Tigers look ahead to playoff road
After tough loss in the final game, THS lands a 10 seed in the state tournament
Taos to take on Valencia in state tournament
On Saturday (Oct. 29) evening the New Mexico Activities Association released the seeding and scheduling for the 2021 NMAA State Football Championship tournament. The Taos Tigers landed a 10-seed (out of 12).
The seed may seem low, but it is a misleading number, and one that points to a potential upset in the early rounds of the tournament.
The Tigers ended the season with a 5-5 record (4-1 in 4A dist. 2). But they began the season with four straight losses. They followed that up with an impressive fivegame winning streak that included victories over top-ranked teams like Silver City and Bernalillo. A disappointing defeat in the final game of the season certainly hurt the Tigers’ chances for a higher seed (and therefore an easier path to the championship game), but the team has shown an ability to win big games and to shine in the important moments.
The Tigers face the 7-seed Valencia Jaguars in the first round of the playoffs. The Jags have a 6-4 record (2-2 in 4A dist. 5/6) but lack the strength of schedule of the Taos Tigers. The Tigers are much lower seeded than the Jaguars (meaning the selection committee either thinks a lot of the Jaguars or think little of the Tigers). Coach Abreu says his team may be set up nicely for an upset.
Game info: 2021 NMAA State Football ChampionshipRound 1 - at Valencia High SchoolNov. 5, 7 p.m.(10) TAOS at (7) VALENCIA
Tigers lose final game
It was a rough night for the Taos
High School Tigers football team, which lost 37-14 on Friday night to the Moriarty Pintos. The game took place in Moriarty and was the final regular season game for THS football.
The game started out with a fast Moriarty (6-2, 3-0 in 4A) score as the top ranked team in Class 4A District 2 showed why they are undefeated in district. The Tigers responded right away with an impressive deep bomb to wide receiver Fabian Cordova who took it to the end zone for a touchdown. But the Pintos kept up the pressure on the ground, rushing for two more touchdowns before the end of the first half.
The Tigers just weren’t able to find their footing, and after a quick second touchdown for Ely, THS was finished scoring.
The Tigers finish the season with a 5-5 record, but with big wins over top teams like Silver City and Bernalillo. Coach Art Abreu and the team await the playoff seeding to find out who they will face in the championship tournament.
The 2021 State Football Championship Tournament seeding and scheduling will be released this Sunday (Oct. 30). Look for updates and full scheduling on taosnews.