Serving the High Plains

Rattlers prepare for first home game, Logan, San Jon on the road

QCS Senior Writer

Tucumcari will be put to the test during Friday’s home opener against the Class 5A Albuquerque Academy Chargers, said head football coach Wayne Ferguson.

The game starts at 7 p.m.

Ferguson said Albuquerque Academy runs a hybrid double-wing formation on offense. He said it is similar to what his team has seen against Estancia in the past.

“The main difference in the system is the Chargers operate its double wing with no quarterback under the center,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said the Chargers are well coached and have a pair of good running backs that the Rattlers’ defense will need to shut down.

Ferguson said Friday’s 34-6 loss to Escalante does not reflect the success the Rattlers had on defense.

“Escalante only scored once on us against our defense,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said the majority of Escalante's scores came from turnovers or errors by the offense. He said this included a bad punt returned for a touchdown.

Ferguson said the Rattlers’ offense struggled due to the loss of starting center Timothy Reid (shoulder injury) and running back Billy Sandoval (dislocated/broken thumb). He said with Reid out, the offensive line had a hard time picking up the slants and stunts from Escalante’s defense.

Ferguson said Reid’s return this week is possible but there is no timeline for Sandoval who will undergo surgery later this week.

Six man

The San Jon Coyotes put up 71 points in their home opener but still need a lot of work before Friday’s game against Hondo.

That’s according to head coach Bobby Gomez.

Game time is 4 p.m. Friday at Hondo.

Gomez said the San Jon defense allowed 60 points against Vaughn.

“That is too many points to allow (if you want to win consistently),” Gomez said.

Gomez said both teams struggled on defense during Friday’s matchup with the Eagles. He said for the Coyotes it was due to not wrapping up on the tackle. Another area that hurt the team was a lack of pass defense, Gomez said.

“Our lack of presence in the secondary hurt us,” Gomez said. “That is an area we cannot afford to be weak in against Hondo.”

Gomez said he is expecting a tough game from the defending six-man state champion. He said Hondo has several returning players on its offense and the Coyotes defense is going to have to step up.

Logan is also on the road this week.

The Longhorns play at 7 p.m. Friday at Gateway Christian at Roswell.

The Longhorns won 28-14 Friday night against Tatum at Logan.

 
 
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