Regional football preview: Dora faces tough task on road

CLOVIS — The 2017 football season has hit its midpoint. Some are looking to stay unbeaten, others are looking to break into the win column and everybody wants the W column to go up by one.

Dora at Melrose, 7 p.m.

With Dora (3-1) coming off of a 62-31 win over Gateway Christian last week, the Coyotes have a huge test in front of them this week as they head on the road to face undefeated Melrose. The three-time defending eight-man champion Buffs (4-0) are coming off of a 68-0 win over Magdalena last week.

Dora coach Mason McBee faces some concerns coming into this game as he has three running backs and three linemen out due to injuries against Gateway.

“We have some young guys stepping in that are having to learn these positions on top of the positions they are used to,” McBee said. “Even though my expectations are still high, they aren’t through the roof. I just want to make sure these guys get taught the basics and have plenty to run this game.”

McBee said his goal is to get his guys healthy and make sure they’re back by playoffs.

Melrose head coach Dickie Roybal doesn’t really have any major concerns for tonight’s matchup, but looks to have his offense work better as they’re installing a new offense coming into district. With Dora having some key players out this week, Roybal looks to hopefully capitalize and get an early win.

Bovina at Hale Center, 6:30 p.m.

Last week Bovina (3-1) overcame the size difference against Olton as it came out with a 14-12 win, but the Mustangs do have another challenge this week against the undefeated Owls of Hale Center (4-0) who are coming off of a 47-14 win over Lockney.

With Hale Center’s senior quarterback Brandon Castillo and junior wide receiver Ayden Rogers making big plays this season, Bovina head coach Jonathan Lambright looks to have his defense execute and stop the two quickly.

“Their offense is very good,” said Lambright. “We need to make sure we stop their offense, execute better on our offense, and make sure our timing is good and that we get in front of the chains. We didn’t execute very well last week on offense, but we look to do that in this game.”

Capitan at Texico, 7 p.m.

Texico (1-4) found a shift in their gameplay to come up with a 37-6 win over Loving last week. This week the Wolverines have a new challenge as they face undefeated Capitan.

Capitan’s defense has not allowed more than 12 points against them this season and have shut out four of the five teams they’ve faced in their 5-0 start.

Texico head coach Pat Crowley looks to take his teams momentum from last week and bring it forth tonight. “We are finally coming together as a team and getting our offense situated,” Crowley said. “It’s no secret the playoffs are going to run through Capitan, but this game will determine where we’re at against the best team in the state.”

Floyd/Muleshoe

The Floyd Broncos and the Muleshoe Mules still look to find answers in their seasons. The Broncos (0-3) take on the Hondo Valley Eagles (1-3) at 3 p.m. The Mules travel on the road to face Idalou at 6:30 p.m. in what can be a possible even matchup.