Rattlers rolled by explosive Pirates, 42-12

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The Mojave High School football team struggled to stop the run and establish the run at Moapa Valley on Friday, Aug. 28, falling 42-12. The Rattler defense allowed 199 yards on the ground and an 8.7-yard rushing average. MVHS senior Briggs Hickman was a big problem, rushing 11 times for 143 yards and three scores.

Mojave High School freshman quarterback Jaylyn Jackson attempts a pass under pressure at Moapa Valley High School on Friday, Aug. 28.
TARA LEAVITT / North Las Vegas News
Mojave High School freshman quarterback Jaylyn Jackson attempts a pass under pressure at Moapa Valley High School on Friday, Aug. 28.

The back end of the defense also struggled, as Pirates’ senior quarterback Kamden Drosos completed eight of 10 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. All four receivers who caught passes had big yards after the catch, with longs ranging from 15 to 63 yards. 

The offensive line didn’t fare much better, allowing eight tackles for loss, including two sacks by junior Jett Levy, who also blocked a punt out of the back of the end zone for a safety. The Pirates are known for their exceptional linemen on both sides of the ball, however.

Rattler wide receiver Dyemond Jefferson showed flashes of brilliance, converting a couple of third-and-long opportunities with great catches. He caught a first-down pass across the middle and held onto the ball through a stiff hit at the Mojave 44-yard line with 48 seconds until halftime, but an interception undid the second promising Rattler drive of the half. Jefferson had three receptions for 43 yards. Kemari Coleman led the Rattlers with 61 receiving yard on three catches.

“Dyemond Jefferson and Kemari Coleman both had some great catches and yards after the catch,” said MHS head coach Jordan Foster. “Two names to look forward to are Zechariah Johnson (LB/RB), who had 10 tackles and a pass deflection, and Troy Lott (WR/Safety).”

Freshman quarterback Jaylyn Jackson didn’t have much time to scan for open receivers, completing 10 of 23 pass attempts for 147 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Rattlers couldn’t establish a running game at all, rushing for just nine yards on 10 carries. As the offensive line gels throughout the season, that should take some pressure off Jackson.

The Rattlers host Corona del Sol on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.