The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ flag football team took on a challenging road matchup Monday, January 26, facing the Somerset Sky Pointe Eagles at Somerset Sky Pointe. While the Lady Trojans came up short on the scoreboard in a 32–0 final, the game reflected a team that continues to compete from start to finish, showing physical effort, steady defensive play, and moments of progress on both sides of the ball.
Pahrump Valley opened the game leaning on a mix of runs and quarterback keepers, looking to establish rhythm early. Anjolina Mercado broke free for a long run on the opening series, and Ma’liyah Collins followed with a quarterback keeper that picked up a first down and pushed the offense forward. The Trojans weren’t afraid to get creative, attempting a double reverse and later going for it on fourth down as they searched for an early breakthrough.
Defensively, the Lady Trojans set the tone with strong flag pulls. Savannah Thompson came up with a key stop on third down late in the first quarter, while Diona Nixon consistently read plays well on the edge. Despite a back-and-forth opening quarter, Somerset Sky Pointe capitalized on a long passing play early in the second quarter to take a 6–0 lead, though Pahrump’s defense responded by breaking up the extra-point attempt.
The Trojans answered with another determined drive, highlighted by strong runs from Ariana Lozoya and Jazmyn Herrera, including a tough run up the middle that resulted in a first down. Pahrump continued to mix in quarterback keepers and short passes, showing patience against a disciplined Eagles defense. Late in the half, Somerset added a defensive score, sending the teams into halftime with the Trojans trailing 19–0.
In the second half, the Lady Trojans continued to compete on both sides of the ball. Nixon, Alexa Kumm, and Thompson combined for multiple flag pulls that limited additional yardage, and Mercado made one of the game’s biggest defensive plays by bobbling and securing a long interception, preventing a likely touchdown and returning the ball deep into Trojan territory.
Offensively, Pahrump found some momentum through the air. Herrera connected with Collins on a short pass for a solid gain, and later in the fourth quarter, Savannah Thompson stepped in at quarterback and led a drive that moved the chains. A highlight came when Thompson delivered a long completion to Nixon, who made the catch near midfield before being helped off the field after the play.
The Trojans closed the game continuing to attack, with Lozoya, Nixon, and Thompson all contributing on the final possessions. While the Eagles were able to add points late, Pahrump Valley never backed down, finishing the night with the same energy and determination they brought to the opening snap.
Despite the loss, the Lady Trojans showed resilience, depth, and continued growth against a tough Somerset Sky Pointe squad. As the season winds down, games like this reflect the hard work behind Pahrump Valley’s inaugural girls flag football season, with the Lady Trojans continuing to learn, compete, and lay the groundwork for the program’s future.
