Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

kickoff 2016:

Defense, special teams come through in Las Vegas’ big win over Palo Verde

Las Vegas Sun's HS Football Top 10

Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Las Vegas High football team pose for a photo at the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day July 20, 2016 at the South Point. They include, from left, Archie McArthur, Robert Kaempfer, Elijah Hicks, and Cruz Littlefield.

Prep Sports Now

Football: There is no close second

Las Vegas Sun sports editors Ray Brewer and Case Keefer ring in the start of football season by discussing some of the valley's top storylines and teams, like Bishop Gorman, Liberty, Arbor View and Desert Pines.

Elijah Hicks ignited Las Vegas High to a resounding 28-7 victory over Palo Verde to start the high school football season Friday night.

Hicks nabbed two rushing touchdowns to go with a perfectly timed 90-yard return for a score. Palo Verde had just tied the score at 7-7 shortly after a 30-minute lightning delay when Hicks broke loose on the ensuing kickoff.

“That was a big answer for us,” Las Vegas coach James Thurman said. “That was a big momentum booster because they had done a great job and can really chew up the clock with their double-wing.”

Thurman was worried about how the Wildcats would defend the Panthers’ unique attack coming into the game. Turns out, there was no need to be.

Las Vegas held Palo Verde to less than 60 rushing yards in the first half. Its performance in the second half might have been ever better save for the Panthers’ one 90-yard scoring drive.

“Our defense was lights-out and it’s always tricky trying to defend against that sucker,” Thurman said.

Zach Matlock and Ronnie Broadhead rotated in at quarterback for the Wildcats, with the former throwing for more yards but the latter having the lone touchdown pass.

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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