Las Vegas head football coach Chris Faircloth knew the pass-happy offense of Coronado was going to test his Wildcats on Friday night.

Pass is certainly what the Cougars did, as Coronado threw the ball a whopping 54 times in the Sunrise Regional quarterfinal.

However, it was the Wildcats' defense and special teams that made key plays at critical times in the second half as top-ranked Las Vegas held off Coronado, 15-7, at Las Vegas High School.

With the win, the Wildcats (10-1) will host Silverado, an 18-14 winner over Canyon Springs at 7 p.m. Thursday in the regional semifinals.

Despite the Cougars (4-6) throwing for 292 yards and senior Tysson Poots having a career night, the Wildcats took advantage of a blocked punt and safety to get eight much-needed second-half points.

"We fought hard in this one," said Faircloth. "We knew they (Coronado) were going to throw, and we worked on it all week. But, that kid (Poots) is a great player. I see why he's the best receiver in the area."

Poots, most of the time against double coverage, grabbed 13 receptions for 237 yards.

But Coronado managed just a 58-yard punt return from Eric Nimmer for the Cougars' lone touchdown.

"Our defense plays with a lot of heart," said Faircloth, whose unit intercepted four passes and managed four sacks. "Even though they (Coronado) threw the ball well, it's great to know we didn't allow an offensive touchdown."

Las Vegas broke a 7-7 tie early in the third quarter thanks to a big special teams play as Jashaad Gaines blocked a Cougar punt, allowing the Wildcats to open shop at the Coronado 33.

Four plays later, Jamal Lomax found the end zone from a yard out, and the Wildcats had a 13-7 lead.

Coronado had chances to tie the contest in the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats defense rose to the occasion.

In the final four possessions, the Cougars had three interceptions.

They also received a sack from Billy Winn of quarterback Brady McManus in the end zone for a safety.

Cougars quarterback Grant Riley completed 18 of 48 passes for 260 yards, but Coronado manged just seven yards rushing.