Top-ranked Coyotes wary of Hondo

Ever since Dora knocked off Lake Arthur in a midseason six-man battle of No. 1 versus No. 2, the Coyotes have become the de facto favorite to run the table to the school's first state championship.

But Dora coach Mason McBee's job has been to keep heads level and continue the season-long winning streak that has translated to an 8-0 record. Today, in a New Mexico state semifinal game, the Coyotes will try to go one better than they did a year ago.

Hondo Valley (4-4) will visit Dora for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Last season, Dora advanced to the semis before being eliminated by Lake Arthur.

"All we're thinking about is the next game. Obviously they do know how good they are, because we've played some good football," McBee said. "At the same time, we're really humble. We know Hondo. If they create some turnovers and get some plays, they could beat us."

The Coyotes are led offensively by quarterback Tyler Sites, Anthony Pena and Justin Watson at running back and Lane Carrasco at wide receiver.

For Hondo Valley, the Eagles are paced by quarterback Roberto Nores.

"They're a pretty good team and they've got some pretty good players," McBee said.

The two teams did meet in the regular season and, though it was a Dora win, it was by only 13 points (65-52). In six-man football, that kind of deficit can be made up quickly.

"Their record doesn't really show who they are," McBee added. "They started to get better when they got a couple of their seniors back (late in the season). They're a pretty good team and they've got some pretty good players."