SMALL SCHOOLS: Spring Mountain rolls to 54-12 win, earns playoff spot
The Eagles also clinched a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2005 with a 54-12 win at Henderson International in the Class 1A Southern League.
“I’m really proud because I know Spring Mountain hasn’t been in the playoffs for a while, and I’m happy to be part of something,” Eagles tight end Marquise Lewis said. “Last week was just an off week for us. I’m happy we came out here and took care of business.”
Coming off a 72-18 loss at defending 1A state champion Pahranagat Valley, Spring Mountain fell behind 6-0 midway through the first quarter but responded with 54 unanswered points.
“It’s huge,” Eagles coach Aaron Masden said of clinching a playoff spot. “We’ve got to start with these guys in the middle of August, most of them never playing football before.
“To get them to gel together, understand the game and get into the playoffs is a great testament to the hard work these kids are doing.”
Henderson International (2-5, 1-3) fumbled 10 times, losing six.
Eagles quarterback Robby Lindbloom completed 6 of 7 passes for 116 yards and one TD. He hooked up with Lewis four times for 91 yards, including a 46-yard scoring strike in the first quarter.
Lewis also caught a pair of 2-point conversion passes.
Henderson International’s only scoring came on Jay Sutorius’ 22-yard pass to Charles Pachas in the first quarter and Pachas’ 4-yard run in the fourth.
“We were just talking about being disciplined on defense, firing through our gaps and keeping contained,” Masden said. “They put it together on the field.”
Chris Laliberte rushed for 61 yards and Pachas 59 for the Wolverines, who have scored only 36 total points in their past four games after scoring 148 in their first three.
Tonopah 29, Round Mountain 28 — At Round Mountain, Maurice Kennedy scored on a 2-yard run with 34 seconds remaining, and Denver Otteson ran for the 2-point conversion to give the Muckers a dramatic win.
Otteson carried 19 times for 205 yards and and one TD. He also passed for 80 yards and two scores.
Will Sweeney led Round Mountain (1-6, 1-3) with 89 yards and two TDs on 19 carries. Joaquin Ramirez carried 20 times for 87 yards and two scores.
Moapa Valley 39, Boulder City 7 — At Boulder City, Matt Newton scored four touchdowns as the Pirates (4-3, 1-0 3A Southern) downed the Eagles (5-3, 0-1).
Newton ran for 117 yards and had TD runs of 12 and 49 yards. Newton also caught two passes for 74 yards, including a 56-yard TD reception, and he returned an interception 47 yards for a score.
Moapa Valley running back Zach Waite ran for 123 yards on 12 carries, and had touchdown runs of 45 and 23 yards.
Boulder City quarterback Ross LaMarca threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Austin Freauf in the closing seconds of the game.
Taylor, who also had a 3-yard reception, connected with wide receiver Cody Moreno on a 39-yard TD pass in the third quarter. Justin Cox added a 5-yard touchdown run for the Lions.
Calvary Chapel had 306 yards of offense.
Pahranagat Valley 64, Indian Springs 8 — At Alamo, the Panthers (7-0, 5-0 1A Southern) built a 42-0 halftime lead and coasted past the Thunderbirds.
Pahranagat Valley’s Jensen Jones carried eight times for 147 yards and one TD, and scored on a 50-yard punt return.
Chasen Malden led Indian Springs (2-4, 1-3) with three receptions for 58 yards, including a 45-yard TD catch.
Laughlin 45, Sandy Valley 24 — At Laughlin, Corey Cook rushed for four TDs to help the Cougars (7-1) beat the Sidewinders (1-4).
