Week 9
District play is in full swing this week, with several local teams battling for playoff spots. And local rivalries return for what should be exciting games. Plenty of games throughout the region should provide fireworks.
Our new weekly football hub will provide updates with every local game each week. Refresh after the game for news, statistics and pictures.
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Game of the Week
Escalante Lobos (3-5) vs. McCurdy Bobcats (5-2)
Saturday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m. at Chick Martinez Field
Final Score: Escalante 46, McCurdy 18
The Bobcats came to fight, especially in the first half, holding the game scoreless in the first quarter and within 10 points at halftime. But the Lobos took over the game in the second half. Their rushing attack of Trey Archuleta and Jeremiah Martinez came ready to play and were almost impossible to bring down. They carried the Lobos to victory and potentially a playoff spot. Six turnovers doomed the Bobcats.
Escalante Stat Leaders
Passing: Trey Archuleta – 5/8, 59 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Trey Archuleta – 26 carries, 298 yards, 5 TD | Jeremiah Martinez – 15 carries, 117 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Greysen Horan – 2 receptions, 53 yards
McCurdy Stat Leaders
Passing: Jeremaya Roybal – 3/17, 69 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT
Rushing: Jeremaya Roybal – 16 carries, 155 yards, 2 TD | Mari Sanchez – 5 carries, 34 yards | Lucas Martinez – 6 carries, 16 yards
Receiving: Mari Sanchez – 2 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD | Lucas Martinez – 1 reception, 42 yards
Preview: It seems that the rivalry will renew this week, after a decade of Lobo dominance. McCurdy is up-and-coming this year, and is finally ready to compete with Escalante after losing 50-0 last year. Both coaches are coming in this year expecting a slugfest.
The Lobos had an important win last week, dominating Laguna-Acoma in their first district game after having lost four of their previous five games. Escalante has had some close losses to strong teams this year, but is still looking for their most complete performance of the year.
McCurdy struggled against Santa Rosa and lost in a mercy rule. But now they hope to compete with Escalante. Star running back Lucas Martinez will likely be a late decision whether he can play with an ankle injury.
This year’s game has extra stakes as the teams are currently ranked No. 8 and No. 9 in 2A by MaxPreps and in the Coaches’ Poll. The matchup could decide who gets the final playoff spot.
Española Valley Sundevils (4-3) vs. Taos Tigers (2-5)
Thursday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m. at Anaya Field
Final Score: Española Valley 38, Taos 25
Adrick DeLeon dominated the day for the Sundevils with incredible rushing numbers and five touchdowns to lead them to victory. While the Sundevils were in control for much of the game on offense, penalties allowed Taos to stay in the game. But an interception by Victor Parra in the end zone helped the Sundevils hold on for the victory.
Española Stat Leaders
Rushing: Adrick DeLeon – 22 carries, 324 yards, 5 TD | Jack Purdy – 14 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD
Passing: Irvin Primero – 2/7, 25 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT | Adrick DeLeon – 1/1, 46 yards | Kevin Coffeen – 1/1, 32 yards
Receiving: Irvin Primero – 1 reception, 46 yards | Adrick DeLeon – 1 reception, 32 yards | Kevin Coffeen – 1 reception, 18 yards
Preview: The Sundevils maintain their goal of reaching the state playoffs, and will likely need to win two of their three games to do so. After Taos lost to Grants last week, this is close to a must-win game for Española to reach those hopes. Taos comes in on a four-game losing streak, while the Sundevils seem to be hitting their stride and are rested off a bye week.
Pojoaque Elks (3-4) vs. Moriarty Pintos (4-3)
Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. in Moriarty
Final Score: Moriarty 34, Pojoaque 6
Pojoaque played a much closer game against the Pintos, with a defense that held strong for a halftime score of just 13-0. But, outside of one long touchdown pass, they struggled to move the ball on offense despite chances created by the defense. Injuries have been piling up for the Elks, taking away key players and forcing younger players to step up.
Pojoaque Stat Leaders
Passing: Joshua Gonzales – 2/3, 77 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT | Ethan Meloy – 3/10, 45 yards, 1 INT
Rushing: Ethan Meloy – 12 carries, 30 yards | Killian Medina – 4 carries, 16 yards
Receiving: Andrew Martinez – 1 reception, 69 yards, 1 TD | Zeke Villegas – 2 receptions, 36 yards
Preview: The Elks are still trying to figure out who they are as a team. Against Highland, they played strong defense, but failed to move the ball on the ground. The Pintos are, as usual, a defense and run-based team, but have lost three straight games, though against tough opponents.
Dulce Hawks (3-4) vs. Legacy Academy Junior Varsity
Thursday, Oct. 12 in Dulce
The Hawks got a bit of relief in their schedule with a junior varsity opponent, and they found success and got back into the win column. Dulce celebrated its first four-win season since 2011. A matchup at Clayton next week will be a challenge, but a win could just possibly sneak Dulce into the playoff field.
Dulce Stat Leaders
Passing: Issak Reval – 4 TD
Rushing: Issak Reval – 1 TD | Aljae Dixon – 1 TD
Receiving: Jaren Johnson – 2 TD | Michael Tecube – 1 TD | Hunter Vicenti – 1 TD