Sports

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.
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...