Brinkley keys Sunset in 7-3 All-Star win

With the state player of the year at quarterbck backed by two 2,500-yard rushers, it appeared the Sunrise Region might have an offensive advantage in the annual Lions Club All-Star football game.

But the Sunset Region had another idea.

Las Vegas quarterback O’Ryan Bradley, Foothill running back D’Angelo Jones and Del Sol running back Tim Johnson had accounted for 115 touchdowns last fall, but the trio couldn’t get the Sunrise into the end zone Saturday night at Las Vegas High School as the Sunset prevailed, 7-3.

The Sunset Region overcame four first-half turnovers, and the loss of its top offensive option before the game began.

Cimarron-Memorial running back Eddie Wide missed the game with a hamstring injury sustained during the track season, but his teammate Eric Brinkley was up to the task.

Brinkley rushed for 88 yards on 12 carries and scored the only touchdown on a 28-yard run with 3:25 left in the first quarter.

The Sunrise’s points came on a 24-yard field goal by Green Valley’s Wayne Hope in the second quarter.

Brinkley, who also broke up a pass on defense, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Sunset quarterback Mike Tagliaferri of Centennial was named the offensive MVP after passing for 96 yards. Sunrise linebacker Nate Carter of Las Vegas was the defensive MVP.