The Battle Mountain High School football team defeated North Tahoe High School 47-17 this past Saturday, at Tim Knight Field in Battle Mountain. It was the final regular season home game for the Longhorns.
Big plays defined the game, as the scoring plays came from beyond the 20-yard line in all but two instances. Battle Mountain quarterback Gabe Naveran started the scoring by launching a 43-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kade Quintana. Following the extra point by Nestor Miramontes, the Longhorns led 7-0.
The following Lakers’ drive ended in disaster for them. North Tahoe’s running back, Antonio Frankenberg, fumbled the football.
Battle Mountain linebacker Mason Fuller recovered the ball and returned it 32-yards for another Longhorn touchdown. After the first two drives of the game, the Longhorns led 14-0.
The North Tahoe offensive woes continued during the next drive with another Frankenberg fumble. This time the ball was recovered by defensive back Deagan McClary on the Lakers 42-yard line.
On the next play, Naveran threw a pass to Bobby Kester for a 42-yard touchdown pass down the Longhorns sideline. Miramontes missed the extra point, bringing the Longhorns' lead to 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.
At the start of the second quarter, Battle Mountain gained possession of the ball and drove the ball deep into North Tahoe territory after a long run by Reese Artz. Artz continued to play well, as he caught a 26-yard pass from Naveran, taking the Longhorns into the Laker red zone for the first time in the game. The connection between Naveran and Artz, capped off the drive with a reception for a 12-yard touchdown. The score extended the Longhorn lead to 27-0.
After another North Tahoe punt, Fuller led another scoring drive for his team as the back-up quarterback. It concluded with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Roberto Esparza. The commanding Longhorn lead now stretched to 34-0.
A response by North Tahoe was cut short when Miramontes intercepted a pass from Thomas Mercogiliano at the Longhorn 6-yard line. The first half ended with the Longhorns leading 34-0.
“The kids came out in the first half and did everything we wanted them to do,” said BMHS head coach Mitch Domagala.
In the second half, the Longhorns started to play more of the role players on the team. North Tahoe took advantage by outscoring the Longhorns 17-13 in the second half.
Battle Mountain scored on its first possession of the second half with Naveran passing the ball to Fuller for a 25-yard touchdown. The Lakers showed some resilience though, responding with an 80-yard touchdown run by Mercogliano. That brought the score to 41-8 after the 2-point conversion by the Lakers.
On the ensuing drive, North Tahoe’s Kobe Robbins intercepted a Naveran pass. The Lakers took advantage of the turnover with a long drive ending with a 1-yard sneak by Mercogliano. The fourth quarter started with the Lakers driving the ball into the Longhorns red zone. However, they were unable to score another touchdown. The Lakers settled for a 27-yard field goal by kicker Stephen Lopez.
The Longhorns scored one more time in the game with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Naveran to receiver Kester, bringing the score to a final at 47-17.
“We started mixing, matching lineup and trying kids at different spots,” Domagala said. “This game was a great game for them (second string) I thought they stepped up and played well for us. I think they will be a big asset for us.”
Battle Mountain closes out the regular season on Thursday at White Pine at 7 p.m.
“I expect to see a lot of power running from them,” Domagala said. “They like to send three backs in the backfield and play power, power against us. Honestly, I expect our defense to step up and shut them down.”
Battle Mountain hosts Yerington on Friday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. in the opening round of the Northern 2A playoffs.