Welcome Back!
FOOTBALL 2021 Preview
Wishing all our students a great and safe season for 2021!
March 2021
A Special Supplement to the
Roswell Daily Record
2 football preview
Roswell Daily Record 2021 Football preview
Daily Record Staff and other contributors
Publisher
Cover/Layout Design
General Manager
Ad Design
Barbara Beck
Aric Loomis
SaraLei Fajardo
Sandra Martinez
Editor
Advertising Sales
John Dilmore
Managing Editor Misty Choy
Melanie Page Merle Alexander
Writers
Advertising Director Manny Gonzalez
J.T. Keith Tom Ruiz NMMI Sports Press
Sports Editor
Photographers
J.T. Keith
Composing Director Aric Loomis
David Rocha J.T. Keith Shawn Naranjo Steve Notz
Correspondence: Mail correspondence to Daily Record Sports, P.O. Drawer 1897, Roswell, N.M. 88202-1897 or sports@rdrnews.com. Submissions: Call 622-7710, ext. 304, for writers’ guidelines. The Daily Record sports department is not responsible for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. The Roswell Daily Record and its associated publications are published at 2301 N. Main St., Roswell, N.M. The contents of this publication are Copyright 2021 by the Roswell Daily Record and may not be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
James G. McClelland Financial Advisor
2602 N. Main Street Roswell, NM 88201 Bus. 575-627-2123 Fax 877-437-0179 TF. 866-627-2123
james.mcclelland@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com
STEAKS, PASTA, PIZZA, SANDWICHES, SALADS, PASTRIES & MORE Gift CertifiCates & CaterinG available Open 7 days a week 11:00am-9pm
1203 W. 2nd • Roswell, NM 88201 (575) 625-8410
Alton’s Power Block Gym, Inc. 1300 N. Virginia Roswell, New Mexico 88201
Alton & Betsy Shields Owners (575) 623-5481
powerblockgym@powerblockgym.com
football preview 3
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
$
1.99
Bacon Cheese® Grillburger TM
FREE Any Sandwich
®
Free sandwich of equal or lesser price with any combo purchase
FREE
ROAST BEEF CLASSIC SANDWICH With the purchase of Roast Beef Classic Sandwich at Full Price
Limit 1 in one visit with this coupon at participating Arbys® restaurants. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon, and not transferable. TM & © 2021 Arbys® IP Holder, LLC. Valid through 05/31/21 Limit four coupon per customer, per visit. Good at participating DQ locations only. Void if altered, Limit two coupon per customer, per visit. Good at participating DQ locations only. Void if altered, copied, sold, exchanged or where restricted by law. No cash value. Plus tax if applicable. DQ and copied, sold, exchanged or where restricted by law. No cash value. Plus tax if applicable. DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. DQ Corp., Mpls., MN ©2021. Exp. 05/31/21 the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. DQ Corp., Mpls., MN ©2021. Exp. 05/31/21
FREE
Blizzard®
With the purchase of Blizzard® of equal or lesser value.
FREE
Royal Treat®
With the purchase of a Royal Treat® of equal or lesser value.
FREE ANY ARBY’S® SANDWICH
With purchase of Any Meal at Full Price
4 For $1099 CLASSIC ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES Limit 4 “4 for $10.99” deals in one visit with this coupon at participating Arbys® restaurants. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon, and not transferable. TM & © 2021 Arbys® IP Holder, LLC. Valid through 5/31/21
3 For $999
CLASSIC BEEF ‘N CHEDDAR SANDWICHES
(Excludes Sliders & Snack menu items) Limit 2 in one visit with this coupon at participating Arbys® restaurants. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon, and not transferable. TM & © 2021 Arbys® IP Holder, LLC. Valid through 05/31/21
Limit one coupon per customer, per visit. Good at participating DQ locations only. Void if altered, Limit one coupon per customer, per visit. Good at participating DQ locations only. Void if altered, copied, sold, exchanged or where restricted by law. No cash value. Plus tax if applicable. DQ and copied, sold, exchanged or where restricted by law. No cash value. Plus tax if applicable. DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. DQ Corp., Mpls., MN ©2021. Exp. 05/31/21 the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. DQ Corp., Mpls., MN ©2021. Exp. 05/31/21
1013 N. MAIN
Limit 4 “3 for $9.99” deals in one visit with this coupon at participating Arbys® restaurants. Not valid with any other offer, discount or coupon, and not transferable. TM & © 2021 Arbys® IP Holder, LLC. Valid through 05/31/21
10 AM - 11 PM
4 football preview
By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
It did not take long for the fans of the University of New Mexico football program to know that hiring former Arizona State defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales was the right move. Gonzales was dealt a cruel hand with the coronavirus pandemic, the team elected to relocate to Las Vegas and become nomads for their football season. The team could have become despondent, quit, or continued to lose games. Gonzales would not tolerate that, and the team forged a new identity and stirred the hearts of their fans as they won their last two games with come-from-behind wins. UNM defeated Wyoming with several big plays to win a 17-16 thriller. “I’m proud of our kids,” UNM head coach Danny Gonzales said. “Our kids are resilient, they never quit or said, ‘Coach, we’re done.’ They kept listening to the message.” In their last game of the season, the defense was boss as they held a potent Fresno State offense to limited yards in the second half. Once again, the defense was what turned the game around. The defense made sacks, recovered fumbles and forced interceptions as they won in a shootout 49-39. The Lobos would finish the season 2-5, and on a two-game
UNM football on the rise
winning streak heading into the 2021 season. Coming into his second season, this spring football camp, Gonzales recognizes his team needs to continue to play harder and build the foundation for the future. Gonzales hopes that being together 24 hours a day, seven days a week will continue to make the team grow even closer. “The word Las Vegas is taboo around here,” Gonzales said. “I think the experience will help our team in the long run.” Gonzales knows that football is back and hopes that Goddard signee Larry Luna will play in these four games. Gonzales said it is hard for an offensive lineman to come into a college program and play early. Last year, UNM had two true freshmen play. “He’s (Larry Luna) a big, goodlooking athlete who can run around,” Gonzales said. “We’re going to give him an opportunity to compete. If he’s good enough, he’ll play four and if he’s better than that, he’ll play 12.” Last year, Gonzales stressed how hard he wanted UNM to play. He said now it is about them getting better as a football team. He wants them to do the little things, like tackling better, blocking better and all the little things teams take for granted. “The big focus now will be effort,”
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Sumitted photo University of New Mexico head football coach Danny Gonzales enters his second year on a twogame winning streak.
Gonzales said. “That will be the No. 1 emphasis around here is effort, and to get better as a football team.” The Lobos have 14 super seniors coming back in the fall. They will have three offensive linemen coming back from last year and two defensive line-
men on that side of the ball.
“We’ll continue to recruit the south-
east corner of New Mexico hard,” Gonzales said. UNM will have a spring game on April 3, 2021.
Jewelry ❀ Handbags ❀ Tyler Candles ❀ Clothing ❀ Yellow Box Shoes
Mention this ad and receive 10% OFF entire purchase until Oct. 18th
802 S. Main | Roswell, NM 88203 | (575) 627-3868 www.facebook.com/groups/shophippiechicks
Neighborhood Pharmacy Immunization Specialist Disease Management
Weston Bradley, Pharmd Pharmacist
2800 N. Main St Roswell, NM 88201
Vanessa Romero, CPh.T uptownroswell@gmail.com
Office (575) 623-0830 Fax (575) 623-0827
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
football preview 5
6 football preview
Dexter glad to be back on the field
David Rocha Photo Dexter running back Ricardo Contreras breaks off a long run against Eunice in a 2019 game. By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
Dexter will be a load on the offense as they run their vaunted wishbone offense. Senior Marcos Munoz will be operating his magic with the ball and deciding whether to keep the ball or pitch it. The offensive line will be the key to the kind of season the Demons have this year. They want to run the ball up the middle and then get to the edge with their speed. Dexter drew NMMI right out of the gate, winning 17-2. The previous season’s game had been close until NMMI threw two picksixes inside of Dexter’s 20-yard line and that was the difference in the game as Dexter won that contest 28-18. This year, both teams had been in pads since Feb. 22. For both coaches, football is football no matter when it is played. The main concern is conditioning mentally and physically. Neither of the coaches
knew if there would be a season, and with being in the pods, a lot was affected. “This season has been kind of awkward because of COVID-19,” Dexter coach Arturo Duran said. “It was hard because we didn’t know if we were going to have a season or not. We tried to prepare and once we got the green light, we had to get the kids in shape mentally and physically. It has been a little bit tough.” Dexter will not have their normal number of players because some of them have opted out. Duran stresses they must stay healthy, and depth will be an issue. Dexter will be young on both sides of the ball. Defensively they will come out in a 43 and shift to a 44 depending on the offense. “I just hope my six seniors have a good season,” Duran said. “We have to go week by week and enjoy it. We have not played football in a full year. I just want them to go out there and enjoy it.”
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
football preview 7
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
A running lane opens up for Dexter against Eunice.
David Rocha Photo
A Dexter defender (22) makes a play against Eunice in 2019.
David Rocha Photo
Funeral Home & Crematory
575.622.5888
2609 South Main
Roswell, NM 88203 www.andersonbethany.com
8 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Hagerman looking to reload
Hagerrman comes out to take on Texico in the semifinal game. By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
Hagerman head coach Guy Rivers has taken the team to the playoffs in both his seasons as head coach. Before Rivers started coaching at Hagerman, they had not made the playoffs in three consecutive years. Rivers finished the season with a 7-4-1 record and was one win away from the state championship game. Rivers said he is glad to have football back. His opening game was against three-time defending District 4-2A state champion Eunice, which is starting over after having to replace a senior-laden team. Eunice defeated Hagerman in the opener, 38-20. Both teams are rebuilding. Hagerman lost 13 seniors last season but still has quarterback Jonah Bejarano back. The running game will be running back by committee. “I think we have some kids that will step up,” Rivers said. “Overall, I’m happy with the progress we made. We have over 30 kids come out for the team. We have some eighth graders and freshmen come out for the team.” Rivers said he is from the school that
they reload instead of rebuilding. Hagerman will lean heavily on the three seniors they have coming back for leadership. According to Rivers, the strength of the team will be their offensive line, with three returning players. On defense, the Bobcats will run a 53 defense and shift to a 43. With two returning players on defense, Hagerman will have to replace hard-hitting Jose Rodriguez. “Let’s go out there,” Rivers said. “Let’s have some fun and put the pads on and do something we haven’t done in a year and play some football and enjoy ourselves,” he said prior to the opener. Rivers said hopefully these three seniors can go out on a high note. The Bobcats will only have three seniors, but they will provide the leadership that Rivers is looking for. The team will have continuity as Rivers is back for his third year. Before it was a revolving door of coaches. “We have been together for three years,” Rivers said. “They know the plays and each other. More importantly, the kids know we are family and I care about them.”
Shawn Naranjo Photo
Shawn Naranjo Photo Two Hagerman defenders tackle a Texico runner during a semifinal game last season.
football preview 9
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Roswell SEED Company Established in 1898
Good luck teams
115 S. Main Shawn Naranjo Photo Hagerman’s Jose Rodriguez runs the ball against Texico in their semifinal game.
HOME PLANNING Starla Nunez Qualifying Broker/Owner
Riley Armstrong Owner
400 W. Second St. | 575.622.0021 www.C21hp.com
Hablamos Español Residential - Commercial - Property Management “Service You Deserve, People You Can Trust”
“Invest in Roswell, Where Living Is Easy” Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
622-7701
10 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Roswell grateful for the opportunity to play
David Rocha Photo
Roswell in a team photo after winning their second straight title at Los Lunas, 25-19. By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
They say to be the man, you must beat the man. Well, beating Roswell will be a feather in some team’s cap. It will not mean much since there will be no championships to play for. It will only be about bragging rights. Roswell, through no fault of their own, will be denied a chance to three-peat. Coyotes’ coach Jeff Lynn believes that winning championships is a byproduct of going through the process and doing the right things. With four games to play, look for wide receiver Alonzo Acosta to catch passes from senior Zeke Gonzales. Gonzales has patiently waited his turn to take the reigns of one of the most explosive offenses in high school football last season. He will follow in the steps of igniter Dominic Nava. Nava was able to bail the team out of any jam and extend plays. Before that, heady leader Ethan Valenzuela made all the right calls. Lynn likes Gonzales’ football IQ and the fact that he can throw the
deep ball well. Roswell returns 1,000yard rusher Joel Renteria in the backfield. “Zeke (Gonzales) is one of the smartest kids I have ever coached,” Lynn said. “I’m excited to see what he does for us.” Lynn mentioned Zane Edwards on the offensive line and James Perez. The line will go 250-260 pounds a man and return one starter. On defense, Roswell will return seven starters. Look for big-time playmaker Zack Buckmister at defensive tackle to make his presence felt. Look for Armando Silva to continue to make big plays from the linebacking position, as well as Freddie Anaya. Also, Renteria will see action as linebacker. In the defensive backfield, look for Eastern New Mexico commit Talon Sanders to continue delivering powerful hits. “I think in a short season,” Lynn said, “it is going to be critical that we play well defensively from the get-go. On defense you kind of turn it loose and let it go.” Lynn said Silva is the team’s lead-
David Rocha Photo Roswell’s #2 Jasia Reese runs the ball in the championship game against Los Lunas.
er on defense and is a good football player. Lynn said he is excited to play. On special teams, look for Anaya to handle the kicking duties. “I’m proud of this senior group,” Lynn said. “Our seniors kept showing up and believing. They worked
hard and now they will get a chance to play. Whatever happens this season, I am super proud of this bunch. With all that we have gone through, it would have been easy for them to quit, and they did not. I’m fired up they are getting an opportunity to play.”
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Dominic Nava runs the ball against Deming in the Semifinal Game at the Wool Bowl.
football preview 11
David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Joel Sanchez stretches to score a touchdown against Lovington in the first game of the season.
David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Joel Renteria breaks free on a long touchdown run against Lovington.
12 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Goddard knows importance of playing games
By Tom Ruiz Special to RDR Sports
The 2020 football season will be like no other for the Goddard Rockets in 2021. That is because the pandemic pushed the fall sports into this year. The Rockets are scheduled to play three regular-season games and possibly one bowl game. Some sports enthusiasts are asking is it even worth playing? Fifthyear Rockets head coach Chris White says it is important to play. “During this crisis, we’ve encouraged the kids to stay positive because better times were ahead and now that moment has arrived,” White said. “The students are back in school and it is time to play football whether it’s one game or three we have scheduled, so yeah, it is worth playing.” White offered his players many pieces of advice during the health crisis. “Don’t turn on the TV and believe everything you see,” he said. “Because the only thing you see on TV is negativity — every day they want you to think the sky is falling. The truth is we are still the greatest country in the world, full of people with good values, good morals and a belief in working, hard work.” Working hard has been the culture the Rockets walk and talk, and it has been passed to present and future Rockets. White adheres to that, too. He came into the program under former coach Sam Jernigan in 2002. “Whether you loved him or hated him, he was about work ethic,” White said. “That’s something that he instilled in the players, the coaches and myself and when Mike Whalen was coach, he practiced that same philosophy.” When asked what personali-
ties his players adopted from him, White said, “I would like to think that my kids take that blue-collar approach when they play football and in life, too. Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty, go to work every day with a good attitude, set your goals high and work as hard as you can to achieve them, and let the chips fall where they may.” In 2020 preseason polls, Goddard was expected to be among one of the top contenders to vie for a state title. They have been at the doorstep to play for the Blue Trophy the last two years, falling short twice in the semifinal round. Goddard is looking for its first state title since 2012 when placekicker Kelsey Cunningham’s 21-yard field goal split the uprights against Los Lunas with no time remaining for a 17-14 win, and capping off an undefeated season. But because of no fault of their own, a shot at winning the Blue Trophy will have to wait until next season. The Rockets open their season at Artesia on March 13. White said he doesn’t think it will be the Artesia-Goddard game you are accustomed to seeing. “I don’t think either team will be as polished,” White said. “There won’t be a state title up for grabs this year, and the kids realize that. The kids are happy just to be playing. And of course, we want to be competitive, but you just need to keep things in perspective, and the most important thing is the kids are back in school and the kids are getting to participate.” White said the Rockets have a great group of seniors returning like three-time All-State lineman Larry Luna who has already signed to play at the University of New Mexico; also Fernando Rubio, who will play at Eastern New Mexico in the fall.
Goddard’s Hunter Beene makes a catch against Carlsbad last year.
Steve Notz Photo
Steve Notz Photo Goddard’s Robert Aragon carries the ball against Los Lunas in the semifinal game last year.
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
football preview 13
There is no secret what the Rockets will do on offense in this shortened season, and that is run the football. “This is a really talented group, and we had talked about having a real shot of winning a state championship this year,” White said. “But of course, it is a little bittersweet that we are not going to get that opportunity this year. You just try to be an optimist and look on the brighter side of things and that’s where we’re at right now.”
Goddard’s JoJo Freman runs the ball against Artesia last year.
Goddard’s Ray Downs runs the ball against rival Roswell at the Wool Bowl last year.
Steve Notz Photo
Steve Notz Photo
14 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Gateway drops to six-man football season in which they won two games.
horses. It just makes being young like
Warriors’ head coach Shaun Wigley
we were last year. The first thing that
sees a silver lining in the rough sea-
will plague you is inconsistency.”
son. It was Wigley’s first losing sea-
Wigley believes the tough season
moved down to six-man football.
son in his career.
he encountered encouraged his faith
Because of New Mexico teams
The team was coming off a state
and developed the team’s character,
lacking the ability to field eight-man
championship run and lost 13 se-
not only on the field but in life and in
teams, Gateway Christian has decid-
niors, so they were young and inex-
their testimony for Christ.
ed to drop down to six-man football.
perienced at all positions. The team
Gateway had a decline in athletes
had two seniors last season that
in the 60s and shootouts, instead of
coming out for football and had trou-
started on the offensive line.
the 30-40-point range. Gateway is
ble scheduling games.
Last year, the team had a lot of
going to be young again.
The team never played more than
drives and moved the ball between
“Everybody breathing right now
seven games in a season, and of-
the 20-yard lines, but had trouble
understands what it means to have
ten had to play teams three times.
scoring in the red zone. Another prob-
adversity,” Wigley said. “Everybody
Gateway played Tatum three times
lem was the team’s lack of break-
is in the same boat; we are just doing
in 2019, losing in the championship
away speed and the ability to score
the best we can with what we have.
game.
easy touchdowns.
Ultimately, we want to have the kids
Gateway opened their season on
“We struggled to put up points last
get some reps, play some games,
the road against Dora, winning 50-0.
year,” Wigley said. “We did a decent
and have some fun. We all want to
Gateway is coming off a rough
job on defense, but we never had the
win.”
By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
Shawn Naranjo Photo Gateway’s Jaydon Stephens makes a catch in a game during the 2019 season.
Newsflash, Gateway Christian has
Wigley said to expect scores to be
Full Hand wash Mon- Sat 10-6 Sun 12-4
Self service 24/7
Corner of 1200 West Second and North Ohio
WILD WILLY’S
RV PARK
3600 W. 2nd 575-317-4348 Nightly, Weekly, MoNthly R ates
football preview 15
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Gateway Christian’s Wyatt Arlet throws for a touchdown in a game in 2019.
Shawn Naranjo Photo
White Mattress Company, LLC Englander Custom Beds Waterbeds
Sealy Memory Foam Air Beds Adjustable Beds Bunk-Beds Day Beds RV & Truck Mattresses
Custom Built Mattresses and Renovation
Darel Devenport
Owner 201 N. Main St.
(Corner of Second St. & Main)
(575)624-1000
GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS!
25%
25%
25%
OFF SOFT SHADES
OFF WOOD BLINDS
OFF VERTICAL BLINDS
SMITH PAINT CO. www.smithblindsroswell.com
35% OFF MINI BLINDS
1608 S. Main 575-622-2020
Gateway Christian’s Wyatt Arlet keeps the ball for a big gain in 2019.
Shawn Naranjo Photo
16 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Artesia happy to be playing again
J.T. Keith Photo
Artesia coach Rex Henderson talks to his Artesia football team on the second day of drills. By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
Playing football for the Artesia Bulldogs is not for the faint of heart. The Bulldogs know their games will come down to the last play. Artesia coach Rex Henderson is not one to go for ties — he wants to win on the last possession. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. In their season-opening loss to rival Carlsbad, that is exactly what happened with 18 seconds to play in the game. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown and went for the win on a two-point conversion. After over a year without football, Henderson sent his team a message that “we’re here to win.” Artesia was stopped and lost 3534, but the real winners in the game were both teams’ football fans and the state of New Mexico that want to see sports played again.
For Artesia, the season doesn’t get any easier as they will face the Goddard Rockets Saturday at the Bulldog Bowl at 1 p.m. After that, they finish off the season with the Roswell Coyotes. Coach Henderson likes to play as many tough games in the early season as possible to get his team ready for the tough district schedule. Normally, around the district and playoffs, his team is beginning to operate at maximum capacity before the playoffs begin. This season Henderson doesn’t have that luxury, because the season has become a sprint and not a marathon. The Bulldogs will have a new quarterback in Cord Cox taking the snaps this year. He will replace all-state quarterback Clay Houghtaling. Cox played as a safety and corner last year and took some reps last season. Cox, a lefty, will throw to ENMU
signee Braxton McDonald. McDonald has gotten better every year he has played for the Bulldogs. “It is a been a comfort having McDonald back,” Henderson said. “He does a really great job for us with the younger kids. He teaches them how to do things and how to get things done. I’m really pleased to have him back.” On the offensive line, they return
starters Julio Baeza at guard and center Marcos Tavera to give them stability. Cox will also look to find senior receiver Jacob Creighton if McDonald is covered. On defense, Artesia returns linebacker Dominic Pacheco. He is the heart and soul of the defense and is like a coach on the field. He started as a sophomore. Helping to keep Pacheco clean is defensive lineman Roberto Mo-
custom embroidery screen printing promotional items custom embroidery screen printing promotional items Ray Itomitsu 575-625-2840
ray.businessnotions.@hotmail.com
304 N. Main St.
Roswell, NM 88201
www.businessnotions.com
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD rales. On the back end look for Jayven Ortega to come up and deliver a shot. “Morales started a year ago for us,” Henderson said. He has been a good leader for us in that senior class.” On special teams, look for Simon Jimenez and McDonald to split the kicking duties. Like all teams, the Bulldogs have had to overcome COVID-19. It has been an adjustment — not having a chance to be in the locker room and build camaraderie and the things that high school teams do. One thing Artesia did in the Carlsbad game was rotate players to keep them fresh. Henderson said it was a big deal for those kids to have their parents in the stands and the fans there as well. “Our focus is in trying to win,” Henderson said. “We want our seniors to have the best experience possible.”
The Artesia quarterback throws a pass during warmups on the second day of practice.
football preview 17
J.T. Keith Photo
18 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Western New Mexico looking to be competitive
CHEVROLET BUICK CADILLAC
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP
Sierra Blanca Motors
DANNY TURNER
Sales & Finance Manager Cell: 575 910-9173 d_turner_45@yahoo.com
JOSE GARCIA
Sales Consultant
Cell: 575 9626-9444 jose@sierrablancamotors.com 720 S. Main • Roswell NM 88203 • 575 622-7907 • Fax: 575 622-1421
Submitted photo Western New Mexico looks to climb in the standings and win more than two games this season. The Mustangs are using this spring to become a threat in Division II football. By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
Western New Mexico football coach Frank Tristan is in his third year. He said he believes this will be the year — he sees a harvest from the seeds he has sown on the recruiting trail. The Mustangs went 0-10 in his first year and 2-10. In that season, Tristan had an allAmerican player. “As we develop the program,” Tristan said, “I really feel like we are going in the right direction. The hope is that going into the fall, that we will be better. I feel the players we have will reap what
we have sown.” Tristan said he knows that to be able to compete with the Lone Star Confer-
309 North Virginia Ave. Roswell, NM 88201
623-8778
www.nesselrodt.com
ence, they will have to be more physical and win more games. Western is coming from the Rocky Mountain Conference, which played teams like Adams State, New Mexico Highlands and Pueblo University.
He said the team knows that to be at-
tractive to kids from southeastern New Mexico, they need to win. One of the selling points is that the Mustangs are the only Division II program playing football in New Mexico this spring.
309 North Virginia Ave. Roswell, NM 88201
622-0856
Lisc. #360638
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Shawn Naranjo Photo Dexter quarterback Marco Munoz throws the ball against NMMI during the first game of the season.
Steve Notz Photo Goddard’s Rion Lee runs down the sideline against Roswell at the Wool Bowl in 2019.
football preview 19
Goddard’s Connor Villalpando defends against a Portales ball carrier in 2019.
Steve Notz Photo
Scott Stevenson Photo Sammy Zaragoza with a tough run against a Piedra Vista defender.
20 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
NMMI not taking anything for granted
Submitted Photo
The NMMI Colts heading into a new season. By NMMI Sports Press
Even though it is a shortened season featuring four games, the Colts are ready to return to the gridiron to get back to some type of normalcy. Dexter beat NMMI 17-2 in the opener for both teams. The Colts will play at Texico before hosting Hope Christian and then finishing off the season at Eunice. The NMAA has not decided on what will be done for a playoff system during the fifth and final week of the season. Back in July 2020, contact sports such as football and soccer were postponed until the spring by the governor’s office. It has been 15 months since the Colts finished off a 6-5 season with an appearance in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs back in November 2019. “Four games, three games, whatever, we’ll play what we can and just enjoy it,” said Colt head coach Randy Montoya. “The kids are getting excited.
There is not a whole lot of pressure. We still want to do well and be competitive.” There will be plenty of guidelines that are required to be followed, from extra sanitization to face coverings always worn underneath helmets. During the previous NMAA board meeting on Feb. 17, Executive Director Sally Marquez stated that 14% of schools were not participating compared to the 65% that will be competing. A lot of school districts were undecided at the time. Considering how quickly things can change in the state, the Colts are aiming to take advantage of the season by having as much fun as possible. “It’s a learning process for all of us but we’re going to do the best that we can,” Montoya said. “Don’t take those moments for granted. You never know when things can be taken away from you. “This year has been a mess for everybody. Being able to do a little bit of normalcy is important.”
football preview 21
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Steve Notz Photo
Shawn Naranjo Photo Hagerman quarterback Jonah Bejaran throws a pass to an open receiver in Saturday’s game against Eunice.
Shawn Naranjo Photo Hagerman tight end David Chacon climbs the ladder to make a catch against Eunice in the opening game of the season.
Shawn Naranjo Photo NMMI running back Darrell Ochieng tries to shake a tackler as he turns the corner against Dexter.
Timothy Burrell chases down a Santa Teresa player on Oct. 11, 2019.
22 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
New Mexico State looks to shake the rust off
The NMSU Aggies football team vs the Tarleton State University Texans at Sun Bowl Stadium, Sunday, February 21, 2021, in El Paso, TX. By J.T. Keith Roswell Daily Record
New Mexico State football coach Doug Martin is unnerved by what he saw in his team’s 43-17 loss to Tarleton State. It was an exhibition game and a lot of their players have not played in over 440 days. They decided to play two games because of the NCAA rules. What if a team played a game, they could get more practice time. Regular spring football only lets a team have 15 days of practice, whereas if they played a game, they could get 29 days of practice plus the games. “With having a whole year off, that’s
what we need,” Martin said. “The games do not have a lot of meaning for us other than getting guys more experience. We’re treating them like scrimmages.” Being off that long, Martin found that his athletes ended up with hamstring pulls and what made the situation worse was the team could not practice. He feels that the team is starting all over again. Former Goddard grad Dalton Bowles is on the team as an outside linebacker. Martin said one of the things they liked about Bowles was that he played quarterback in high school. Martin likes recruiting quarterbacks because they seem to un-
derstand the game. “He’s (Dalton Bowles) very athletic,” Martin said. “He runs and has really good speed. He has a great understanding of the game and great instincts, and he is really going to help us. He’s done well in the practices.” Because the Aggies are not in a conference, they are playing a lot of Mountain West teams and Conference USA teams. Martin said the Aggies would like to end up in one of those conferences. The Aggies’ goal for this season is to get to a bowl game which would be two in the last four seasons. “Because of COVID-19,” Martin said, “the NCAA gave every senior
Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre
another year. What that is doing across the country is everybody will not have a lot of scholarships to give. I think we will have 11 next year, because of those seniors coming back next year.” Martin said he feels good about where the Aggies are. He said their offense might be the most talented since he has been the coach. Martin expects the team to compete for another bowl game. Martin said he will continue to recruit NMMI and southeastern New Mexico hard. They have success with former NMMI players Lazarus Williams and Connor Cramer, among others.
football preview 23
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
03/13 @ Artesia, 1 p.m.
03/13 vs Carlsbad, 1 p.m.
03/05 @ Carlsbad, lost 35-34
03/19 vs Lovington, 7 p.m.
03/19 at Artesia, 7 p.m.
03/13 vs Goddard, 1 p.m.
03/26 vs Roswell - Wool Bowl, 7 p.m.
03/26 vs Goddard (Wool Bowl), 7 p.m.
03/19 vs Roswell, 7 p.m. 03/26 @ Hobbs, 7 p.m.
03/05 @ NMMI, won 17-2
03/06 vs Eunice, lost 38-20
03/06 @ Dora, won 50-0
03/12 @ Portales, 7 p.m.
03/12 vs Loving, 7 p.m.
03/13 vs Mountainair, 1 p.m.
03/20 vs Tucumcari, 1 p.m.
03/19 @ Jal, 7 p.m.
03/19 vs Hondo Valley, 7 p.m.
03/26 vs Hagerman, 7 p.m.
03/26 @ Dexter, 7 p.m.
03/26 @ Lake Arthur, 7 p.m.
03/06 vs Floyd, won 59-10
03/05 vs Dexter, lost 17-2
03/27 @ Cisco College
03/12 @ Hondo Valley, 7 p.m.
03/13 @ Texico, 1 p.m.
03/20 @ Elida, 1 p.m.
03/20 vs Hope Christian, 1 p.m.
04/03 vs Navarro College
03/26 vs Gateway Christian, 7 p.m.
03/27 @ Eunice, 1 p.m.
Chesley Stadium 2 p.m. Wigwam Stadium 2 p.m.
04/10 @ TBA - Kilgore College R.E.
Attempts by RDR Sports to contact Lake Arthur athletics regarding this publication were unsuccessful by press time.
St. John Memorial Stadium
04/17 vs Blinn College
Wigwam Stadium 2 p.m.
04/24 @ Trinity Valley Community
College Bruce Field 2 p.m.
05/01 @ TBA - Tyler Junior College
Christus Trinity Mother
Frances Rose Stadium
05/08 vs Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
College Wigwam Stadium
2 p.m.
05/15 vs RPA College Prep Gateway Christian’s Travis Pirtle scores a touchdown against Dora in their 50-0 mercy rule win.
Linda Kaiser Photo
Wigwam Stadium 2 p.m.
05/22 vs TBA - SWJCFC Playoffs
24 football preview
MARCH 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD