Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

kickoff 2016:

Sierra Vista shuts down Moapa Valley

2016 High School Football

Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Sierra Vista High football team pose for a photo at the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day July 20, 2016 at the South Point. They include, from left, Lopaka Kolone, Chevy Eliu, and Damaen Bentley.

Prep Sports Now

Football: There is no close second

Las Vegas Sun sports editors Ray Brewer and Case Keefer ring in the start of football season by discussing some of the valley's top storylines and teams, like Bishop Gorman, Liberty, Arbor View and Desert Pines.

Sierra Vista began and ended last season with losses to Moapa Valley.

The Mountain Lions earned their vengeance Friday night, turning the tables to beat the tormenting Pirates 21-12 to start the 2016 season.

“It’s really tough to beat that team for the first time,” Sierra Vista coach John Foss said, “so we’re really happy about it.”

A staunch defensive effort keyed Sierra Vista’s breakthrough. The Mountain Lions recorded four sacks, helping to hold the Pirates to negative overall rushing yards.

Meanwhile, Sierra Vista gobbled up yards on the ground. Four players — Isaiah Zavala, Jaxson Zibert, Bryan LaGrange and Lopaka Kolone — had at least 40 rushing yards.

The Mountain Lions led 14-0 after the first quarter before Moapa Valley found some success throwing the ball to cut its deficit to one score. But Sierra Vista regrouped at halftime and scored on its opening third-quarter drive.

The Mountain Lions had a golden chance for more points, but squandered it with a lost fumble at the 1-yard line in the second half.

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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