After the soccer and volleyball teams won their homecoming games, attention shifted to the Pershing County football team. The Mustangs hoped to make it a three-peat by beating Yerington but the defending state champions walked off with the win 41-24.
Fans packed the stands on both sides. It was the Yerington's first road trip of the year. It was also their first league game, after blanking Dayton in August (44-0). Lovelock made the Lions work harder for the win.
With the loss, Pershing County stands at 3-2, overall, and 2-1 in the 2A Northern league.
"We were excited to play Yerington and thankful for the large crowd that brought energy to the game," Mike Brooks said. "We're proud of how our kids continued to fight even when things weren't looking good."
Yerington lit up the scoreboard with a rushing touchdown a couple of minutes into the first quarter. They followed up with a good kick. Next they scored on a pick 6, intercepting the ball and running it in for a touchdown. Another good kick brought the score to 14-0 with the Mustangs trailing.
With three minutes left in the first quarter, sophomore quarterback Travis Donaldson rushed for four yards, lighting up the board for the Mustangs.
He rushed another touchdown before the half but Yerington kept up their offensive attack and Pershing had trouble adjusting to their speed.
At the half, the score stood at 34-12. The action shifted to the festivities. Last year's royalty, Bela Rosas and Devin Moura, crowned Noel Zaldivar and Kaydance Happy as Homecoming King and Queen. The senior float won with their interpretation of 'Despicable Me.' The fireworks flew, courtesy of the LVFD.
Brooks noted that Pershing's defense played better in the second half, giving up only seven points. Sophomore cornerback Izayuh McGlothin rushed for three yards.
Donaldson rushed for one yard in the fourth quarter. But, despite their efforts, Pershing never caught up with the Lions.
"We did not get off to a good start which ultimately put us in too large of a hole," Brooks said.
This Saturday, Lovelock travels to Tahoe City to play the North Tahoe Lakers (1-2, overall). They'll be back on their home field against West Wendover (0-3) on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
