Sports

Julian Fernandez, sophomore, celebrates with teammate Elijah Marquez following a Pirates play. Jay Langford- Student Journalist

Julian Fernandez, sophomore, celebrates with teammate Elijah Marquez following a Pirates play. Jay Langford- Student Journalist

Pirates Sail Through Rio Grande, 47-6

Franklin Romero, Sports Correspondent
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants high School Pirates played a very strong game at home last week as they soundly defeated the Rio Grande Ravens 47-6.The Pirates not only scored every quarter they held the Ravens to 6 points in that game.“The kids played great,” said GHS head football coach Gene...
Bianca Murillo, senior, reaches high above the net to attack the ball during play. Photo by Jay Langford

Bianca Murillo, senior, reaches high above the net to attack the ball during play. Photo by Jay Langford

Lady Pirates Have Competitive Showing at Zia Classic

Kelbey Cash , Ghs Student Journalists
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants Lady Pirates varsity volleyball team was on the road this weekend, at the Zia Classic Tournament in Roswell, New Mexico.On Friday September 11, the Lady Pirates began pool play at Goddard High School, opening against Mayfield.
Athlete of the Week

Athlete of the Week

Athlete of the Week

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
This week’s Cibola Citizen Athlete of the Week is Julian Fernandez, a sophomore running back and middle linebacker for the Grants High School Pirates. Fernandez powered the Pirates’ offense with three touchdowns against the Rio Grande Ravens last week.
Jakob Willis battles an opposing player for obsession of the ball during play. Photo by Jay Langford

Jakob Willis battles an opposing player for obsession of the ball during play. Photo by Jay Langford

Pirate Boys Looking to Hit Their Stride

Marli Prendergast, Ghs Student Journalist
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants High School boys soccer team will soon head into District games, and are all of a sudden looking like a team to be reckoned with.The team recently tucked their first win under their belts against Gallup, 61, and after that, played Bloomfield to a tie.
Isaiah Vigil caught a 43-inch tiger muskie on an incredible trip! Fishing buddies, Elijah and Gruncle also caught great muskies on Sept. 6. Courtesy Photo

Isaiah Vigil caught a 43-inch tiger muskie on an incredible trip! Fishing buddies, Elijah and Gruncle also caught great muskies on Sept. 6. Courtesy Photo

Cibola Fishing Report – September 9 – 15

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – The blue-green algae notice remains in place at Cibola’s Bluewater Lake, but boating conditions are still listed as excellent, and the reservoir continues to slowly decline, but anglers targeting muskie had better news than in recent quieter weeks.Bluewater LakeMid-September...

Cibola County Sports Round-Up

Franklin Romero, Sports Correspondent
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. Sports are starting to cook a bit as the school year gets well underway.The Grants High School football team was on a bye last week and is preparing to play Rio Grande High School this Friday, September 11 at home. The Ravens come in with a (0-3,0-1) record.
Jesus Murillo, a sophomore on the Grants High School boys’ soccer team, controls the ball out of the air during the Pirate’s match. Jay Langford- Student Journalist

Jesus Murillo, a sophomore on the Grants High School boys’ soccer team, controls the ball out of the air during the Pirate’s match. Jay Langford- Student Journalist

Fun Run Brings New Life to Coyote del Malpais

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. – Runners, walkers, bicyclists and even a few fourlegged participants took to Coyote del Malpais Golf Course Aug. 29 for a community fun run organized by Grants Recreation.The event gave residents a chance to experience the golf course in a different way, with participants following a...
Marli Pendergast, junior, sends the ball downfield during a rainy match for the Lady Pirates Photo by Jay Langford

Marli Pendergast, junior, sends the ball downfield during a rainy match for the Lady Pirates Photo by Jay Langford

Pirate Soccer Stuns Gallup

Peyton Dimitt, Ghs Student Journalist
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants High School Girls’ Soccer Team had a very exciting game on Saturday, August 30, their last of a tournament in Rehoboth.The Lady Pirates were facing Gallup, a team they had scrimmaged earlier this season, losing 3-0.