Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Palo Verde still alive for playoff berth after beating Shadow Ridge

Las Vegas Sun's HS Football Top 10

Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Palo Verde 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, Stephen Garcia, Maxie Miller-Hooks, and Tyler Thornton.

The Palo Verde High football team continued to salvage its season today, winning for the second time in six days with a 24-9 win against host Shadow Ridge.

Despite losing its initial six games, the Panthers (2-6, 2-3 Northwest) could reach the playoffs with a win next week against Centennial in the regular season finale.

“Even though our record doesn’t indicate it, we have played hard all year,” Panthers coach Joe Aznarez said. “Our kids have stayed bought in.

Nick Zuppas’ 20-yard touchdown pass to Earnest Williams in the third quarter gave Palo Verde the lead for good at 10-3. Shadow Ridge scored to trim the deficit to one point, but Palo Verde’s defense stopped a 2-point conversion attempt to hold a one-point lead.

The Palo Verde defense came up big again in the fourth quarter by stopping Shadow Ridge inside the 10-yard line. A few plays later, fullback Bobby Webster broke loose for a 90-yard touchdown run.

“That iced it,” Aznarez said.

Jonathan Schofield added a 55-yard touchdown run for Palo Verde, which opened in 1996 and is a perennial playoff qualifier. That streak will be at risk next week against Centennial.

“We’re playing sound football,” Aznarez said.

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

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