Diamondback Sports Roundup

By BOB SNELL

The Progress

Sports have returned to Beaver Dam High School after a year’s absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, just like the area’s two large schools – Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley – it was a welcome site for students, coaches and parents despite all the regulations.

The tiny school located just eight miles east of Mesquite across the border in Arizona, returned to competition in football (eight-man) and girls volleyball last week.

The Diamondbacks compete in the Southern 1A league as a member of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA).

Because of the small number of schools that are allowed to return to sports, BDHS will play a limited schedule of just three football games and 11 volleyball matches in the five-week window allotted for fall sports competition.

The Diamondbacks welcomed Green Valley Christian Academy of Henderson for volleyball and football contests Friday night in Beaver Dam.

Volleyball
After defeating Beatty, 3-0, in their opener on Mar. 8, the Lady Diamondbacks didn’t fare as well against a solid Green Valley Christian squad, falling 3-0.

The Guardians prevailed 25-21 and 25-14 in the first two games and were looking for a sweep heading into the third game.

The Lady Diamondbacks had other ideas, however. Led by its two seniors – Elizabeth Jensen and Nancy Lopez – Beaver Dam jumped in front, 18-10. Jensen had five service points, three kills and a block while Lopez came up with some timely digs. Junior Marissa Horner also added a kill and two service points during the run.

After having their lead cut to 19-18, the Lady Diamondbacks steadied themselves with Jensen’s kill being the game-winner in a 25-23 win.

Jensen’s service ace put BDHS up 1-0 in the fourth game, but Green Valley Christian responded to grab an 11-2 lead on its way to a 25-9 win and end the match.

Football
The Diamondbacks had trouble generating a consistent offense and were burned through the air by GVC quarterback Brennan Killoran in a 46-0 defeat at the Snake Pit.

Killoran, a sophomore, completed 10-of-16 passes for 261 yards and five touchdowns. Two of the scores went to freshman Deomani Loveland, who caught six passes for 150 yards and also returned a Beaver Dam pass 77 yards for a touchdown.

The Diamondbacks, which didn’t complete a pass on the night in seven attempts, managed to rush for 109 yards on 44 attempts. But they had trouble picking up crucial first downs to keep drives alive.
Beaver Dam had two lengthy drives into GVC territory in the second half, but one ended on a pick-six and the other on downs.

Senior Nate Vicuna led the Diamondbacks rushing for 40 yards on 16 carries with sophomore Ronald Frates adding 35 yards on 10 carries and senior Alex Gonzalez running for 26 yards on eight attempts.

Junior Mario Hernandez ran for 18 yards on five carries.