The Pershing County Mustangs scrimmaged against visiting Californians on Saturday afternoon. Air thick with smoke hid most of Lone Mountain. You could just discern its outline.
“We weren’t sure we were going to be able to play, but the wind picked up and helped us. The day was awesome,” said Mike Brooks, now starting his fourth year as head varsity football coach.
The Modoc Braves from Alturas traveled four hours to pit themselves against the JV and varsity Mustangs. A couple dozen family members, mostly parents, cheered from the sidelines.
On Lovelock’s side, the locals watched from the bleachers or the backs of their pickups, tailgate style.
“We were grateful Modoc was able to make the trip on fairly short notice,” said Brooks. “They were well coached and had great sportsmanship.”
Scrimmages give players the chance to try out live plays. For some, it’s their first effort at the high school level.
“We didn’t keep score,” said Brooks. “We just worked on plays for practice.” Modoc fans gave the Braves high marks offensively but thought the Mustangs nailed defense.
“Wyatt Diaz and Luis Jimenez played well on the offensive line and Brian Kauvaka improved a lot in just one week. Noel Zaldivar ran the ball well,” said Brooks. “Defensively, Mariano Gomez played well and Wyatt Diaz and Eric Holtsclaw made some nice plays.”
“Our team showed improvement from last week but we still have work to do,” he added.
The Mustangs walked off the field in good humor. Their next challenge is just around the corner.
The varsity hosts the Dayton Dust Devils on Friday, Sept. 3, starting at 7 p.m.
The JV boys travel to Pyramid Lake on Thursday, Sept 2. But they’ll play at home against the Yerington Lions on Thurs. Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.
