First-place Rancho has bone to pick with rival
Rodrick Tuisavalalo was 4 years old the last time Rancho beat rival Las Vegas High on the football field.
Tuisavalalo hopes to end that streak as a senior tonight.
The Rams (4-3, 3-0 Northeast League) host Las Vegas (6-1, 3-0) in the annual Bone Game at 7 tonight.
The Wildcats have won the past 12 Bone Games, outscoring Rancho 451-108 during that stretch.
But with the teams tied atop the Northeast League, Tuisavalalo and the Rams think things could be much more competitive this season. Despite Las Vegas’ recent dominance, the all-time series couldn’t be any closer, as both teams have 25 wins. The 1958 game ended in a 13-all tie.
“This year it’s going to be a pretty good one,” said Tuisavalalo, a starting guard and defensive tackle. “Both teams are looking to come out and break this tie. We’re definitely going to do our part. We’re going to leave it all on the field (Friday) night.”
When Rancho started 1-3, it looked as if this year might be another round of Las Vegas High dominance. But the three losses came by a total of 17 points, and the Rams have rallied to win their last three.
“It’s the first time they’ve been 3-0 in league playing Vegas, who is always 3-0 in league,” first-year Rancho coach Elvin Dick said. “They’re excited. We know Vegas is good. They’re tough, and to beat them you’ve got to be perfect and can’t make mistakes.”
Dick said the turning point for his team came after a 21-13 loss to Bonanza. He noticed quarterback James Cammack was having success late in those games running a two-minute offense, so Dick decided to go away from his preferred two-back set and spread things out.
“We started to spread it out and get our athletes the ball and let James make plays,” Dick said. “He makes plays a lot on his own. He doesn’t run the offense quite the way I want it sometimes. I’d like for him to step up in the pocket a little bit more and make his reads, but I’m not going to take away his athleticism, either.
“Sometimes he holds onto the ball a little longer, makes guys miss and our guys get open. Having that is great.”
Cammack has passed for 1,891 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He has thrown just five interceptions and also has rushed for 228 yards and four touchdowns.
Dijon Holman (45 receptions, 808 yards, seven TDs) has been his favorite target, but Cammack has done a good job spreading the ball around.
Six receivers have 11 or more catches, and seven have caught two or more touchdown passes.
Now it’s time to see if the team is up to the test against a Las Vegas team that has won the last five Sunrise Region titles.
“The rivalry is something big, especially being the oldest rivalry in the state,” Tuisavalalo said. “We’re both going to come out hard. I just can’t wait.”
