Green Valley coach praises team for strong season

By Sean Ammerman

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 | 11:54 p.m.

Green Valley High football coach Matt Gerber had nothing but praise for his team following its last game of the season on Friday.

The Gators fell 45-32 to perennial powerhouse Las Vegas High (11-1) in the Sunrise Regional semifinals, but Gerber reflected on a roller-coaster season rather than their final loss.

"I'm so proud of these guys," he said. "These guys never gave up, whether it was struggling to win by a point in the first game of the season or getting that last touchdown tonight."

When Green Valley (8-4) lost two of its first three games, it appeared to be a long shot to make the playoffs. But the Gators rallied to go 5-1 in the Southeast Division and win the school's first playoff game in 11 years.

An injury to senior LaQuan Phillips, who was left temporarily paralyzed while making a tackle Sept. 5, was another emotional blow. But Green Valley recovered to win seven of its last nine games, including a 32-12 quarterfinals playoff win against Desert Pines on Nov. 7.

Phillips was on the minds of his teammates against Las Vegas as wide receiver Kyle Larimer held up three fingers — in honor of Phillip's jersey number — after a 83-yard touchdown reception in the final minute. Phillips has regained most movement in his arms and legs, but still hasn't walked.

"I'll remember that reception for the rest of my life," Larimer said. "Every game we played for LaQuan this year."

Las Vegas showed why it has won the last five Sunrise Regional titles.

The Wildcats built a 17-0 lead in the first quarter that forced Green Valley to play catch-up the rest of the game.

Las Vegas running backs Reggie Bullock and Farrel Victor combined for 208 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Emir Lopez passed for three touchdowns and 237 yards.

"They attacked our defense right up the gut pretty easily," Gerber said. "We really had a hard time stopping their offense and when you're playing from behind it's even harder."

Green Valley senior Nick Libonati held nothing back in his final game, passing for a career high 333 yards with five touchdowns.

One of Libonati's lone mistakes was an interception on his first pass — Las Vegas scored four plays later.

"After that interception I was just hoping that wasn't the way the whole game would go," he said. "I definitely settled after that and just played the game, not the opponent."

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].