The Goddard Rockets football team secured the No. 7 seed in the Class 5A state tournament when the New Mexico Activities Association released its playoff bracket on Sunday.
Goddard (4-6, 3-4 District 2-5A) will face the No. 10-seeded Highland Hornets (5-5, 3-4 District 1-5A) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Wool Bowl in a first-round matchup. The game is an elimination contest, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
The Rockets enter the postseason following a 42-35 loss to crosstown rival Roswell (9-1, 7-0 District 2-5A) on Friday night at the Wool Bowl. Highland is also coming off a loss, falling 50-0 to Los Lunas (7-3, 6-1 District 1-5A) on the road.
Despite the defeat, the Hornets present a challenge with an unconventional offensive scheme that Goddard head coach Art Bolaños said will require preparation.
“They have a very unusual offense and they’re pretty good at what they do,” Bolaños said. “They line up in a different formation all the time so if we’re not lined up right, we will absolutely pay for it.”
Highland is led by quarterback Jorge Salzano, who threw for 535 yards and six touchdowns with three interceptions during the regular season. Salzano also rushed for 240 yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries. His top receiving target is wide receiver Curtis Ryan, who caught 18 passes for 446 yards and six touchdowns.
Running back William Anchondo adds another dimension to the Hornets’ offense. He rushed for 841 yards and 13 touchdowns on 102 carries during the regular season.
Goddard will counter with quarterback Nate Vazquez, who threw three touchdown passes against Roswell. All scoring passes went to receiver Bryant O’Mera. Receiver Eli Cooper also has emerged as an offensive weapon, scoring two touchdowns late in the regular season.
Bolaños said the connection between Vazquez and his receivers will be important as the Rockets enter the playoffs.
“Bryant had a big game against Roswell,” Bolaños said. “He’s a big, strong, tough and physical receiver. Eli Cooper can make things happen for us too. Nate has a pretty good connection with those guys.”
Bolaños said his team will look to establish its run game as well. Running back Isaiah Montoya scored twice on the ground against Roswell, and Romeo Paiz is another player the Rockets could utilize in the run game, according to Bolaños.
Bolaños also credited the offensive line for its improvement throughout the season, saying the unit will play an important role in the postseason.
With the regular season complete, Goddard has an opportunity to build on its progress and extend its season with a first-round victory.
Bolaños said he was pleased with the No. 7 seed and the opportunity to open the playoffs at home.
“I was glad to see us get the seventh seed,” Bolaños said. “Anytime you can play at home in a playoff game is a plus. I’m excited for us to play in front of our fans.”
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.
