Friday, Aug. 24, 2012 | 11:13 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
Sollenberger Classic, Division 1-A and Wiz Khalifa
Back from Arizona, a heartbroken Ray Brewer recounts the costly mistakes that made Nevada teams go 0-2 in this year's Sollenberger Classic. Fellow Las Vegas Sun sports reporter Case Keefer helps him cope by looking at this week's national showdown between Bishop Gorman and Maryland's Our Lady Of Good Counsel. The two also babble semi-coherently on the rest of the week's games and high school football players' favorite rappers. Don't forget to subscribe to Prep Sports Now on Itunes.
A strong defensive effort and relentless rushing attack led Boulder City to a hard-fought victory to open the season.
Boulder City defeated Mojave 16-13 on their home field to avenge last season’s Homecoming night loss to the Rattlers.
“They had two long runs, but other than that, we did a good job of being physical on defense,” Boulder City coach Alex Kazel said. “They were physical, too, but we were able to run the ball well.”
The Eagles racked up 206 rushing yards with J.D. Owens and D.J. Koopman leading the way. Koopman registered 80 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Owens had 21 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown.
“We were ahead the whole time,” Kazel said. “J.D. took the ball down the field and scored on our first drive.”
But any positive momentum vanquished when Boulder City threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown later in the first quarter.
Luckily for the Eagles, from there, they were able to hold the Rattlers scoreless until the final minutes of the game. Turnovers will serve as a focus in the coming days of practice, however, as Boulder City committed four.
“We need to start taking care of the ball and getting in better shape,” Kazel said. “It’s been so hot and humid that it took a lot out of us. But it was great for the kids to win a close game.”
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
Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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