Rams return to begin 4A state title defense

PORTALES — It's playoff time in New Mexico, and the Portales Rams are fresh after a first round bye. The Rams' road to defending their 4A state title continues in the quarterfinals tonight against Taos, who Portales will host at 7 p.m.

For the No. 2 Rams (9-1) last week provided an opportunity to get extra rest before this potential championship stretch, not to mention, get an additional week to scout their opponent.

"Honestly, we used the bye week like normal teams. We got healed up and rested a little bit, and concentrated on just watching film on both Hope Christian and Taos," Portales head coach Jaime Ramirez said. "Taos happened to win the ballgame, so we watched some film on them. Really, this week, we've been concentrating on just getting better."

The No. 7 Tigers (8-3) beat Hope Christian in a nailbiter, 30-28, last Friday. On the year, Taos averages just under 400 yards of offense per game, including 225.7 rushing. The Tigers are led by junior running back Jonathan Garcia, who has amassed 1,398 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground this year.

While Ramirez describes Garcia as a "good little athlete that carries most of the running game," the Tigers' passing game is just as lethal. Quarterback Jude Suazo has 1,674 passing yards and 21 touchdown tosses on the year, making tonight a good challenge for the Rams' secondary.

"Really good athlete," Ramirez added of Suazo. "He does a lot for them and plays extremely well. He throws the ball extremely well, is a good runner and he has some good weapons to throw to."

While Suazo certainly has his strong points, he can also be forced into mistakes, which bodes well for the opportunistic Portales secondary. Suazo has 12 interceptions thus far, and if the Rams have their way, that total may increase by a few more after tonight.

Overall, Taos runs a multiple formation look, but in particular, the Tigers like to focus on playing out of the I-Formation. Defensively, the Tigers like to mix it up, and aren't afraid to be aggressive.

"Sometimes they're in a 5-2, sometimes they'll man you up and go 5-1, and go man free," Ramirez explained. "I've seen them play a little bit of zone, but they really just get in your face and get after you."

As for the postseason as a whole, Ramirez didn't really see a whole lot of surprises with the playoff bracket, as he expected things to be pretty close as far as seeding. And while the Rams are gearing up for another title run, that hasn't changed the team's mindset that they've carried all year, according to Ramirez.

"Same week, no different," Ramirez said. "The same way that we always are. We just prepare for the team that we're playing next — that's just what we do. We prepare for everybody, respect all opponents and practice and play hard."