Streak is over: Western football wins first game in 749 days
Members of the Western High School football team are pictured during the Las Vegas Sun's high school football media day at the Red Rock Resort on July 23, 2024. They include, from left, Sean Misipeka, Lavonta Jones and Logan Ruiz. Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 | 9:17 p.m.
The Western High football team had a double-digit lead in the second half tonight against Bonanza, and the players became noticeably excited.
The program, after all, was on a 23-game losing streak spanning 749 days, first-year coach Brett Ridenour said
“The kids were ecstatic, and we were having to keep them calm throughout the end of the game,” Ridenour said.
But once the final buzzer sounded, it was pure jubilation. Western’s 48-27 win was “some of our kids’ first wins in high school,” Ridenour said.
The star of the game was quarterback Ryan Patane, who helped the Warriors rush for 500 yards. The team’s first-string quarterback was injured three weeks ago, and without a capable passer as a replacement, Ridenour switched the offense to the double wing and pegged Patane to run the show.
Patane’s previous position: offensive guard.
“Without Ryan stepping up three weeks ago, we don’t win,” the coach said.
Kawikakekona Ogawa led the way with four rushing touchdowns, Romeo Lujan scored once and Quincy Johnson had a 90-yard fumble return for a score.
The Warriors are hopeful that winning became a tradition. They close the regular season against Cheyenne and Rancho, and if they win both contests, they’ll host a home playoff game.
Ridenour says that hasn’t happened since 2007.