Mojave uses second-half rally to earn home playoff game

A year ago, Mojave ended its season with just one win in the Class 3A Sunset League. By defeating Pahrump Valley 44-34 on Thursday night, the Rattlers successfully reversed their league record from 2016.

The victory was also enough to secure a home field advantage next week in the first round of the 3A playoffs — quite a feat for a team that finished 1-8 last season.

“To make the playoffs this year, especially to be at home, it’s a great feeling,” Mojave coach Abraham Gonzalez said.

Mojave (7-2, 4-1) overcame an 18-16 halftime deficit to beat the Trojans, who also were fighting for playoff seeding in the game.

Pahrump Valley (4-5, 2-3) opened the game with a 14-play, 66-yard scoring drive that took 8 minutes, 26 seconds off the clock. Nico Velazquez capped the possession with a 6-yard TD run.

The drive, which consisted only of running plays, set the offensive tone for the rest of the game. Pahrump Valley racked up 338 total rushing yards on the night. Leading the way was Velazquez, who finished with 145 yards and three touchdowns.

But Mojave was able to answer back with its own strong rushing attack. The Rattlers’ Tawee Walker led all rushers with 165 yards and four touchdowns.

After scoring on Mojave’s first two possessions, Walker nearly got another TD at the end of the second quarter. However, he fumbled into the end zone on a first-and-goal run from the 5-yard line. Pahrump Valley recovered the ball and hung on to an 18-16 lead at halftime.

“I knew I had to get my team back because I let them down,” Walker said. “That’s why I tried to come back and punch it hard. Sometimes I make mistakes, but you just try to put in the past.”

Walker had no trouble forgetting about the mishap. Mojave regained the lead early in the third quarter after he scored on a 18-yard touchdown. His fourth TD of the night came on a 41-yard run with 4:30 left in the third.

Mojave’s defense also rebounded in the second half. In addition to finally stopping the Trojans’ running game, the Rattlers were able to cause a pair of turnovers — the most exciting on an 82-yard pick-six by John Harper.

Mojave outscored Pahrump Valley 28-8 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead.

“We were kind of nervous,” Gonzalez said about trailing at halftime. “But we discussed what was going on and made some adjustments. I was really happy with our defense’s response. They really rose to the occasion. That was a tough Pahrump team, but our boys responded really well in the second half.”

Mojave will host Chaparral (7-2, 2-1) in the first round of the 3A playoffs next Friday.