Cats, Rams set to play for district crowns

CLOVIS - That Portales High is playing for a district football championship this week isn't all that surprising, and the Rams haven't disappointed.

For Clovis High, though, the Wildcats entered District 5-6A play winless in six games. But they've strung together three victories - two of them lopsided - heading into Friday's battle for the district title, and possibly a Class 6A playoff berth, at Los Lunas (5-4, 3-0).

First-year Wildcats coach Andrew McCraw has a fairly simple explanation.

"Fewer turnovers," he said. "We've moved the ball really, really well on offense, and that's helped keep our defense fresh."

Since a last-minute 31-28 win at Albuquerque High to open district action, the Wildcats have turned the ball over just once in blowing out Santa Fe High 53-0 and Santa Fe Capital 40-6 at Leon Williams Stadium in their last two games.

They expect a much tougher challenge this week against the Tigers, who were Class 5A state champions in 2021 and are coming off a bye week.

Ranked 16th in 6A, the Cats definitely need a win to make the 12-team playoffs while the Tigers, who are 10th, may or may not. If they lose, though, it puts their fate in the hands of the NMAA selection committee.

Leaders for Los Lunas include senior quarterback Paul Cieremans, who has 14 touchdown passes and no interceptions while playing in eight games, and senior linebacker Miguel Andrade.

"They brought back some good players," said McCraw, whose Belen squad last season lost to the Tigers during the regular season and in the 5A playoffs. "They have a big ol' offensive line. They're going to line up and run the ball right at you.

"Hopefully, we can match their intensity and take care of our business."

This week's task is made tougher by the fact the Cats are without senior slotback/safety R.J. Nora, who will sit this one out after getting ejected following a scuffle with Jaguars senior Matthew Lovato during last week's matchup.

Lovington at Portales - A look at the records would say the Rams (8-1, 2-0 District 4-6/4A) have a big advantage over the rival Wildcats (3-6, 2-0) in Friday's tilt at Greyhound Stadium.

But Lovington played a rugged pre-district slate and, despite its record, is still No. 4 in MaxPreps' Class 4A rankings.

"Lovington should be in (the playoffs), win or lose," Rams coach Jaime Ramirez said. "They're a good football team."

Ramirez stresses that his squad, ranked second behind Silver (8-1) in 4A, isn't concerned about anything except this game.

"We're playing for a district championship," he said. "We're just focused on that. Anything else that happens is beyond our control."

Both teams have dominated the other two district foes - Portales thumping Albuquerque Academy 42-7 and Bernalillo 50-6 while Lovington beat the Spartans 33-7 and, on Friday, whipped Academy 43-14.

Win or lose, the Rams are virtually assured of a first-round bye ... and the same could be said for the Wildcats.

Senior quarterback Ashton Aranda has thrown for 15 touchdowns and 1,511 yards and has added seven rushing TDs and a team-leading 580 yards. Sophomores Camon Ochoa and Ondalis Cardenas have also had good seasons on offense.

Portales should have senior running back/defensive back Emmanuel Diahn back for this one. Diahn sat out Friday's game after not practicing during the week due to the flu, and missed the Academy contest because of nagging ankle issues.

In his stead, junior Zach Radloff and sophomore Kaidyn Cordova have been able to fill the void well.

"Both Kaidyn and Zach have done a good job of carrying the load," Ramirez said. "And they did well before that; E-man has had on-and-off ankle issues throughout the season."