SEASON STARTER SCHEDULE
High school football teams ready to play
After a summer of anticipation, perspiration and preparation, local high school football teams are ready to hit the respective gridirons this weekend for the opening of another season.
Here is a brief look at the opening games this weekend for the local-area schools. All games are at 7 p.m. tonight unless noted. (For a complete schedule for each of the local schools, see abqjournal.com/north.)
ST. MICHAELS AT SANTA FE
This game between nearby rivals has slowly gotten more competitive and the winner draws first blood in the mythical city championship, an honor that the Horsemen have owned for years. The Demons are now playing independent ball in the hopes it will pay dividends for the program down the road.
CAPITAL AT GODDARD
This was a not a great way for the Jaguars to open last season, as they lost 61-7 at home to the always-tough Rockets. But Capital has more size and strength this season, with more seasoning and talent. The numbers are still down for the Jags, but barring any early injuries, expect this game to be significantly closer.
ESPAÑOLA VALLEY VS. CLAYTON
The Sundevils should be riding the kind of jolt that only completely rebuilt facilities can provide. Increased participation numbers and a renewed sense of self should go a long way in spurring Española toward a successful season. The first step will be swatting the pesky Yellowjackets, who are always a Class 3A power.
LOS ALAMOS AT POJOAQUE VALLEY
The winner of this rivalry clash will have a big leg up on a successful season. The odds are ever in favor of the larger, better-funded Hilltoppers, but the Elks under second-year coach Jorgé Oropeza are starting to reach a level of competitiveness that could give the boys from atop the hill a good run.
ROBERTSON AT ESTANCIA
After back-to-back state championship game appearances — and losses — there may not be a more driven program in New Mexico out to prove a point than the Cardinals. Big, strong, experienced, the Bears are not likely to pose much of an impediment as Robertson looks to run the table this season.
SANTA FE INDIAN SCHOOL AT CUBA
Coming from a boarding school, the Braves are always significantly behind other programs to start the season. Opening up with a smaller opponent is a smart move and the Rams are coming off a tough season. The SFIS program is starting to gain some stability and is adding strength, which bodes well.
WEST LAS VEGAS AT MORIARTY
This is one of the opening weekend’s marquee matchups as the Dons are an upand-coming squad with a top-flight running back in Darion Williams. The Pintos were one of the top 4A schools last season, going 9-1 before getting upset in the quarterfinals by St. Michael’s. Expect a wild, hard-hitting affair,
MCCURDY VS. RATON, SATURDAY, 1 P.M.
The Bobcats are looking for another 3A playoff appearance before their likely return to 2A, but the Tigers are also coming off a good season that included a playoff win. The winner can expect to be headed back to the postseason.
ESCALANTE AT TUCUMCARI
The Lobos have become a perennial 2A power and have come to expect deep runs into the state playoffs. The Rattlers have essentially sunk to the level of a speed bump and won’t present much of a challenge for Escalante.