Moapa Valley scores 27 unanswered point to take the 3A Nevada Title

In a state championship contest pitting rivals Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley, the undefeated Moapa Valley Pirates were punched in the mouth early before surging back to with the 3A title.

The Virgin Valley Bulldogs scored on the first play from scrimmage when quarterback Gavin Brown tossed the ball to Jimmy Kelly for a log score. Brown would add another toss to Cameron Perkins in the late second quarter that appeared to give Virgin Valley a comfortable lead but the Pirates found a way to get back on track.

Peyton Neilson marched the Pirates downfield before the half where he allowed the team to close the gap on a 1-yard sneak to make the halftime score 14-7.

Getting balance from a strong running game and clutch defensive plays, the Pirates added the tying score on a Neilson pass to Dustin Gordon midway through the third quarter.

The Bulldogs appeared poised to retake momentum early in the fourth quarter when they pushed the ball down to the Pirates 7-yard line but the turnover on down became the final straw. Neilson would march the Pirates 93-yards on the ensuing drive using another run by Neilson to take a 20-14 lead with 6:56 left in the contest.

The Bulldogs looked to get back on track late only down by 6 points but a pick 6 by Jayme Carvajal would seal the deal giving the Pirates an undefeated year and their 17th state championship title.

The Pirate's offense was keyed as well by another big rushing game Landon Wrzesinski who also produced several key defensive plays in the contest.