Clovis expects challenge this week

Saturday afternoon at F.M. Wilson Stadium will feature a team in purple, white and black facing a team in white, purple and black.

While that may seem like a simplistic description of the 2 p.m. tilt between Manzano and Clovis, there's no denying the teams are somewhat looking at themselves in the mirror.

Both teams are going from a running quarterback to a throwing quarterback. Both teams are senior-laden in the trenches, and young and athletic at the skill and secondary positions. And both teams know their first two games aren't nearly the challenge of their next few games.

CMI photo: Kevin Wilson

Junior Clovis quarterback Kordell Tindle fires a pass downfield as senior defensive end Marshall Winn comes in on defense Thursday afternoon practice at Leon Williams Stadium. Clovis and Manzano meet 2 p.m. Saturday at F.M. Wilson Stadium in Albuquerque.

"I think both of us are going to be going against a higher caliber of opponent," first-year Manzano coach and longtime assistant Chad Adcox said. "Clovis looks very impressive; I mean, they haven't punted the ball yet."

The Wildcats have been cruising against a pair of young teams in Santa Fe Capital and Highland, scoring 122 points while giving up just one touchdown on defense.

"That," Clovis coach Eric Roanhaus said, "is fixing to come to a screeching halt. Manzano is measurably better than the two teams we've played.

"Three of the next four weeks, we go on the road, and we play four quality teams in a row (at Manzano, at Cleveland, hosting Rio Rancho, at Goddard). We'll find out if we're contenders, or pretenders."

CMI photo: Kevin Wilson

Clovis defensive coordinator Darren Kelley sets up the play during a huddle at Thursday afternoon practice at Leon Williams Stadium. Clovis and Manzano meet 2 p.m. Saturday at F.M. Wilson Stadium in Albuquerque.

Roanhaus said the Monarchs don't look to be a much different team under Adcox than they were under Aaron Ocampo, who left to start the football program at the new Las Cruces Centennial High School.

The biggest difference is behind center, where Quavshaun "Q" Branch departs and has been replaced by junior Angel Gonzales.

"Branch was an exceptional runner," Roanhaus said. "He ran the ball really well, and would throw to keep you honest. This quarterback throws the ball well, and runs to keep you honest."

Adcox knew he was going in with a big vacancy left by Branch, but felt Gonzales has been up to task with 383 yards passing and a 5-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

"Q was a heck of an athlete; it's not often you get a kid who's all-state in football and all-state in basketball," Adcox said. "(Gonzales isn't) the athlete that Q was, but I believe he's a better thrower than Q. We've been able to keep teams honest. They can't load up the box."

Clovis, meanwhile, has gone from Tre Orozco — a skilled do-it-all back who was the Wildcats' best option at quarterback in 2011 — to Kordell Tindle, more of a pocket passer.

"Their secondary's a little younger, and faster, than what we've seen," Tindle said. "Their defensive ends are also a little taller than what I've seen this year. I've got to be more deliberate in my passing."

Tindle agreed points will be harder to come by, but added, "I'm confident the offense is going to get out and be as competitive as we have been."

Manzano's secondary, like Clovis', is laden with juniors who have so far been athletic enough to compensate for experience they may lack.

"We've been able to do pretty well getting pressure up front," Adcox said, "and that's helped the secondary."

The Wildcats and Monarchs met twice last season, with Manzano nabbing a pair of eight-point wins.

"Both time we played, it was close," said Adcox, the defensive coordinator in 2011. "I don't expect anything different."

Gameday

Clovis (2-0) at Manzano (2-0)

2 p.m. Saturday, F.M. Wilson Stadium

• On the radio: KCLV 1240 AM/99.1 FM; KTQM 99.9 FM.

• Coaches: Clovis, Eric Roanhaus, 35th season, 312-116-5. Manzano, Chad Adcox, 1st, 2-0

• Last week: The Wildcats cruised by Highland with a 67-12 victory. The Monarchs have defeated West Mesa 42-7.

• Notes: Adcox, most recently defensive coordinator for the Monarchs, has been with the school since 2003.

• Last meeting: 2011, Class 5A quarterfinals, Manzano 20-12.

• Clovis leaders: Kamal Cass leads the Wildcats with 34 carries for 288 yards and six touchdowns, while also adding a pair of touchdowns on punt returns. Senior linebacker Sage Free leads the team with 21 tackles — 14 solo and seven assists — while junior cornerback Peyton Lott leads the team with three interceptions.

• Monarch players to watch: Skyler Walker, WR, Sr., 6-2, 190) has 12 catches for 192 yards and two scores. Corey Morrow , RB, 5-8, 171) has 39 carries for 200 yards and a score. Angel Gonzales, QB, Jr., 5-9, 172 has completed 24 of 42 passes for 383 yards, with five touchdowns against one interception.

— Kevin Wilson