2021 Fall Football Preview by Roswell Daily Record

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Roswell Daily Record 2021 PIGSKIN preview

AUGUST 2021

Fall football’s muchanticipated return in NM

Daily Record Staff and other contributors

Publisher

Ad Design

Barbara Beck

Sandra Martinez

General Manager

Advertising Sales

SaraLei Fajardo

Editor

John Dilmore

Advertising Director Manny Gonzalez

Composing Director Aric Loomis

Cover/Layout Design Aric Loomis

Melanie Page Merle Alexander

Writers

John Dilmore Peter Dindinger

Photographers David Rocha Shawn Naranjo Steve Notz NMMI Sports Press

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.

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“Each fall a reminder of football’s lasting appeal.” That was the headline atop a column the Roswell Daily Record published in 2018. “Each fall.” Until 2020, that was true. Fall seasons of high school football were a constant, their highlights contributing to the memories of individuals, families, communities. Big games, memorable plays, great athletes. “When a football is kicked off in front of a crowd in this country, there’s an electricity in the air.” That charge has helped sear many a moment into the shared memories of towns all around America. Something learned a long time ago: In some places, if you’re driving toward a small town on a Friday night and your destination is the football stadium — to watch a game or, where a few of us are concerned, maybe to cover it from the sidelines or a press box — you often don’t need a GPS or to know the address. For a roughly three-hour window that evening it will be the brightest spot in the community, easily seen from a distance, easy to locate. But among the many customs, longstanding events and traditions altered or canceled outright during the pan-

demic year of 2020, a season of fall football was lost in New Mexico and in other places. Stadiums sat silent and dark. Gradually this year we’ve seen the return of many local customs and traditions. In Roswell, for instance, the UFO Festival took place in July, drawing solid crowds. Other signature events are planning similar comebacks. Our lives are becoming a better mix of the things we want to do and the things we have to do, the ratio’s improving. Now we’re poised at the beginning of a new football season, a comeback season. The short seasons sports teams were allowed in the spring were welcome after the long, pandemic-created layoff that preceded them, and important for the senior athletes who otherwise couldn’t have taken the field, the court, the diamond during their last year of high school. But as the Daily Record has been working on this football preview, catching up to coaches, asking how they see their teams shaping up in 2021, one constant has been their eagerness for a fall season with a tournament at the end to determine a champion. That’s what the best teams play for and we have some of the best in the state right here. It’s been too long. Each fall in memory, until last fall, had indeed been a reminder of football’s lasting appeal, just like that old column said. Its appeal hasn’t waned. Who knows what “normal” means anymore or what it’ll represent moving forward. Maybe the word’s lost some meaning and should be scrapped for a while. But Roswell wasn’t going to feel like Roswell, completely, until the Wool Bowl was again the place to be on Friday nights in the fall. Same can be said about Chaves County’s other communities. With teams taking the field this evening, that moment has finally arrived.

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Rockets return experience at multiple positions said. “We’re going to open with Rio

Roswell Daily Record

There are any number of lessons young people take away from their involvement in athletics. Certainly, working hard together to overcome adversity and achieve shared goals is among them. No sport demonstrates that any better than football, perhaps the ultimate team sport. And few teams exemplify that more than the Goddard Rockets. Head Coach Chris White has for years instilled a blue-collar toughness and workmanlike approach to the game in his players. It’s paid off in winning season after winning season. And now, that approach could have the Rockets as well-positioned as any team to emerge from a year of unprecedented challenges ready to scale even greater heights. The team lost some seniors to graduation as most teams do, including some impact players. Offensive lineman Larry Luna is playing at the University of New Mexico and running back Sammy Zaragoza is at the New Mexico Military Institute. But looking across the Rockets’ roster there’s a lot of consistency. The team went into preseason practices with a good mix of returning contributors and kids fighting for positions on both offense and defense, seemingly with solid foundation in place for another successful campaign. The stunted seasons teams were allowed in the spring, though far too short (just four games for Goddard), did at least provide some needed playing time. “A lot of it is still fresh in the kids’ minds,” White said. “I wish they would have gotten a full season and then spring ball. But definitely it was helpful. The kids have not had a chance really to get out of shape. We went straight from football and we had a short offsea-

Rancho and then Carlsbad, of course we’re playing Los Lunas and Mayfield, we play Hobbs. We don’t really have an off in our schedule — we go play an El Paso team (the Austin Panthers) that won their district the last two years. We’ll definitely be busy.”

Being busy again is what the coach-

es and players and pretty much everyone has been hoping for since the 2020 fall football season was lost. For fans of the Rockets, getting back to business can’t start soon enough. Steve Notz Photo The Goddard offensive line opens a running lane for quarterback Adrian Solis (10) during the Rockets’ 50-0 win against Lovington on March 19 at the Wool Bowl.

Notes:

son, and we’re in pretty good shape as far as the kids being healthy and ready to go.” Despite the loss of Luna, the line returns a solid core, with Pablo Zaragoza, Josh Torres and Fabian Segovia coming back. The speedy Javyn Morales, a track champion in the 100-meters, will be among the runners they’ll open lanes for. “Kids like Sammy (Zaragoza) are for sure hard to replace, that kid was a heck of a player for us ... we’ll definitely miss him, but we have some good guys that are going to I think step up and do good things for us,” White said. The Rockets played several quarterbacks last year (Adrian Vega, Adrian Solis, Elijah Quiroz) and all were coming back. They bring a range of skill sets to the table. Quiroz also plays some receiver and returns punts. The group of receivers — a number of them track standouts — bring plenty of speed to the unit. The Rockets should be in good shape there. And with Layton Victor, Caleb

were allowed in the Spring, the Rock-

Burrell and Sterling Panebouf set to return on the D-line, the same could be said about the defensive front. As many as eight players were competing for positions in the linebacking corps. A number of familiar faces will help out in the secondary including senior James Torrez, who’s started for three years at various positions in the defensive backfield. “We’ll have to put it all together and we’re going to play a tough schedule, so we’ll be battle hardened,” White

During the shortened season teams

ets posted a 2-2 record, averaging 33.5 points for and 20.8 points against. They beat Artesia 50-22 and lost to Roswell 26-14. In their last full season, pre-pandemic, they went 9-3 and made it to the semifinals in the postseason.

Editor’s note: Statistical information,

team records and other historical data and roster updates courtesy of Maxpreps.com.

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David Rocha Photo Goddard’s Sammy Zaragoza (9) takes on two Roswell defenders during a game March 26 at the Wool Bowl.

Steve Notz Photo Goddard’s Caleb Burrell (31) runs with the ball against Lovington March 19 at the Wool Bowl.

Steve Notz Photo

Steve Notz Photo A Goddard player takes on two Rio Rancho defenders during their bowl game April 3 at the Wool Bowl.

Nate Stone (81) and Fernando Rubio (17) prepare to tackle a Rio Rancho player.

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Young Roswell Coyotes poised for big things be facing — like opponents looking

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The Roswell Coyotes in 2021 could field the youngest team they’ve had in the past six years. The Coyotes have fewer seniors than usual — a senior class of 13, roughly, versus a number that typically falls somewhere in the mid-20s — and could end up starting some sophomores, which is atypical for the team. With a talented but young team, the experience of the Roswell coaching staff could prove especially important this season. “We’ve all been together for eight years, and if there was a staff to bring along a young team, I think this is the group,” Roswell head coach Jeff Lynn said. “We’re going to have to coach. We’re going to have to do a good job with these kids. But I’m really confident in our coaching staff being able to bring these kids along. For all the inexperience we have as players, I think we can make up for that with our coaching staff.” During summer workouts the Coyotes’ defensive front was viewed by Lynn as a team strength, with a solid group of six players, including seniors Ismael Galvan and Jeff Irish, along with Remi Villa, in the mix for spots along the line. Lynn said, “Probably the strength of our football team is that front, which is good.” The linebacking corps doesn’t have a ton of varsity experience but the unit is expected to make its mark this season. The secondary is sure to see a number of new faces with senior Sabino Lazos providing leadership. On offense a pair of linemen were set to return, Joe Renteria and Juan

to knock off the still-defending state champions. That one might have slipped the minds of some as a season was more or less lost to the pandemic, but the last two Blue Trophies handed out in New Mexico 5A football are in the Coyotes’ trophy case.

Those prone to worry might worry,

but there are those Blue Trophies — and one thing the Coyotes have shown time and again is they find ways to win. Notes: A Roswell receiver is wide open on a pass play against Goddard March 26.

Carlos Alvarez. A number of players, including a few sophomores, were battling for open positions during summer workouts. The line should have good size, with the biggest of the linemen ranging from 250 to 300 pounds. Roswell doesn’t traditionally have preseason competition at quarterback, preferring instead to go with experienced players who are familiar with the system and have paid their dues, and this season that’s Rich Arreola. Lynn described Arreola as a spirited player and leader, in addition to being a good runner with a good arm. The backfield is expected to feature a group whose skill sets complement one another, among them scatback Christian Hernandez and the bigger Bryce Sanchez. Senior fullback Jonah Gamboa will also contribute to a unit Lynn described as solid. Multiple players were competing during the summer for slots in the

David Rocha Photo

receiver corps. The punting and kicking games were expected to be bright spots for the team. 2021 holds potential challenges other than Roswell’s relative youth. Some are challenges many teams face, like an always-tough district that looks to be as competitive as ever and having lost some key playmakers to graduation. Other potential challenges teams might consider themselves lucky to

During

the

shortened

season

teams were allowed in the Spring, the Coyotes posted a 2-2 record, averaging 21 points for and 24.3 points against. They beat Goddard 26-14 and lost to Artesia 43-28. In their last full season, pre-pandemic, they went 13-0 and won the state championship.

Editor’s note: Statistical information,

team records and other historical data and roster updates courtesy of Maxpreps.com.

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David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Talon Sanders (21) runs the ball against Goddard on March 26 at the Wool Bowl.

David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Talon Sanders (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown March 26 against Goddard at the Wool Bowl.

David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Joel Renteria scores his second touchdown of the night against Artesia at the Bulldog Bowl March 19.

David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Nathan Espinoza (2) awaits a throw as a Clovis defender tries to break up the play on April 3.

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Demons look to continue program’s winning ways first time they’ve played West Las

Roswell Daily Record

It hasn’t really been that long. Then again, with all that’s happened in between, it can seem like a lifetime ago. The fall of 2019 was the last time a full season of football was played in New Mexico. At the end of that season the Dexter Demons were in the state playoffs, just as one would expect. At that time, they were the defending state champs, having won the title on their home field against Robertson in December 2018. In the 2019 tournament, they wouldn’t make it that far, falling to Tularosa in the quarterfinal round. But regardless of outcomes, win, lose or draw, that last full season of fall football remains a fond memory throughout this part of the state and across New Mexico. The prospect of a fall season in 2021 with a champion crowned at the end seems almost too good to be true. Dexter head coach Arturo Duran may have been speaking for football fans, players and coaches everywhere when he said a few weeks back, “It’s going to be an exciting year.” The Demons have enjoyed a run of success in recent years. During summer drills they were an-

Vegas in the regular season, Coach Duran said. New Mexico Military Institute, Tucumcari and Hope Christian close the season. (For complete schedule, see back pages of this section). The gamut of the regular season ends up being a plus for the team. “It’s a tough schedule we play but at the end of the year, I think it makes it A Dexter defender makes a tackle on a Tucumcari player on March 20.

ticipating the return of two offensive linemen, Dylan King and Omar Gomez, both of whom also play defense. But the rest of the Demons’ linemen will be new faces. They’ll be young up front. Josh Duran was expected to take the snaps at quarterback and also play defense, while another returnee, running back Juan Fuentes, was set to carry the ball for the Demons. Fuentes, a senior, is one of the team’s most experienced players, on both sides of the ball. Coach Duran anticipated Mason Martinez and John Fulton would also help out in the backfield and on the defensive side of the ball. The Demons are a young team,

David Rocha Photo

better because we play such a strong schedule that it just benefits us,” Du-

and as such, benefited from the short season football teams in New Mexico were allowed in the Spring. It gave the players, Coach Duran said, some varsity-level experience. “It’s a little bit faster at the varsity level,” he noted. “It helped us out quite a bit in that sense.” The Demons will play a tough schedule and square off against teams from around the state. The Demons were scheduled to open against Santa Rosa, then play Texico next with the “Battle of the Bridges” against Hagerman on Sept. 3. Cobre’s on the schedule. They were also set to play Eunice and West Las Vegas. This will be the

ran said. “All those tough games that we played previously, it helps us.” Notes: During

the

shortened

season

teams were allowed in the Spring, the Demons posted a 3-2 record, averaging 27.4 points for and 16.8 points against. They beat NMMI, 17-2, and also Tucumcari, 50-0. In their last full season, pre-pandemic, Dexter went 8-3.

Editor’s note: Statistical information,

team records and other historical data and roster updates courtesy of Maxpreps.com.

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Dexter players celebrate a touchdown against Tucumcari on March 20.

Dexter’s Juan Fuentes (11) catches a touchdown pass at NMMI March 5.

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Dexter’s Marco Munoz (5) throws the ball at NMMI March 5.

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Dexter’s Manny Fuentez (2) runs past a NMMI defender during a game March 5.

Shawn Naranjo Photo

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NMMI looking for postseason success in 2021 By Peter Dindinger NMMI Sports Press

The high school football scene in New Mexico will look rather normal this season with a full slate of competition happening during the fall semester. Last spring, teams got to tune up with an abbreviated season that did not include a chance to compete for a state title much less a district crown. The New Mexico Military Institute played in five games that resulted in one win over Hope Christian, 19-7. NMMI begins the new season Aug. 20 at Mescalero Apache with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Colts had a tune up scrimmage scheduled in Eunice Friday, Aug. 13. “We’re just going to try to build on what we did in the spring,” said NMMI head coach Randy Montoya, who enters his 11th season at the helm. “We got most of the kids back that were here.” During the spring, the Colt offense struggled after being outscored 13642 against tough opponents like Eunice, Jal, Texico and Dexter. With such a young group of players, one of the main goals was to get as many reps as possible to help gain more valuable playing experience. Graduating 10 seniors last season, NMMI’s roster this fall once again fea-

NMMI Sports Press Photo

tures a lot of novice players mixed in with some skilled returners. “All we try to do is help these young men be successful, put them in a good position to go out there and (have) a fighting chance,” added Montoya. “We want to go as far as we can but most importantly help these young men understand the game and play it like it’s supposed to be played by having fun.” Since 2013, the Colts have made six playoff appearances. This season NMMI will be vying to get past the first round which it hasn’t accomplished since 2004. Senior outside linebacker and tight end Diego Hernandez returns to the Institute after garnering first team allstate honors from the New Mexico High School Coaches Association last

spring. This season’s group feels optimistic that they can accomplish the ultimate goal of making it to a state championship. “My expectations are obviously

winning state,” Hernandez said. “I want to be a leader on this team. I know that we can form a good team and complete our objectives. We are meshing really well. In the locker room we are a family.”

Head coach: Randy Montoya (11th season) 2021 record: 1-4 Returning letterman: 12 Key returners: TE/OLB Diego Hernandez, QB Juan Badillo, WR/DB Darrell Ochieng, LB Simen Johansen Emerging talent: WR/DB Ned Curnutt Last postseason appearance: 2019 (Lost in first round to Cobre) Last state championship appearances: 1963 (NMMI went 10-0-2 after a 3-0 win over Belen for the Class A title under former head coach Marshall Brown) ... 1965 (NMMI capped off a 9-2-1 campaign with a 33-0 victory against Deming in the Class A title game under coach Brown).

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NMMI Sports Press Photo

NMMI Sports Press Photo NMMI’s Simen Johansen barrels his way through two Hope Christian defenders at Colt Field.

Shawn Naranjo Photo NMMI’s Juan Badillo (10) is tackled by a Dexter defender and loses the football on March 5.

Shawn Naranjo Photo NMMI’s Darrell Ochieng (11) attempts to break a Dexter tackle as he turns the corner March 5.

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A Dexter player runs with the ball against Tucumcari at home March 20.

David Rocha Photo

David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Alonzo Acosta (3) makes a catch against Carlsbad March 13 at the Wool Bowl.

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Hagerman’s Abel Alvidrez (20) puts a stiff arm on a Loving defender March 12.

David Rocha Photo

David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Nathan Espinoza (2) runs the ball as Goddard’s Drew Keelin (25) pursues the play March 26.

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NMMI Broncos ready to ‘get back to work’

NMMI Sports Press Photo NMMI’s Keivon Brooks (23) battles a Tyler Junior College receiver on May 1 in Tyler, Texas. By Peter Dindinger NMMI Sports Press

It was an unusual setting for football last spring. Only two colleges in the state of

New Mexico got to physically play at home. New Mexico Military Institute was one of those teams fortunate enough to play on its own soil. The Broncos grinded through a grueling Southwestern Junior College Football Conference schedule to finish the regular season on a threegame winning streak with a 5-3 overall record. Rising in the NJCAA rankings to the No. 9 spot, NMMI was able to make its first bowl game appearance since 2013. Ultimately, the Broncos suffered a 23-21 loss to Iowa Central in the Graphic Edge Bowl. NMMI returns this fall hungry to compete and get back to the postseason. The fall season kicks off Sept. 4 as the Broncos host the Papago Pumas at 5 p.m. in the Wool Bowl. “The expectations are to get back to work, make sure we do the little things that took us all the way to the bowl game and to get the guys better,” said NMMI first-year head coach Kurt Taufa’asau. A lot of key pieces return to the gridiron for the Broncos on offense, which ranked 10th in the nation in 13 different categories last spring. Sophomore running back Anthony Grant, an SWJCFC Most Valuable Player and second team NJCAA All-

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NMMI Sports Press Photo A trio of NMMI defenders converge to make a tackle on a Tyler Junior College player May 1 in Tyler, Texas.

American last season, will be looking to have another big season after finishing second in the nation with 819 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Volcano Vista grad and Albuquerque native Diego Pavia is hoping to have a breakout sophomore season after amassing 1,365 total yards of offense with 18 touchdowns as a freshman. NMMI’s offensive line boasts highly recruited sophomore Tyrone Webber, a first team NJCAA All-American

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teed for us in this conference. They need to show up to work every day,” Taufa’asau said. “We’ve got to come together, unify, put away our differences and head in the right direction. I think that’s the message this whole time since we started (fall camp) on Aug. 2.” Players from New Mexico have always played a big role in the success of the Broncos. This season will be no different.

Last season, aside from Pavia and Carreathers, Malik Phillips, Jimmy Gallegos and Chris Valdez all played their part on each side of the ball while making big contributions. “We have a bunch of New Mexico guys that are playing their role on the team,” Taufa’asau said. “They’ve been nothing but huge for us. If we can build with local kids, I think that’s big for us, moving forward every year.”

Head coach: Kurt Taufa’asau (First season, fifth overall at NMMI) Coaching staff: Chase Kyser, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Robert Rodriguez, run game coordinator/offensive line; Nelson Vasquez, receivers; Daryl Wiggins, linebackers; Myron Dillard, defensive backs. 2021 record: 5-4 overall (4-3 Southwest Junior College Football Conference) Returning letterman: 27 (9 offense/6 defense) Key returners: QB Diego Pavia, RB Anthony Grant, OL Tyrone Webber, WR Malik Phillips, TE Logan Compton Emerging talent: RB Jimmy Gallegos, WR Terrence Moore, OL Christian Carreathers, DL Chris Valdez Bowl game appearances: 1967, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1999, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2021.

NMMI Sports Press Photo A NMMI player prepares to take on a Tyler Junior College defender May 1 in Tyler, Texas.

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Homecoming for Bulldogs’ Coach Jeremy Maupin Roswell Daily Record

Being from Artesia, and having played football at Artesia High School and also coached there, Artesia is not new to first-year Bulldogs Head Coach Jeremy Maupin. Neither is winning football like the Artesia program has become known for over the years. Maupin experienced that as a player and coach in the Bulldog Bowl, and has had his share of coaching success in recent years as head coach in Los Lunas, where he became a familiar opponent to southeast New Mexico coaches, teams and fans as Los Lunas took on local teams in the regular season as well as in high-stakes postseason contests. “We were able to play every year — Roswell, Alamo and Goddard every year,” Maupin said. “And then the last two years, we played Roswell and Goddard twice both seasons, in the semifinals and the championship game. I feel like those guys have got good coaching staffs and they’ve got really good kids, so I think getting to play them is always a good thing ... to play the best competition in the state if you want to be the best. “It’s been good to play those guys.” Maupin and fans are in for more of a good thing as he joins the Coyotes, Rockets and Alamogordo Tigers in the

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David Rocha Photo

Artesia defenders make a tackle on a Roswell player March 19.

ultra-competitive district. The Bulldogs (as of this writing) are set to play Roswell Oct. 15, Goddard Oct. 22 and Alamogordo Oct. 29. They’ll take the field this season with a new signal caller, Maupin said, in Nathan Taylor, who the coach described as a very good athlete. His brother played quarterback for the Bulldogs in 2017. He’ll take snaps behind a line anchored by Jacob Velasquez and Andrew Anguiano. Of the returning Velasquez, Maupin said, “He’s been really good for the program ... he’s one of our leaders. ... He’s definitely the standout on the offensive line.” Running back Jake Barrera, one of

the team’s best players, is another key returnee. The receiving corps, meanwhile, is expected to feature a number of new faces as players with more limited game experience are likely to hold down all four spots. The defense is solid up front with Michael Borunda and Jarren Ramirez both back on the line and the team’s leading tackler from last year, linebacker Dominic Pacheco, also coming back. A transfer, Seth Johnson, was expected to suit up at middle linebacker. The Bulldogs secondary welcomes the return of a pair of contributors from last season: Thomas Riley and Luis Pando.

Sales & Finance Manager Cell: 575 910-9173 d_turner_45@yahoo.com

During

the

shortened

season

teams were allowed in the Spring, the Bulldogs posted a 2-3 record, averaging 36.2 points for and 39.4 points against. Goddard beat them 50-22, while they defeated the Coyotes 4328. The Bulldogs also won against Alamorgordo, 55-28. In their last full season, pre-pandemic, they went 6-6.

Editor’s note: Statistical information,

team records and other historical data and roster updates courtesy of Maxpreps.com.

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An Artesia player chases down Roswell’s Freddie Anaya on March 19.

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

David Rocha Photo

David Rocha Photo An Artesia player misses a tackle while a teammate chases down Roswell receiver Alonzo Acosta (3) March 19.

An Artesia player tackles Roswell quarterback Zeke Gonzales (10) March 19.

David Rocha Photo

Steve Notz Photo Two Artesia defenders prepare to tackle Goddard running back Sammy Zaragoza (9) during a March 13 game.

AUGUST 2021

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Gateway Christian wants to build on 6-man success Roswell Daily Record

Gateway Christian, which transitioned to playing 6-man football last year after having played the 8-man game previously, wound up playing in just the sorts of contests many had predicted for the team — high-scoring shootouts. Of course, the abbreviated seasons teams played in the Spring yielded small sample sizes for everyone. But the Warriors put points on the board when they took the field, reaching the 50-point mark in three of their four games. They beat Dora 50-0 before suffering their only loss, to Mountainair, 28-18, then produced an explosion of points in their final two contests: They beat Hondo Valley 54-25, then defeated Lake Arthur 52-18. The results bode well for this year’s squad. The team did lose a running back and receiver, but as Gateway Christian Athletic Director Justin Stephens, also a member of the coaching staff, noted, the Warriors are returning a number of impact players. “Offensively, basically we’re returning most of our starters. ... we do have the core of our kids back,” he said. He added, “They’ve worked hard over the summer. They put in some good time.” When reached during summer workouts, Stephens said senior Hurley Breedyk was set to play quarterback, and among his targets would be fellow senior Luke Tipton. Juniors Hayden Wigley (receiver) and running back Jace Worley round out a solid group of returning skill-position players. The 6-man game, as the scores from the Spring suggest, is normally pretty wide open, with teams running

a lot of spread sets. But there are teams, including some the Warriors play, running tight formations. “The mindset for people is, if you’re a big kid you don’t play 6-man,” he said. “But that’s not really true.” Elida, one of the tougher teams in the Warriors’ district, is a good for-instance, often going with tight formations and making use of their size. The Warriors were scheduled to open the season Aug. 19 at Carrizozo, then play a road game against Hondo Valley — and play alwaystough Elida in their third game of the season, away. Then at Mountainair, followed by a trio of home games, with a road game against Floyd to close the season. “We’ve got a good schedule because we’re playing teams from all over the state,” Stephens said. Overall, it should shape up to be a fun and exciting season for fans of the Warriors. “I feel with the players that we have coming back and the work that they’ve put in, I think we have a chance to be very successful,” Stephens said. Notes: As mentioned above, during the shortened season teams were allowed in the Spring, the Warriors posted a 3-1 record. They averaged 43.5 points for and 17.7 points against. They beat Dora, Hondo Valley and Lake Arthur, losing to Mountainair. In their last full season, prepandemic, they went 2-5 overall. Editor’s note: Statistical information, team records and other historical data and roster updates courtesy of Maxpreps.com.

Shawn Naranjo Photo Gateway’s Hurley Breedyk (1) passes the ball March 19 at home against Hondo Valley.

AUGUST 2021

Shawn Naranjo Photo Gateway’s Jace Worley (22) makes a move on a Hondo Valley defender on March 19.

Shawn Naranjo Photo Gateway’s Hayden Wigley (5) catches a pass for a touchdown against Hondo Valley on March 19 at home.

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Gateway’s Jace Worley (22) runs with the ball at Dora on March 6.

Submitted Photo

Shawn Naranjo Photo Gateway’s Addyn Shaw (23) runs in for a touchdown March 19 at home against Hondo Valley.

AUGUST 2021

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Bobcats hope aggressive approach pays off Roswell Daily Record

The Hagerman Bobcats make some big plays and also at times give up some big plays. It’s part and parcel of the aggressive approach to football preached by head coach Guy Rivers and practiced by his team. During summer practices, Rivers saw his defense as a team strength headed into the season, with the possibility of starting eight seniors on that side of the ball. Among those expected to set the pace when the Bobcats’ defense takes the field were linebacker Jonah Bejarano and safety Doryan Galvan. Rivers said the linebacking corps runs pretty well — they can cover. The Bobcats have a lot of players who line up on both sides of the ball, among them Bejarano, who in addition to playing linebacker is the team’s quarterback, a three-year starter at the position. “I’m really looking at him being the leader of the team,” Rivers said. “Last year he really took over that role. He’s throwing the ball very well and I’m looking for him to have a really good year.” Hagerman lost three linemen to graduation, so a unit that was a team strength last season could prove a challenge in 2021. Rivers described those vying for positions on the line as young, but eager to learn. The Bobcats were looking at a backfield-by-committee approach as they prepared for the season. Senior tight end Amen Gonzalez provides Bejarano a steady receiver and also blocks well. With a number of track athletes up and down the roster, the Bobcats are fast, and team speed should be another of Hagerman’s strengths.

On special teams, senior kicker Sebastian Mireles has a strong leg, having kicked 50-yarders in practice. During last year’s game against Santa Rosa he hit a 45-yarder.

Rivers believes the stability his ten-

ure has provided — after a number of years of coaching changes for the program — is beginning to pay dividends. “When I got here, that first year was kind of hard because they didn’t buy in. They thought I was going to be gone,” Rivers said. “I kept telling them, I’ve already been at the big schools, I’ve won state championships ... I’m not here to make a name for myself to go somewhere else. I’m here for the long haul. This is my last coaching, my last teaching spot. When I get done, I’m going to retire from here. That’s my goal. “Now, these kids have been here with me for four years. ... So it’s going to be them knowing a system, knowing the defense, knowing what I want, being aggressive.” Notes: During

the

shortened

season

teams were allowed in the Spring, the Bobcats posted a 1-4 record, averaging 19.6 points for and 39.6 points against. They lost to Eunice 38-20, beat Loving 50-0 and lost to Jal 6219. In the Battle of the Bridges against Dexter, they lost 50-0 and also fell to Santa Rosa to end the season, 48-9. In their last full season, pre-pandemic, Dexter went 7-4-1 and made it to the semifinal round of the postseason.

Editor’s note: Statistical information,

team records and other historical data and roster updates courtesy of Maxpreps.com.

David Rocha Photo A Hagerman player tries to stay on his feet as a Loving defender attempts to make a tackle March 12.

AUGUST 2021

Hagerman players pounce on a loose ball against Eunice on March 6.

Hagerman’s Abel Alvidrez (20) breaks a Eunice tackle on March 6.

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Shawn Naranjo Photo

Hagerman’s David Chacon (32) goes up for a catch on March 6 against Eunice.

Shawn Naranjo Photo

Shawn Naranjo Photo Hagerman quarterback Jonah Bejarano (19) throws a pass against Eunice on March 6.

AUGUST 2021

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Dexter’s Peyton Greathouse (80) makes a move against Tucumcari March 20.

David Rocha Photo

Gateway’s Jace Worley (22) tries to avoid a Hondo Valley defender March 19.

Shawn Naranjo Photo

AUGUST 2021

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

David Rocha Photo A Goddard player tries to hold on to the ball as Roswell defenders attempt to force a fumble during their rivalry game March 26 at the Wool Bowl.

David Rocha Photo Hagerman quarterback Jonah Bejarano (19) makes a move on a Loving defender March 12.

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AUGUST 2021

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Aug. 27 vs Carlsbad, 7 p.m.

Aug 20 vs Farmington, 7 p.m.

Aug 20 at Carlsbad, 7 p.m.

Sept 3 vs Deming, 7 p.m.

Aug 27 at Lovington, 7 p.m.

Aug 27 vs Hobbs, 7 p.m.

Sept 10 at Austin (El Paso, TX), 7 p.m.

Sept 3 at Hobbs, 7 p.m.

Sept 3 at Belen, 7 p.m.

Sept 17 vs Hobbs, 7 p.m.

Sept 10 vs Los Lunas, 7 p.m.

Sept 10 at Deming, 7 p.m.

Sept 24 at Los Lunas, 7 p.m.

Sept 17 at Carlsbad, 7 p.m.

Sept 17 vs Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Oct 8 at Mayfield (Las Cruces), 7 p.m.

Sept 24 vs Mayfield (Las Cruces), 7 p.m.

Sept 24 vs Lovington, 7 p.m.

Oct 15 at Alamogordo, 7 p.m.

Oct 8 at Dumas (Texas), 6 p.m.

Oct 1 vs Ruidoso, 7 p.m.

Oct 22 at Artesia, 7 p.m.

Oct 15 vs Artesia, 7 p.m.

Oct 15 at Roswell, 7 p.m.

Oct 29 vs Roswell, 7 p.m.

Oct 22 vs Alamogordo, 7 p.m.

Oct 22 vs Goddard, 7 p.m.

Oct 29 at Goddard, 7 p.m.

Oct 29 vs Alamogordo, 7 p.m.

Aug 21 at Capitan, 2 p.m.

Aug 19 at Carrizozo, 7 p.m.

Aug 27 at Mescalero Apache, 7 p.m.

Aug 27 at Hondo Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept 3 vs Dexter, 7 p.m.

Sept 3 at Elida, 7 p.m.

Sept 10 at NMMI, 7 p.m.

Sept 24 vs Lake Arthur, 7 p.m.

Sept 24 at Tularosa, 7 p.m.

Oct 1 vs Ramah, 7 p.m.

Oct 1 vs Clayton, 7 p.m.

Oct 8 vs Clovis Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct 8 vs Loving, 7 p.m.

Oct 15 at Floyd, 7 p.m.

Aug 20 vs Santa Rosa, 7 p.m. Aug 27 at Texico, 7 p.m. Sept 3 at Hagerman, 7 p.m. Sept 17 at Eunice, 7 p.m. Sept 24 at Cobre, 7 p.m. Oct 1 vs Portales, 7 p.m. Oct 8 vs West Las Vegas, 7 p.m. Oct 15 vs NMMI, 7 p.m. Oct 22 at Tucumcari, 7 p.m. Oct 29 vs Hope Christian, 1 p.m.

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Oct 15 at Eunice, 7 p.m. Oct 22 vs Jal, 7 p.m.

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AUGUST 2021

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

Aug 20 at Mescalero Apache, 7 p.m.

Sept 4 vs Papago JC, 5 p.m.

Aug 20 vs Hondo Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug 27 vs McCurdy (Espanola), 7 p.m.

Sept 11 vs Maricopa JC, 7 p.m.

Sept 3 vs Carrizozo, 7 p.m.

Sept 3 vs Texico, 7 p.m.

Sept 18 at Navarro College, 6 p.m.

Sept 10 at Clovis Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept 10 vs Hagerman, 7 p.m.

Sept 25 vs Kilgore College, 5 p.m.

Sept 24 at Gateway Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept 17 at Hot Springs, 7 p.m.

Oct 2 at Blinn College, 6 p.m.

Oct 8 vs Elida, 7 p.m.

Sept 24 vs Loving, 7 p.m.

Oct 16 vs Tyler JC, 3 p.m.

Oct 1 at Socorro, 7 p.m.

Oct 23 vs Cisco College, 3 p.m.

Oct 15 at Dexter, 7 p.m.

Oct 30 at Northeastern Oklahoma

Oct 22 vs Hope Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct 29 vs Tucumcari. 7 p.m.

Nov 6 vs Trinity Valley CC, 3 p.m.

A&M, 12 p.m.

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Attempts by RDR Sports to contact Lake Arthur athletics regarding this publication were unsuccessful by press time. Football Schedule courtesy of MaxPreps

ROSWELL DAILY RECORD

AUGUST 2021