Pirate B Team Stays Undefeated

By GANNON HANEVOLD

Moapa Valley Progress

Last week, the Moapa Valley High School Freshman and Junior Varsity Pirate football teams got a shot at playing an opponent from the division 3A, for the first time this season. The two teams had mixed results.
Moapa Valley and Mojave faced off last Thursday in a home game. The playing was kicked off in the afternoon with the B team matchup coming first.

The Rattlers got the ball first in the game and their offense stalled. They ultimately punted tand the Moapa offense came out firing on all cylinders. The Pirates steam rolled down the field inside the five yard line. This set up a three yard touchdown pass from Kashten Frei to Luke Barlow. The PAT attempt was blocked, making the score 6-0.
With just over four minutes left in the second quarter, the Pirates hit paydirt once more as Hayden Redd crossed the goal line for a three yard touchdown, giving Moapa the 13-0 lead.
With under a minute left in the half, Nathan Dalley got an interception that ended Mojave’s chances of a first half score.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Pirates got on the scoreboard again when Eli Whitmore caught a screen pass to get a 14-yard touchdown and a lead of 20-0. That drive had been set up by a Thomas Bellevance interception.
Later in the quarter, Redd broke loose for a 39-yard rushing touchdown that put the finishing touches on a solid win for the Pirates. The final score was 26-0.

The early season struggles continued for the JV team. The Rattlers, led by touchdowns from Demarlo Belton, Noah Thompson, and Isaiah Harper stunned the Pirate defense.
Mojave’s offense was dynamic and their defense flocked to the ball. Throughout the first half, the Pirates were unable to find a rhythm on offense, and were held scoreless.

In the third quarter, Moapa Valley finally found their stride. Chase Hoy rushed for a few key first downs, and the drive was capped off by a touchdown connection from Luke Bennett to Josh Cox. Cox broke three tackles as he stumbled across the goal line to put the Pirates on the board. Cameron Powers put in the two point conversion.

The final score was 47-8, but Moapa’s JV certainly showed promise in the second half.