Rams seek third victory

CMI staff

Second-year Portales High football coach Jamie Ramirez isn’t that concerned that the Rams have scored only 27 points in their first two games.

Espcially so in light of the fact both were wins.

PHS, ranked fourth in this week’s Maxpreps.com Class 3A pole, has played solid defense in the early going, and tries for a 3-0 start tonight when it travels to West Las Vegas (1-1).

Solid defense helped the Rams beat Las Vegas Robertson (14-6) and Texico (13-7) in their first two outings.

PHS rode a strong ground game from sophomore running back Bronte Staugaard to the win over Robertson, then got 208 passing yards from senior quarterback Daniel Sanchez in the win at Texico.

“Offensively, we didn’t put up a lot of points against Texico, but two things — Texico plays great defense, and we turned the ball over and didn’t come up with points in the red zone,” Ramirez said. “Our offense is definitely a work in progress, but we’re getting better every week. In each case, we took advantage of what (the opponent) gave us.”

Portales has committed four turnovers so far, while forcing five.

“One of our team goals is to have zero turnovers,” Ramirez said.

He said the Dons, who’ve had two lopsided outcomes so far, should throw the ball more than either of the first two foes, but said they have a relatively balanced attack.

“Our defense has played outstanding so far,” Ramirez said. “And our special teams have played pretty well.”

Portales is hoping to regain the services of senior wide receiver-linebacker Marcos Sotelo within the next week or so. Sotelo will miss his second consecutive game tonight with a right knee injury sustained in the opener against Robertson.

Game day

Portales (2-0) at West Las Vegas (1-1)

• When: 7 p.m. today

• Last week: The Rams held on late to post a 13-7 victory at Texico. The Dons routed Espanola Valley 36-6 at home.

• Last year: The teams did not meet in 2012.