Moapa Valley High School Principal Grant Hanevold holds the “Victory Hammer,” a rivalry trophy, during a game between Virgin Valley High School and Moapa Valley High School in Overton on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011. The Moapa Pirates shut out the Bulldogs 18-0 to retain the hammer.
Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 | 11:59 p.m.
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Moapa Valley coach Brent Lewis wasn’t pleased with how his team started against Virgin Valley. He was thrilled with how they finished.
The Pirates overcame a scoreless first quarter to bury the archrival Bulldogs 34-0 in “The Hammer Game” rivalry that’s taken place since 1928.
“It always feels great because I’m pretty sure Virgin Valley could go 1-8, and it would still be a successful season if the one were us,” Lewis said.
There wasn’t much chance of that, not with the way Moapa Valley played defense. Virgin Valley advanced to the red zone a couple times, but Moapa Valley continually stiffened.
The offense broke loose in the second quarter behind a variety of players. Sterling Simmons provided the initial catalyst in breaking loose for a 95-yard touchdown run.
Trystin Deal scored on a similar 70-yard touchdown sprint. Nate Cox connected twice with R.J. Hubert for passing touchdowns.
Derek Cope had the defensive highlight in returning an interception 60 yards on the last play before halftime but got stopped on the one-yard line.
“We had some big plays that were key,” Lewis said. “We came out a little flat, but we slowly got better.”
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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