Hammer Game classic: Virgin Valley football rallies past Moapa Valley in final seconds

Members of the Virgin Valley High School football team are pictured during the Las Vegas Sun's high school football media day at the Red Rock Resort on July 22, 2025. They include, from left, Dallin Moeai, Aiden Muniz, Kobe Perry and Elian Pinto. Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

The Hammer Game has been played between Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley for decades and stands as one of the great high school football rivalry games in Nevada.

Tonight’s 18-17 Virgin Valley victory could go down as one of the series’ most memorable contests.

It certainly featured a play for the ages: With Virgin Valley trailing 17-12 and less than one minute remaining, Ellian Pinto stripped the ball from Moapa Valley’s running back and recovered the fumble, giving the Bulldogs one last chance.

Two quick completions moved the ball to the 10-yard line — the same spot where Virgin Valley had failed to score twice earlier in the game.

This time, quarterback Koby Perry punched it in with about 10 seconds remaining, capping a furious rally and securing the rivalry win.

The final touchdown was the first time Virgin Valley had the lead in the game.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” Virgin Valley coach Matt Woods said. “They were resilient. They keep fighting the whole way.”

The victory does more than settle bragging rights. It completes an undefeated season in the Class 3A Southern League and gives the Bulldogs the No. 1 seed in the upcoming playoffs. 

They’ll enjoy home-field advantage through the state semifinals, avoiding the grueling trip to Northern Nevada and the frigid temperatures that come with it.

That challenge, thanks to Pinto’s heroics, now belongs to Moapa Valley.

Virgin Valley is known for its competent rushing attack. But tonight the Bulldogs won because of their passing game with Perry throwing for more than 250 yards and two touchdowns. Pinto and Drew Dixon had scoring receptions.

It wasn’t Virgin Valley’s first come-from-behind win of the season. They trailed Mater East 28-6 at halftime before rallying for a win.

They will carry that mentality into the playoffs, Woods said.

“There is no game that is out of reach,” the coach said. “They just keep fighting.”