The Grants High School Pirate football team is fresh off a dominating scrimmage this past week against Kirtland Central, and Laguna-Acoma are more than ready for their season opener against the Miyamura Patriots this Friday.
“Miyamura, much like Kirtland Central, is big up front and both sides of the ball and have very good running backs,” said GHS head coach Steve Brown of the upcoming match up. “They will definitely pose a threat for us defensively”.
The Pirates, who did not play Miyamura last year, are preparing for the game by watching film of a recent scrimmage against Manzano according to Brown.
“We will have to be sound in our execution if we want to be successful– but I truly believe our guys are ready and are excited,” said Brown.
When asked about the scrimmage against KC, Brown had nothing but praise for his team.
“Our defense played physical and that is one big thing we were hoping to see—they made quite a few big plays—two picks that would have gone for six—and they forced a few fumbles,” said Brown of the defense in that scrimmage against KC.
After what was a tough decision, coach Brown and staff narrowed down the starting quarterback position to junior Tristin Fernandez over junior DJ Chavez.
“Fernandez won the spot, “said Brown. “DH Chavez is right there as well and will be very reliable— I’m super proud of how they handled the situation– they are both leaders— it puts Grants in a situation it has not had in a long time–to have 2 true varsity quarterbacks puts us in a great position.”
Offensively the Pirates more than excelled at the scrimmage and Brown could not be more elated.
“Cardenio Chavez had 5 catches for touchdowns—- the Melonas brothers Boudy, a senior, and Coudy, a junior, played very well scoring TD’s, “said Brown. “Andres Lazos and Joe Clawson both scored from the running back position.”
Brown and players ask fans to wear white for a “white out” at this Friday’s game. “We are trying to do something we haven't done in a few years that’s to win the season opener.” The Pirates record last year was 6-5,21 while the Patriots went 3-7,0-3.
The Laguna-Acoma Hawks football team will also host their season opener against Legacy Academy this Friday, August 23.
Last year the Hawks went 3-7, 0-3