Texas teams open Friday

FARWELL — The Farwell Steers didn’t get quite as far as they’d hoped last season.

Farwell was 7-1 heading into its Class 2A Division I District 1 and regular-season finale against Panhandle, and lost to the Panthers 56-21. The Steers were then eliminated by Sundown in the first round of the playoffs.

“We’re better than last year,” said Kelley, adding that his squad returns seven starters on offense and defense. “We’re pretty big and athletic. These kids have worked their tails off over the summer. We have a chance to be as successful as we make ourselves.”

Friday night, Texas prep teams kick off the season. The three area schools all open at home, with Farwell hosting Ralls, Bovina entertaining Boys Ranch and Muleshoe welcoming Sundown.

All are slated for 7 p.m. (CDT) starts.

Farwell edged Ralls 7-0 in last year’s opener on the road.

“They’re a good football team,” Steers coach Darren Kelley said of the Jackrabbits (8-4 in 2020). “They’re picked to win their district.

“They have about 12 seniors. They’re not real big, but they’re pretty athletic.”

Kelley said the Steers should have an edge in size, but he’s concerned about the Jackrabbits’ style.

“They’re an option football team,” he said. “If they throw it three times (in a game), that’s a bunch.”

Junior Alec Actkinson replaces his graduated brother, Leefe, as the Steers quarterback. Top returning players include senior running back/linebacker Carlos Castillo, sophomore running back/linebacker Corey Stancell, senior tight end/defensive end Wyatt Shear and senior tackle/defensive end Hayden McClaren.

As a freshman, Stancell rushed for around 1,000 yards last season.

Bovina finished 4-7 last season, but made it to the second round of the Class 2A Division II playoffs. The Mustangs graduated 13 seniors, but coach Coby Emery is optimistic. The Mustangs bring back five starters on offense and six on defense.

“Honestly, we’ve been looking pretty good,” he said. “We’re young in places, but we’ve got some experience at running back and at linebacker and receiver, and even in the line.”

Four seniors lead the way, including running back/linebacker Darian Delarosa, slotback/outside linebacker Nathan Guevera, two-way tackle Jovanny Salas and quarterback/defensive back Angel Lara, who also handles the team’s kicking duties.

The Mustangs, who play 10 consecutive weeks before getting a bye in the final week of the regular season, have more than 50 prospects out, Emery said.

“The kids are coachable,” he said. “We’ve had some good battles for positions.”

Muleshoe, returning nine starters on both sides of the ball, is looking to avenge a season-opening 6-0 loss a year ago at Sundown. Coach Jason Richards is also expecting significant improvement on the team’s 2-7 mark in 2020.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys stepping up,” said Richards, a Clovis High grad entering his second season with the Mules. “We’re pretty much two-deep at every position, including running back.

“I think our defense is stout. Our offensive line is bigger, and I think we’ve got more depth there this year.”

Senior quarterback Zach Hasley is a third-year starter for the Mules. Also back are senior tight end/middle linebacker Brennen Davis and junior slotback Irvin Torres, a two-time all-district selection.

Richards also has high hopes for senior tackle/defensive end Jacob Reyes.

“I think having a year in the system is a big deal for us,” he said.

Melrose game canceled — Magdalena was slated to host Melrose in the Buffaloes’ opener this Friday, but the Steers had COVID-19 issues and the game has been called a no-contest.

Thus, only two of five area New Mexico squads will be in action this week, with Texico hosting Dexter and Elida entertaining Carrizozo on Friday night. Clovis Christian and Floyd have open dates.