Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Tucumcari (0-4) at Fort Sumner (4-0)
When: 7 p.m. today
Last week: Tucumcari lost at Dexter 56-6, while the Foxes cruised past Hagerman 60-21 at home.
Last meeting: 2015, the Rattlers edged Fort Sumner 28-27 at Tucumcari.
Of note: The game against the Class 3A Rattlers marks the fourth time Class 2A Fort Sumner has played “up” this season. The Foxes already own wins over Class 4A New Mexico Military and Class 3A Santa Rosa and Texico. … Senior FB Kyle Lopez scored Tucumcari’s lone touchdown against Dexter, on an 8-yard run in the second quarter. The NMAA’s 50-point mercy rule kicked in during the third stanza. … Since going 8-4 in 2012, the Rattlers have posted a 5-29 record, with three of the wins coming last season (3-7).
Pine Hill (0-3) at Melrose (3-1)
When: 7 p.m. today
Last week: Pine Hill lost at Foothill 50-0. The Buffaloes won at Tatum 50-0.
Last meeting: The teams have never met.
Of note: Not much is known about the Warriors, a relatively new program which has struggled mightily over its history. They would appear to have little chance against the two-time defending 8-man state champions. “It should be a game we can work on some things, like our spread offense,” Buffs coach Dickie Roybal said. “We’ll use this game to work on a lot of stuff we can’t work on in practice (due to relative lack of numbers).” … Melrose’s schedule should begin to pick up after this week. The Buffs travel to what appears to be a much-improved Dora squad a week from today in the start of 8-man District 4 play. The Coyotes are 2-1 and are averaging just over 50 points a game.
Hale Center (3-1) at Bovina (3-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. (CDT) today
Last week: Hale Center posted a 54-14 victory over Lockney. The Mustangs notched a 37-31 triumph at Olton.
Last meeting: 2015, the Owls defeated Bovina 52-20 at Hale Center.
Of note: Coming off a tough test last week, the Mustangs should get another one against the Owls. Hale Center has outscored its first three foes 190-64, and its only loss was a 50-49 decision to Dimmitt in Week 2. “They’re a good team,” Bovina coach Hector Guevara said. “They’re always fast and big and physical, and it’s always a good challenge for us.” … Anyone attending the game should probably plan to be there a while. Both teams can score and both like to put the ball in the air. … Top players for Hale Center include senior QB/DB Anthony Borjas and junior WR/SS Brandon Castillo. “They have a lot of athletes,” Guevara said. “They’re well-coached and their kids are always ready to play.” … It’s the Mustangs’ final pre-district game. Following a bye next week, they’ll start District 3-2A Division II play on Oct. 7 at Sudan. “It’ll be good for us, I hope,” Guevara said of the open date.
Idalou (2-2) at Muleshoe (2-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. (CDT) today
Last week: Idalou scored a 35-21 victory over Post. The Mules absorbed a 45-22 setback at Childress.
Last year: 2007, the Wildcats notched a 21-14 victory at Muleshoe.
Of note: The Mules are looking to get back on track after Childress unceremoniously ended their two-game winning streak. … The Wildcats are one of several pre-district opponents the Mules haven’t faced in a while. … Muleshoe coach David Wood said Idalou is predictable, if nothing else, running out of a power-I formation. “They’ve run the same stuff, for a long, long time,” he said. “It’s a solid program, and they’re not going to change much.” … The Wildcats went 13-1 last season, losing to eventual champion Weskon 28-24 in the Class 3A Division II state semifinals. Wood said the team’s strength is its linemen. “It’ll be a tough ballgame,” he said. “Any time you face a team like that, you have to get ready for a battle.” … Muleshoe has a bye next week before starting District 3-2A Division I action on Oct. 7 at home against Slaton.
— Compiled by Dave Wagner
