Rams have high hopes despite attrition

PORTALES — Graduation losses notwithstanding, the Portales High boys soccer team hopes to build off its first winning season since 2012 this fall.

The Rams graduated eight players, including six starters, from a team which finished 15-4-1 overall and dropped a 4-2 semifinal decision to eventual state runnerup Bosque in the Class 1-4A state tournament.

There are some questions to answer, but fifth-year coach Nathan Dodge remains optimistic heading into today’s 5 p.m. season opener at East Mountain. The Timberwolves, a one-time district foe for PHS, opened their season last Tuesday with a 3-2 overtime win over Socorro.

“We have high expectations again this year,” Dodge said. “We’ve got some new guys coming up, with some big spots to fill.”

Portales was second to eventual state runnerup Hope Christian in District 4/1-4A last season at 5-2-1.

Dodge has moved junior returning starters Lester Olivas and Jesus Chavez from midfield to forward positions, in hopes of replacing some scoring punch lost through graduation. The other returnees are senior midfielder Alvaro Alvarez, senior defender Julian Tellez and sophomore defender Ethan Jaynes.

Dodge expects sophomore Brian Tinejaro to start in goal for the Rams.

“Last year, we had a good team, and I think this team will pick right up,” Dodge said.

Tellez, a fourth-year varsity member who has started since his sophomore campaign, says he sees good things happening for the Rams.

“We’re a young team, but they’re not scared,” he said. “I think if we play as a team, we’ll be good. I just want to come out strong (in today’s opener).”

The Rams figure to see some tough competition in the district, led by Hope — which graduated only one player from last season — and New Mexico Military.

“Ultimately, you always look to win the district,” Dodge said. “Secondly, you want to make the state tournament. If you can win your district, you’ll get a first-round bye (in the field of 12).”

Tellez acknowledged that the district figures to be tough, but thinks the Rams are up to the challenge.

“We want to win district,” he said. “I just want to try to get on a good winning streak this season and have fun.”