Wildcats cruise past Dragons to set up anticipated rematch

One season ago, the Sunrise Region quarterfinals left a bad taste in the mouths of Las Vegas High’s football players after a loss to Foothill, when quarterback Hasaan Henderson was tackled short of the goal line on the game’s final play.

The No. 4 Wildcats made sure there was no late-game drama Friday night, dispatching Del Sol 37-10 and giving themselves a shot at redemption next week against the Falcons.

Farrell Victor’s 16-yard run on Las Vegas’ second offensive play set the tone of the game as the Wildcats (10-1) rushed for 319 yards. Victor finished with 120 yards on 14 carries, and backfield mate Lamond Powe had 166 yards on 14 carries for the Wildcats.

“We have a very explosive offense,” Las Vegas coach Chris Faircloth said. “We move the ball on the ground, and then spread the field and make you try to defend a multiple-receiver set. Hopefully, we can get some big plays and put defenses on the ropes.”

With the Wildcats clinging to a 17-7 lead, the game’s biggest play took place.

On first down from their own 20, the Wildcats spread the field for the first time. Quarterback Henderson found Marquan Major for what appeared to be an 80-yard score, but Las Vegas was flagged for having an ineligbile receiver downfield, and the ball was moved back to the 15.

Las Vegas then ran the same play — on the other side of the field.

Henderson found Cameron Rogers sprinting down the right sideline for the 85-yard score and the Wildcats took control of the game for good.

“We knew we could hit them with a big play,” Faircloth said. “Its great to have a pair of big-game receivers like Marquan and Cameron. Del Sol is a great football program and to get a win like this was certainly earned.”

The Wildcats’ defense held the Dragons (5-6) to 108 total yards while containing Del Sol standout running back Chris Marshall to 25 yards.

“Our defensive staff does a super job,” said Faircloth, whose team had 478 total yards. “They set the ball for our offense with a short field, and we were able to make plays.”

Las Vegas got a lift from sophomore kicker Jay Mattox, who nailed field goals of 42, 39 and 19 yards.

Henderson completed 10-of-19 passes for 159 yards, and added a one-yard score in the third quarter.