Vandals win fifth straight with third consecutive shutout

The Eureka County High School football team blanked Pyramid Lake 44-0 on the road, Thursday, Oct. 8, staying a perfect 6-0 in league play and preserving its spot atop the Northern 1A standings. 

Dean Benson and Hank Mentaberry led the Vandal offense with a pair of touchdown runs of over 50 yards. They also connected on a long touchdown pass as well. Cody Bice led the defense in tackles, with several going for a loss, and returned an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter.

“We are looking to improve discipline/execution and limit mistakes on both sides of the ball…Beyond the wins, one of the biggest benefits has been getting our younger players quality game experience,” said Vandal head coach Fred Minoletti. 

The Vandals finish the regular season with two home games, first facing Virginia City (3-5, 2-4) on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. 

“Virginia City is always a good matchup. They are well-coached and run a disciplined offense/defense, and we expect them to come in and play hard,” Minoletti said. “Mineral is tough with the way they spread defenses out with their speed, so tackling, getting all eight to the ball, and pressure on the quarterback will continue to be a key emphasis for us.”

Mineral County is also unbeaten in league play at 5-0 but has three tough league games remaining at Carlin (5-2, 5-1) and versus Wells (4-3, 3-2) before visiting the league-leading Vandals.