Rancho looks to break losing streak, then win more games

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Tom Pletsch has already transformed one losing athletic program into a winner at Rancho. He’s convinced it will happen again.

Pletsch, a proud Rancho graduate, became the Rams’ football coach in the winter, almost immediately starting the seemingly impossible task changing the culture with the program.

Using a blueprint from when he transformed the baseball program from last place to the state championship game, Pletsch has upgraded facilities, secured new equipment and uniforms, and has been aggressive in finding players to fill out the roster.

Today, the Rams play at Gila Ridge of Yuma, Ariz., attempting to break a 29-game losing streak. It’s gotten so bad for the once competitive program that administrators successful petitioned the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association to play an independent schedule for two years, agreeing to not be eligible for the playoffs while rebuilding the program.

And Pletsch isn’t going to settle for one victory. He’s eyeing a winning record, including beating Las Vegas High in the Bone Game rivalry that Rancho hasn’t won in 19 seasons.

“We are going to try to put a product on the field that makes people what to come (to games),” said Pletsch, who still coaches Rancho baseball. “We are going to be exciting, wide open. It is definitely going to be a new era at Rancho.”

The task of winning games will be made easier with senior Robert Howard returning at running back. Despite the Rams’ struggles, the 5 foot 11, 190-pound Howard rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.

Others such as junior Angel Walker at linebacker (5 foot 10, 215-pounds) and lineman Luc Scott (6 foot 3, 245-pounds) are program veterans who have shown flashes of good play. Now with Pletsch at the commands, they are confident a victory is within reach.

“(Getting a win) is a big motivation. It is what everyone at Rancho thinks about,” Scott said. “We want to get that win. It will make us all proud. We want to bring back the pride to Rancho.”

Winning, of course, is easier said than done. What happens when the Rams get into a close game? The inexperience of not knowing how to finish will surely be a factor and something that will take time to develop.

Being in a close game would be a good problem to have, though. They’ve been outscored 1,451-187 the past three seasons.

“It has been an exciting change, exciting time for these seniors,” Pletsch said “They haven’t won a game in three years. They are working and doing all the right things to have success.”

Pletsch says senior offensive tackle Frank Rodriguez (6 foot 5, 330-pounds), defensive back Javion Mickel and quarterback Dion Southern (5 foot 9, 175-pounds) are newcomers who will be difference makers. He’s been able to find players in the Rancho hallways who previously had no interest in the team.

“We have the players. As long as we stay away from injuries and do the right things, it will be a good year,” Pletsch said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21