The time for redemption comes around quick for Española Valley, which kicks off the local football slate at 6 p.m. tonight (8/28) at home against Cuba.
“It comes down to us being able to control what we can control,” Sundevils coach Caleb Holbrook said.
The Sundevils (0-1) certainly controlled Cuba last year, rolling up a 42-7 win and Holbrook is hoping to see more of the same this season.
“This game should help us a lot,” he said. “This is definitely a great game for a bounce-back game. The biggest emphasis will be on learning from our mistakes in the Los Alamos game. We have to fix our mistakes.”
Holbrook expects the Rams to live up to the reputation of their mascot.
“They’re a run-heavy team,” he said. “The best thing, the game plan is we’re going to fill the box and stop the run. Bring pressure, stop the run.”
The team should have a slightly different attitude for this game, Holbrook said.
“To have this humbling game, have this humbling loss as game one, we seriously felt like the season was over,” he said. “Now what do we do? Overcome it. Championship teams go through adversity all the time. True champions know how to overcome it and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Holbrook also pointed out that the program is trying something new this season by encouraging fans to come out early to tailgate. The south lot by the tennis courts will be open from 4-6 p.m. and fans will “be able to do everything except drink,” he said.
Pojoaque Valley vs. Hot Springs
Coming off a strong performance to open the season, the Elks (1-0) look to continue rolling with a home game at 7 p.m. Friday against the Tigers (1-0), who beat Tularosa 26-6 last week.
The Elks won the meeting between the teams last year 48-6 and Pojoaque coach Zeke Villegas said Hot Springs returns two of its most dangerous players, who are just lining up in different positions this season.
Former quarterback Tristan Polanco is now a wide receiver and former running back Zaiden Baker is now under center.
“Those are two solid skill players,” he said. “I know they’re junior-heavy but we will definitely be game planning for those two guys. We’ve already been watching film on them. They really try to get the ball to Polanco a lot and they really try to run with Baker. We just can’t let them out on a free leash or outside the box because they’re pretty quick.”
Escalante at Gateway Christian
The Lobos (0-1) will take on the Warriors, a state playoffs semifinalist last season, at 7 p.m. Friday and are looking to improve upon last year’s 54-0 mercy-rule loss.
“They’ve always been a good team, a lot of talent with good speed,” Escalante coach Carlos Casados said. “They have a lot of speed, but they seem to be a well-balanced team. They like to run and they like to pass the ball.”
The 285-mile, one-way trip that will be the Lobos’ longest of the regular season, will be a lot more pleasant coming back if they can find a few solutions.
“We need to fix, No. 1, our turnovers,” Casados said. “We can’t turn over the ball. That’s our main fix that we need to correct. And we’ve got to clean up some of our blocking assignments.”
Dulce at Questa
The Hawks (0-1) will have their work cut out for them going up against a Wildcats (1-0) squad that blasted Navajo Pine 60-0 last week.
Dulce was scheduled to play Questa last season, but was forced to forfeit the game.