Here’s what’s coming up in Northern New Mexico in the week ahead:
Wednesday, Oct. 26
Volleyball: Coronado vs. New Mexico School for the Deaf
Unless they pull off some major upsets down the stretch, the Lady Leopards (12-6, 5-5) are on the outside of any potential postseason play, a tough ask in a 40-team 1A field. But already reaching 12 wins on the season, more than double their previous season total, is a major accomplishment in itself, especially after going through last season with as few as six players at times. Last time they met, they dispatched the Roadrunners (11-7, 4-7) in straight sets, and they will look for a similar result this time.
Friday, Oct. 28
Football: Española Valley vs. Pojoaque Valley
The last two meetings were 50-point Pojoaque wins, but the expectation entering this week is completely different, and the Chile Bowl rivalry is even more of a must-win for both teams. The Sundevils (5-4, 0-2) could secure a playoff berth, just the third in team history, with a victory. Meanwhile, the Elks (0-8, 0-2) are looking to avoid an embarassing winless season, having been blown out in every (complete) game. While both sides of the ball have been a struggle for the Elks, they will look to give a show to their home crowd.
Cross Country: District 5-1/2A Meet
For the girls side, Peñasco is the team to beat, with McCurdy close behind while Aubrey Cordova chases down Rochelle Lopez and Charnelle Gonzales. Meanwhile, the boys team competition is up in the air, and the 1A teams make it hard to pick a favorite. Jude Martinez from Peñasco races for the individual title, and Ezequiel Nevarez from Mesa Vista is another to watch.
Cross Country: District 2-4A Meet
On both sides, it looks like Los Alamos’ race to lose, unsurprisingly given the longtime dominance of the program. The Pojoaque girls have the best shot at an upset, but are still big underdogs. Española Valley has been behind on the team rankings, but Neveah Cachora has had a fantastic girls season, and Daniel Sanchez for the boys will both look to advance to state.