In a game matching up annual state title contender Moapa Valley versus playoff first timers SLAM Academy, the Pirates jumped out to a surging early lead as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first two minutes of the contest.
Running back Landon Wrzesinski made sure the sure continued with a 25-yard run to give the Pirates a 21-0 lead midway through the first quarter but SLAM would finally strike back with a 33-yard pass from Joseph Kuykendall to Gavin Thammavongsa to close the quarter down 21-7.
The second quarter would see the team balance out a tug of war for momentum but the Pirates would get a big scoring run by Austin Heiselbetz would allow the Pirates to take a 28-7 halftime lead.
The second half would see the Pirates put SLAM away with runs by Wrzesinski and Heiselbetz to take a 42-7 lead early in the fourth quarter. Kuykendall would add a rushing touchdown to end the running clock but a final score by Ethan Stankosky would allow the Pirates to complete the process of running out the clock to move on to the semifinals where they will host Elko next Saturday..
Wrzesinski finished the contest with 226 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing.
5A Playoff Scores
North
Reed 21 McQueen 50
Damonte Ranch 0 Bishop Manogue 36
South
Foothill 6 Bishop Gorman 63
Arbor View 8 Liberty 30
4A Playoff Scores
Sierra Vista 8 Las Vegas 27
Durango 7 Shadow Ridge 38
Spring Valley 0 Silverado 51
Basic 0 Coronado 13
3A Playoff Scores
Fernley 38 Elko 46
Churchill County 21 North Valleys 14
Virgin Valley 35 Pahrump Valley 0
