Week 12
It’s playoff time! Española Valley is in the field for the first time since 2015, and just the third time in school history. Escalante is back in this year as the final seed, and looking to make some unlikely magic happen.
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4A Playoffs
No. 10 St. Pius X vs. No. 7 Española Valley
Friday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. in Española
Final Score: Española Valley 31, St. Pius X 7
The Sundevils set the tone from the start of the game, and were fully in control from start to finish as they secured a first-round victory in the state playoffs. Now the fun begins as the Sundevils will get their first-ever taste of Southern New Mexico football.
Española Stat Leaders
Passing: Irvin Primero – 3/9, 25 yards, 1 INT
Rushing: Jack Purdy – 19 carries, 225 yards, 1 TD | Adrick DeLeon – 32 carries, 160 yards, 3 TD
Receiving: Adrick DeLeon – 1 reception, 24 yards
Preview: The Sundevils finished a perfect district season for the first time in school history. Now, they’ll look to be the first Española Valley team to win a playoff game. They have been cruising in recent weeks, winning their last two games both 50-0 and making it look easy. The offensive line has been creating big holes for the running backs, and the defense has been downright dominant.
St. Pius X will likely present a bigger challenge than the Sundevils have faced during their win streak. The Sartans are young but athletic, and have been tested against some tough teams. Their defense will not make it easy for Española.
2A Playoffs
No. 8 Escalante vs. No. 1 Eunice
Saturday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m. in Eunice
Final Score: Eunice 49, Escalante 0
The Lobos were outmatched from the jump. But they fought for a full 32 minutes, and made the Cardinals fight throughout the game. Escalante’s season ends in the first round, but they will look to continue building a strong program.
Escalante Stat Leaders
Rushing: Trey Archuleta – 24 carries, 81 yards | Jeremiah Martinez – 15 carries, 54 yards
Preview: The Lobos achieved their goal of making the playoffs for the second-straight year. Now, they face perhaps their toughest test of the season. For the second year in a row, Escalante has a long bus drive to the Southeast to face the top team. This year, it’s Eunice.
The Cardinals are big and strong. They like to throw the ball. Escalante will need to play at their very best to keep the game close. But their grit and culture could be enough to make something happen.