Tonopah opened Nevada Class A Central Division football play Saturday, with a 68-18 victory at Spring Mountain in a game that was played only because three Tonopah fathers also happen to be experienced officials.

According to the Web site, nevprep.com, no officials were on hand at 1 p.m., when the game was scheduled to start. After a half-hour had passed, Robert Otteson, George Wagner and Ron Lowndes volunteered to work the game. All three are current or former members of the Northeastern Nevada Officials Association.

All three also have sons playing for Tonopah, but the Spring Mountain coaches agreed to the arrangement so that the game could be started. Otteson, Wagner and Lowndes used their hats for flags, and worked the game until the assigned officials finally showed up late in the second quarter.

The game ended late in the third quarter because of Nevada 1A's 45-point mercy rule.

In the game, Greater Nevada passing leader Mitch Lehner completed 11 of 21 passes for 205 yards and four touchdowns, including a 65-yarder to Dakota Smith. Tyler Bessire, who came into the game with a Greater Nevada-best 28 receptions, added five catches for 55 yards and two TDs.

Lehner also rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns on six carries. On defense, the Muckers (4-1) were led by Bobby Murray with nine tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a sack and an interception. Guy Wagner (son of George) returned an interception 35 yards for another score, and Eric White had a 15-yard pick for a TD.

"Our boys played really tough today against a quality team," coach Curt McElroy said. "Our younger players make our team better by working hard in practice and busting their backsides to keep us sharp for each team we play. We are getting better every week."

Tonopah celebrates its Homecoming Friday, in a division game against Indian Springs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.