Moapa Valley trails for first time this season, hangs on against Clark

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Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Moapa Valley High School football team are pictured during the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day at the Red Rock Resort on August 3rd, 2021. They include, from left, Scott Hardy, Sam Wheeler and Austin Heiselbetz.

Fri, Oct 15, 2021 (11:59 p.m.)

Gunner Redd returned the opening kickoff about 85 yards for a touchdown tonight for the Moapa Valley football team against visiting Clark.

But Clark also recorded a touchdown on its initial possession courtesy of a long scoring drive, and the Chargers made their extra point for a one-point lead. It marked the first time undefeated Moapa Valley trailed in a game all season.

The Pirates won a back and forth affair 35-28 against Clark in what will serve as a tremendous tuneup for the upcoming playoffs for both schools. After blowing out opponents every week, Moapa Valley was finally challenged.

“As my kids were coming to the sideline (after Clark took the lead), they were kind of hanging their heads,” Moapa Valley coach Brent Lewis said. “I had to remind them that it’s a four quarter game.”

Redd added a pair of receiving touchdowns from Peyton Neilson, who also connected eight times for 125 yards and a touchdown to Austin Heiselbetz. Landon Wrzesinski rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries.

Moapa Valley led 28-14 at halftime, but surrendered a kickoff return of 90 yards for a touchdown to open the second half. A few plays later, the Pirates fumbled the ball away at their own 20.

“It was back and forth like that all night,” Lewis said.

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