Gruver (1-3) at Texico (5-0)
When: 6 p.m. today
Last week: Gruver had an open date. Texico defeated Hagerman 21-7.
Last meeting: 2008, the Wolverines shut out the Greyhounds 24-0 at Gruver, Texas.
What to expect: Texico coach Ryan Autrey said the Greyhounds are better t han their record shows. “They’ve had a fairly tough schedule,” he said. “ You really can’t judge them off their record.” … He said Gruver can spread the field and has a good quarterback and two fairly talented receivers.
Of note: Texico has won 17 games in a row dating to the start of last season. … The Wolverines will be celebrating homecoming. “There’s a lot of distractions in homecoming week, but I think our guys will be focused on the game,” Autrey said. … Texico is open next week before beginning District 2-2A play on Oct. 16 at home against Santa Rosa.

Loving (0-5) at Fort Sumner (3-2)
When: 7 p.m. today
Last week: Loving lost at home to Tucumcari 39-7, while the Foxes absorbed a 47-7 shellacking at Santa Rosa.
Last meeting: 2008, Fort Sumner won 57-12 at Loving, leading the outmanned Falcons 57-0 at halftime.
What to expect: This is a game the four-time defending Class 1A state champion Foxes should win, but they’re dealing with injuries. Coach Matt Moyer said the team has had six knee injuries this season — three of the players are back in action, the others — all two-way starters — are still out. “We just don’t have the depth (of past teams),” Moyer said.
Of note: Falcons leaders include soplhomore QB ichael Martinez and soplhomore RB Zane Walker. Walker returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the loss to Tucumcari. “They’ve g ot a back (Walker) with really good speed,” Moyer said.
Quotable: “It seems like we’re losing one or two kids a game (to injuries). It’s been tough.” — Moyer.

Mountainair (2-2) at CCS (5-0)
When: 7 p.m. today
Last week: The Eagles blanked Foothill 60-0, while the Mustangs took a 36-28 road win over Gateway Christian.
Last meeting: 2008, Mountainair edged CCS 36-28.
What to expect: The toughest challenge of the Eagles’ young season. “They’re a solid group, probably the best team we’ve played,” Clovis Christian coach Jason Swann said.
The keys are containing quarterback Garyn Anaya and receiver Julian Zamora. “He does a little bit of everything for them,” Swann said of Zamora.
Health: The Eagles are without LB/WR Scott Steeleman for the rest of the season and are hoping guard Mike Root can recover at some point after breaking his collarbone on the first day of practice.

Melrose (5-0) vs. Animas (3-2)
When: 4 p.m. today at Carrizozo
Last week: The Buffaloes routed Springer 76-6 on the road. The Panthers went to Juarez and took a 28-16 win over Academia Juarez.
Last meeting: 2007, Animas won 34-6.
What to expect: The biggest threat so far to Melrose’s 17-game winning streak. Longtime Melrose coach Dickie Roybal said the Panthers are the best squad the Buffaloes have faced so far.
“They’ve got tradition. They’ve got good size, speed; they look good on film.”
Home away from home: In a style more suited to Texas playoffs, the teams are facing off at a neutral site. “We’re the home team, so it’s kind of tough,” Roybal said. “But I don’t think we have to travel nearly as far as they do.”

Clayton (4-0) at Farwell (1-3)
When: 6:30 p.m. (CDT) today
Last week: Clayton cruised past Mescalero 57-8 while the Steers got into the win column by blanking Arbor Christian 41-0 at Amarillo.
Last meeting: 2008, the Yellowjackets defeated Farwell 20-7 in Clayton.
What to expect: Last week’s win should help the Steers, coach Mark Anglin said. “We knew we were capable of it, and we did exactly what we set out to do. I thought we did a good job of game-planning, and the kids did a good job of execution.” … Anglin said the key against Clayton is containing senior RB Samuel Overmeyer, who scored two touchdowns in last year’s win over the Steers.
Of note: Clayton’s season was highlighted by a 26-6 win over Fort Sumner. The Yellowjackets lost twice to the Foxes last season, including in the 1A state final. Despite their record, the Steers have now outscored their opponents by six points for the season. Two of their losses were by three points or less.

Foothill (0-4) at Floyd (2-3)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Foothill lost at Clovis Christian 60-0. Floyd lost to Magdalena 34-12.
Last meeting: 2008, Floyd beat Foothill 58-18.
Notes: Floyd has been working to improve its own exectution and find ways to contain Foothills’ speedier players. “We’re trying to get our execution down,” Roybal said. “That’s just something we’re not doing very well.”  … Roybal said the Falcons “definitely have more speed than we do.” … Turnovers, penalties and injuries have hampered the Broncos this season. … This is the last of a five-game home stand for Floyd. The Broncos, who have split the first four at home, hit the road next week to face Springer.

Lake Arthur (4-1) at Dora (3-1)
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Lake Arthur beat San Jon 7-0 on a forfeit. Dora had an open date.
Last meeting: The teams have never met.
Notes: Dora has won two in a row. … The Panthers reached the 6-man state semifinals in 2008.