With a strong summer camp, renewed leadership, and a deep roster of returning players, the Pahrump Valley High School Trojans football team is charging into the 2025 season with confidence and high expectations. Under the leadership of Head Coach Thomas Walker, the team is aiming to build on last year’s playoff appearance and take the next step toward a potential state berth.
The season officially kicks off with a preseason scrimmage against Mojave High School on Friday, August 15. The first regular season game is set for August 22 at Cadence, followed by the Trojans’ highly anticipated home opener against Chaparral on August 29. But before the team hits the field under the lights, the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction will return on Saturday, August 2, at the PVHS cafeteria. Tickets are $10, and proceeds go directly to supporting the team with vital equipment, film analysis tools, and headset upgrades.
Coach Walker emphasized the importance of this fundraiser in minimizing out-of-pocket costs for families. “This is our big fundraiser. It allows us to buy things like field equipment, pads, sleds, and our film equipment — which alone costs us nearly $2,800 each season,” he said. “This year, we also need new headsets, which are another $5,000 to $7,000. Without the support from our community, we wouldn’t have nearly what we do.”
The Trojans’ offseason was marked by an impressive showing at both their own Trojan Camp and at Southern Utah University’s summer camp in Cedar City. “We had one of our best camps at SUU,” said Walker. “Our defense looked way ahead of where it was last year, and our offense was really strong despite losing key seniors. This is actually going to be one of our strongest lines we’ve had in a long time — probably since 2018.”
Among those seniors were standouts like Hunter Mellinger, Matt Lopez, Randy Murray, and Ethen Hutchinson — but Walker and his staff have seen new and returning players step into those roles. “Randy is tough to replace at wide receiver, but Lucas Gavenda has really stepped up,” said Walker. “We also have a new addition in Gideon Wydick, a 6’3″, 225-pound tight end who moved here from southern Idaho. He’s starting to figure things out and looks promising.”
The Trojans return several key starters, including senior quarterback Kayne Horibe and offensive weapon Austin Alvarez, both of whom bring experience, leadership, and big-play potential. “Having a quarterback like Kayne and a guy like Austin back is huge,” said Walker. “Kayne’s a dual threat — he’s smart, he can throw, he can run, and he makes the right reads.”
The leadership and energy among this year’s seniors have set the tone early. “Camp went great,” said senior quarterback Kayne Horibe. “We executed a lot of good plays against some big teams. But what I’m most looking forward to is playing with my brothers. I’ve been playing with these guys since I was five years old — it’s special.”
Defensive Coordinator Mike Colucci credited much of the team’s development to their offseason work ethic. “Our kids have been working really hard in the weight room,” he said. “One of the most important things to me is just the punctuality all summer — we haven’t had many guys miss training.”
Wide receiver and running back Austin Alvarez echoed that sentiment. “We had a really good camp. I feel like we set the bar high early on, and now it’s about improving every week,” he said. “I’m looking forward to going deep in the playoffs because I really think that’s where we’re headed.”
Senior Jacob Stepp, a linebacker and fullback, is new to the program but already feels the weight of the team’s expectations — and its potential. “Camp went pretty well — it was a learning experience,” he said. “I’m definitely trying to make a run all the way to state. I think we have the players that can do it.”
Offensive Coordinator Toby Henry praised the versatility of this year’s lineup. “We’ve moved some linebackers and more athletic guys to the tackle spots, and they’re doing a great job adjusting. Our line is getting really good, and Coach Baker’s addition has been incredible,” Henry said, referencing new assistant coach George Baker, who joined the program from Liberty High School and now works with both the offensive and defensive lines.
Returning lineman Jack Walker, the only senior on the line, has embraced the challenge. “The O-line and D-line are looking super good,” he said. “I’m most excited to win with my brothers. I’ve been playing since I was six years old, so it’s going to be fun.”
Senior Joseph McDonald, who plays linebacker and fullback, is also motivated by the progress the team has made. “Camp went great,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the team doing big things this season. We’ve worked hard to get here.”
Defensively, the Trojans are looking to make major improvements after a young group took their lumps last season. Defensive Coordinator Mike Colucci said the team has focused on simplifying schemes and playing more aggressively. “Last year we had eight first-year varsity players starting on defense,” he said. “Now those guys have experience. At camp, they were playing mean, fast, and disciplined. We weren’t catching blocks or ball carriers — we were going through them.”
Colucci noted that the team’s ability to hold its own against top-tier opponents at the SUU camp, including several 5A programs like Shadow Ridge and Las Vegas High, is a testament to how far they’ve come. “This was probably the most fun I’ve had as a defensive coach at camp,” he said. “We were shutting people down. It was borderline dominance.”
Senior Jace Wulfenstein, a wide receiver and safety, said the time away at camp helped the team grow both on and off the field. “It was nice for us to play other teams rather than ourselves. The rooming together really built our chemistry — it united us as brothers,” he said. “Now we know what we’re capable of.”
Senior Ashton McClard, who plays defensive back and wide receiver, said the strong camp start gave the team confidence. “Since we came out really strong at camp, we can see what we’re capable of doing,” he said. “I’m really excited to see what we can do as a team this year.”
The Trojans’ physicality and conditioning are being matched by growing maturity and accountability. Colucci noted that Horibe, Alvarez, and Slusher have become vocal and dependable leaders, pushing their teammates to match their work ethic. “When your best players are your hardest workers, your team has a chance to be really good,” he said. “And that’s exactly what we’re seeing.”
Other standout players include returning linemen Billy Sparks and Jack Walker, as well as Joseph McDonald, Iyan Bosket, and Alejandro (Alex) Rayas. Walker praised Sparks’ development over the past year, calling him “something to watch,” and Henry highlighted Bosket’s versatility, saying, “He’s starting middle backer and right tackle. He’s just a strong, athletic kid with great footwork.”
When it comes to the game plan, the Trojans will continue to run a balanced offense, adjusting to each opponent. “If they stack the box, we’ll throw. If they spread out, we’ll run,” said Henry. “Our playbook is deep. If there’s a play run anywhere in the country, our kids can probably run it.”
The senior class — including Horibe, Alvarez, Slusher, Wulfenstein, McClard, Walker, Stepp and McDonald — is hungry for a deep playoff run and a shot at redemption against longtime rivals. In fact, when asked which game they’re most looking forward to, the answer was unanimous: Moapa Valley.
“Moapa for sure,” said Horibe. “We’ve been playing together since we were little kids. We’re ready to show what we’ve built.” Wulfenstein added with a grin, “My mom came from Moapa. I’ve got some family over there — it’ll be nice to whoop them.”
The chemistry among this group is undeniable, and the bond between teammates is one of the team’s biggest strengths. “We’ve all played together forever,” said Slusher. “We’ve set a good example for the younger guys, and now we’re excited to see how far we can go.”
As the 2025 season begins, optimism is high in the Trojan camp. The team is physically stronger, more experienced, and mentally prepared for the grind of a long season. “We haven’t accomplished anything yet,” said Colucci. “But these boys have worked hard, they’ve stayed focused, and if they keep pushing the way they have, this could be something really special.”
