PCHS head coach Mike Brooks gives Travis Donaldson the play.
There’s only one thing better than hosting playoff games and that’s winning them.
After beating West Wendover 59-6 and Lincoln County (51-7), the Pershing County High School football team is ready for this Saturday's Nevada Class 2A title game against the Incline Highlanders at McQueen High School in Reno. Kickoff is at 10 a.m.
The Pershing County High School football team enters the field prior to its Northern 2A State semifinal match-up with Lincoln County.
Pershing County and Incline were scheduled to play each other in September, but that game was canceled due to the Davis Fire near Mt. Rose in Reno.
They each go into the championship game undefeated. Pershing County enters at 11-0. Incline finished at 10-0 and defeated Needles 12-8 in a low scoring semifinal match-up on Saturday in Needles, Calif.
The Mustangs will look to avenge their last league loss, as the Highlanders won 21-14 on Sept. 8, 2023, in Incline.
Pershing County’s Denzel Zaldivar (21) tries catching a pass defended by Lincoln County.
Pershing County’s talents were on full display at their semifinal match-up against the Lincoln County Lynx.
The home crowd stood out in red and black swag. A big Panaca group also made the trip including about a dozen cheerleaders. Pershing County’s squad, coached by Christina Dickerman, made up in spirit what they lacked in numbers.
The Mustangs launched their offensive blitzkrieg just minutes into the game. In the first half, Travis Donaldson threw two touchdown passes and rushed 16 yards for another.
The senior QB/FS also had a 30-yard run on fourth and 10.
Denzel Zaldivar, Trenton Rhodes, Izayuh McGlothin and Tyrn Sam each added first half touchdowns, with Rhodes and Zaldivar's from receptions. Senior WR/DB Michael Reitz’s interception helped Pershing County build its lead.
Pershing County's Izayuh McGlothin (6) attempts to break a Lincoln County tackle on his way to the end zone during Saturday's state semifinal.
Zaldivar added another interception and a kickoff return for a touchdown in the second half.
Lincoln County quarterback Rowdy Lloyd scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Other than that, the Mustangs’ defense held back the Lynx.
“Jake (Trowbridge) and Brian (Flores) turned in nice games on the defensive line,” coach Mike Brooks said. “Our kids performed exceptionally well, applying a lot of pressure early, which allowed us to secure a multiple score lead. We couldn’t be prouder of their focus and effort. It’s always good to host Saturday playoff games because that means you made it to the state bracket. Lincoln County is a perennial power down south and are always well coached and difficult to play. We have played them many times over the past 25 years.”
Josiah Hunt heads for the end zone pursued by a troop of Lincoln County players.
Pershing County ended last year as league champions and the state runner-up. Lake Mead Christian Academy walked off with their first-ever state trophy with the 49-6 victory against the Mustangs.
However, after Lake Mead won the championship, the squad split up with players going to schools in Texas and Las Vegas.
Pershing County is justifiably proud of its historic 3-peat of 2016-18.
They’re now looking for their 11th title in school history.
Incline last won a state championship in football in 1973 when the Highlanders won all three of its titles from 1971-73.