Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

high school football:

Coronado bounces back from loss with big night at Rancho

Prep Sports Now

Where's the defense?

Upset over the outlandish scores posted around the valley last week, Las Vegas Sun sports reporter Ray Brewer loses his sanity on this week's podcast. Co-host Case Keefer tries to stay out of the way during his rant on defense, but has plenty to add on other topics — including impressive games from Arbor View and Bishop Gorman, "the hut drill" and the two highly-anticipated games in Henderson on Friday.

Reviewing his team’s first loss of the season, Coronado football coach Brad Talich came to the conclusion that the Cougars needed to be able to pick up more tough yards on the ground with a lead.

Coronado made that its focus against visiting Rancho on Friday night to great success. Derrick Keller rushed for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars improved their record to 3-1 with a 48-7 victory.

“We just needed to address our running game a little bit,” Talich said. “The guys worked hard on it in practice, and it paid off tonight.”

That doesn’t mean Coronado totally strayed from its passing-based offense. Kevin Lucero, in fact, had one of his most efficient games through the air with four touchdown passes.

“He did a good job reading what was given to him tonight,” Talich said.

Rancho struck first with a long touchdown, but Coronado shut the Rams down from there.

The Cougars will need to carry their improvements into next week’s major showdown against neighboring Liberty.

“They’ve got a great program,” Talich said of Liberty. “I really respect what they’ve done over there in the short time it’s been open. They’re probably going to be faster and stronger than us, but our kids will come prepared and do a good job against them. We’re not going to lay down.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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