RedHawks’ season ends in El Centro

PALO VERDE VALLEY 28, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 6

By Heather Cunnington

EL CENTRO (April 17, 2021) – The Mountain Empire RedHawks finished the season with another tough loss but once again battled until the very end in a 28-6 loss to Palo Verde Valley in a day game played on Saturday at Southwest High.

Palo Verde Valley took an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter and was driving to extend the lead when Junior Rodrigo Gonzales intercepted a pass in the end zone to stall the Yellow Jacket drive.

Corey Vann lets a pass fly on Saturday. / Heather Cunnington

Later, in the second quarter, the young RedHawks offense engineered a long drive that started on their own 30. It was capped by a touchdown strike from freshman Corey Vann to senior

The RedHawks received the ball to begin the second half and began another long drive but it was stopped due to a fumble, which was recovered by Palo Verde.

Palo Verde scored on their next possession to extend the lead 21-6.

Smith caused two fumbles and recovering both for MEHS. He finished with five receptions for 89 yards.

Junior Gregory Reyes caused a fumble and freshman Mannix Gonzalez recovered it.

Five different RedHawks caught passes.

This young offense improved over the season and the future looks bright for the RedHawks.

Mountain Empire senior Zayne Higuera had five receptions for 25 yards.

Gonzales added four tackles and had 117 return yards on special teams.

Vann was busy, going 16-for-23 for 152 yards.