Las Vegas continues dominance in Bone Game rivalry against Rancho

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Published Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 | 10:11 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010 | 1:01 a.m.

One of Nevada’s most storied high school football rivalry games ended in lopsided fashion Friday night — yet again.

Las Vegas High’s Hassan Henderson passed for five first-half touchdowns and the Wildcats added scores on interception and punt returns in a 64-12 victory against host Rancho in the annual Bone Game.

Las Vegas retains possession of the bone — a cow bone donated to the rivalry in the 1950s — for the 15th straight year. It last lost to Rancho in 1995.

“This is the biggest game of the year for us every single year,” Las Vegas coach Chris Faircloth said.

Cameron Rogers had a career night for Las Vegas, catching six passes for 161 yards and four touchdowns — all in the first half.

“Cameron brings a lot (to the offense) because of his speed,” said Henderson, who completed 9 of 13 passes for 167 yards. “When we get the ball in his hands, he will give us a lot of yards.”

Rogers scored on a 10-yard pass three minutes into the game to give Las Vegas the lead for good. He added scoring receptions of 40, 42 and 33 yards in a first half several high school receivers won’t equal their entire careers.

“Rancho plays hard. They are a good team,” Rogers said. “I had to bring it.”

Las Vegas had equal success running the ball.

Junior Farrell Victor gained 123 yards and 20 carries, adding a pair of touchdowns. Backup Lamond Powe was also effective, gaining 59 yards and seven carries.

That kind of balance gives perennial power Las Vegas (7-1, 5-0) an advantage, Henderson said.

“We are getting better every week. We haven’t even played our best football yet,” he said.

Las Vegas scored on each of its five possessions of the first half in building a 34-12 halftime advantage.

It didn’t waste any time scoring in the second half, using a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown from Dee Hall less than two minutes into the half to further put the game out of reach.

Travon Langston added a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown and kicker Jay Mattox booted a 47-yarder.

While the rivalry has lost some its luster over the years because of Las Vegas’ domination, the players on both teams still understand the significance of the game.

Langston carried the bronzed bone around the field after the game. The lopsided score didn’t call for much of a celebration, but it was obvious the players and fans were happy the bone stayed with Las Vegas another season.

“It’s a good feeling,” Rogers said. “I love this game.”

Rancho scored both its touchdowns in the first half, including a 20-yard scoring strike from William Gosse-Gardet to Bryson Mitchell. Mitchell, who is only 5-foot-6, made an impressive diving catch in the end zone.