By Joe Torosian
(Henderson, Nevada)—After traveling 248 miles from home and hitting the field in triple-digit heat, a slow start by the Northview Vikings could be understood, if not expected.
But a 10-0 first-half deficit was overcome by five second-half touchdowns and a 35-10 victory over the Green Valley Gators on Friday night in Henderson, Nevada.
The Viking attack scored on its first possession of the third quarter. Quarterback Robert Lucero connected on a 36-yard strike to Aiden Jimenez that carried the ball to the Gators’ one.
Two plays later, Rudy Velazquez punched to paydirt.
On Green Valley’s next possession, Northview linebacker Jacob Cruz forced a fumble and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown.
Down 14-10, the Gators got the ball back and ran four plays. On the fifth, Cruz picked off Green Valley quarterback Michael Lewis and raced 42 yards for another touchdown.
The Gators’ next three possessions ended with punts as the Viking defense took control.
On offense, Robert Lucero (14/25/196yds-TD) heated up the connection with his brother, Isaiah Lucero (9-catches/116yds/TD). The Vikings added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Jaishon Bledsoe’s 6-yard touchdown run with 7:40 to play was set up by a 37-yard pass and catch from Robert to Isaiah.
The brothers closed out the scoring at the 3:43 mark when Robert picked up a bad snap and went 27 yards to Isaiah for the score.
The opening of the contest was far less promising for the visitors. Robert Lucero was sacked, and that was followed by an errant snap that lost another 12 yards.
The Gators scored on their first possession when Clayton Floyd plowed in from a yard out to make it 7-0.
The rest of the half played out with missed opportunities and some questionable calls on offense for the Vikings.
A Green Valley drive at the end of the half saw the Gators reach the Northview three. But a holding penalty moved the ball back to the 13. From there, Raedon Michaels’ 30-yard kick added the Gators’ final three points of the night and a 10-0 lead at the break.
Starting on the offensive line for the Vikings:
LT: Alan Erasto
LG: Pedro Solarzano
C: Willy Labra
RG: Grey Diaz
RT: Zach Carr
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