Fernley defeats Sparks

Brian Jones ran for 154 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries as the Fernley High football team beat Sparks 39-20 on Friday at home.

Dan Henderson completed 10-of-18 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns to Cody McDougal for Fernley (2-3, 1-1), which scored on its first four possessions to take a 26-20 lead. After Sparks closed to within 26-20 at halftime, Fernley scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to put the game away.

"We started out like gangbusters," Fernley coach Dave Hart said. "We played real well. I'm pleased with how the kids responded."

Travis McCurry scored on an 18-yard run and Steve Geil kicked the extra point to give Fernley a 7-0 lead. Jones scored on a 39 and 9-yard runs to make it 19-0. McDougal caught a 40-yard scoring pass from Henderson and Geil added the kick to make it 26-0.

Sparks began the second half by controlling the ball for 81Ú2 minutes, but the Fernley defense held. McDougal caught a 7-yard TD pass from Henderson and Jones scored on a 24-yard run in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

Dan Allred caught three passes for 53 yards, with all three receptions going for first downs. Allred also made nine tackles in his first game at middle linebacker. "He really energized our defense," Hart said.

"We're really proud of his effort."