DIVISION 5A

NO. 12 CAPITAL AT NO. 5 LOS LUNAS, 7 P.M. TONIGHT.

Jaguars coach Bill Moon acknowledges that the task facing his squad is not an easy one.

“We’ve been pronounced dead already by the folks on TV,” he said. “On paper, I get the critics, but if you played these games on paper, we wouldn’t have to waste the gas money to get there.”

The reality is Capital (6-4) is riding a four-game winning streak into this matchup with the Tigers (7-3) and Moon is optimistic about the Jags’ chances.

“I’m not into predicting the futures, I’m into playing games,” he said. “We’ve got a good team. We earned the right to be there. We did the things necessary to be in this game. Of that I have no question.”

There’s also no question that Los Lunas will be a tough opponent, Moon said.

“What I see is a well-trained, well-coached set of very good athletes,” he said “They’re very, very good.”

When it comes to the Tigers, it all centers on quarterback Nick Gaerlan, who has thrown for 1,647 yards with 24 touchdowns, and rushed for another 1,314 yards and 18 TDs.

Capital will counter with a ball-hawking defense that has 12 interceptions and forced numerous fumbles.

The Jaguars also have a youngster at tailback, freshman Luke Padilla, who has opened eyes with his play of late, gaining almost 700 yards and nine scores during the four district games.

“We have to run the ball,” Moon said. “They have to throw the ball. I much prefer depending on the run than the pass because of what (the late Ohio State coach) Woody Hayes said. ‘When you pass the ball, two of the three things that can happen are bad.’”

The bottom line, however, is no matter what the stats may say, the Jaguars are going to come out clawing and will let the Tigers know they are in a battle.

“We’re capable of doing it,” Moon said. “They’re very capable of beating us and we’re very capable of beating them. What I love most, however, is I see the best kids in New Mexico doing the best they can.”