Rams set for trip to Muleshoe

The Muleshoe Mules got into a shootout in last week's season opener, while the Portales Rams were involved in a defensive battle.

Something has to give with the border rivals collide in a 6:30 p.m. (MDT) kickoff on Friday in Muleshoe.

While Muleshoe is coming off a 56-40 loss at Shallowater in its opener last week, the Rams were locked in an overtime clash at Las Vegas Robertson and lost to the Cardinals 13-7.

"We're going to focus on getting better," first-year Rams coach Jamie Ramirez said. "We have to secure the football and do a better job of executing on offense."

Ramirez said the Rams compiled nearly 300 yards of offense, but were done in by six turnovers.

"For the most part, I think the kids went away from that game thinking they should've won," Ramirez said. "Robertson did a better job than we did."

Meantime, the Mules actually outgained Shallowater 542-442, but they couldn't contain running back Jarek Black, who ran wild for 311 yards and six touchdowns.

"When you give up that many points, you've got to bounce back and see what you're made of," veteran Muleshoe coach David Wood said. "We were there on (Black), but we just didn't tackle him."

Wood said while the Mules cruised to a 35-14 win in last year's varsity matchup against the Rams, the Portales junior varsity and freshmen teams gave them problems.

"They have a lot of young players, but I know last year when we played their sub-varsity teams they were very competitive," he said.

Ramirez was encouraged by the play of his defense.

"Our kids did a great job of keeping us in the game," he said. "Muleshoe's at a different level; they're a good football team. The key will be how well our defense is able to stop them."