Week 4
All local teams are back in action this week for the heart of non-district play. While Pojoaque comes into the week expecting a win, other teams have a challenge ahead of them.
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Game of the Week
McCurdy Bobcats (1-1) vs. Thoreau Hawks (2-1)
Saturday, September 9, 1 p.m. in Española (McCurdy)
Final Score: McCurdy 62, Thoreau 18
McCurdy was dominant on both sides of the ball as they scored touchdowns on nine of their 10 possessions against a good 3A team. Lucas Martinez scored five touchdowns to lead the way, while the linemen were fantastic going both ways. After losing to the Hawks a year ago, McCurdy now won by 44 points. The Bobcats could easily turn this into a winning streak with beatable opponents coming up.
MCCURDY STAT LEADERS
Passing: Jeremaya Roybal – 5-8, 115 yards, 2 TD
Rushing: Lucas Martinez – 18 carries, 214 yards, 3 TD | Roybal – 11 carries, 131 yards, 2 TD | Mari Sanchez – 3 carries, 92 yards, 2 TD
Receiving: Martinez – 5 receptions, 115 yards, 2 TD
PREVIEW: The Bobcats are back in action this week after their week three game against Tucumcari was canceled. McCurdy played perhaps their best game of 2022 against Thoreau, falling behind early but nearly coming back to lose by just eight points. The Hawks finished the season hot after that game, making it to the state quarterfinals and finishing 9-3.
McCurdy is off to a strong start in 2023. Their first week they put up a close fight against Hope Christian, a strong 3A team. Then they beat Hozho by 46. Now they face four straight 3A schools while looking to keep momentum. Jeremaya Roybal and Lucas Martinez captain an offense that has improved up front, but defense will be key against Thoreau’s balanced offense.
Española Valley Sundevils (1-2)
vs. West Las Vegas, Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. in Las Vegas
Final Score: West Las Vegas 48, Española Valley 11
The Sundevils suffered another setback on the road, letting up 48 points in a big loss. Española is still looking to find success on offense, averaging just 12.5 points through four games while battling injuries. The Sundevils will look to get back on track against winless Gallup for homecoming.
PREVIEW: Despite picking up their first win of the season, the Sundevils were far from pleased in the way they played against Escalante, feeling that the offense slowed down and the defense let up too many yards and points. Hampered by some injuries as well, Española barely has time to lick their wounds before heading into West Las Vegas to face the 1-2 Dons. Española won this matchup last year, but against a backup quarterback. This year, CJ Perea will be available and will put pressure on the Sundevils’ secondary for the game’s key matchup.
Dulce Hawks (3-0)
vs. Ft. Sumner/House, Thursday, September 7, 6 p.m. in Dulce
Final Score: Ft. Sumner 56, Dulce 0
Dulce found themselves in a matchup with the defending undefeated state champions. And they learned that despite winning their first three games, they still have a ways to go before being competitive at the top. Though they found slight success in the passing game at times, the defense was trampled. And two onside kicks allowed limited their opportunities.
DULCE STAT LEADERS
Passing: Issak Reval: 4-9, 49 yards, 1 INT
Rushing: Issak Reval: 2 carries, 2 yards
Receiving: Antonio Herrera: 3 receptions, 32 yards
PREVIEW: Dulce has been the surprise team this season, winning each of their first three games. New quarterback Issak Reval has led a strong passing attack, with 11 total touchdowns through three games. But now, they face a diferent type of challenge. The Foxes have dominated the Hawks for two straight years in laughers, as well as most of their other opponents while winning last year’s 8-man state title. Dulce sees this game as a chance to see where they stand. Realistically, if they can keep it at all close, it’ll mark a major step forward.
Escalante Lobos (1-2)
vs. Estancia, Friday, September 8, 7 p.m. in Tierra Amarilla (Escalante)
Final Score: Estancia 40, Escalante 37
The Lobos took another step forward, playing close to the end against a team that had dominated them in recent years. Despite allowing 331 rushing yards and six touchdowns, they had an answer nearly every time. But they fell just short in the end. They have a tough road matchup in Raton next week.
PREVIEW: Through three games, the Lobos have fought hard in every one, while all coming against higher classifications. Don’t let Estancia’s 0-3 mark fool you, they have played some of the state’s top teams (their opponents are a combined 8-1). While they no longer compete in the same district, this remains a huge matchup for both teams. Over the past two years, though, Estancia has been Escalante’s nemesis, winning games 48-18 and 63-20. The Lobos will have to recover after a dogfight against Española left bodies hurting.
Pojoaque Valley Elks (1-1)
vs. Santa Fe Indian, Thursday, September 7, 7 p.m. in Jacona (Pojoaque)
Final Score: Pojoaque 55, Santa Fe Indian 0
Pojoaque dominated from kickoff, getting back on track with a huge mercy-rule win. A year ago, they were struggling against Santa Fe Indian early, and that game’s rainout halted the Elks’ momentum. Now, Pojoaque has 103 points on the board through three games as they come up on a big game against Los Alamos.
PREVIEW: The Elks are back in action this week for their first game since a week two blowout home loss to Bloomfield. Pojoauqe is expecting a big win this week; last year this game was rained out in the second quarter, and two years ago the Elks won 64-12. Santa Fe Indian has not beaten Pojoaque since 2005. This could be a tune-up week for Ethan Meloy and co. to straighten out their offense before hitting some tougher matchups.