GRANTS, N.M. - The GHS football team had a great season opener last Saturday on the road holding the Gallup Miyamura Patriots to zero points and scoring touchdowns by rushing and passing for a 28-0 rout of the Patriots on their home turf.
“Overall our kids played very well and we were pleased with the effort they put forward,” said GHS head coach Gene Riedinger of the team's performance. “The players just did the job.”
A good job indeed shutting out the Patriots and finding a way to score in three straight quarters stymied the Miyamura offense and defense.
The Pirates opened up the first quarter with two defensive stops then a turnover that led to a 5-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore running back Julian “JuJu” Fernandez, his first of three touchdowns of the night. The 2 point conversion was no good.
Fernandez scored in the second quarter with a wheel route where he sprinted approximately 50 yards for his second touchdown of the night.
The 2-point conversion was spot on with Rey Chavira, a senior, scoring for the Pirates.
Also in the second quarter freshman quarterback Antonacio Gallegos threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to receiver Leidyn Jaunico, a sophomore, for the Pirates second touchdown of that quarter. Gallegos also scored on the 2-point conversion with a quarterback sneak up the middle.
The Pirates led 22-0 at the half and did not look back.
Fernandez went on to score his 3rd touchdown of the night in the third quarter— another short 5-yard run. The extra kick attempt was no good.
“I just put my head down and grinded,” said Fernandez of his two rushing touchdowns of the night. “We did great as a young team.”
Gallegos was elated with the team's performance and said of the game, “It was an amazing experience, we had mistakes–but I feel we improved.”
Last year the Pirates lost to Miyamura 36-14 in their season opener.
Coach Riedinger summed up the game by stating, “They (Miyamura) had a lot of weapons—however, we played well– our defense was strong—our secondary did well and our offensive line opened up holes.”
Jaxson Wengert,a senior, who plays offensive and defensive tackle, said of the game, “ Our defense played great—we forced quite a few turnoves–offense played pretty good too–we came together and world hard as a group.”
Next up for the Pirates will be Valencia (1-0) in the Pirates first home game.
When asked of the next game against Valencia Riedinger said, “They went 54-0 against a team (Del Norte) so they are much improved and we’re excited to play them.” Game time is 7pm this Friday, August 28 at the Port of the Pirates