09/15/2026
MUSTANGS BATTLE BULLDOGS ON MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT IN KAYENTA
KAYENTA, Ariz. — Fans gathered at Tano/Young Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, as the Monument Valley High School Mustangs hosted the Kingman Bulldogs in a spirited Military Appreciation Night matchup that featured big plays, long touchdown runs, and a hard-fought battle on the gridiron.
The evening opened with a patriotic tribute as the MVHS Air Force JROTC presented the colors and military veterans were recognized for their service. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause before settling in for an action-packed football game.
Kingman wasted little time taking control of the contest. The Bulldogs struck first when Terrion Jenkins ( #30) found the end zone for a touchdown. Logan Jones ( #20) added the conversion to give Kingman an early advantage.
Later in the first quarter, the Bulldogs showcased their explosive ground attack when running back Jeffrey Inman ( #6) broke free for a 67-yard run that moved Kingman deep into Mustang territory. Two plays later, Inman capped the drive with a touchdown run. Kicker Eli Bell ( #18) converted the extra point, extending the Bulldogs' lead to 14-0.
The hometown crowd came alive at the end of the opening quarter when Monument Valley running back Nicodemus “Nico” Holmes ( #31) burst through the middle of the defense for a 62-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 15-6 in favor of Kingman at the end of the first quarter.
Kingman continued to build momentum in the second quarter. Bell scored on a 30-yard touchdown run and added the extra point to push the Bulldogs ahead 22-6. The visitors added another score when Jones powered into the end zone on an 11-yard touchdown run.
The Bulldogs then capitalized on a broken play during the two-point conversion attempt. After a fumbled snap, quarterback Isaac Drybread ( #7) recovered and connected with Kyler Martinez ( #2) for the conversion, extending Kingman's lead to 30-6.
Monument Valley responded with another big play from Holmes. The Senior running back raced 53 yards downfield before being brought down at the 5-yard line. A defensive penalty moved the ball closer to the goal line, and Holmes finished the drive on the next play with his second touchdown of the night. The Bulldogs stopped the two-point conversion attempt, making the score 30-12.
Kingman answered once again late in the first half. With approximately three and a half minutes remaining before halftime, Drybread connected with Martinez on a 23-yard touchdown pass near the goal line. The extra point was good, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 37-12 lead at the break.
The Mustangs showed resilience in the third quarter. After forcing a Bulldog fumble, linebacker Jermain Vijil ( #13) scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 74 yards for a touchdown. Holmes added the two-point conversion on the ensuing play, cutting the deficit to 37-20.
At the end of the third quarter, Kingman maintained a 37-20 advantage over the Mustangs.
The Bulldogs' defense held the Mustangs scoreless for the remainder of the game while Kingman added one final scoring drive in the fourth quarter. Wingback Eli Bell ( #18) broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run, and running back Jeffrey Inman ( #6) added the two-point conversion to cap the scoring.
When the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard read Monument Valley 20, Kingman 45.
Despite the loss, the Mustangs showed flashes of brilliance throughout the evening, highlighted by Nicodemus “Nico” Holmes' explosive rushing performance and Jermain Vijil's momentum-shifting fumble return touchdown. The game was also a fitting tribute to the community's military veterans during Monument Valley's Military Appreciation Night at Tano/Young Stadium.
Monument Valley will look to regroup as the Mustangs travel to face Show Low High School on September 18 before returning home to host the Ganado Hornets on September 25 for the annual "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" game.
Mustang fans are encouraged to come out and show their support as Monument Valley continues its 2026 football season.
Final Score:
Kingman Bulldogs 45, Monument Valley Mustangs 20.
By Lawson T. Benally Jr., Kayenta Township Public Information Officer
