The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ flag football teams traveled to Las Vegas on Monday, Dec. 15, to face the SLAM Bulls at the Russell Road Recreation Complex, gaining valuable experience as both the junior varsity and varsity squads continued to develop against strong competition.
The JV Trojans arrived midway through the first half facing a 6–0 deficit but settled in quickly. A completed pass to Maria-Clarissa Igwe helped move the offense, and the team called an immediate timeout to regroup. As halftime approached, the Trojans turned the ball over on downs, but the defense responded with Biannet Lozano Chavez pulling a flag on a run to the right with just six seconds remaining. An incomplete pass on the next play kept the score at 6–0 heading into halftime.
SLAM opened the second half with a long passing touchdown, though Pahrump answered with a strong defensive stand by stopping the two-point conversion attempt. The Bulls added another passing score later in the third quarter, but the Trojans continued to fight. Quarterback Alexa Kumm picked up a first down on a scramble late in the quarter, helping extend a drive as the team looked for momentum.
In the fourth quarter, the JV squad remained aggressive. Kumm kept the ball on a quarterback keeper on fourth down, Toyia Farmer broke free for a solid gain late in the game, and Ma’liyah Collins secured a completed pass for a first down. A defensive pass interference call also helped move the ball forward, but SLAM was able to capitalize on late possessions, closing the game with a 32–0 final.
The varsity Trojans opened the game with strong defensive energy. Diona Nixon knocked down an early pass, and Ariana Lozoya disrupted a play in the backfield, setting the tone early. SLAM struck first through the air, but Jazmyn Herrera broke up the two-point conversion attempt to limit the damage. Nixon led the offense with several determined runs, including a spin move that earned a first down late in the first quarter and another run that carried the ball to the 20-yard line.
Savannah Thompson directed the offense from the quarterback position, working to move the ball while the Trojans mixed in option plays and quick passes. Anjolina Mercado made a quick flag pull after a punt, and Herrera continued to be active defensively. Despite those efforts, SLAM capitalized on long runs and passing plays to take a 35–0 lead into halftime.
The Trojans continued to compete in the second half. Nixon gained a first down on a quarterback keeper and followed with additional yardage on consecutive plays. Thompson connected on a contested pass to Mitzy Godinez late in the game, showing resilience under pressure. The defense forced a turnover on downs early in the fourth quarter, and Ma’liyah Collins added a run as the Trojans looked to generate momentum. SLAM added scores late, and the game concluded with a 49–0 final.
Following the game, Head Coach Jeff Corbett emphasized the team’s continued growth and focus heading into the weekend.
“We’re still struggling offensively but we’re improving every day,” Corbett said. “We need to work on keeping the offense on the field and the defense off of it. That’ll be the focus coming into the Beast in the East Tourney for this weekend.”
With each game providing new lessons and opportunities for development, the PVHS girls’ flag football teams continue to build experience and prepare for the challenges ahead.
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