The Pahrump Valley High School football team will have its home crowd behind it Friday, Nov. 6, when the No. 2-seeded Trojans host the Virgin Valley Bulldogs in a regional semifinal. With four teams in the division this year, the playoffs begin in the semifinal round. After hosting quarterfinal games before traveling for the semifinals in each of the past two seasons, the Trojans have earned the opportunity to play this round on their own field.
“Earning the #2 seed for the playoffs means a lot for our team,” Head Coach Toby Henry said. “We get a home game and this is a huge advantage for us. We have been on the road in this round the last two years.”
The Trojans enter the matchup after a regular season Henry deliberately designed to prepare his players for difficult games. A challenging nonconference schedule gave Pahrump opportunities to learn about itself, make adjustments and develop the confidence it will need against a familiar opponent.
“I have seen growth in our whole team this year,” Henry said. “We have learned great lessons in big games this year. We scheduled a very tough non conference on purpose, to get us ready for these moments.”
Pahrump has already faced Virgin Valley this season, and Henry came away from that meeting confident in his team’s ability to handle a significant matchup. He also expects the Bulldogs to present another demanding test Friday.
“I learned that our team is ready for big games,” Henry said. “We will have to play tougher this time.”
Containing Virgin Valley’s running game will be a priority. Henry identified the Bulldogs’ ability to move the ball on the ground as one of their strengths, making sound defense and preventing big gains especially important for Pahrump.
The Trojans’ own checklist starts with protecting the football, making the most of their scoring opportunities and following through on special teams. Henry said the team’s recent consistency across offense, defense and special teams has given him confidence heading into the postseason.
Offensively, Pahrump has been taking what opposing defenses allow. On defense, the Trojans have been limiting big plays and stopping the run, while their special teams units have reduced mistakes. Maintaining those habits will be a focus as the team looks to extend its season.
Pahrump’s offensive production includes 1,058 passing yards from Evan Strain and 565 receiving yards from Lucas Gavenda. Preston Dockter has contributed 12 total touchdowns, giving the Trojans another important source of scoring heading into the postseason.
On defense, Paul Walker has recorded 13 sacks, while Iyan Bosket and Billy Sparks have added six apiece. That ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks complements the emphasis Henry has placed on containing the run and limiting big plays.
Henry credited the entire roster for the progress, emphasizing that the team’s preparation and leadership extend beyond the players whose names appear most often in the statistics.
“We have a ton of leadership, we practice hard, lift hard, and every player on our team deserves recognition,” he said.
The seniors and other team leaders have also helped younger players understand the daily effort required to be successful. Through their example in practice and preparation, they have shown teammates what Henry expects as the program moves into the playoffs.
That work has continued through the two weeks leading up to Friday’s game. Henry described practices as positive and energetic, with players excited about the opportunity while remaining focused on their assignments.
“Our boys are very excited for their opportunity this Friday,” he said. “They have been locked in for two weeks.”
His message has been to keep working, avoid playoff distractions and concentrate on the game immediately ahead. When the Trojans take the field, he wants that preparation to translate into confident play.
“I want them to have the mindset of playing with confidence, flying around, and just do what they have been coached to do,” Henry said.
Friday’s game will also include a special recognition of military service. The Southern Nevada Officials Association has selected Pahrump’s home playoff game for its annual Veterans Day crew, continuing a tradition of assigning an all-veteran crew to a playoff game near the holiday.
The 12-member crew represents a combined 153 years of military service and includes one active-duty service member and five military retirees. Seven officials will work on the field, with three members handling the chains and two operating the clocks.
Leading the on-field crew as referee will be Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Hathaway. Fellow Marine Corps veterans Cpl. Joe Molinaro and Cpl. Robert Horne will serve as umpire and head linesman, respectively. Army veterans Sgt. 1st Class John Longo and Sgt. Eric Ruffin will work as line judge and side judge.
Coast Guard veteran Rich Calitro, a radioman third class petty officer, will serve as back judge, while Air Force veteran Tech. Sgt. Stan Ward will be the field judge.
The chain crew will include Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Liddell, who is currently serving on active duty; Navy veteran John Peeples, a hospital corpsman second class; and Marine Corps veteran Cpl. John O’Connor. Air Force veterans Sgt. Richard Mumford and Tech. Sgt. Donald Cole will operate the clocks.
The Pahrump Valley Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club are covering admission for the first 50 veterans, a combined total between the two clubs. The student section’s theme will be red, white and blue in honor of the crew and Veterans Day.
Dr. Gent, a Marine Corps veteran, will be at midfield for the coin toss. PVHS Athletics Secretary Kendra McCauley, a U.S. Air Force veteran, will sing the national anthem.
With a playoff game at home and an evening that will recognize veterans, Henry hopes the community will fill the stands for the Trojans and give the seniors another memorable night on their home field.
“The support we have had from our community is outstanding,” Henry said. “It’s amazing that our kids get to play in front of a crowd that supports them the way this community supports us.”
His invitation for Friday is especially meaningful for the players nearing the end of their high school careers.
“We have one more home game this year, one more home game for these seniors, please come out Friday and show these young men how much they mean to Pahrump.”
Kick off for the game will be at 7 p.m.
