Tigers score 50 in route to Mercy Rule victory

Note: The upcoming THS football game against Pojoaque Valley has been rescheduled to this Saturday (Oct. 23) at 2 p.m. in Pojoaque.

It was a dominant night for the Taos High School football team, who faced off against the Española Valley Sundevils on Friday (Oct. 15) on their home turf and came up with the 50-0 victory.

The game was stopped halfway through the third quarter in accordance with the NMAA’s “Mercy Rule” which states:

“A game is ended at halftime or during the second half if a team is 50 or more points behind.”

The teams went to the locker room at halftime with the scoreboard reading 43-0. With a little over three minutes left in the third quarter, Tigers quarterback Daemon Ely punched one more into the end zone to end the game.

Ely was one of the Tigers’ standout performers in this game. He went 6 for 8 with three touchdowns through the air and one with his legs (for a total of four).

Head coach Art Abreu also pointed out young star Noah Washington as a major factor in

this blowout victory.

“He’s just a sophomore, but he is really growing into his own,” said Abreu. “On offense he was really good. On defense, his tackling

has really improved, and he was amazing on defense also. He has just really become a more physical player all around.”

Abreu said he is pleased with

how his team performed, but there are things he wants to work on before the next matchup against Pojoaque.

“Our intensity was down. Luckily

it didn’t hurt us, but it’s something we are going to work on before the next game,” he said.

With two weeks left in the regular season, Abreu is hoping a strong finish can give the Tigers a higher seed in the playoffs.

“We have two weeks,” said Abreu. “That’s two weeks to show the playoff selection committee what Tiger football is really all about!”

The victory continues the Tigers’ winning streak, which now stands at 4 (with an overall record of 4-4.)

Next, the Tigers look to face off against Pojoaque Valley (with a solid 4-2 record of their own) on Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. in Pojoaque.

NATHAN BURTON/Taos News Taos Tiger Noah Washington attempts to complete a pass during a game against the Española Valley Sundevils on Friday (Oct. 15). Bottom right: Taos Tigers raise their helmets and chant before their final home game.

Taos Tigers fans chant during a home game against the Española Valley Sundevils.

Taos Tigers seniors and their parents stand for a portrait before their final home game Friday (Oct. 15).

Taos Tiger Daemon Ely, left, runs the ball against the Espanola Valley Sundevils.

The Taos Tigers enter the field during a home game against the Española Valley Sundevils.

The Taos Tigers run though the crowd following their victory on Friday (Oct. 15).