The Goddard Rockets football team will face the Gadsden Panthers at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Sal Gonzalez Stadium in Anthony.
The Rockets (2-3, 1-1 District 2-5A) enter the matchup coming off a 28-27 overtime loss to the Alamogordo Tigers (2-3, 1-1) on Sept. 18 at the Wool Bowl. Gadsden (4-1, 1-1) also is coming off a district loss, falling 57-14 to Artesia (2-3, 2-0) at the Bulldog Bowl.
Despite the setback, Goddard head coach Art Bolaños said the Rockets remain in position to make their mark as district play continues.
“We’re still in the driver’s seat,” Bolaños said. “We’re still in a pretty good position and we’re playing tough teams, so that’ll make us better.”
One bright spot for Goddard has been the continued growth of quarterback Nate Vazquez. For the second consecutive district game, Vazquez shook off an early interception and finished strong. Against the Tigers, he completed 18 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
“Nate gets better every single week,” Bolaños said. “He’s shown a lot of growth, so I’m really proud of him.”
Goddard also has found production by spreading the ball around. Running back Isaiah Montoya carried 19 times for 71 yards and a touchdown against Alamogordo. Wide receiver Jose Porras caught six passes for 65 yards and a touchdown while also finding the end zone on a 4-yard rushing score. Bryant O’Mera added seven receptions for 109 yards.
“We got some dudes that we can spread the ball to and make things happen,” Bolaños said. “Those guys are ones we can count on and they’re hard workers.”
Gadsden brings its own collection of playmakers to the matchup. Quarterback Rosalio Gomez Jr. completed 71% of his passes for 777 yards and 14 touchdowns with just two interceptions through the first four games of the season.
The Panthers also have received production on the ground. Running backs Armando Ramirez and Izakk Carreon have each scored six rushing touchdowns to open the season.
Gadsden’s passing game has added another dimension through wide receivers Anthony Palomares and Deion Torres. Palomares has scored six touchdowns, while Torres has found the end zone five times.
With both teams coming off district losses, Friday’s matchup provides an opportunity to regain momentum with a win.
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.
