Virgin Valley High School Bulldogs open their 2019 season traveling to Las Vegas on August 23 to take on the Clark High School Chargers. The game originally scheduled for Thursday Night Lights has been changed at the last minute. The game will be held at Spring Valley High School due to condemnation of the Chargers home field. The Dawgs hope to improve on their 7-3 record of 2018. The Bulldogs were disappointed with last year’s 1-3 Sunrise League record. Injuries hurt any chances for the Dawgs to qualify for the Southern 3A playoffs.
Bulldog head coach Matt Woods has high hopes for this year’s squad. “We have a lot more depth and are much better at all positions,” said Woods. “Our lines on both sides of the ball are stronger and faster than last year. We will again feature a power running attack utilizing workhorse Wyatt Delano, Tanner Fielding plus several young running backs. Taua Fiso, Jeremy Perkins, Riley Waite and Wyatt Hillius will be counted on to open holes for the Dawgs. Delano ran for 1200 plus yards in 2018 despite injuries slowing him down. Fielding is coming back after serious injuries early in the season. Quarterback Mebs Hollingshead will again be tossing the ball out to wide-outs Jake Hampstead and Case Crandall. Sophomore Tyler Sudweeks will back up the QB position and I’m confident in their abilities to move the ball. We will use the pass sparingly except when needed. On the defensive side, our D-backs led by Jason Abbott are stronger and quicker. Opponent running backs will feel the hits from Fielding and Delano from their linebacker positions. I am so excited for our kids and our fans and hope none are disappointed. “
Despite going 1-9 in 2018, the 4A Chargers are a tough opening opponent for the Bulldogs. The Dawgs defeated the Clark squad 28-20 last year but the Chargers were close in most games including a 12-0 loss at Moapa. The Chargers are led by QB My’Quel Johnson and a bevy of swift running backs. Overall it’s going to be an exciting year for 3A football, with Moapa always reloading and Sunrise Mountain and Cheyenne featuring some exciting players. The Bulldogs will face Pahrump Valley in their home opener on August 30. The Dawgs defeated the Sunset League winning Trojans 26-24 last year in a squeaker.
Coach Matt Woods announced on Wednesday August 14 that starting quarterback Mebs Hollingshead will miss the first two games of the season with a wrist injury. Hollingshead doctors felt that the wrist needed more healing time. Sophomore Sudweeks will get tested in his first start for the Bulldogs. No doubt the Chargers will be keying on the Q.B.
