The ‘Battle of the Valley’s’ between Virgin Valley High School and archrival Moapa Valley High School normally does not need season records to add to the intensity of the rivalry, but this year it’s importance cannot be sloughed off as the Bulldogs come in with a 4-0 record against the Pirates 3-1 to end the regular season. The war has been going on for many years with the Bulldogs still feeling the sting of a 35-0 loss to the Pirates which marred the Dawgs Homecoming Game last year. The Bulldogs hope to get payback this Friday Oct.25 to ruin Moapa’s homecoming celebration.

Moapa Valley’s head coach Brent Lewis has just coached the Pirates into their 22nd straight year as a playoff team, 17 at their helm. The Pirates are 6-3 this season and looking to take the first seed away from the Dawgs in the upcoming 3A playoffs. The Pirates are still smarting from a 15-12 home loss to the Boulder High School Eagles two weeks back. The Bulldogs beat the Eagles 14-7 midseason. The Pirates are led by 6’5” quarterback Cameron Reese and running back Hayden Redd. Russel Bodily adds some more muscle at running back. The Pirates linebackers Thomas Belavance and Steele Skinner are small but pack a punch as they lead their team in tackles.

The Bulldogs counter with the most prolific offense in 3A football. A dominant offensive line has led to Wyatt Delano being called a touchdown machine. Delano has racked up 549 yards and 12 touchdowns in his last three games. Meanwhile fellow senior Mebs Hollingshead has guided the Bulldogs with pin point passing and supplemented the Dawgs running attack in support of Delano. Senior Tanner Fielding leads the Dawgs receivers and is the top tackler on the defensive side from his linebacker post. The Bulldogs also add two other running backs when needed as Wyatt Anderson and Jason Abbott are capable of breaking one off. Jeremy Perkins, Tua Fiso, Wayne Hillius and Riley Waite anchor the Bulldog lines on both sided of the ball. I’m sure, as always, the road to the Pirates Den will be lit up by Bulldog faithful pouring into the Moapa Valley to support their Dawgs.