RIO RANCHO AT A GLANCE
Coach: David Howes (9th year; 69-26) Last year: 13-0; Class 6A state champions Returning starters: 3 offense, 4 defense
Key players: Austin Hise, sr. (5-11, 170, WR); Derrick Reyes, sr. (6-3, 225, WR); Evan TafoyaVallo, sr. (6-3, 285, OT); Logan Bruere, sr. (6-3, 200, QB); Zion Lopez, sr. (5-8, 180, RB); Julian Tidwell, sr. (6-2, 260, C); Isaac Gil, sr. (6-0, 260, G); Cailon Bailon, sr. (5-11, 205, OLB); Keshawn Banks, sr. (6-3, 255, DE); Tyler Block, sr. (6-1, 190, OLB); Julian Gutierrez, sr. (5-8, 165, S); Jaylen McKinley, sr. (5-10, 155, CB).
Outlook: No reason to believe the Rams, despite plenty of new faces in the starting lineup, won’t continue their winning ways as they set out to defend their 6A state title. Assuming the offensive line, which is largely renovated, comes along as Rio Rancho hopes, and assuming Bruere and Lopez produce in a big way, the Rams are primed to make more noise in November and possibly beyond. 2017 SCHEDULE (x-denotes District 1-6A game) Aug. 25 Mayfield 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at El Paso Americas 7 p.m. Sept. 8 Clovis 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Oñate (FOD) 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Manzano (W) 1 p.m. Sept. 29 Sandia 7 p.m. x-Oct. 6 Cleveland 7 p.m. x-Oct. 12 at Volcano Vista (C) 7 p.m. Oct. 20 OPEN x-Oct. 27 Cibola 7 p.m. x-Nov. 3 at Piedra Vista 7 p.m.
Circle the date: As always, we’ll avoid the most obvious choice (Oct. 6). The visit to Manzano is a rematch of a state semifinal from last season.