Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
Desert Pines football players Eric Wilkes, Tim Hough and Malik Davis July 30, 2013.
Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 | 11:35 p.m.
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Desert Pines coach Tico Rodriguez had a successful debut in his team’s 61-0 victory over Western.
Iquan Corsey tallied five touchdowns, scoring in a variety of ways. He threw three touchdowns on 7-for-11 passing, rushed for another and returned an interception for a score.
Eric Wilkes only needed two carries to amass 115 yards and two touchdowns.
The Jaguars (1-0) were up 26-0 in the first quarter, prompting Rodriguez to play his second- and third-string players.
“We tried our best to play our younger kids to use that opportunity to keep the kids safe,” Rodriguez said. “That was vital getting kids excited to play and getting a chance to play. … This was a good experience for them to get on the field.”
Western (0-1) saw its losing streak stretch to 19 consecutive games.
A fresh coat of paint and a fresh perspective are among the changes being made around Western High School.
Western is one of five turnaround schools that missed the marks set by No Child Left Behind and now faces the challenge of increasing student achievement.
The school is the third oldest in the district and its campus lies near Decatur Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Highway. The majority of students attending Western are minorities from disadvantaged homes. Western is known for having a rough past, but students are optimistic about the future of their school.
Change is apparent according to students interviewed in September.
“When I was in eighth grade, I was told I was going to get shot or stabbed when I came to Western,” said senior Kole Yanez, 17. “That might have been true 15 years ago, but now, you don’t see that here.”
Rules are tightly enforced on campus. The school keeps a strict dress code policy and cell phone use during class time is not permitted.
Halls are designated by grade level giving students a sense of ownership and community. Pride is clearly visible at pep rallies and sporting events. The newfound pride might just be he medicine needed to alleviate the 8 percent dropout rate, the highest in the district.
“It’s like building a house. You need a strong foundation,” said Neddy Alvarez, principal. “You need those strong relationships. When kids know we care about them, the learning will take place.”
- Year built:
- 1960
- Mascot:
- Warriors
- Principal (Year Hired):
- Neddy Alvarez (2008)
- Mission Statement:
- “The mission of Western High School is to promote scholarship, encourage good citizenship, and embrace our cultural diversity.”
- Enrollment:
- Approximately 2,400
- Notable alumni:
- Frank Hawkins, former NFL player
Capt. Nicole Malachowski, first female Thunderbird
Ronnie Vannucci, drummer of The Killers
Tom Collins, Clark County commissioner - School Report Card:
- 2010-2011
Compiled by Gregan Wingert
Paul Delos Santos can be reached at 990-2416 or mail to [email protected]. Follow Paul on Twitter at twitter.com/pauliedelos.
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