{
  "id": 11620073,
  "title": "Apple Valley football holds off Hesperia in Mojave River League opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/apple-valley-football-holds-off-hesperia-in-mojave-river-league-opener",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T06:16:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/apple-valley-football-holds-off-061640070.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the first game of the Mojave River League, Apple Valley secured a tight 31-30 victory over Hesperia. The Scorpions needed 28 yards for a comeback, which quarterback Darius Williams provided beautifully with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Michael Vital with just 31.2 seconds left on the clock. Hesperia's head coach, Casey Goodnough, decided to go for a two-point conversion when presented the chance, but a bad snap ended the opportunity. Chase Higgs recovered Hesperia's ensuing onside kick, and Apple Valley went into victory formation, finishing with a score of 31-24. Hesperia's loss put an end to their 5-0 start, while Apple Valley improved to 5-1. Apple Valley players were less than thrilled with the outcome, considering it a \"horrible win\" due to defensive mistakes allowing Hesperia to come back.",
  "summary": "Apple Valley survived a late Hesperia rally and a two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds to open Mojave River League play with a victory.",
  "key_points": [
    "Apple Valley defeats Hesperia 31-30 in Mojave River League opener",
    "Darius Williams throws 28-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds left",
    "Hesperia ends 5-0 start with loss, Apple Valley improves to 5-1"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}