Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

high school football:

Moapa Valley wins rivalry game, ups streak to nine straight

LVSUN HSFB Media Day 2018

Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Moapa Valley High football team pose for a photo at the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day Tuesday July 31, 2018 at the Red Rock Resort and Casino. They include, from left, Hayden Redd, Derek Reese and Luke Bennett.

Josh Cox scores plenty of touchdowns for the Moapa Valley High football team at wide receiver. He probably didn’t expect to score on special teams tonight at rival Virgin Valley in the “Hammer Game.”

That’s especially true considering Cox plays defensive end on the punt return team. But the Virgin Valley punter shanked the ball from the back of the end zone and it flew directly to Cox, who returned it 5 yards for a touchdown.

It was that kind of night for the Pirates in a 35-0 victory to reclaim possession of the hammer, the annual prize for the game between the Overton and Mesquite schools.

Luke Bennett completed 10 of 16 passes for 155 yards for the Pirates, including a touchdown pass to Cox. Derek Reese had the other scoring reception.

Hayden Redd did damage on the ground in rushing 10 times for 132 yards and a touchdown.

Moapa Valley has won nine straight games heading into the playoff. It has a postseason bye next week.

“We have gotten better steadily throughout the season,” Moapa Valley coach Brent Lewis said. “I really think we haven’t played our best football. We keep making the same mental mistakes.”

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