CARRIZOZO -- The Tucumcari Rattlers opened their 2009 football season with a 32-6 rout of Carrizozo on Friday night.

"I am really proud of the way the guys played tonight," said Rattlers Coach Daniel Hutchins. "We were able to pass and run the ball and our defense came up with some big plays. Best of all we had no injuries."

The Grizzlies' last chance to score was on a 5-yard pass that was batted away by Rattlers cornerback Jantzen Darnell in the end zone.

Rattlers senior quarterback Alex Hutchins connected with sophomore George Montano for a 15-yard touchdown pass for the last points of the game.

Montano caught two touchdown passes and returned the game's opening kickoff for a touchdown.

"When I was returning the opening kickoff I just looked for open space," Montano said. "You could not ask for a better kickoff return squad."

Alex Hutchins threw three touchdown passes and had no interceptions.

"I am so happy ... This is my first game as a Rattler with no interceptions," Alex Hutchins said. "The offensive line was great. Having a good line is key in running a spread offense and they did their job tonight."

The Rattlers' defense was equally impressive.

"We had a lot of strong plays from our younger (players) on defense," said Coach Hutchins. "Adam Lopez, Gabriel Montoya and James Gutierrez did a great job out there tonight as did the rest of our defensive squad."

The Grizzlies' only points came late in the final quarter on a 66-yard run.

The Rattlers first score of the second half was a 60-yard punt return by senior Lucas Benavidez.

The Rattlers next game will be at 7 p.m. Friday against the New Mexico Military Institute's Colts at Tucumcari.