Friday, Oct. 8, 2010 | 10:32 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
Gorman, Palo Verde flex muscles; we need a 3A league
Las Vegas Sun reporters Case Keefer and Ray Brewer talk about finding more competitive games for several struggling programs in the 4A classification — like in the 3A. Oh, Gorman and Palo are still the cream of the crop.
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Faith Lutheran High quarterback Joe Portaro completed 16 of 32 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns Friday to lead the host Crusaders to a 45-0 win against Mojave.
Portaro also rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, helping Faith Lutheran up its record to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the Northwest Division.
Faith Lutheran topped Legacy Sept. 11 to open its league schedule, but struggled in its next two games in falling against league foes Cheyenne and Cimarron-Memorial.
Now, after picking up two straight wins — the Crusaders beat 3A Boulder City High last week in a non-league game — they have regained some confidence.
“Here is the deal with the Northwest,” Faith Lutheran coach Jake Kothe said. “If you don’t come ready to play, like we did against Cheyenne and Cimarron, and if you make mistakes, they will make you pay.”
Justin Dannan added a pair of touchdown runs for Faith Lutheran, while Brad Pearson caught a touchdown pass and returned a fumble 35 yards for another score. Brett Lubbe added a scoring reception.
Mojave is still searching for its first win.
Mojave High School is Rattler Nation, but really it’s home to underdogs.
Minutes from the Nellis Air Force Base the school is nestled near Commerce Street and West Ann Road, an area littered with foreclosed homes.
The school is attended by many students who are underprivileged or at-risk. After Mojave failed to meet No Child Left Behind standards it became one of five Clark County Schools determined to do a 180.
In order to make the turnaround a reality, Mojave has implemented new faculty, extended the school day by 20 minutes and is geared towards boosting school spirit.
“The problem we have right now is that our children aren’t proud of their own school,” Mojave principal Antonio Rael explained an August interview. “When our children begin to take pride in our school, our community will follow.”
- Year built:
- 1997
- Mascot:
- Rattle Snake
- Principal (Year Hired):
- Antonio Rael (2001)
- School motto:
- “Promoting Achievement, Creating Success”
- Mission Statement:
- “The Mission of the Mojave High School Community is to provide a safe learning environment that will empower students to develop excellence, pride, respect, and skills necessary for future success.”
- Enrollment:
- Approximately 2,000
- School Report Card:
- 2010-2011
Compiled by Gregan Wingert
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