Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 | 11:27 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
Is the short week unfair for playoff teams?
Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer are pumped up for all the high-stakes games going down Thursday night. But why can't they be played on Friday?
Mojave made history in more ways than one Friday night.
Not only did the Rattlers host the first playoff game in school history, they also won it. For the second time this season, Mojave beat Desert Pines.
This time was even more decisive than the first, as the Rattlers put the Jaguars away by a 42-28 mark.
“What a great feeling for our team,” Mojave coach Joe Delgado said. “Our first home playoff game and to come out victorious was huge for us. We need to tighten up some things, but an overall great performance by our team.”
Mojave’s offense continued to move the ball at will, as the win marked the third straight game the Rattlers have scored more than 40 points.
Quarterback Zack Arave was at the center of the attack. He rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns and added 101 yards passing with one touchdown.
Marcus Hines caught the touchdown pass, one of three scores on the night for the senior. Hines also returned an interception and kickoff for a score.
Usual offensive star Ty Flanagan made a big impact defensively with two interceptions. Flanagan also ran for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Mojave travels to Moapa Valley next week.
“The boys wanted to prove the naysayers wrong,” Delgado said, “and did.”
Mojave High School is Rattler Nation, but really it’s home to underdogs.
Minutes from the Nellis Air Force Base the school is nestled near Commerce Street and West Ann Road, an area littered with foreclosed homes.
The school is attended by many students who are underprivileged or at-risk. After Mojave failed to meet No Child Left Behind standards it became one of five Clark County Schools determined to do a 180.
In order to make the turnaround a reality, Mojave has implemented new faculty, extended the school day by 20 minutes and is geared towards boosting school spirit.
“The problem we have right now is that our children aren’t proud of their own school,” Mojave principal Antonio Rael explained an August interview. “When our children begin to take pride in our school, our community will follow.”
- Year built:
- 1997
- Mascot:
- Rattle Snake
- Principal (Year Hired):
- Antonio Rael (2001)
- School motto:
- “Promoting Achievement, Creating Success”
- Mission Statement:
- “The Mission of the Mojave High School Community is to provide a safe learning environment that will empower students to develop excellence, pride, respect, and skills necessary for future success.”
- Enrollment:
- Approximately 2,000
- School Report Card:
- 2010-2011
Compiled by Gregan Wingert
Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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