Two dominant backs in Derriah Wren and Ashley Galvis are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Mojave Rattlers will host the Amplus Academy Archers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Mojave will be looking to extend their current eight-game winning streak.
Mojave is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Nevada's top teams: Green Valley, who was ranked 24th at the time (Mojave was ranked 14th). Mojave never let Green Valley onto the board and left with a 6-0 win on Tuesday. That's two games straight that the Rattlers have won by exactly six points.
One reason for the win was Mojave's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. Leading the way was Yasmeen Williams with two. Zariyah Palmer was another major factor on D, making 14 total tackles and defending two passes.
Meanwhile, Amplus Academy hadn't done well against Spring Valley recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way back in December of 2024. Amplus Academy came out on top against Spring Valley by a score of 14-7. The victory was some much needed relief for the Archers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Mojave better keep an eye on Galvis. She was instrumental in Amplus Academy's win, rushing for 156 yards, while also throwing for 13 yards and one touchdown. Galvis also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, making three total tackles and defending two passes in addition to snagging two interceptions which she returned one-yard for a touchdown.
Amplus Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 211 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 180 rushing yards in three consecutive games.
Amplus Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Galvis and Iyanna Taboada. Galvis' rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked her third straight game with at least 117 rushing yards.
Mojave's win bumped their record up to 9-2. As for Amplus Academy, their victory ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-3.
Thursday's contest might be decided in the on the ground. Mojave has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 166 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Amplus Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 173.6 rushing yards. It's looking like Thursday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Mojave came up short against Amplus Academy in their previous meeting back in January of 2024, falling 14-8. Will Mojave have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other football content.
