Travis Donaldson and Tyrn Sam confer about the game.
The Pershing County High School football team hosted the Portola Tigers on Friday night. Things didn't go as hoped.
The Mustangs lost 42-14 but Lovelock enjoyed the first home football game of the year, with cheerleaders, a busy concession stand and mild weather.
Portola fans showed up for the Tigers, filling about three-fourths of the bleachers on their side. The PCHS volleyball team attended after they got back from the Battle Mountain tournament.
Tyrn Sam runs the ball for the Mustangs.
"We played well most of the first half and hung in the game but ultimately Portola made the big plays to spring the game open," said Mike Brooks, the Mustangs’ head coach. "Portola is a very good team and have high expectations for their season. They showed why."
Along the way, the Mustangs showed signs of promise. Denzel Zaldivar had an interception on a first-quarter play.
Tyrn Sam and Luis Sanchez put points on the board. Aaron Kienbaum caught a two-point conversion.
"Luis played a good game overall. Kaden Chambers played well on the offensive side of the ball," said Brooks.
On Friday, Sept. 8, the Mustangs travel to Incline Village High School to begin league play.
On Friday, Sept.15, they're back on their home field to host Silver Stage.
Jake Henderson, Denzel Zaldivar, Aaron Kienbaum and Izayuh McGlothin compete against the visiting Portola Tigers on Friday night in Lovelock.