to be chosen in the first round and establishing him among the active professionals representing Northern Nevada.