By LOU MARTIN
The Progress
The Virgin Valley High School football team’s win over Pahrump Valley on Thursday night, Sept. 14 was not as close as the final score of 56-38 shows. The Bulldogs amassed 550+ yards on their way to a 43-8 advantage after three quarters of play in Pahrump.
The Dawgs led 13-0 in the first period scoring on a 23 yard pass from Gunner Cortez to Asher Jackson and a 40 yard interception by defensive back Reece Leavitt.
The Bulldogs added two more scores in the second period. Cortez hit wide out Chase Otteson for 13 yards and a score. This was followed by another strike from Cortez to Jackson making the score 28-0 at the half.
Bulldog running back Decker Lee dominated the ground attack setting up the Dawgs passes. Lee had 207 yards rushing for the game.
The Bulldog defense finally allowed a score in the third period while their offense put 14 more points on the board to lead 43-8 after three periods. Cortez ran for one T.D. and hit Otteson again for 18 yards and another score.
Despite putting up two more scores in the period on a Cortez pass to Brandon Perkins for a 20 yard T.D. and a Lee T.D. run of 10 yards, the Bulldog defense seemed to relax, giving up 30 points in the final period.
“We have to finish the game better,” said Bulldog Coach Matt Woods. “After that fourth quarter lax, it gives us plenty to talk about this week getting ready for Meadows.”
Leading the win were Cortez who passed for 225 yards on 14-23 passes adding 75 yards on the ground. Otteson had 5 receptions for 96 yards and three T.D.s. Lee finished with 207 yards on 23 carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jackson and Mavrick Ludvigson had 12 tackles each while Alex Valle added 11 tackles to lead a tough and quick Bulldog defense. The defense continued their sack attack putting up six more.
The Bulldogs will host last year’s 2A Champ, The Meadows on Friday night Sept. 22. Game time is at 7 pm.
