Football: Española 28, West Las Vegas 14
David Sandoval was the star player as the Sundevils (2-2) won their second straight game to reach .500 for the first time since 2017. Sandoval, after not receiving a carry in the first three games (and listed on the roster as a guard and defensive tackle), he ran 11 times for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Nate Chacon threw 17-for-31 for 210 yards and a touchdown to Kevin Coffeen. Alex Chavez and Kyle Coffeen also scored touchdowns on the ground. Adrick Deleon had 80 receiving yards and two interceptions on defense.
“We’re just getting better every week,” said coach Tylon Wilder.
Wilder credited the defense (though they faced a backup quarterback) for being fundamentally sound, and holding the Dons (2-2) scoreless into the third quarter as they executed their plan of controlling the ball on offense.
In continuing to rotate the running backs, Wilder is excited about the ability to keep them all healthy through a long season.
Thoreau 20, McCurdy 12
The Bobcats (0-4) had a chance to tie the game with the ball in the final minutes against another 3A team in Thoreau (3-1), but the backup quarterback threw an interception in the end zone to finish with a loss.
Still, coach Robert Nevarez was encouraged by the growth of the team’s defense, holding the Hawks scoreless in the second half and giving up just three touchdowns to a team that had scored 90 points in its first two games.
“Our defense grew up in that game,” Nevarez said.
Nevarez said that the team’s confidence grew seeing that they were competitive and had a chance to win against an opponent that had much bigger players than they did.
Ryan Montoya caught two touchdown passes, one from Lucas Martinez and one from Jeremaya Roybal. Montoya has scored all four touchdowns for the Bobcats this season.
Questa 62, Dulce 30
A scheduling mix-up ultimately resulted in the same two teams going head-to-head in two straight weeks, with the Wildcats (2-2) taking both wins over the Hawks (1-2).
Injuries and players including quarterback Bob Harrison missing the game for a cross country meet required Dulce players to step up in new positions. Coach Brad Muniz said Jeron Johnson and Phil Gomez were among those who had to play nearly every position.
Dulce has a bye week for Go-Jii-Ya this week, and returns to action against Logan (3-1).
Estancia 48, Escalante 18
Trey Archuleta ran for 127 yards and two touchdowns and threw a 35-yard touchdown pass, but it was not enough as the Lobos (2-2) struggled defensively in the second half after trailing 14-6 at halftime to the Bears (1-3).