Cats look to keep it going against Sandia

CLOVIS — What looked like it might be a pretty bleak season a few weeks ago has turned into one of optimism for the Clovis High football team.

CHS (3-4, 3-1 Class 6A District 2/5) has put together a three-game winning streak, and on Friday the Wildcats look to keep it going when they host Sandia (3-4, 2-1) in a 7 p.m. kickoff at Leon Williams Stadium.

“We’re playing better,” Cats coach Cal Fullerton said Monday. “We’re playing with some confidence.”

The battle appears to be for second place in the district behind third-ranked La Cueva (6-1, 3-0). The Cats are currently tied with Eldorado (6-3, 3-1), idle this week, with the Matadors (3-4, 2-1) right behind them.

Sandia is coming off an unexpected open date when its game against Eldorado last Thursday was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Clovis faces the Eagles in next week’s district and regular-season finale in Albuquerque.

Fullerton said Sandia provides a formidable challenge on both sides of the ball.

Junior running back Malachi Thymes leads the way on offense, Fullerton said.

“He’s a sturdy kid,” Fullerton said of Thymes. “They’re going to take some shots downfileld, but (mainly) they’re going to try to run the ball and control the clock.

“I really like their offensive line. They’re not as big as some teams, but they get after it and come off the ball well.”

Meantime, the top player on what Fullerton said is an aggressive defense is junior linebacker Gauge Berlint.

“They bring pressure from everywhere,” Fullerton said. “Sometimes teams get lucky and hit one on them.”

He said the Matadors are making strides under third-year coach Chad Adcox.

“Their kids are starting to believe in what he’s doing,” Fullerton said.

Rams set to host Silver — After both teams lost last week, Portales High’s 7 p.m. game on Friday against Silver at Greyhound Stadium may be a battle for survival in District 4-4A.

The Rams (2-6, 0-1) dropped their district opener at Ruidoso 28-13. Meantime, Silver (5-3, 0-1) lost at home to Lovington last week and is on a three-game slide after outscoring its first five foes 187-21, including dominating shutouts in the last four of those.

“Lovington had a few big plays on offense,” PHS coach Jaime Ramirez said. “(Silver) also gave up some short fields on special teams.

“It’ll be a very physical football game. It’s a very important game for both teams.”

He said Silver runs out of a variety of formations on offense. The Colts are balanced between run and pass, Ramirez said, but they have a couple of capable receivers in juniors Sebastian Escobar and Aiden Granado.

“ They move people around on defense,” Ramirez said. “They’re all pretty good players.”

After capturing the Class 4A state title in 2019 and going 4-1 in last spring’s COVID-shortened campaign, Portales appears to have a challenging road to the postseason this time around. The Rams may need to win both their remaining games, including next week’s finale at top-ranked Lovington (5-3, 1-0).