2022 Red vs Blue

Roswell

Barbara

Sandra

Jessica

Merle

Steve Notz Photo

Goddard’s Colton Franzoy (37) runs the ball against the Coyotes, Oct. 29, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Sebastian Mendoza (2) looks for a hole to run through against Goddard, Oct. 29, 2021.

Coyotes are championship contenders but how far can they go?

By Blynn Beltran roswell Daily recorD

The Roswell High School Varsity Football team did the opposite of their 2021 season. The Coyotes won four of their first five games and brandished a four-game win nings streak, including a strong outing against Piedra Vista, a topten team in New Mexico.

These Coyote wins aren’t close shaves; Roswell would beat teams by wide margins: a 32-14 win over Piedra Vista, a 47-6 win over Carlsbad, and a 49-0 Clovis decimation. The Coyotes seemed unstoppable with a 7-2 regular season re cord, an electrifying offense, and a topeight ranking.

These teams have done well in their respective divi sion, especially Piedra Vista as a top ten team in the 5A with an 8-1 season record, and currently 2-0 in the sea son. Despite a strong start, the Coyotes struggle against opponents in the upper ech elon of the New Mexico Foot

ball rankings. Roswell’s two losses had come from the Hobbs Eagles and their only rival besides Goddard: Arte sia.

Roswell’s outing against these two teams had a nearly identical start and finish. The Coyotes gave up at least 27 points or more in the first half in both games. Roswell did slightly better in their matchup against the Bulldogs by an swering in the second quarter with a touchdown and adjust ing in the third quarter.

Hobbs’ and Artesia’s com mon denominator is their defense against the Coyotes. Roswell’s offense can’t get over a solid defensive team. Once the Coyote’s offense loses momentum, the Roswell defense follows, and the opposing team’s scoring pours in like a broken dam.

So where does the Goddard and Roswell match-up come into play? Since the Coyotes lost against Artesia, Coyotes Football head coach Jeff Lynn said they must go through the Rockets to get a bye week.

For Roswell to stay com petitive in the postseason, the Coyotes need to find a way to dismantle top-tier de fense, stay healthy and stay disciplined. The Coyote’s de fense needs to be stiffer and stop the bleeding before it worsens. Playing against the Rockets is a good way to test their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity.

Roswell’s senior defensive tackle Sylvester “Cheeto”

Lomeli and senior guard Je sus Campos are the leaders in the Coyote’s defense. Lom eli and Campos hope to bring fire to his team’s defense.

“I’m bringing all the energy,” Lomeli said. “I told my team today that we got to have all the energy, we have to bring it on Friday and come up with the dub.”

Campos shares the same sentiment as his teammate and brings the intensity need

to go over the Rockets.

“I hope to bring intensity,” Campos said. “Goddard plays physical and we got to match their intensity. We got to play fast, hit hard, and bring all the juice to the game.”

Keeping his cards to his chest, Lynn said that their ap proach to this game is to have great results in their prepara tion.

“We got to have a good week of practice,” Lynn said.

Steve Notz Photo

The Roswell and Goddard football teams watch as the referee tosses the coin into the air prior to their game, Oct. 29, 2021.

“Hopefully, we go out on Friday and execute the game plan.”

When asked about their possible postsea son match-up against Artesia, Lynn said he is more focused on the task at hand.

“This game against Goddard is an important game for seeding selection and an impor tant game for district finish. If we’re fortunate enough to get another shot at Artesia, that’s later down the road, and a lot of water under the bridge,” Lynn said.

Lynn expressed his desire to play Artesia after dropping their match-up against the

Bulldogs.

“They played better than we did last night, but hopefully, we get another chance at ‘em and maybe we can play better down the road against Mayfield. We just got to keep get ting better, learn from this and move forward,” Lynn said.

Before they get to Artesia at some point, Roswell must pass the Goddard test to have a chance at Artesia and the state championship they have been yearn ing for all year.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Peyton Kennard (9) scores a touchdown against Goddard, Oct. 29, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

A scramble for the football as Roswell’s Remi Villa (76) climbs over two Goddard players, Nov. 12, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

Goddard’s Adrian Vega (1) breaks a tackle by Roswell’s Sabino Lazos (11), Nov. 12, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

Goddard’s Colton Franzoy (37) runs the ball against Roswell, Oct. 29, 2021.

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Roswell’s Jonah Gamboa (9) looks up for the ball, Nov. 12, 2021.

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The Rockets celebrate their 14-3 victory over the Coyotes after a state playoff game, Nov. 12, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Marcos Tarin (5) makes an interception against the Rockets during their playoff game, Nov. 12, 2021.

Roswell High School COYOTES

# Name Position Class

2 Sebastian Mendoza SB Sr.

Adrian Anaya OLB, FS, CB Sr.

Christian Hernandez RB Sr.

Kaidn George OLB, SS Sr.

Robert Truex DE Sr.

Jorge Chavez OLB Sr.

Manny Fuentez QB Jr.

Peyton Kennard FB, QB, K Jr.

Jacob Palomino QB, WR So.

11 Donavan Morales WR Sr.

Malachi Mitchell TE Jr.

Josh Estrada WR Jr.

14 Jovanny Reyes CB Sr.

Jacob Sedillo FS Jr.

Xai Carrasco FS So.

Nathanial Quintero CB Jr.

Manuel Sigala WR Jr.

Miguel Garcia SB Sr.

Bryce Sanchez FB Jr.

Isaac Loya OLB Jr.

Wesley Gallegos CB Jr.

Jerm Moriel CB Jr.

Jovanni Apodaca CB Jr.

Connor Nichols FS Jr.

Jordan Weathersby WR Jr.

Eli Lynn DE, MLB, TE Jr.

Abey Toscano FB So.

Andrew Padilla QB So.

Fabian Vigil FB Jr.

Armando Sierra CB Jr.

Lonicio Macias WR Jr.

Miguel Alvarez CB Jr.

Garcia DT Jr.

Vernon Molinar OLB Jr.

Nathan Herrera OLB Jr.

Quezada MLB, OLB Jr.

Lucius Moore C Sr.

Keegan Nichols LB So.

Braedon Greathouse DE Sr.

Frank Ramirez OLB Sr.

Matt Avita C So.

Ramon Zumudio DT Jr.

Mason Greathouse DE So.

Daniel Sedillo G Jr.

Jamie Nevarez DT So.

Adrian Barraza T Jr.

Noah Lynn DT So.

Jesus Gutierrez T, G Jr.

Elijah Jacobs G Jr.

Reeco Lujan T Jr.

Sylvester Lomeli DT Sr.

Remi Villa T, DT Sr.

Jonathan Barraza DE Jr.

Hector Aguirre T So.

Jesus Campos G Sr.

Goddard High School ROCKETS

# Name Position Class

1 Cesar Fierro LB Sr.

Javyn Morales HB Sr.

Jon Silva HB Jr.

Dominic Ramirez QB Jr.

Dylan Kermode WR, CB Jr.

Carter Munson DE Jr.

Landon Jones WR Sr.

Tristin Torres QB, CB So.

Christian Dacanay TE Sr.

Adrian Solis ATH Sr.

Tristan Rietkerk WR, DE Sr.

Flavio Garcia DE Jr.

Leo Mendoza WR Sr.

Lucien Betancur Fr.

Ethan Morro RB, MLB, OLB Sr.

Starrett Huntsman SS Sr.

Luis Ortiz DL Jr.

Sebastian Bills CB Jr.

Gary Roybal WR So.

David Roybal WR Sr.

Caleb Carrasco CB Sr.

Wyatt Northcutt WR, SS Jr.

Manuel Venzor WR Sr.

Raymond Chavez TE Sr.

Gabriel Anaya RB So.

Xavier Perez RB So.

Nathan Reed RB So.

Jorge Garcia Jr. DE Jr.

Santiago Chavez DE Sr.

Brandon Robinson S Sr.

Taylen Payne Fr.

Omar Moreno So.

Josiah Arellano Jr.

Hector Salvarrey LB Sr.

Stafford Stevenson So.

Eric Lopez LB Jr.

37 Colton Franzoy MLB Sr.

Landon Victor DE Sr.

Blaze Dean G Jr.

Adam Cameron DT Sr.

Bryce Bonner Sr.

Albert Montoya OL Sr.

Aidan Martin C Jr.

Caleb Franzoy T So.

Mason Henington T So.

Maddox Chavez T, DE So.

67 Robert Hidalgo T, G, DT Sr. 68 Dayvon Searle So.

Jake Chavez DL So.

Aidan Werts NG Sr.

Bryce Paz Jr.

Beau Roach T, C, NG So.

Joshua Brooke So. 77 Ryan Casaus T Sr.

Daniel Moreno T So.

80 Bryan Barajas K Jr.

Alberto Chavez WR, OLB, SS So.

Zakariah Arellano Fr.

Josiah Castillo Fr.

84 Ernesto Garcia WR, CB So.

Deshon Young DE Jr.

Bruce Loya DE, OLB So.

Steve Notz Photo

Goddard’s James Torrez (14) runs the ball down the field, Nov. 12, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

Coyotes running back Christian Hernandez (4) makes a move as Sebastian Mendoza (2) makes a block, Nov. 12, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

The Rockets attempt to block a kick from the Coyotes kicker Peyton Kennard (35), Nov. 12, 2021.

Rockets looking forward to challenging the Coyotes

By Blynn Beltran roswell Daily recorD

The Goddard High School Foot ball team is playing their crosstown rival Roswell High for their final game of the district and the regular season this Friday.

With Goddard hanging back in the district standing, the pressure is on the Coyotes to win this game. Roswell must top Goddard in this cross-town rivalry to get a byeweek and place better in the state championship tournament bracket.

Rocket Football head coach Chris White said that the game won’t matter to them as much in the seeding, win or lose.

“As far as the seeding is con cerned, the game is not going to have a huge impact on that part, but I could be wrong,” White said. “But you know, it’s football and we definitely play every game to win. It’s a fun game, the kids certainly enjoy the game and we all look forward to it. I think it’s fun for the community. Of course, it is a crosstown rivalry game. There are brag ging rights and things like that. So, it’s a big game for both schools in that regard. We’re looking forward

to Friday night, for sure.”

White said that they are working and preparing for this game. He said the most important thing is to build up for the postseason.

“You just want to gain momentum going to the playoffs,” White said. “I honestly think that both teams, however the game goes, are going to be top four seeds, which means you get a first-round bye.”

White said that getting a firstround bye can be a double-edged sword depending on who’s wielding it. “Sometimes it’s good and sometimes, I would rather play than have a week off to be honest with you,” White said.

Looking back at the Rocket’s season, they are a game behind the Coyotes in the regular season, even when it comes to district re cord at 1-1. Both teams hit a wall in the district after facing Artesia. The Rockets managed to take the lead by one point against Artesia at home but cannot go through the stout Bulldogs’ defense.

Goddard can match Artesia in firepower but they need to keep their intensity throughout the game in order to stay ahead and build a

lead. It is on the Rockets’ defense to figure out a way to get stops, make the right calls on coverage, and in turn giving room for God dard’s offense.

Pairing a great defense with Goddard’s blocking can certainly help them score more points and continue their momentum, once they take the lead.

Goddard leaders, senior middle linebacker Colton Franzoy and senior defensive end Hector Sal varrey talked about the chemistry within the team and how they look forward to facing a top-eight team in Roswell High.

Salvarrey said that execution and focus is the key to beating Ro swell in this match-up.

In the past, Goddard would make mistakes on offense that would cost them upwards of 15 yards in terms of penalties, making it hard for them to get a first down.

“Execution,” Savarrey said with out hesitations. “Once we execute and get everything going, we get on a roll, you know? Hopefully, we can fix our mistakes during prac tice.”

Franzoy said that beyond a team

win, he wants the team to gain ex perience and learn from this game against the Coyotes.

“Hopefully we can get a win and a good experience,” Franzoy said during Goddard practice. “I’m ex cited. We look forward to it every year.”

When asked about the signifi cance of the match-up and the in tensity of the game, Franzoy said that it is good to have this type of rivalry to push both teams toward postseason success.

“It’s our cross-town rival and I think it’s good to have a little bit of competitiveness within the community,” Franzoy said. “After this, we are going to the playoffs. So we got to work hard, and hopefully do well in the playoffs no matter what comes of this game.”

For Goddard’s postseason, it is up to the New Mexico Activities Association where to place God dard in the bracket which will be announced Oct. 29. Then, we will find out if Goddard is deserving of the fourth seed that coach White predicted.

Steve Notz Photo

The Goddard Rockets run onto the field before their playoff game, Nov.

The Last Three 2019 Roswell 24 Goddard

14

Roswell was undefeated and ranked No. 1. GHS entered the contest at 8-1 and ranked No. 2 in 5A. With a fourth down and 9 yards to go at the Rockets’ 20-yard line, Roswell coach Jeff Lynn called a timeout and sent in Joel “Mr. Everything” Sanchez and he nailed a 31-yard field goal to put the Coyotes up 24-14 with 2:15 to play in the game. This game was marred by flags as each team committed over 10 penalties in the game. This game would propel Roswell to its second championship, as they went undefeated en route to a perfect sea son, going 13-0.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Sebastian Mendoza (2) makes a move on a Goddard defender, Oct. 29, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

The Rockets and Coyotes watch the referee toss the coin before their playoff game, Nov. 12, 2021.

David Rocha Photo Roswell’s Eli Lynn (33) competes with a Goddard player for the ball, Nov. 12, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

Rockets defender Colton Franzoy (37) prepares for the Coyotes to snap the ball, Nov. 12, 2021.

The Last Three 2020 Roswell 26 Goddard

14

The crosstown rivalry contest between the Goddard Rockets and Roswell Coyotes came down to which team could best execute its game plan on Friday night (March 26).

The Coyotes, 2-1, used a healthy balance of running and passing the ball and came away with a 26-14 win at the Wool Bowl.

The Coyotes’ game plan was to control the clock and stay away from any turnovers — they did both.

The Rockets ran the ball well, but they just couldn’t find their vibe like they had in games against Lovington and Artesia, when they were unstoppable.

Trailing 8-6, Roswell scored right before the end of the first half when Zeke Gonzales found Alonzo Acosta on a fade route in the front corner of the end zone. The Coyotes missed the two-point conversion and went into the locker room with a 12-8 lead.

Roswell also scored 14 unanswered points in the second half.

Goddard made things interesting though. In the fourth quarter, trailing 26-8, a long touchdown run capped a 62-yard drive. The extra point failed with 9:35 left in the game, rounding out the final score of 26-14.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Sebastian Mendoza (2) attempts to stay on his feet after being tripped up by a teammate, Oct. 29, 2021.

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Coyotes quarterback Richard Arreola (17) attempts to break a tackle by a Goddard player, Nov. 12, 2021.

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Roswell’s Jonah Gamboa (9) stretches to make a catch, Nov. 12, 2021.

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The Roswell and Goddard football teams meet at midfield after a 16-14 Coyotes win over the Rockets, Oct. 29, 2021.

The Last Three 2021 Roswell 16 Goddard .................................. 14

The Goddard Rockets started off strong against the Coyotes, going up seven with a late first quarter touchdown from a Noah Reese and Colton Franzoy con nection. Roswell would answer back with a touchdown from now-senior Sebas tian Mendoza to even things with the Rockets.

The Coyotes would take the lead from Peyton Kennard field goal to give them a three-point lead.

Goddard got into trouble once Roswell got a touchdown from a Jonah Gam boa run to make it 16-10 with six minutes left on the fourth quarter. With their backs against the wall, the Rockets counteracted the Coyotes with a Noah Reese rush to make it 16-14.

Despite the heroics of Reese, the Rockets could not overcome Coyotes with the time allotted and Roswell ended the game by running the clock.

David Rocha Photo

Goddard’s Adrian Solis (10) is helped up by one of his teammates and a Roswell player, Oct. 29, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Sebastian Mendoza (2) runs down the field, Nov. 12, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

Rockets defender Erik Palma (88) defends against a pass from Coyotes quarterback Richard Arreola (17), Nov. 12, 2021.

chrysler dodge jeep

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Jonah Gamboa (9) makes a catch during a playoff game against the Rockets, Nov. 12, 2021.

SERIES HISTORY

1970 ROSWELL 34-6

1971 ROSWELL 47-6

1972 ROSWELL 20-17

1973 ROSWELL 38-0

1974 GODDARD 20-14

1975 ROSWELL 12-0

The

1980 GODDARD 6-2

1980 ROSWELL 16-14

1981 ROSWELL 21-0

1981 ROSWELL 26-9

1982 ROSWELL 20-0

1983 ROSWELL 34-0

THE RIVALRY BEGINS!

1965 TIED* 7-7

1966 ROSWELL 46-12

1967 TIED* 20-20

1968 TIED* 20-20

1969 ROSWELL 14-0

Roswell

1976 ROSWELL 13-0

1977 ROSWELL 35-12

1978 ROSWELL 7-0

1978 ROSWELL 21-7

1979 ROSWELL 35-0

1979 ROSWELL 10-3

1984 ROSWELL 35-13

1985 ROSWELL 32-14

1986 ROSWELL 41-6

1987 ROSWELL 48-0

1988 ROSWELL 36-15

1989 ROSWELL 28-6

Roswell

1990 GODDARD 16-14

1991 ROSWELL 14-0

1992 ROSWELL 10-7

1993 ROSWELL 20-15

1994 GODDARD 23-0

1995 ROSWELL 31-6

1996 GODDARD 26-18

1997 GODDARD 29-6

1998 GODDARD 35-13

1999 GODDARD 34-31

2000 ROSWELL 51-6

ROSWELL 13-7

GODDARD 41-0

GODDARD 20-7

GODDARD 42-0

GODDARD 42-16

GODDARD 49-27

GODDARD 35-0

GODDARD 54-6

GODDARD 42-0

GODDARD 54-7

2010 GODDARD 42-0

2011 GODDARD 41-0 2012 GODDARD 52-6 2013 GODDARD 35-0 2014 GODDARD 21-10

2015 ROSWELL 42-35

2016 ROSWELL 22-14

2017 ROSWELL 33-21

2018 ROSWELL 24-21

2019 ROSWELL 24-14

TOTAL

Goddard

Goddard

—

Goddard

Roswell

Steve Notz Photo

Goddard’s Jon Silva runs down the sideline for a touchdown, Nov. 12, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Sabino Lazos (11) tackles Goddard’s Jon Silva (3) during their Class 5A state quarterfi nal game at the Wool Bowl, Nov. 12, 2021.

David Rocha Photo

Roswell’s Sebastian Mendoza (2) takes a handoff and runs through a lane that teammates make for him, Nov. 12, 2021.

Steve Notz Photo

Goddard’s Layton Victor (32) gets into position to tackle Roswell’s Richard Arreola (17) during their Class 5A state quarterfinal game at the Wool Bowl, Nov. 12, 2021.