CONNIE GOTTSCHALK • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Denzel Zaldivar runs the ball for the Mustangs.
The Pershing County Mustangs and Lake Mead Christian Academy vied for the Nevada Class 2A state football title on Tuesday (Nov. 21) in Las Vegas.
Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Raiders.
"The experience was amazing and I thank the NIAA, Raiders, PCHS and parents for making it that way. It was incredible," said coach Mike Brooks.
Lake Mead walked off with its first-ever state trophy with the 49-6 victory. Lovelock was looking for its 11th title. It would've been their first since their 3-peat of 2016-18. Brooks took over as head coach in 2018.
The Eagles took the lead early and never let go, due to six touchdown passes from Jerry Meyer, their freshman quarterback. He set a state record for touchdown passes in a season with 58, breaking the previous mark of 54 from Bishop Gorman’s Micah Alejado in 2022.
Meanwhile, Lake Mead freshman wide receiver Antonio Spann added 119 receiving yards. Senior kicker Gracie Rhodes made all seven of her extra points.
CONNIE GOTTSCHALK • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Travis Donaldson looks for an opening against the Lake Mead Eagles at Allegiant Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
It is the first football state title for Lake Mead (10-1). Pershing County finishes 9-4. The Mustangs have won 10 state championships.
The Eagles’ defense continued their trend of forcing turnovers, capitalizing on what Brooks described as "uncommon mistakes by the Mustangs." Lake Mead turned a couple of fumble recoveries into points on the board.
The Eagles led by 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. By the half, they extended their lead to 35-0.
CONNIE GOTTSCHALK • Provided to Great Basin Sun
The Mustangs raise their helmets at Allegiant Stadium.
Pershing County's Denzel Zaldivar scored for the Mustangs in the fourth quarter with a 10-yard run with eight minutes remaining.
"Lake Mead is an extremely talented and well coached team. We are proud of our kids fighting until the end and finishing their season the right way," said Brooks.
The coach gave shoutouts to Zaldivar, Taylor Montes, Tyrn Sam and Brian Kauvaka for their effort.
"I was happy with the way Ayden Montes filled in as QB when he was forced into action. I am very proud of him," said Brooks.
CECE THORNHILL • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Alexis Foughty, Kaylah Hanley, Jena Pilon, Angelica Scola and Eudosia Mendoza cheer for the Pershing County Mustangs in Las Vegas.
"We had some bumps on the road but overall, it was a great year. We were state runner up and league champions. I enjoyed the season and am thankful for the seniors. We loved being their coaches."
Pershing County's seniors are Eddie Herrera, Aaron Kienbaum, Conner Fecht, Brian Kauvaka and Bryce Gottschalk.
"They put in long hours over the course of a few years to leave the program in a better place than they found it," said Brooks.