PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: ST. PIUS SARTANS
Coach: Dave Montoya (2nd year; 7-5) Last season: 7-5; lost to
Artesia in 5A quarterfinals
Returning
starters: 5 offense, 7 defense
Key players:
Jacob McCoy, sr. (6-2, 190, WR/OLB);
Derek Rivera, jr. (5-11, 180,
QB); Isaiah
Griffin, jr. (5-8, 150, slot); Colton Sevier, sr. (5-11, 225, OL/DL); Donovahn Wyatt, sr. (6-2, 205, OLB); Ryan McCormick, jr. (5-10, 155, DB); Nick Slatton, sr. (6-0, 180, ILB); Josh Lafayette, sr. (6-1, 200, OL/DL); Matt Rowe, sr. (5-10, 205, OL/DL).
Outlook: Two major developments have occurred since the last season ended: St. Pius has dropped down a class, into 4A. And the Sartans move forward after the transfer of their star quarterback, junior Diego Pavia who has been throwing this summer with Volcano Vista. Rivera, a former tailback with a good arm and running skills, has been moved into the QB role for St. Pius, and he’ll need to mature quickly over the first half of the season, Montoya said. McCoy and Wyatt both will be key for this team, as they are three-year starters. The football roster has had an influx of basketball athletes, as well, so St. Pius feels comfortable about its playmaking ability on offense. Three of the team’s four linebackers return from last season, but depth along both lines is a definite concern, so the Sartans will need to stay healthy. Aug. 24, at Goddard, 7 p.m. Aug. 31, at Piedra Vista, 7 p.m. Sept. 8, Kirtland Central (M), noon
Sept. 14, IDLE
Sept. 22, Portales (M), 5 p.m. Sept. 28, at Aztec, 7 p.m. x-Oct. 4, Pojoaque (M), 7 p.m. x-Oct. 12, at Bernalillo, 7 p.m. x-Oct. 20, Taos (M), noon x-Oct. 26, at Española Valley, 7 p.m. x-Nov. 1, Grants (M), 7 p.m.
Circle the date: There are some tough nondistrict games against schools in St. Pius’ former classification (5A), like Piedra Vista. But in this new district, it’s the visit from Taos that might very well be a matchup for first place.