Rattlers prepare for 8-0 Santa Rosa

Friday night's District 2 2A matchup with the (8-0) Santa Rosa Lions is just another game for the (7-2) Tucumcari Rattlers, said Wayne Ferguson, head coach.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

Tucumcari's Dillon Wood secures the football making sure not to fumble during Friday night's District 2-2A game against the Clayton Yellowjackets.

"This is just another step to where we want to go this season," Ferguson said.

Ferguson said this week, practices for the Rattlers are going to be the same. He said they are going to prepare for the Lion's strengths, tendencies and fine tune their game.

"They are a strong team on both sides of the ball," Ferguson said.

Ferguson said there are implications that come with this game, a possible district championship for the (2-1) Rattlers and a higher state seeding. He said the players are putting those factors out of their minds and concentrating on playing four quarters of football against the defending two time 2A state champions.

Lions' Head Coach Mario Trujillo was not immediately available for comment.

8-man

The (6-3), (3-0) Logan Longhorns are focusing on football and little else come this Friday, said head coach Kene Terry.

Terry said his players are putting all activities this week and Friday night's Homecoming out of their minds. He said there is game with a district championship on the line which takes precedence.

Terry said for the seniors, this could be their last game depending the outcome. He said even that has been pushed back with the thoughts primarily being on winning the game.

Terry said the (6-2) (3-0) Foothill Falcons have a lot of speed. Other than the Gateway Christian Eagles, they may be the fastest team in 8-man football. He said the team is going to work on containing their running game and taking away their passing routes.

"We simply have to out run and (out) gun the Falcons," Terry said.

Falcons Head Coach Patrick Quillen was not immediately available for comment.

6-Man

The (4-3) (1-2) San Jon Coyotes are preparing for a completely different Hondo Eagles team than the one they played earlier in the season, said Bobby Gomez Coyotes head coach.

Gomez said Friday's 6-man state playoffs quarterfinals against the (3-4) (2-1) Eagles will be a different all together. He said when they beat the Eagles 60-48 they had three ineligible players.

Gomez said since that time, those players have become eligible and their impact on the team is evident. He said the Eagles played number one seed Dora and gave them a good game Oct. 19, losing 65-52.

Gomez said we need to play defense and stop the running game, which is what the team did in their first encounter against the Eagles. He said the team will work to limit turnovers and count on their offense to put points on the boards.

Gomez said the Coyotes need to put pressure on the Eagles offense and come up with some defensive stops.

Eagles Head Coach Brandon Devine was not immediately available for comment.