Steers pull out 27-21 win over New Deal in opener

NEW DEAL, Texas — Senior quarterback Alec Actkinson threw for four touchdowns, including a 55-yard, go-ahead score to senior wide receiver Joe Crume in the third period, and Farwell held on for a seesaw, season-opening 27-21 victory over New Deal on Friday night.

Actkinson threw just 11 passes, but completed seven for 236 yards and also tossed scoring passes of 66, 41 and 31 yards to junior running back Corey Stancell. Those were the only three receptions of the night for Stancell, who also led the team in rushing with 64 yards.

The game seesawed, with the Lions scoring first, then pulling even late in the half 14-14. New Deal scored early in the third stanza to regain the lead, but the third TD pass to Stancell tied it again later in the period.

Senior Kendrick Nelson rushed for two scores for the Lions, and junior Slade Martin added another.

Farwell plays at home on Friday against Vega.

In other area Texas openers on Friday night:

Littlefield 28, Muleshoe 7 — The longtime rival Mules and Wildcats, used to facing off in the season finale when they were in the same district, were playing their “War on 84” game early this time.

Littlefield scored on a fumble return in the first period and tacked on another score in each of the final three segments. including a pair of rushing TDs by sophomore Chippy Green.

The Mules closed to 14-7 late in the half when junior Sebastian Kirven went in on a 3-yard run. Littlefield posted a 21-8 margin in first downs and had a 288-210 advantage in total yards.

Kirven finished with 69 yards on 11 carries for the Mules, which travels to Lamesa on Friday night.

Vega 54, Bovina 20 — At Vega, the Longhorns got 167 yards rushing and four touchdowns from senior Joaquin Segovia, building a 33-6 lead by halftime.

Vega finished with 393 total yards and a 24-11 edge in first downs. Sophomore quarterback Daniel Herrera tossed scoring passes of 4 yards in the second quarter and 22 yards in the third to senior Darian DeLaRosa, and Herrera added the Mustangs’ final tally on a 3-yard run in the fourth period.

The Mustangs’ next outing is on Friday at Seagraves.

In area New Mexico tilts on Friday night:

Texico 23, Santa Rosa 20 — At Texico, the Wolverines (2-0) overcame a 20-9 fourth-quarter deficit, with sophomore Alex Fuentes’ 25-yard run providing the go-ahead score midway through the period.

Key to the victory for Texico were a pair of safeties, including one on a blocked punt by Warren Schooley early in the second quarter. Fuentes then ran five yards for a TD and Taye Smith added the PAT kick, but Santa Rosa (1-1) rallied for a 13-9 halftime lead.

Junior quarterback Cade Figg started the comeback on a 15-yard touchdown run early in the fourth, then Smith tackled a Lions ballcarrier in the end zone for the second safety, making it 20-17.

Junior Kyle Gonser caught seven passes for 58 yards for Texico.

The Wolverines are at home again on Friday night, taking on New Mexico Military.

Mancos (Colo.) 46, Melrose 8 — The Bluejays, one of the top 8-man programs in Colorado, built a 20-0 halftime lead, then added 20 more points in the third period in a neutral-site game played at Escalante. It was the season opener for Mancos.

Melrose (1-1) got its lone score in the third on a 40-yard pass from sophomore Josiah Roybal to junior Dathan Yeary. Freshman Jaxon Odom tacked on a 2-point conversion run.

The Buffs will be at home on Friday night to face Magdalena.

In games played on Saturday, Grady evened its record for the season at 1-1 with a 69-45 victory over Roy/Mosquero (0-2), while Dora (1-1) dropped a 54-7 decision at Mountainair (2-0). Also, Elida (2-0) received a home forfeit from Albuquerque-based Chesterton Academy.

This Friday, Grady hosts Elida in a 2 p.m. kickoff while Dora visits Roosevelt County rival Floyd (0-1) at 1 p.m. in the season opener for the Broncos.