Rattlers turnovers costly against Foxes

The Tucumcari Rattlers need to take care of the ball and follow through on their assignments or their season is not going to get any easier, said Wayne Ferguson, head coach.

"We have to find what little positive things we can take out of Friday's loss to Fort Sumner and move on," Ferguson said.

The Rattlers surrendered 21 points off turnovers to the Foxes during Friday's 50-0 routing at Rattler Stadium.

Ferguson said it is hard to overcome three turnovers when they give you opponent their first 21 points. He said the Rattlers did have successful defensive stops throughout the three quarters. However, those stops were negated by the defense giving up a big play in a fourth-and-long situation.

"We have to work on following through, executing the assignments we can not afford to give up the big plays," Ferguson said.

Ferguson said Friday's road game will prove to be one of the toughest games the Rattlers will play to date. He said the Eunice Cardinals are the second-ranked team in class 3A with an explosive offense, the fastest offense the Rattlers defense will have faced this season.

On offense, the Rattlers will have freshman quarterback Alijah Jimenez under center. Ferguson said starter Casey Carter injured his leg during the loss to Fort Sumner.

"The games are going to continue to get harder, the Rattlers need to learn from the errors in order to grow and gain the experience they will need come district play," Ferguson said.

Game time: 7 p.m., at Eunice.

Eight-man

The Logan Longhorns look to ride the momentum off their first win of the season into Friday night's homecoming game against the Springer Red Devils.

The Longhorns, 1-4, won 50-22 Friday against the Foothill Falcons at Albuquerque.

"It was the first time we had our running game in synch," said Scott Dean, Logan head coach.

Dean said quarterback Kyle Knight was able to scramble, scored touchdowns rushing the ball and connected with wide receiver Jordan Evans against the Falcons. He said the rushing tandem of Chase Hittson and Mason Collins was also productive.

"This is the first time we had key players on the field at the same time," Dean said. "We have been waiting for everyone to get healthy, Friday against Foothill was the first glimpse at what we can do with all our players back."

Dean said the defense had several high points against the Falcons, although there were times they gave away big plays that let Foothill back into the game.

"We need to be consistent, we can not afford to give up the big plays and let the opponents drive continue."

Game time: 7 p.m., Friday at Logan

Six-Man

The San Jon/Grady Coyotes 2-1, returned to the win column after a week off with a 44-12 win on Sept. 28 against the New Mexico School for the Deaf at Santa Fe.

The Coyotes next game is Friday against the 0-3 Roy/Mosquero Pirates at Roy.

Game time; 6 p.m., at Roy