The Tucumcari Rattlers advance further into the 2A playoffs with a 49-6 win against the Loving Falcons. The Rattlers (6-5) advance to a quarterfinal game against third-seeded Santa Rosa. That game is 7 p.m. Friday. “We started the game a little slow but we got in rhythm and controlled both sides of the football,” said Rattlers coach Dub Smith. “We now move on to face Santa Rosa, we have looked at our film and saw where out mistakes where and are ready to play some great football come Friday.” Equally as impressive was the Rattler defense limiting the Falcons’ time of possession and holding their offense to only six points. Defense was the factor in this game, as the Falcon offense only had possession of the of the ball in Rattler territory five times in the first three quarters. Their only score was late in the second quarter. Several times the Falcons offense was moved back by the pressure of the defensive line of the Rattlers, often leading to a sack or broken up run or pass play. Rattlers defensive tackle senior Joseph Quintana would make his presence known to Flacons quarterback Frank Alan Ornelas throughout the night. In the third quarter Quintana missed a chance for another sack and even though the play resulted in a loss for the Falcons he was upset at missing the opportunity. “I was upset that I did not get the sack,” Quintana said. “It is important for me to follow through on each play.” Last week the Rattlers suffered a 42-7 loss to the Santa Rosa Lions. The defense’s ability to stop the Falcon offense will help in preparation for the coming rematch in Santa Rosa, Quintana said. “It is very important for me to go into the Lions’ Den and limit their offense,” Quintana said. “I had a lot of mistakes that I made when we last played but I’m ready to make up for that.” Game leaders Joseph Quintana 3 sacks Michael Martinez 1 sack Andre DeBord 2 rushing touchdowns Lucas Benavidez 2 rushing touchdowns.