Shadow Ridge football earns tough road win in California

Members of the Shadow Ridge 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, AJ Smith, Ula Cox and Kainoa Nihipali. Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

Isaiah Ruiz’s fourth-quarter touchdown run proved to be the game-winner as Shadow Ridge overcame a grueling road trip to defeat Quartz of California 14-6 on Friday night.

After departing Las Vegas in the early morning hours for the journey into California, Shadow Ridge found themselves in a defensive battle that came down to the final quarter.

Ruiz's touchdown was followed by a 2-point conversion run by Hector Velazquez.

“It’s never easy to win a game when you have to travel four to six hours to play,” Shadow Ridge coach Travis Foster said. “Our defense played lights out and did a really good job keeping us in position to win.”

The defensive effort was highlighted by a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jokai Johnson.

Shadow Ridge improves to 2-1 on the season.