The Roswell High School football team holds its 2026 season opener against Hobbs at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the Wool Bowl.
The Coyotes finished the 2025 campaign with a 9-4 record, falling to Artesia 25-24 in the Class 5A state championship game at the Bulldog Bowl. The Eagles went 9-3, losing to Cleveland 67-16 on the road in the semifinals of the Class 6A state tournament.
Hobbs defeated Roswell 37-27 at Watson Memorial Stadium in last season’s matchup.
Lynn expects hard-fought season opener
Roswell head coach Jeff Lynn, who is entering his 14th season with the Coyotes, said the Eagles always have a talented group and expects a hard-fought game.
“They’re really good offensively,” Lynn said. “They have great running backs and wide receivers, so they’re going to be scary offensively. Their defense also does a great job.”
Fuentez to lead Roswell at quarterback
Quarterback Andruw Fuentez will lead Roswell on offense. He started for the freshman team in 2024 and junior varsity in 2025. He also saw action in three varsity games last season, completing 8 of 11 passes for 133 yards.
Lynn said he is confident in what Fuentez can do and that fans should be excited about what he and the team can accomplish.
“This team has a lot of playmakers who are fast, and they’re going to be fun to watch defensively,” Lynn said. “We’re going to be physical and get after people. This team is the epitome of Roswell High School football.”
Medrano to lead Hobbs at quarterback
A key returner for Hobbs is starting quarterback Junior Medrano, whom Lynn said could be the best running back on most teams. The senior threw for 1,811 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Lynn said he expects his team to be ready for the test that Medrano and the Eagles present.
“I want to limit our missed assignments and execute,” Lynn said. “I think the team that wins the first game is the one who makes the least number of mistakes.”
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall. Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.
