Here’s what’s coming up in Northern New Mexico in the week ahead:
Wednesday, Sept. 21
Volleyball: Hope Christian vs. Pojoaque Valley
The Elkettes (8-1) have had about as good a start to their season as imagined, led by a new sophomore setter in Joslyn Nuñez, a back row led by Adrianna Rodriguez and varsity newcomer Kaylee Salazar, and a dominant front row including seniors Anica Urioste and Sonya Quintana. That firepower has propelled them to a top-two ranking in 4A. Now, they will look to get revenge over the Huskies (7-6), who knocked them out of the winner’s bracket at last year’s state tournament before going on to win the whole thing. But this year’s Hope Christian team seems to be a step below after losing five setters. Liz Cheshire has taken over the full-time setter role, and now leads the state in assists. Sophomore Trinity Carpenter has stepped up as the team’s leading hitter.
Friday, Sept. 23
Football: Española Valley vs. Santa Fe Indian
A three-game win streak would have been almost unthinkable given the recent history of Española Valley football. But that’s just what the Sundevils (3-2) have done while crossing .500, and they have a good chance of expanding that to four. Last year’s loss to Santa Fe Indian was perhaps the most embarassing of the year, and now they will look for revenge on the road. The Braves (1-3) played strong in an ultimately rained out game against Pojoaque, but are coming off a loss by 28 points to McCurdy, who Española beat by 55 to start their streak. The Braves have been limited in the passing game, but running back Taylor Torvino can be a difference maker, averaging over 120 yards per game. Española’s defense will have to remain strong the way they have in recent weeks.
Football: Logan vs. Dulce
The Hawks (1-2) have been competitive every week thus far, and have scored more than 40 points per game, though they have allowed an average of 51. Now, they hit the tough part of their schedule, facing the elite 8-man football teams. Logan (4-1) smashed Dulce 60-0 in the Hawks’ first game last year, including two punt return touchdowns, and went to the state semifinals. A more seasoned Dulce team should be able to keep this game closer, but that will be no easy task. The Longhorns can go through the air or on the ground, with Christian Kotara over 700 yards and seven touchdowns on the year, and the team combining for 15 passing scores, three of which have gone to Kotara.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Football: Navajo Prep vs. McCurdy
Coach Robert Nevarez knew he would have his hands full with his team’s schedule, but the Bobcats (1-4) managed to break through for a non-district win, scoring 40 points after being limited to just 28 in their first four games. The Eagles (0-4) have struggled this season after a strong 2021, including a 52-point loss to Escalante, meaning that this is another winnable game for McCurdy. Bobcats wide receiver Ryan Montoya has been a weapon this year, while the defense runs through its cornerbacks, who free up the rest to put pressure on the run. Escalante ran for 355 yards and six touchdowns on Navajo Prep, and McCurdy will look to do something similar.