Week 6
This week shapes up with some good opponents for Rio Arriba teams. Plenty of local teams could see a big win in Week 6, and carry that momentum going forward as we inch closer to district play.
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Game of the Week
Mescalero Apache Chiefs (2-2) vs. Escalante Lobos (1-4)
Saturday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m. in Tierra Amarilla
Final Score: Escalante 47, Mescalero Apache 12
While Escalante’s record highlights their tough strength of schedule to this point, they haev allowed just 11 more total points than they have scored, with multiple one-score losses. This week, they face off with just their second 2A opponent of the year with a chance to get back to winning.
The Chiefs have had their own up-and-down season, putting them right behind Escalante in algorithmic rankings. They have lost big to good teams (Tucumcari, Loving) and won big over easier opponents (Hagerman, Cloudcroft).
This week’s test should help determine where Escalante ranks in relation. A big win would put them back on track to return to the state playoffs.
McCurdy Bobcats (3-1) vs. Navajo Prep (2-3)
Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. in Farmington
Final Score: McCurdy 70, Navajo Prep 40
McCurdy has put together three great weeks in a row, winning by an average of nearly 40 points and scoring 52.7 points per game. They’ll look to keep up the blistering display of both offense and defense with a tougher opponent, but a good game should get them another win over Navajo Prep. That would be their first four-game win streak in a decade.
Santa Fe Indian Braves (1-4) vs. Española Valley Sundevils (2-3)
Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. in Española
Final Score: Española Valley 59, Santa Fe Indian 6
The Sundevils finally got rolling last week against Gallup, scoring 57 points in a first half that included five rushing touchdowns, two passing scores and two defensive TDs. A game against the Braves, who have allowed 35 points per game, should allow them to keep the momentum going. Pojoaque beat this team by 55, and the Sundevils would like to be keeping pace.
Pojoaque Valley Elks (2-2) vs. Cloudcroft Bears (0-4)
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m. in Cloudcroft
Final Score: Pojoaque 50, Cloudcroft 0
Pojoaque Valley travels to face a 2A team for the first time in four years as they ease up the schedule from a year ago. And there’s no reason to not expect a blowout here and a rebound from their loss to Los Alamos. Cloudcroft is returning to 11-man football this year, but seem to be outmatched against a 4A school.
Dulce Hawks (3-1) vs. Logan Longhorns (3-2)
Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. in Logan
Final Score: Logan 50, Dulce 0
Dulce has a roughly 6-hour drive for their Week 6 game, which is roughly standard while they play in 8-man football. Dulce won their first three games before seeing the state’s top team. The Longhorns have beat up on some good teams and lost to a couple of the best. In the last two years, they have outscored Dulce 120-6. Keeping this game close is a win for the Hawks.