This summer the PROGRESS is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The newspaper began operations in September of 1987 under the direction of its founder John Z. Robison. Since that time the PROGRESS has covered three decades of community issues, news stories, local businesses, youth sports, politics, elections, Moapa Valley personalities and much more.
Over the next couple of months, we are highlighting the PROGRESS’ role in documenting the day-to-day goings-on in the Moapa Valley communities. We have selected some of the more interesting stories which have appeared in past editions.
So keep an eye out for the PROGRESS over the next few weeks. There will be plenty to look back on; and look forward to.
Editor’s Note: The following story was published on the front page of the PROGRESS during the week of November 25-December 1, 1992.
Call them tough! Call them tenacious! Call them unbelievable! But also call them the best AA football team in the state of Nevada.
Friday afternoon, in the Silver Bowl, this group of nobodies became somebody as they defeated Lowry 19-0 for the AA state title.
Is there a question in anyone’s mind that defense wins championships? There shouldn’t be! The Buckaroos were held to 16 yards rushing and 48 yards passing for only 64 yards of total offense. To add to the frustration, Lowry was intercepted four times and lost two fumbles.
The game was a defensive struggle until a Lowry turnover gave the ball to the Pirates with good field position. Levi Gregory straddled the sideline for a nine yard score with 2:26 left in the half. Chet Pulsipher kicked the point after for a 7-0 lead at the half.
With 13 seconds left in the third quarter, Toby Read scrambled out of trouble to find Casey Robison in the endzone for an 18 yard touchdown strike. The point after was blocked as the lead was 13-0.
The final score was set up when Jeff Lamping intercepted a Lowry pass and returned the ball 23 yards to the 2 yard line. Carl Postma then capped a 109 yard rushing night by plunging into the endzone for the final score with 2:27 left in the game.
“This team has gotten better and better each time they played!” stated coach Nick Bowler. “They have accomplished some amazing things. They are undefeated. They have never given up a rushing touchdown. They had six shutouts. They gave up only 49 points in eleven games. They were never scored upon in the third quarter and only gave up 14 second half points all season. This may be the greatest defensive team that has ever played at Moapa Valley.
“Lowry tried to intimidate us at the beginning. I guess being the biggest school in the AA and looking at AAA next year, they felt they could scare us. It’s almost funny to think that someone is going to scare Carl Postma, Wayne Aston, Jeff Lamping, Casey Rowley, Jesus Santos, Kelby Robison, Thomas Touchstone, Todd Tudor, Steve Staheli, Casey Robison and Lon Dalley. If I ever have to go to war, I want to go with these eleven guys!”
The offensive was just as unstoppable! The Pirates averaged 29 points a game and were able to always find a way to score. Each game it was a different player making a big play to put points on the board.
“The word team really applies to the offense. The running attack was nearly equally shared by Casey Robison with 626 yards, Carl Postma with 555 yards, Steve Staheli with 452 yards, and Levi Gregory with 332 yards.
The passing game was able to come up with big plays in several games that broke the games open. Toby Read passed for 689 yards and 6 touchdowns; and sophomore Ryan Waite, who was outstanding filling while Toby was injured, passed for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns. Their favorite targets were Jeff Lamping, Steve Staheli, Casey Robison and Thomas Touchstone.
“There is much more that could be said about this team. They have endeared themselves to the coaches and the fans. They have made us all feel a little more proud of who we are and where we live. They have worked hard to earn that respect and we thank them for allowing us to enjoy what they have done.”
Congratulations players and parents for a perfect season!
