Questa Wildcats on top of district
The Questa Wildcats (2-2) climbed to the top of the 8-Man District 1 division on Saturday (Sept. 10) over rivals Pine Hill, Menaul, Northwest and Legacy Academy.
The Wildcats got off to a rough start with early games in the season against the fourth-ranked team (Logan) and the fifth-ranked team (Clayton) in the overall New Mexico Class 8 Man Football Standings.
After losing those first two games against Logan and Clayton, Questa has bounced back with back-to-back victories against Dulce. Eight-man football is typically a faster-paced game than the regular 11-man football. This proved to be the case in the two games against Dulce.
The first game on Saturday (Sept. 3) resulted in 96 points combined between both teams, and ended in a 56-40 win for Questa. It was their first win in four years, and the first win for first-year head coach Jeremiah Burke.
This most recent game against Dulce on Saturday (Sept. 10) resulted in 92 points, and ended in a 62-30 victory for the Wildcats. Noah Rael scored a touchdown on the first kickoff of the game.
Questa employed quick snaps when the Dulce defense was slow to get set up, and utilized an onside kick early in the game to try to extend the lead. Martin Rivera had a game to remember with four touchdowns, three sacks and 10 tackles.
The Wildcats were able to win despite not having starting quarterback Antonio Romero available to play. Sophomore Carlos Ortega stepped in and took over the reins for the offense.
Questa’s next game is at home against the Menaul Panthers on Saturday (Oct. 1).