Sparks picked up a 3-0 road shutout victory over Elko in Friday’s 3A North opener.
It was the third-straight victory for the Railroaders (3-2-0, 1-0-0) since dropping their first two non-league games of the season to North Valleys and Coronado.
“Ever since (the non-league tournament), their eyes opened as to understanding you can’t just step out on the field and win,” Sparks coach Jose Espana said.
Elko sunk to 1-6-0, 0-1-0.
Junior captain Bernado Simental put Sparks up 1-0 in the sixth minute, then assisted Mario Jiminez in the 17th. The 2-0 lead held until the 47th minute when Giovanni Lopez found the back of the net.
Sparks outshot Elko 12-3 in the win.
The Railroaders conclude the trip on the east side of the state on Saturday against Spring Creek.
Sparks girls bested 5-1 by Elko
An Angie Hurtado goal in the first 40 minutes had Sparks within 2-1 of Elko at the half Friday afternoon at home.
Then the two schools switched sides, putting the wind at the Indians back, and the guests went on to win 5-1 in the 3A North opener.
Sparks dropped to 1-6-0, 0-1-0.
“We had the win in our favor (early) but it wasn’t enough,” Sparks coach Art Hurtado said. “We made some youthful mistakes that cost us the game.”
The Railroaders host Spring Creek on Saturday at noon.
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