Rams take streak to Ruidoso

Coming off its bye week, Portales will ride the bus to face Ruidoso in a pivotal district 4-4A match today.

For the Rams traveling to a road game is a time to relax and get their focus before the chaos.

“The ride is real relaxed, about 30 minutes before we get there the guys are listening to music and focusing on the game.”

Coach Jamie Ramirez said. Both teams are trying to continue their winning streaks, as Ruidoso has won two straight since losing its first game of the season and the Rams are riding a four-game winning streak.

Ramirez felt his team hit its bye week at the right time and is now ready to get back on the field.

“We got a chance to heal up last week. It’s a grind during the season so it’s kind of a mental release when you get that week off; we worked hard during it but it’s not the same intensity as a game week,” Ramirez said after practice Tuesday.

Last year the Warriors ran all over the Rams as running back Cisco Mayville had 255 yards rushing on 19 carries in the Warriors’ 42-27 win.

Coach Ramirez said Mayville is still a threat, but believes his defense will be successful.

“They’re a very good team. Coached well and fundamentally sound. We have to do the little things — form tackle, play assignment defense and try to get a turnover. It sounds cliche, but that is how you stop fast offenses,” Ramirez said.

Matt Martinez, Portales’ safety and quarterback, believes his knowledge as a QB will also help him on defense.

“It helps me to see the whole field just like the opposing QB; it’s pretty much the same position. It also helps me to see where the offense might go and I can get a jump on things,” he said.

The Rams will have to be near perfect in their execution on offense as the Warriors have given up seven points in two district games.

“We have to keep doing the same things we’ve been doing,” Martinez said — “making blocks inside and outside and me … and our receivers staying hot.”