Las Vegas sports fans have two exciting stories this week. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is poised to take the field for the Raiders on Sunday, and the Golden Knights continued their winning streak with a 5-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth.
Fernando Mendoza’s first start
After a season in which Mendoza captured the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first national championship in football, the Raiders promoted him to starter following the trade of veteran Kirk Cousins to Minnesota. Mendoza praised Cousins for mentoring him, saying the veteran “had me with open arms and has taught me so many things.”
Wide receiver Tre Tucker echoed the sentiment, noting that Mendoza has impressed in practice and is ready for the upcoming game. “We’ve been seeing it all year… a throw in practice and you’re like, ‘Wow.’ So for that to be out there this Sunday is going to be fun,” Tucker said.
The Raiders will face a formidable opponent in the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, who lead the league in total defense at 244.2 yards per game. Seattle’s defense also ranks fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 18.0 points per game. Mendoza’s limited NFL experience includes a brief appearance against New England, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged the limited film on Mendoza, stating the team will study his plays and rely on the scouting information gathered during the draft process. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak, a former Seahawks offensive coordinator, promised that Mendoza will have the full playbook at his disposal and that the team will “do what the whole team does best.”
Golden Knights beat Utah Mammoth
On Wednesday night, the Vegas Golden Knights continued their strong home stretch with a 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. Mark Stone contributed an early assist that moved him within two points of the franchise’s career scoring record, while Ivan Barbashev scored twice in the second period.
Stone set up Jack Eichel’s power‑play goal early in the first period, bringing his Vegas total to 416 points, just one shy of Jonathan Marchessault’s mark. Carter Hart made 14 saves, and Mitch Marner added three assists as the Knights secured their fourth straight victory.
Victor Olofsson opened the scoring for Utah on a power play, but the Knights responded quickly. Barbashev’s goals, assisted by Victor Olofsson’s earlier play, gave Vegas a decisive lead. The Mammoth’s Sebastian Cossa stopped 23 shots, but the Knights held on for the win.
Looking ahead, the Mammoth will host St. Louis on Thursday, while the Golden Knights will welcome Nashville on Friday.
Ticket market reaction
Secondary‑market ticket prices for the Raiders’ Sunday game have more than doubled since the trade and Mendoza’s promotion. On Vivid Seats, the lowest‑priced ticket rose from $176 to $365, and on TickPick the cheapest ticket increased from $282 to $395.
Both stories highlight the excitement building around Las Vegas sports as the city continues to attract top talent and deliver winning performances.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
