Las Vegas Sun

April 26, 2024

high school football:

Special teams, defense help Chaparral blast Rancho

2014 High School Football

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

From left, Chaparral High School football players Eric Liggins, Richard Nelson, Jerome Williamson and Richard Hernandez on July 21, 2014.

Chaparral coach Paul Nihipali frequently reminds his players there are more ways to score than offensively in a football game.

“I always tell my team, special teams come up 40 percent in the outcome of the game, whether it’s a blocked punt, field position; it’s so important,” he said. “We emphasize our special teams.”

That work paid off tonight as the Cowboys returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, the defense got into the scoring act with Casey Acosta’s interception return for a TD, and Chaparral cruised to a 48-0 home win over Rancho.

Acosta added two rushing touchdowns for the Cowboys, who improved to 3-3. Chaparral remained 2-1 in Division I-A Sunrise play, as Rancho (0-6) is playing an independent schedule.

Nihipali said Chaparral also got a strong performance from quarterback Jerome Williamson, who ran for a touchdown and passed for more than 170 yards. He hooked up with Seitu Wyche on a touchdown.

“I’m proud of our kids. They’re coming a long way,” Nihipali said. “We still have a way to go.”

Tristan Aird can be reached at 702-259-8829 or [email protected]. Follow Tristan on Twitter at twitter.com/tristanaird.

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