Rams look to reload and repeat last season’s success

STAFF WRITER

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After last year’s near-perfect season ended with a heartbreaking 26-14 loss in the Class 4A semifinals to Robertson, the Portales Rams have a lot of work do to if they want to repeat as District 4-4A champions, as well as another chance at the state title.

Now that the Rams have completed their first week of practice, coach Jaime Ramirez has a better understanding of what he has to work with this season.

“We’re just getting better every day,” he said. “There’s a lot of positions that need to be filled, especially on the O-line. Just a lot of evaluation this week and next week. We’ll know a lot more about our team by then.”

With more than 20 seniors graduating from last year, a lot of spots need to be addressed in more than just the offensive line. The biggest concern is at running back, where the Rams look to replace Bronte Staugaard who ran for more than 1,900 yards and scored 24 rushing touchdowns. Every back who scored a running touchdown last season has graduated.

“There’s a few people fighting for the position right now,” Ramirez said. “The plan is to know who our starter or top-two backs by our scrimmage on August 16.”

Currently the three people in contention for the running back position are senior Darion Ontiveros, who played wide receiver last season, and juniors Mark Lovato and Kiki Cabral.

The other major concern on offense is the quarterback position. Last year, Junior Ramirez, no relation to coach Ramirez, had more than 2,100 combined yards of offense and 32 offensive touchdowns. Coach Ramirez said Junior will not be playing this year as he wants to focus on basketball.

Just like the running back situation, there are three players vying for the position: Senior Emilio Lovato, junior Tyrese Dawson and sophomore Julian Urioste.

Lovato would be an interesting choice because he’s known more for his defensive prowess. Last season he led the team with 72 total tackles. However, Ramirez has been impressed with his work ethic towards the position.

“He’s just a hard worker,” Ramirez said.

For Emilio, despite his lack of game experience playing quarterback, the position isn’t entirely foreign to him.

“I kind of did it last year,” Emilio said. “I didn’t play it, but I did practice that position. Last year I was the emergency guy. This year I’ll probably end up doing it a little bit.”

As far as his outlook on the season, Emilio so far likes what he’s seen.

“I think we’re going to be just as good as last year,” he said. “We might even be a little better. We’ve got kids who are wanting to play and wanting to be out there and get time out on the field. They’ve been learning really quickly so it’s been good so far.”

The Rams will host both Eunice and Goddard Roswell on their Aug. 16 scrimmage.