The Pahrump Valley High School junior varsity girls’ flag football team closed out its season Thursday, February 5, with a competitive home matchup against Amplus, delivering a performance highlighted by defensive stands, explosive runs, and a determined late-game push. Although the Lady Trojans fell 13-6, the contest reflected the team’s growth, grit, and ability to battle through adversity from start to finish.
Pahrump Valley opened the game with possession and quickly showed its willingness to take risks offensively. Early in the first quarter, the Lady Trojans converted a fourth-down play just past the 40-yard line, keeping their opening drive alive. Shortly after, Keelee Gieni stepped up on defense, making a crucial stop on a fourth-down run to halt Amplus’ early momentum.
The Trojans found success on the ground behind Ma’liyah Collins, who electrified the sideline with a 30-yard run up the right side to move Pahrump deep into Amplus territory. Collins followed with another short gain, while Abigail Ramirez added a short reception to set up a third-and-two situation. Despite the drive stalling after an incomplete pass, Pahrump’s early offensive rhythm set the tone for a physical and competitive contest as the first quarter ended scoreless.
The defensive battle continued into the second quarter, with Amplus moving the ball past midfield before encountering resistance from the Lady Trojans’ defense. Ember Castaneda delivered several key plays, including a flag pull on a long pass and a well-timed pass breakup that prevented a potential scoring opportunity. Teagan Fanning later forced a turnover on downs with another strong defensive stop, giving Pahrump possession at its own 10-yard line.
The Trojans attempted to build momentum but were forced to punt after an incomplete pass. Castaneda again made her presence known, pulling a flag at the Pahrump 28-yard line to slow Amplus’ return effort. Amplus eventually found its breakthrough in the closing seconds of the half, completing a long touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining. Despite tight coverage and pressure from Gieni, the pass connected, and the extra point conversion gave Amplus a 7-0 lead heading into halftime.
Pahrump Valley nearly answered before the break when Collins broke free on a touchdown run up the right sideline, but the play was ruled out of bounds, sending the Lady Trojans into halftime still searching for their first score.
The Trojans opened the second half with possession, connecting on a short pass to Collins and continuing to rely on her running ability to move the ball. However, an interception shifted momentum back to Amplus. Mitzy Godinez quickly responded with a strong defensive effort, pulling the flag to limit the return and keep the Trojans within striking distance.
Defensive stops continued to be a hallmark for Pahrump throughout the third quarter. Ariana Lozoya delivered a key flag pull following an eight-yard completion, while Gieni added another defensive stop to force a third-down situation. The highlight moment of the quarter came when Carmella Goudeau stepped in front of a pass and secured an interception, igniting the Pahrump sideline and giving the Trojans possession deep in Amplus territory at the 24-yard line.
The Trojans capitalized on the momentum, with Collins converting a fourth-down run and powering her way 16 yards toward the end zone to keep the drive alive. Alexa Kumm later connected on a pass to move the ball closer to the goal line, but the drive ultimately stalled after an incomplete fourth-down pass, leaving the game still within reach heading into the final quarter.
Amplus opened the fourth quarter with a steady drive, aided by a penalty that moved the ball to midfield. Lozoya and Castaneda continued to anchor the defense with timely flag pulls, while Marlen Torres applied pressure with a blitz that forced a hurried pass attempt. Despite the defensive effort, Amplus pushed forward and managed to stretch the ball across the goal line on a fourth-down attempt, extending its lead to 13-0.
Refusing to back down, the Lady Trojans mounted a determined response midway through the fourth quarter. Jazmyn Herrera sparked the drive with a quarterback keeper that produced a first down. Moments later, Collins once again delivered a standout play, taking the snap and sprinting up the left sideline for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 13-6 with just over three minutes remaining.
Pahrump attempted to extend the drive with a conversion attempt from the 25-yard line, but the pass fell incomplete, leaving the Trojans needing a defensive stop. With two minutes left, the Lady Trojans forced Amplus into a fourth-down situation near the 12-yard line. Goudeau delivered another quick defensive stop, and after a timeout, Gieni made a highlight play by intercepting a pass to give Pahrump one final opportunity.
Despite the late turnover, a blocking penalty negated part of the return, and Amplus secured the ball again with a late interception in the final seconds to seal the 13-6 result.
While the scoreboard did not fall in Pahrump Valley’s favor, the Lady Trojans closed their season with a performance that showcased their resilience, teamwork, and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. From multiple defensive takeaways to explosive runs and clutch fourth-down conversions, the team demonstrated how far it has come throughout the season, setting a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead.
