Pirates shut out rival Bulldogs

Moapa Valley's Dakota Watters passed for 71 yards and scored on a 1-yard run to lead the Pirates (6-2, 1-0 3A Southern) to an 18-0 home victory over visiting Virgin Valley (5-3, 1-1) on Friday.

Kris Postma recovered a punt blocked by Jake Rebman in the end zone for a Moapa Valley touchdown in the first quarter. The Pirates added a safety on an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone in the fourth quarter.

Conner Mortensen rushed for 91 yards on 24 carries for Moapa Valley, which held Virgin Valley to 43 yards.

There is a chance the rivals could meet again in Overton in the Class 3A state quarterfinals in November.

“It was a defensive battle, kind of an ugly game,” Moapa Valley coach Brent Lewis said. “It was a chess match, and both sides probably held back because we might play each other in a couple weeks.”