Las Vegas High wins defensive battle with Durango, league title — PHOTOS

With his squad locked successful a antiaircraft conflict Friday night, Las Vegas shot manager Erick Capetillo figured a large play mightiness marque the difference.

His discourtesy logged conscionable 20 second-half yards, but it was the defence that provided the decisive score.

Kawika Lopez scooped up a fumble and returned it 76 yards precocious successful the 3rd 4th for a go-ahead touchdown, and the third-ranked Class 4A Wildcats rallied past Durango for a 10-7 location victory.

The triumph guaranteed Las Vegas (5-3, 3-0) the Mountain League title and a postseason berth.

“It’s been 11 years since we’ve won the division,” Capetillo said. “I’m conscionable truthful arrogant of these kids.”

Durango (4-4, 1-2) looked similar the amended squad astatine times, but 5 turnovers and costly penalties squelched respective agelong violative drives.

Capetillo said his team’s composure made the difference.

“We stuck with what we judge in,” helium said. “We play pugnacious shot and disciplined football.”

The Wildcats squandered a 12-play thrust connected their archetypal possession, and the Trailblazers utilized bully tract presumption connected their 2nd thrust to spell up 7-0 connected a 4-yard tally by Shayson See with 7:01 near successful the archetypal half.

Las Vegas made the people 7-3 connected a 21-yard Raul Martinez tract extremity conscionable earlier halftime.

The Wildcats finished with lone 128 full yards arsenic some defenses dominated.

“That’s a pugnacious defence we have,” Capetillo said. “They’re stingy, they swarm to the football, and they crook without breaking.”

With 2:08 remaining successful the 3rd 4th and Durango driving, Lopez scooped up a fumble and took the shot down the near sideline to springiness Las Vegas a 10-7 lead.

“All of a abrupt the shot popped out,” Capetillo said. “We’re conscionable fortunate it recovered its mode into Kawika’s hands, and helium took it to the crib.”

Any anticipation Durango had of rallying was terminated by 2 fourth-quarter interceptions.

Elijah Espinoza completed 11 of 18 passes for 108 yards to pb the Wildcats, and teammate Torrell Harley rushed 9 times for 37 yards.

Maverik Cormier completed 16 of 29 passes for 180 yards to pb the Trailblazers, but 4 interceptions proved costly. Teammate Micah Reyes finished with 82 yards connected six receptions.