Monday’s storm did little to slow down Class 3A’s defending champions.

The Portales Rams kicked off their state title defense Monday, the first day New Mexico high school teams could take the field.

Fourth-year Rams coach Andy Correll said the Rams went to their indoor practice facility when the weather turned ugly.

“We’ve got turf in there, so we were able to do most of our work,” said Correll, who holds a 21-18 record with Portales. “It really didn’t slow us down much.”

The Rams can’t practice in pads until Thursday, so the work is focused as much on technique as possible.

Portales, which went 10-3 last year and defeated district rival Lovington 48-10 in the Class 3A title game, will host Hobbs in a scrimmage either Friday night or Saturday morning. Correll said he would try to finalize the time Tuesday with new Eagles coach Bruce Dollar.

Portales opens its season Aug. 28 at home against Robertson.

There are holes for the Rams, most notably former quarterback Michael Trujillo, but Correll said they’ll build around a strong offensive line.

It’s more technique-type stuff, more mental.

“We’ve got to find some receivers,” Correll said. “We still want to throw it. We’ve still got Jesus (Davalos) for running back. We’re not hurt.”