Travis Donaldson raises the 2A State football trophy surrounded by his friends and teammates- Luis Sanchez, Jeffrey Elerick, Cade Liebsack, Ayden Montes, Taylor Montes, Landon Smith and James George.
Not surprisingly, there were plenty of football awards to go around on fall sports awards night in the revamped Pershing County High School auditorium Tuesday, Nov. 26.
The football team displayed the state trophy they won by beating Incline 26-6 in the NIAA 2A state championship game at McQueen High School in Reno.
Their video expert Landon Smith, a senior, placed hand beaded lanyards around each coach's neck.
Mike Brooks, Craig Tippens, John James Meyers, Thomas Brooks and Jared Jensen handed out the awards. Between state, league and school titles, there were nearly three dozen awards for the team that captured the Mustangs’ 11th state football title.
Travis Donaldson was named the 2A State Player of the Year.
He was also named 2A North Quarterback, first team. The 2A North added an Honorable Mention for Donaldson's work as a defensive back.
Donaldson raised the trophy high surrounded by his friends and teammates after the coaches handed out the last award of the night.
Brian Flores is the 2A State Lineman of the Year and the 2A North Lineman of the Year.
Tyrn Sam is the 2A State Defensive Player of the Year and the 2A North Player of the Year.
He also was named 2A All-State Running Back, first team.
Denzel Zaldivar first teamed as running back, defensive back and returner in both All-League and All-State. He also won the Cody Gibson Special Teams Award.
Jake Trowbridge won the Robbie Weagant Outstanding Underclassman Lineman award.
KOLO-8 Sports Caravan named the Mustangs the Sports Team of the Year for Northern Nevada.
Mike Brooks is the State Coach of the Year. He's now transitioning into wrestling season, with a team of 23 (up a few from last year).
"Truly, it's a staff award," he said.
The wrestling team includes ten freshman, five sophomores, three juniors and four returning seniors -
Braxson Bird, Wyatt Hughes, Justin Carruth and Angelo Gibson. Jaymie George is manager.
Last year, the team ended up with four placers, including three finalists and two state champions.
"We are proud of every kid that’s puts their toe on the line out there," said Brooks at the time.
"Some of them are experienced and some of them just starting their journey. We are very excited to have them."
Coach Jesse Canchola feels the same about the boys basketball team.
Basketball/Wrestling seasons see action this weekend
This Thursday through Saturday, the basketball team competes in a preseason varsity tournament in Hawthorne.
Meanwhile, the wrestlers travel to Fallon for the Earl Wilkins Memorial tournament on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and Dec. 7.
On Saturday, Wooster High School hosts a girls tournament. Sophomore Magdalena Ramirez will represent Pershing County.