Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 | 11:51 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
The best players in town
Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer talk Liberty's statement victory, Bishop Gorman's error-filled night and Centennial's time to shine against Arbor View. In the middle of the usual discussion, they break into an argument over which player is having the best season so far — D.J. Pumphrey or Niko Kapeli.
Marcus Hines had a fumble return and interception return for a touchdown Friday for the Mojave High football team, helping the Rattlers force eight turnovers in a 45-13 victory against host Faith Lutheran in the Division I-A league opener for both schools.
Mojave coach Joe Delgado estimates this is the first time in seven seasons the Rattlers have won their league opener. Mojave, which opened in 1996, has advanced just once to the playoffs.
With Friday’s win, they have a 3-2 overall record.
“It’s great for our seniors ... to see that their hard work is paying off,” Mojave High coach Joe Delgado said.
Quarterback Zack Arave passed for a pair of touchdowns to Billy Murphy, and added 89 rushing yards on seven carries.
Sophomore Ty Flanagan had 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, and Xavier Anderson had a rushing touchdown.
Defensively, Lorenzo Guerrero had three sacks and Flanagan led Mojave with 11 tackles.
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
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.
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