Cats garner No. 12 seed in Class 6A playoffs

CLOVIS - With lopsided losses in their final two regular-season games, Clovis High's football team put itself squarely on the bubble as far as a spot in the 12-team Class 6A state playoffs.

Late Saturday night, the Wildcats learned that they had earned the final berth in the bracket, and with the No. 12 seed face a trip to play fifth-seeded Las Cruces High in a 2 p.m. first-round game on Saturday at the Field of Dreams.

If they can pull the upset, the Cats (3-6) are looking at the possibility of back-to-back games at the Field of Dreams. They would return next week to take on fourth-seeded Centennial, which has a first-round bye.

Clovis absorbed Class 6A District 2/5 losses to Sandia 41-14 and La Cueva 50-14 the past two weeks, following a three-game winning streak which had given the team some hope.

Fifth-year CHS coach Cal Fullerton he didn't know which way it would go when the pairings came out.

"I wasn't surprised (by the selection)," he said Monday night. "I wasn't sure (of getting in), that's for sure. I think there was a team or two, along with us, that would've had an argument."

The Bulldawgs (5-4) were second in District 3/4 behind Centennial. All of their losses were to 6A playoff teams.

"They've played some good football teams and gotten themselves prepared for the postseason," Fullerton said. "I can't say enough about their program overall. Their kids play extremely hard, and that's what we're going to have to do - match their enthusiasm.

"We'll have to play really good for four quarters to be in the football game."

The Cats and Bulldawgs scrimmaged in preseason at Ruidoso. Fullerton called Cruces coach Mark Lopez "a good guy," adding that the two talk regularly.

Cruces' offense revolves around senior quarterback Dallas Boyd, Fullerton said. Boyd, a lefty, isn't that big (5-foot-10, 168 pounds), but runs well and likes to roll outside the pocket to throw.

The Bulldawgs also have a talented running back in senior Elijah Ogas.

"Their offensive and defensive lines are experienced," Fullerton said. "They're not that big, but most of those guys are seniors and started during the spring (season)."

Fullerton said the Cats practiced well on Monday, and needed to continue to do so.

"If we can execute and play good, I think we'll have a chance to be in the game," he said.

Rio Rancho Cleveland earned the top seed after edging rival Rio Rancho Cleveland 28-27 on Friday. Cleveland, Rio Rancho, third-seeded La Cueva and Centennial were all accorded first-round byes.