Faith Lutheran builds early lead, routs Pahrump Valley

Faith Lutheran (3-0) scored 21 points in the first quarter and had 33 by halftime in a 43-14 victory over visiting Pahrump Valley (1-2) on Friday night.

Joe Portaro, still filling in for injured starter David Sperry, was 14-for-17 for 288 yards and four touchdowns. He also connected on five extra points and two field goals.

The Crusaders scored the game’s first touchdown after recovering a high snap on a Trojans punt attempt in the end zone with 10:12 left in the first quarter.

Don Pearson had two touchdown receptions, one for 13 yards and one for 58 yards, in the first quarter.

Croix Nikodemus caught a 58-yard bomb for a touchdown to push the Crusaders lead to 28-0 early in the second quarter.

The Crusaders led 33-7 at halftime by scoring a safety in the second quarter after punter Gregory Shippee was called for intentional grounding in the end zone.

Zach Weldon rushed for 81 yards and two TDs on 13 carries for the Trojans.