The Mustangs fought back from a deficit against the visiting Dayton Dust Devils on Friday night in Lovelock.
The half ended with the Mustangs down (12-7). Dayton appeared to pick up steam as the sun sank behind the mountains.
Dayton’s roster listed 21 players. Pershing County suited up 14 players.
“There wasn’t much left to go around. The kids played hard the entire time,” said coach Mike Brooks.
Both teams held each other at bay in the first quarter. Nobody made it to the end zone.
Steve Evenson announced from the tower. Meanwhile, the concession stand sold hot food and cold drinks to a hungry crowd. The proceeds will go to the principal’s scholarship for an outstanding Mustang football player.
Spectators and cheerleaders made the trip from Dayton. Lovelock’s six-girl spirit squad faced a bleacherful of fans. The boys of fall were back on their home field at the start of a new school year.
Dayton scored twice in the second quarter but Devin Moura also ran in a touchdown. Diego Gonzalez kicked the extra point. Still, it looked like it could be a devilish night.
“We weren’t sure what to expect,” said coach Mike Brooks. “It’s always nice to see the kids respond to a deficit like they did, especially when Dayton was able to grab the momentum right before the half.”
Around the third quarter, the dust began to clear.
The sun disappeared from view and Joe Yanni Field lit up for the first home football game of the 2021 season.
Moura, Noel Zaldivar and Mariano Gomez each scored touchdowns. Diego Gonzalez followed them all with a good kick.
Sandoval slipped past the Mustang’s defense to score six points. The third quarter ended at 28-20, with the Mustangs leading by eight, a bit close for comfort.
In the fourth quarter, Gomez ran in two touchdowns. Esteban Vidrio went on the run for a gain of five yards. Noel Zaldivar added a third touchdown.
Meanwhile, a herd of Mustangs defended their turf. Wyatt Diaz and several teammates tackled Sandoval but he persevered.
He ran in a touchdown for the Dust Devils in the final seconds of the game, bringing the score to 48-27 in the Mustang’s favor.
The next big date in Pershing County happens on Thursday when the JV host the Yerington Lions starting at 6 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug. 26, the Pershing County JV shut out Spring Creek 40-0 on the road.
Luis Sanchez and Izayuh McGlothin scored multiple touchdowns. Kaden Chambers and Travis Donaldson connected on a 21-yard pass play.
“Defensively, Jake Burke had a great day flying all over the field,” said coach Jared Jensen.
The JV Mustangs opened the action on Friday afternoon by playing eight-man football against Pyramid Lake.
The boys from Nixon won 34-6. Travis Donaldson put Pershing’s six points on the board with the help of his teammates.
On Friday, varsity is scheduled to travel Incline to take on the Highlanders.
The action returns to Lovelock on Friday, Sept. 17 when the Silver Stage Nighthawks land in varsity Mustang territory. The game starts at 7 p.m.
