Socorro County Football - Magdalena Steers win big at home

The results were mixed for Socorro County football teams in last week’s games. Alamo and Socorro High School still find themselves looking for their first football wins, but the Magdalena team came up big in their first home game.

Alamo Cougars battle the defending state champs

The Cougars faced a tough Melrose Buffaloes team on the road last Friday. The Alamo team was hopeful going into the game, as Melrose had gotten off to a slow 0-2 start while scoring only six points in their first two games. The Cougars were also 0-2 going into the game, but they had put up 62 points in their first two games.

However, the Melrose team that showed up to play on their home field was more representative of their undefeated, state champ team from last year.

“We took a loss,” said Alamo Head Coach Wyatt Billy. “We battled it out to the end of the third quarter. We had 1:40 left on the clock in the third quarter, then we got mercy ruled at 50 points.”

The final recorded score was 52-0. The Alamo Cougars are now 0-3 and will play at home against the Menaul Panthers on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.

Socorro Warriors–Homecoming Game

The Socorro Warriors hosted the Crownpoint Eagles for their homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 5. The homecoming court winners were announced for each of the high school classes prior to kick-off.

The Warriors jumped ahead early with a fumble recovery that was run in for a touchdown. Not long after that, an amazing touchdown run of 60-plus-yards by Nazario Silva was called back due to illegal motion. The penalty took the wind out of the Warriors, and soon the Eagles were up 16-6.

The Warriors fought back before half-time though. When another brilliant run by number two Silva was cut short due to a blindside block penalty, it seemed bleak for the team. This time they rallied though, and with seconds left on the clock they marched down the field and scored as time expired. At half-time the score was 16-12 in favor of the Eagles.

The Charisma Blues dance team and the homecoming court winners entertained the fans during half-time, and the Warriors returned to the field for a strong start to the third quarter. With 6:22 on the clock they took the lead 19-16 with a touchdown run, followed by an extra-point kick by Kyle Berger.

However, penalties and turnovers led to frustration for the Warriors, and Crownpoint regained control. The Crownpoint Eagles went on the win 30-19. The humbled homecoming team still sang for their fans afterwards and gathered in the center of the field to find the positive.

“I’m proud of you guys, because I know you guys are getting better and better,” said Socorro Head Coach Derek Smith.

The 0-3 Warriors travel to play a non-district game versus 0-3 Estancia on Friday, Sept. 12.

Magdalena Steers team is looking strong and scoring big

The Steers football program had two games against the visiting Roy/Mosquero Blue on Friday, Sept. 5. The junior high team was set to play at 3 p.m., but a thunderstorm rolled in right at that time and delayed the start for about 50 minutes. The game played for two 15-minute running halves, meaning the clock didn’t stop. The Steers junior high team won by “about” two touchdowns in this less formal play, warming up the field for the varsity team.

When the Steers varsity team took the field, they kept that momentum rolling.

“The boys played well yesterday, and we’re becoming a better team every game,” said senior and captain Matthew Lopez.

That’s a bit of an understatement, as Head Coach Danny Daniels said that the game ended by mercy rule in the fourth quarter. The final score was 76-26.

“We played a tough team with winning traditions. I feel that we finally came together as a team. We had several players that made key plays on both offense and defense. We had six players score from different positions. I feel this makes us more versatile as a team.

"We are improving on both sides of the ball.” Daniels said.

After six seniors from last year’s squad moved on, there were some thoughts they would be rebuilding this season. They scored 32 points in a loss against the reigning champs from Logan in game one. With 108 points in their first two games, Magdalena AD Jory Mirabal and others think the team can be just as good if not better than last year’s team. Last year, they finished 4-4 overall and second place in their district at 3-1.

“Six-man, it’s open up. It’s open for anyone who wants it,” said sophomore Kanaan Stephens.

“Really good chance of going to state this year and having a chance to win it,” said Matthew.

The 1-1 Steers varsity team is scheduled to play against Reserve at home on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 5:00 p.m.