The Goddard football team started practicing Monday, Aug. 3 at the high school practice field, and third-year head coach Art Bolaños said it was a productive week.
“There has been a lot of good energy,” Bolaños said. “The players are excited to kick off the year, so they’ve done a good job of showing up and being consistent.”
Bolaños said the expectation for his team is to “compete with the best.” Despite losing 19 seniors from last year, the Rockets still have a strong returning core that believes in what Bolaños is building.
Junior Nate Vasquez to lead team as starting QB
Bolaños said many players have done a great job so far, including junior Nate Vazquez. Vazquez will be the starting quarterback, and senior Isaiah Montoya will be the backup. Montoya will also start at running back alongside senior Ryan Romero.
Vazquez threw for 1,489 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while Montoya rushed for 243 yards and 10 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps.
Bolaños said Romero will be a player to keep an eye on because he has great hands and does a good job at commanding the backfield.
Vazquez, Montoya and Jordan Chavez said in a joint interview that the team has worked hard in preparation for the season. They also said the leadership on and off the field has grown.
Bolaños credited two-way player Aziah Hunter for his hard work as well. Hunter will play wide receiver and defensive back this season. Seniors Deegan Gaston, Angel Mesa, Jesus Ortiz, and junior Alex Benavidez will be key players on defense, according to Bolaños.
‘Always mistakes to fix’
Bolaños said there is a lot to be happy about and is proud of the work his team has put in so far.
“Every day is an opportunity to get better,” Bolaños said. “There’s always going to be mistakes to fix, but that’s not a problem. These guys are doing a great job.”
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.
