Defense carries Rams to 19-14 win

BLACKWATER DRAW — While their offense wasn't overpowering, the Portales Rams managed to win the turnover battle.

That's something that has hurt them big-time in earlier games. They also got a stout performance from their defense on Friday night in turning back Hope Christian 19-13 at Greyhound Stadium.

It was a much-needed win for PHS (2-4), which faces a challenging finish to the regular season in Class 4A Roswell High on the road next week and District 4-3A games against highly-regarded Lovington and Ruidoso.

CMI staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Portales senior running back Osbaldo Navarrete, center, celebrates a 33-scoring touchdown catch Friday just before halftime with teammates senior running back Zachary Blaeser, left, and senior wide receiver Daniel Hernandez.

"I think this was our most prepared game we've had in the sense of practice," said senior slotback-linebacker Zack Green, who had one of the Rams' two interceptions. "We just got tired of losing. Hopefully, we can continue to do it."

Green said the team is hoping to build on the win, starting with the trip to Roswell.

"Roswell may be 4A, but they put their pads on the same way we do," Green said. "It'll be a battle."

Sophomore quarterback Paul Conrow rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, and threw a 33-yard scoring pass to senior running back Ozzie Navarrete in the final minute of the half to give the Rams a 19-7 advantage.

Hope (2-5) took advantage of a muffed punt snap by PHS to drive 37 yards in six plays and make it 19-13 with six minutes left in the game. The Huskies got the ball back one more time but, going into a brisk wind, they hurt themselves with 25 yards in penalties and eventually punted from inside their 20 with less than two minutes left.

Conrow broke a play 10 yards for a first down, then took a knee twice to end it.

CMI staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Portales sophomore quarter back Paul Conrow rushed for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns in Friday's 19-13 win over visiting Hope Christian.

"Our defense played outstanding," Rams coach Jaime Ramirez said. "Our defense won this football game for us.

"We made a lot of key mistakes (on offense), but our defense played tough the whole time."

Hope coach Darrel Kindig, whose team has dealt with a number of injuries including one to starting QB Luke Dye, said the Huskies gave a good effort.

"We weren't able to execute," he said. "We've had injuries and we had kids who were (in positions) they weren't used to.

"It was a tough night, but at the end of the night it was fun and that's why we do this."

The Rams came up short on fourth-and-goal from the Hope 1 late in the first quarter, but sophomore safety Dustin Sisneros recovered a fumble on the next play and, after a 5-yard penalty, Conrow got around left end for a 6-yard TD run. The PAT kick was blocked.

CMI staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Portales junior Jorge Jimenez brings down Hope Christian junior quarterback John Jensen for a loss in first half.

Conrow rambled 43 yards for a score early in the second period after the Huskies failed to convert a fourth-and-1 from their 44.

But Hope pulled to 12-7 when junior quarterback John Jensen capped a 12-play, 54-yard drive by finding senior Garrett Howington on a 13-yard pass with 4:23 left in the half.

Conrow led the Rams on a 59-yard march late in the half, overcoming a 7-yard sack and keeping for gains of 7 and 11 yards before finding Navarrete down the middle near the 10. Navarrete broke a tackle and got into the end zone with 14 seconds to go.

"The kids did a good job of doing what they needed to do and staying focused," Ramirez said.