Aaron Zelaya (#21) scores a touchdown for Pershing JV after intercepting the ball from Portola. The Mustangs beat the Portola JV 44-0 on Friday, Aug. 25.
The Pershing County High School JV football team has grown into a force to be reckoned with.
According to coach Buzz Brooks, it’s due to the team’s dedication and teamwork. They finished undefeated last season and hope to do so again.
Brooks credits several returning sophomores for a chunk of the team’s success.
For example, returner QB Ayden Montes “comes to practice, works his tail off and leads by example,” says Brooks. Fellow sophomores Josiah Hunt, Ramon Sanchez and David Covarrubias return to join Montes on the backfield.
“We have an exceptionally fast backfield,” says Brooks.
Players like Jeff Elerick, a state championship wrestler, constantly demand more of themselves. Brooks says he’s proud of the sophomore for becoming a leader on the team. Elerick played most of the snaps last season.
“He’s taking himself out of his comfort zone and working to improve, not only as a player but as a young man,” adds the coach.
The coaches count on sophomore Este´ Gonzalez to play a variety of positions, “sometimes all in one game.”
“He’s one of those guys you need on a team to find success,” says Brooks. Fellow sophomore Ashton Jimenez is also becoming a force on the field as he finds his niche.
“Ashton is playing very well at the moment,” says Brooks.
This is Brook’s third year as head JV football coach. Jared Jensen returns as defensive coordinator. Buzz’s father, Tom Brooks, is a “longtime stronghold on the Mustang’s sideline.”
“Many other sophomores add to the team’s success. The freshmen fill in the gap left by the players who moved up to varsity,” says Brooks.
For example, in their first home game of the year, freshman Aaron Zelaya intercepted Portola’s ball and ran to the end zone for the Mustangs. It was Zelaya’s first high school touchdown, a pick 6.
The JV Mustangs hosted Elko on Thursday, Aug. 31. Results were not available at press time.
Next they’re back on the road against Incline (Sept. 8), Fallon (Sept. 14) and Yerington (Sept. 22).
They’ll be back on their home field on Friday Sept. 29 for the Homecoming game against North Tahoe. The coaches and team hope for strong fan support.