Sports

The Grants High School football defense is ranked number one in 14 district 1 4A. 'I'm very proud of our defense,' said GHS head football coach Gene Riedinger. Franklin Romero - CC

The Grants High School football defense is ranked number one in 14 district 1 4A. 'I'm very proud of our defense,' said GHS head football coach Gene Riedinger. Franklin Romero - CC

Pirates Bested by Monarchs, 14-0

Franklin Romero, Sports Correspondent
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
The Grants High School Pirates Football Team offensively was unable to get on the scoreboard against a tough Monzano Monarchs defense who held them scoreless.“It didn’t go as we wanted it to go,” said GHS head coach Gene Riedinger.
Laguna-Acoma Boys Cross Country Wins Ramah Mustang Invitational

Laguna-Acoma Boys Cross Country Wins Ramah Mustang Invitational

Laguna-Acoma Boys Cross Country Wins Ramah Mustang Invitational

Steve Brown
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - September 15, 2026 – The Laguna- Acoma High School cross-country team delivered an outstanding performance at the Ramah Mustang Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 12, earning first place in the boys varsity division against nine teams.Three LAHS runners finished among the top four.
Photo by Franklin Romero

Photo by Franklin Romero

Athlete of the Week

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
This week’s Cibola Citizen Athlete of the Week is sophomoreHarlow Kiyite of the Grants High School volleyball team. Playing middle blocker and middle hitter for the Pirates, Kiyite has shown improved quickness at the net and the ability to finish plays with powerful attacks.

Grants Battles Taos with Tough Tests Ahead

News Staff
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants Lady Pirates soccer team was back in Taos on Saturday, September 19, but only for a single game, and not in a tournament situation.This time, facing Taos in a single game, the Lady Pirates were nervous.Taos is a tough team, ranked second in all of the 4A classification,...
The Grants High School Lady Cross-Country Team Finished 3rd at the Rio Rancho Jamboree this past weekend. Photo by Riley Burress - Student Journalist

The Grants High School Lady Cross-Country Team Finished 3rd at the Rio Rancho Jamboree this past weekend. Photo by Riley Burress - Student Journalist

Sarracino Makes a Big Splash in His Return

Domani Grine, Ghs Student Journalist
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. - After taking a break from cross country since eighth grade, Joshua Sarracino returned to the sport this year and immediately made an impact.
Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Free Fishing this Weekend

New Mexico Department Of Wildlife
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
SANTA FE, N.M – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Sept. 26 and 27 as part of the state’s Free Fishing Weekend.Anyone can fish without a license in public fishing waters throughout the state on Saturday and Sunday, which is also National Hunting and Fishing Day nationwide.
Emilio Hernandez caught a large tiger muskie using swim baits on Sept. 12. Courtesy Photo

Emilio Hernandez caught a large tiger muskie using swim baits on Sept. 12. Courtesy Photo

Cibola Fishing Report – September 16 – 22

Diego Lopez, Editor
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Mid-September is bringing a familiar transition to Bluewater Lake: cooler mornings, a slower pace around the shoreline, and continued opportunity for tiger muskie even as summer conditions begin giving way to fall.
Cardenio Chavez Courtesy Photo from Bemidji State

Cardenio Chavez Courtesy Photo from Bemidji State

From Grants to Bemidji: Cardenio Chavez Begins College Football Journey

Natasha Valles
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. — A familiar name from Grants High School football is now representing his hometown more than a thousand miles away.Former Grants Pirate standout Cardenio Chavez is beginning his freshman season with the Bemidji State University Beavers in Bemidji, Minnesota, where he wears No. 46 and...
Colin Lundstrum, sophomore, sends the ball downfield on a kickoff for the Pirates. Jay Langford- Student Journalist

Colin Lundstrum, sophomore, sends the ball downfield on a kickoff for the Pirates. Jay Langford- Student Journalist

Pirates Blow Out Ravens, Bace Manzano Friday

Jayden Chavez , Ghs Student Journalist
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
GRANTS, N.M. – On Friday September 11, the 10th-ranked Pirate football team took on Rio Grande at “The Port,” and like the weather that night, rained points on their opponents in a 47-6 victory.The Pirates started this game hot, forcing a four and out on the Ravens’ first offensive drive.