Rattler's preview

The (6-2) (1-1) Tucumcari Rattlers prepare for their final home game of the season against the (5-2) (1-1) Clayton Yellow Jackets.

The Yellowjackets are coming off a 48-12 loss to the (8-0) (3-0) Santa Rosa Lions. Clayton had a total offense of 293 yards, 53 passing and 240 rushing, scoring once by rush and by air in their District 2 2A loss.

"Clayton has some big physical running backs, we are going to have to match their intensity," said Wayne Ferguson, Rattlers head coach.

Ferguson said they are going to work on matching up with the Yellowjackets' unorthodox offensive alignments. He said they know Clayton will be ready to play and the Rattlers are going to come out hitting.

The (5-3) (3-0) Logan Longhorns will play 7 p.m. Saturday against the (0-5) Alamo Navajo Cougars.

Longhorns head coach Kene Terry said their is some concern playing a winless, non-district opponent late in the season.

"We just need to stay focused; can't afford to relax this late in the season," Terry said.

Terry said there is always a danger playing a winless team. The Longhorns have won three in a row and he does not want the team to take the Cougars lightly. He said when teams get overconfident and ease up it can open the door to a team that is hungry for that first win.

"We need to go out and play as we would against a team that was 5-0," Terry said.

The (4-2) (2-1) San Jon Coyotes are awaiting the release of the 6-man state football bracket on Saturday by the New Mexico Activities Association.