Rattlers look to contain Dons

Despite the early difference in records, the Tucumcari Rattlers aren't going in overconfident against the winless West Las Vegas Dons.

QCS Photos:Thomas Garcia

The Rattlers' ground attack has earned them over 500 yards of offense in the past two games. Above, Rattlers quarterback hands off the football to running back Jeffery Cordova.

"We never take any team lightly," said Rattlers head coach Wayne Ferguson.

Ferguson said the Dons (0-2) have good speed and skilled position players, which they will be working on containing Friday night.

The Rattlers have used a potent ground attack in their past two wins rushing 67 times for 552 yards. However, running back Jeffrey Cordova was injured during the Rattlers' 35-7 win over New Mexico Military Institute.

Ferguson said Cordova is day-to-day, but is optimistic he'll be back in the lineup on Friday.

West Las Vegas coach Robert Alarcon said the Dons still haven't played a full game of football on the young season.

"We have a very young team, and are still working on playing as a unit," Alarcon said.

Alarcon said in a 45-20 loss to Socorro, the Dons played a good first half then just didn't show up the second half. In a 26-6 loss against Espanola Valley he said the Dons had a slow start and spent all of the second half playing catchup.

Alarcon said the team has had a rocky start but they are going to keep pushing forward and prepare for the Rattlers. He said the Rattlers are always a strong 2A team, and the team is ready for a battle come Friday night.

Eight man

The Logan Longhorns have allowed 12 points on defense in their two wins, but face a tough challenge in defending state champ Gateway Christian.

"We have to go into their house and play our game," said Kene Terry, Longhorns head coach.

Terry said the Longhorn defense and offense are still works in progress, but the rushing offense is definitely developing the fastest.

Terry said the passing game is beginning to work out though they still have some ways to go. He said these early games help the team develop for the battle come district play.

Attempts to contact Warriors head coach Shaun Wigley were unsuccessful.

6 Man

The (1-0) San Jon Coyotes have had a week away from action, though that should not be an issue when they play the (1-0) Hondo Eagles, said Bobby Gomez, Coyotes head coach.

Gomez said the team has been making up for the break in their practices. He said the team has been very disciplined and ready to work harder during their break.

Both teams are 1-0, with the Eagles sitting out the first week of the season.

"We missed out on the first week of the season and played a pick up game against Alamo Navajo," said Brandon Devine, Eagles head coach.

Devine said he was pleased with his team's efforts during their 64-0 win over the Cougars. He said their defense had six interceptions, three of which were returned for scores.

Gomez said they have seen the interception statistic for the Cougars last game and have been working on ball control.