Rattlers take first district game, 27-0

Tucumcari

The Tucumcari Rattlers will need to play sound technical defense to stop the Santa Rosa Lions Friday to gain their second District 3-3A win at Rattler Stadium, said Wayne Ferguson, Tucumcari head coach.

“We need to have the same defensive effort that we had during the 27-0 win at Clayton,” Ferguson said.

The Rattlers (2-6, 1-1) limited the Yellowjackets (1-8, 1-2) to just 94 yards of total offense. On offense the Rattlers ground attack yielded 269 yards, the back field was led by Xavier Garcia, full back, with 152-yards and Seth Martinez, running back, 94-yards. Garcia and Martinez both had two touchdowns against the Yellowjackets.

“Our line is getting the blocks we need to find the rushing lane,” Martinez said. “If our line can continue to block for us we can find a way to move the ball down the field.”

Ferguson said Santa Rosa has some big physical players on their lines, the key to the game will be controlling the line of scrimmage. He said the linebackers will need to work to contain the Lions three rushers, while the secondary needs to be aware of the possible pass play.

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday, Rattler Stadium

San Jon/Grady

The third-seeded San Jon/Grady Coyotes will host Roy in the quarterfinals of the six-man state football tournament.

The Coyotes (4-2, 2-1) are committed to beating the Longhorns (3-5, 2-1) to continue in their quest for back-to-back state championships, said Adrian Jones, San Jon head coach.

Jones said the Coyotes’ 37-36 win Saturday against the Floyd Broncos at San Jon was hard fought and a good test for the team before the state tournament. He said there are some injuries that have resulted in freshmen players getting starts.

“We are confident in our young players, they are dedicated and willing to step up when we need them too,” Jones said.

Jones said even though the team had a 50-point victory over the Longhorns earlier in the season, they are preparing like it is a state championship game.

“We are not looking past anyone,” Jones said. “This is state tournament football. Anything can happen.”

Game time: 2 p.m., Saturday at San Jon

Logan

The Logan Longhorns (2-6, 1-2), will play the Mountainair Mustangs (7-1, 2-1) in their final home game of the regular season.

The Longhorns are coming off at 54-26 loss to the Dora/Elda Coyotes on Oct. 20 at Dora.

Currently the Longhorns are fourth in the District 4-8-man standings.

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