Fernley football team must win to compete in 3-A playoffs

The Fernley football team finds itself between a rock and a hard place as far as the state 3-A playoffs are concerned.

After three straight losses in the tough Northern Nevada 3-A division, Fernley finds itself in a must win situation against another powerful foe, Spring Creek. The Vaqueros will host Spring Creek today at 7:30 p.m.

Even with a win, Fernley still may not make the playoffs. But a loss would definitely end its playoff hopes.

"It's do or die for us as far as the playoffs," Fernley Coach Dave Hart said. "Our league's so crazy, there's an outside chance. It can be done. We're that caliber of a team."

If Fernley's going to pull off the upset, it will have to do it without two of its top players. Center-linebacker Kyle Davis is out with a slight concussion and two-way starter Mike Hudgins is out as well, Hart said.

But Fernley (3-3) still has quarterback Matt Lambeth to lead the way. "He's getting better every week," Hart said. "He's getting stronger. He's our leader."

Hart said not turning the ball over, ball control and keeping Spring Creek's offense off the field will be the keys.

"If we can stop them from sticking it down our throat, we'll be O.K.," he said.

In other action, Galena (1-5, 1-1) will host Reed in a 7:30 p.m. game today.