The Pershing County Mustangs football team hosted rival school Battle Mountain on Friday, as the Lovelock community packed the bleachers to cheer the boys during their Homecoming game.
The action on Joe Yanni Field kept the home crowd satisfied. By the time the class floats circled the football field at half, Battle Mountain trailed 38-8. It didn’t get much better for the Longhorns, as the final score was 45-10.
Pershing County took the early lead at 8-0, but Battle Mountain came back to tie the game on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Bryan Chavira to Gabe Naveran to tie the game. However, it was all Pershing County after that.
“The kids did a good job of rallying after we gave up a quick score,” said BMHS coach Mitch Domagala. “They battled back and tied the game up. “That second quarter was rough. We had a couple turnovers and they capitalized on them.”
Pershing County grabbed a 16-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, and added three touchdowns and 22 points in the second quarter,
William McKinney-Gattrell, a 6 foot, 2 inch wide receiver had four receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.
McKinney-Gattrell also had two interceptions. Officials negated a third interception due to a penalty. The graduating senior returned one of the interceptions 70 yards for a touchdown.
“The O-line did a great job in pass protection,” said PCHS coach Dave McLean. “I was pleased with our defensive effort. Ben Plimpton, Daylon (‘Ducky’) Vasquez, and Lane Condie did a great job of tackling the Longhorn ball carriers all night.”
Pershing County added its last touchdown in the third quarter, while Battle Mountain collected a safety in the fourth quarter.
“We are capable of playing much better,” said McLean. “I don’t think we’ve come close to playing our best yet, but I’m excited to see what it looks like when we do.”
Tad Milich led the PCHS rush attack with 52 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. Ty Arnett had 47 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
Chavira was 4-of-11 passing for 84 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Chavira also ran for 48 yards, as did Gabe Naveran.
Battle Mountain is back on the road on Friday to take on West Wendover at 7 p.m. The match-up will decided the third and fourth seeds in the Northern 2A.
“We need to re-work some things on our pass defense and we’ll be alright,” Domagala said.
