Week 5
A few local teams scored big wins last week, while some others had games they would like to get back. This week may be another mixed bag, with McCurdy among the teams expecting a win, but challenges lie for teams like Pojoaque.
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Game of the Week
Gallup Bengals (0-4) vs. Española Valley Sundevils (1-3)
Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. in Española
Final Score: Española 57, Gallup 0
The Sundevils finally got back on track, dominating the game by scoring 57 points in just 24 minutes of game time. Five different Sundevils found the end zone, and they had success both through the air and on the ground. Adam Garcia and Kevin Coffeen both had big contributions on both sides of the ball. Española will look to keep that momentum into what could be another big win against Santa Fe Indian.
Española Stat Leaders
Passing: Irvin Primero – 3/4, 78 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: Adrick Deleon – 6 carries, 182 yards, 3 TD; Adam Garcia – 2 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Kevin Coffeen – 2 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD
Defense: Adam Garcia – 2 INT; Abraham Tamayo – 2 INT
PREVIEW: It’s homecoming week for the Sundevils! Irvin Primero has been named the starter at quarterback for an offense that thus far has not recaptured its scoring ability from last year. A game against Gallup — a team that has thus far allowed at least 50 points and scored no more than six in every game — could give them an opportunity to take some momentum.
Española Valley set a goal to improve from last year, when they finished 6-4 and won five straight non-district games. But without last year’s quarterback Nate Chacon, they are still looking for ways to put points on the board consistently, with no more than 21 in their first four games.
McCurdy Bobcats (2-1) vs. Santa Fe Indian (1-3)
Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. in Santa Fe (SFIS)
Final Score: McCurdy 44, Santa Fe Indian 15
PREVIEW: The Bobcats have won two straight games by big margins, and look to make it three against a Braves team that they beat a year ago 40-12. An offense led by Jeremaya Roybal and Lucas Martinez put up video-game numbers a week ago, scoring 62 points with over 500 total yards against a solid Thoreau team. Now, they have entered the top 10 in the coaches poll and have a real shot at making the state tournament.
Los Alamos (4-0) vs. Pojoaque Valley (2-1)
Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. in Pojoaque
Final Score: Los Alamos 45, Pojoaque 7
PREVIEW: The Elks scored a big win last week, dispatching Santa Fe Indian with six different players scoring touchdowns. That was a good way to come back from a bye week and a 50-0 loss. This week will be much more difficult. The Los Alamos defense has been lethal to opponents so far, allowing less than a touchdown per game. Pojoaque will need a creative offense to move the ball well.
Escalante (1-3) vs. Raton (2-2)
Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. in Raton
Final Score: Raton 33, Escalante 8
The Lobos for the last two weeks have put up tough battles and lost by one score against strong teams. This week, though, might be even tougher. While Raton lost their star player from the team that won in Tierra Amarilla 37-6 a year ago, they still maintain a top program in 3A. The Lobos made personnel adjustments last week, with big man Jeremiah Martinez moving to running back, and those should continue.
Dulce Hawks (3-1)
Bye week
The Hawks have a week off while they celebrate Go-Jii-Ya. When they return, they face more of the state’s top teams from the south who have historically been a big struggle for Dulce. But banking three wins at the start of the season will go a long way toward building a strong program.