Nate Cox doesn’t look like backup in Moapa Valley’s shutout of Boulder City

By Case Keefer (contact)

Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 | 11:55 p.m.

It’s typically an issue when a team shuts down the run game and forces the opponent to rely on their backup quarterback.

Not for Moapa Valley. With Boulder City slowing host Moapa’s usually potent rushing attack Friday night, the Pirates turned to junior quarterback Nate Cox with no sweat.

Cox threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns on 13-for-20 passing while continuing to fill in for injured starter Zach Hymas. Moapa won 27-0.

“He had guys hanging all over him, and he would still hang in there and complete passes,” Moapa Valley coach Brent Lewis said. “I thought he showed a lot of poise tonight. That was the key to the game.”

The defense played a major role as well, recording their third shutout in four games. They were put in some tough positions, including when Boulder City recovered an onside kick to start the second half, but always responded.

The Eagles finished with 107 yards of total offense.

“We tried to shoot ourselves in the foot a couple times,” Lewis said. “But our defense was always able to stiffen and get the ball back in our hands.”

R.J. Hubert and Cole Mulcock each caught two touchdown passes from Cox.

“We don’t miss a beat with Nate in there,” Lewis said.

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