The Rosemary Clarke Middle School Sharks football team left everything on the field Friday night at Pahrump Valley High School, facing off against perennial powerhouse Alamo in the championship game. Despite a heartbreaking 22–14 loss, the Sharks played one of their most determined and hard-fought games of the season, showing heart, discipline, and teamwork until the final whistle.
The Sharks came out strong, with quarterback Stetson Brown leading an early drive that ended in a rushing touchdown late in the first quarter. The extra point was good, giving RCMS a 7–0 lead. The defense held tight through the second quarter, forcing fumbles and key stops, but Alamo managed to edge ahead 8–7 before halftime after capitalizing on a long run and a two-point conversion.
In the third quarter, momentum swung back to the Sharks when Brody Small made an incredible one-handed interception, setting up another scoring drive. Brown and running back Corday Taylor combined for several strong runs, and Taylor powered into the end zone to regain the lead 13–8. The defense again came up big—highlighted by a crucial tackle from Ryder Edmonds that stopped a two-point conversion—but Alamo managed to tie the game before the quarter ended.
The final quarter was a defensive battle, with RCMS grinding for every yard. Brown connected with Abraham Rivas for a key first down, while Taylor and Sergio Eyraud continued to fight for tough gains. In the closing minute, Alamo broke through with a touchdown run to take a narrow 22–14 lead. The Sharks pushed downfield one last time, but the clock expired before they could answer.
After the game, Head Coach Andrew Norton reflected proudly on his team’s effort and season. “We knew coming into this it was going to be the hardest game of the year, and they definitely came out to hit us,” Norton said. “Corday had some good runs, Stetson had some good runs, and our kids played as well as they played all year long. Just that other team had basic tackling fundamentals that made it difficult for us.”
Norton also credited his coaching staff for the Sharks’ success throughout the season. “We had a heck of a season,” he said. “We wish we would have brought home the championship, but we didn’t. The season is all accredited to Coach Murray and Coach King. Without them, we may not have had a winning season. My coaching staff is outstanding, and I’m hoping they continue this and maybe even go on to the next level.”
Although the scoreboard didn’t go their way, the Sharks closed their season with pride, growth, and a spirit that represented Rosemary Clarke Middle School with distinction.
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