Rattlers Jakus Martinez left tries to pull in the pass in the end zone while defended by Bears Juan Dominguez. Bears won 14-8.

A tough pass defense from the Bears and a lack of energy from the Rattlers led to a 14-8 loss to Estancia Friday night.

“We have to be motivated when we come out on the field,” said Rattlers head coach Daniel Hutchins. “We have the talent; we’re just not leaving it out on the field.”

The Rattlers (2-3) were poised for a comeback win with :30 left. — but Dalton Wood attempt at a 27-yard strike to Jantzen Darnell was knocked down by a pair of Bears on fourth down.

Estancia’s secondary had managed all night to keep the open pass from Rattlers wideouts, including senior Jakus Martinez.

“They had double coverage on us all night,” Martinez said. “Now that is no excuse, we came out flat and you can not win games like that.”

Bears head coach Dusty Giles said the team knew Tucumcari had a strong receiving core, and the focus was Martinez.

“Martinez is as great receiver,” Giles said. “Once we had their pass game down we forced them to the ground were our defense held.”

For Estancia (2-3) D.J. Steadman had a 10-yard touchdown reception and Lawrence Chavez rushed for a 55-yard touchdown.

The Rattlers’ solo touchdown was a 15-yard rush by Cameron Montano, with Wood rushing for the two-point conversion.