Cowbell Basketball ends another tourney

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

How do you summarize one of the longest running basketball tourneys in New Mexico, simply put WOW!

It is some of the best basketball around as both girls and boys take to the court for five days of court play starting Tuesday December 6, this year. Many of the games start out close until one team finds the weak spot and then there are the games that go to the wire like the Raton JV and Mosquero girl’s game that went to the wire with Raton pulling it out by one 42-41.

However it’s the championship games that usually bring the jingle from the bell and cheers from the crowd and this year was no exception even at the 3rd and 4th place games as well as the Lady Red Devils downed the Questa Lady Wildcats 67-40 and the boys game between Des Moines and Questa that saw Questa dowse the Demons 49-41.

In the championship game the girls kept things lively as the Lady Tigers came from a 10 point deficit to within two with only seconds on the clock. The Lady Tigers were poised to strike when a stolen pass added two more points for the Lady Demons just before the buzzer ending the game with a 46-42 win for Des Moines.

The boy’s championship game between Springer and Wagon Mound was one of those heart stopper close games until the third quarter. Springer made the needed adjustments during halftime and slowly began to pull away from the Trojans. Yet it still wasn’t over until the buzzer sounded as Springer pulled it out 64-52. The Red Devils now have taken the bell for the last five years.

The 2011 Cowbell Trophy Winners



1st Place Des Moines Lady Demons

Rienda Rivale, Dakota Martinez, Shelby Walker, Rayelle Rivale, Samantha Green, Samantha Bostillo, Jenna Gilbert, Jordyn Bannon, Aunna Walker, Coach Fred Libby, Dudy Martinez, Deanna Walker



1st Place Springer Red Devils

Darren Montoya, Jacob Romero, Christian Chavez, Anthony Romero, Carlos Chavez, Sam Garcia, Uriel Urquijo, Austin Decker, Dago Chavez, Leonard Arias, Joe Turley, Ben Aragon, Patricio Montoya, Derek Duran, Coach Jimmy Apodaca, Asst Coach Johnny Chavez



2nd Place Raton Lady Tigers

Haley Gansz, Michelle Guara, Noelle McDonald, Brylee Medina, Jordan Valdez, Mikala Vertovec, Sarandon Walton, Tarryn Trujillo, Dominique Zamora, Coach Leon Romero and Brandon Hightree



2nd Place Wagon Mound Trojans

Jose Aguilar, Jacob Castillo, Danny Cruz, Jonathan Vielma, Abel Moreno, Rio Armijo, Corey Muniz, Chris Cruz, Gabriel Cruz, Marcus Cruz, Eric Olguin, Coach Bobby Clothier



3rd Place Questa Wildcats

Justin Torres, Jesus Ortega, Kelly Romero, Fil Quintana, Angelo Lopez, Markie Chavez, Allen Sandoval, Tyree Torrence, Kendal Cordova, Erik Cisneros, Francisco Medina, Augustin Rael, Robert Gomez, Coach Cruz Chavez, Jose Martinez, Mark Martinez



3rd Place Springer Lady Red Devils

Jerri Lopez, Brandi Burton, Alisha Frye, Ciara Sanchez, Brittany Baca, Selina Gonzales, Kyra Laumbach, Cordy Tafoya, Angelica Montoya, Coach Amedeo Soto, Thomas YBarra



Consolation Winner Raton Tigers

Luis Ruiz, Matt Ortiz, Dylan Query, Seth Brower, Mark Hightree, Dustin Gonzales, Jeramy Armijo, Rashaan Craig, Caleb Wood, Jay Starr, Daniel Montoya, Coach Ben Segura, Tory Giacomo



Consolation Winner West Las Vegas Lady Dons

Franny Gonzales, Alyssa Atencio, Joedy Quintana, Jaylen Gutierrez, Heather Ulibarri, Celeste Trujillo, Deanna Bustos, Kyanna Spaulding, Alexis Sotres, Coach Kristen Encinias





To see more Cowbell photos click the link below.

http://martymayfieldphoto.smugmug.com/Cowbell-2011

Final Day Scores form the 2011 Cowbell

Girls Game 17
Raton JV 29
Cimarron 25

Boys Game 18
Cimarron 49
Maxwell 53

Girls Game 19
Mosquero 36
WLV JV 54

Boys Game 20
Raton 51
Mosquero 44

Girls Game 21 3rd 4th place
Questa 40
Springer 67

Boys Game 22 3rd 4th place
Des Moines 41
Questa 49

Girls Game 23 Championship
Des Moines 46
Raton 42

Boys Game 24 Championship
Springer 64
Wagon Mound 52

Cowbell Day 4  Friday Night basketball

Girls
Game 13
Des Moines 51
Questa 28

Boys
Game 14
Springer 69
Des Moines 45

Girls
Game 15
Springer 53
Raton 65

Boys
Game 16
Questa 43
Wagon Mound 58

Day 3 of the Cowbell Tourney

Girls
Game 9
Raton JV 42
Mosquero/Roy 41

Boys
Game 10
Raton 54
Cimarron 48

Girls
Game 11
Cimarron 7
WLV JV 48

Boys
Game 12
Maxwell 43
Mosquero 67

Cowbell game scores for Wednesday Dec 7, 2011

Girls
Game 5
Mosquero 28
Questa 40

Boys
Game 6
Questa 56
Maxwell 48

Girls
Game 7
Raton 51
West Las Vegas JV 33

Boys
Game 8
Wagon Mound 68
Mosquero 38

Cowbell Game scores for Tuesday Dec 6, 2011

Girls

Game 1

Des Moines 58

Raton JV 44

Boys

Game 2

Raton 44

Des Moines 50

Girls

Game 3

Springer 57

Cimarron 11

Boys

Game 4

Springer 82

Cimarron 42

JV

Raton 25  17  20

West   17  25 18

Varsity

Raton  25  25  25

West    17  18  18

Raton brings home district Championship

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            It’s been a long long time since the Lady Tigers of fall have brought home a district championship, actually it’s been since 1977. Yet Saturday night in West Las Vegas they not only did they did it in style taking the match in three games as did the JV team as well.     

            The JV Lady Tigers swapped scores in games one and two with West but in the tie breaker oh wow what a different story that one was as the lead swapped and the score saw ties several times during the game. It was tied at 14 and 15 and on until at 18 Raton managed to get a break and take the lead 19-18. Then it was on the wire and West had a bad hit and the score was 20-18 Raton JV bring it on home a district title as well.

            The stage was now set for the varsity. Again the Lady Tigers as they have in past matches played it tough at the net until the coaches adjusted and the vollies and passes went deeper in the court.

            Raton took an early lead in all three games and managed to create and maintain at least a three to five point lead throughout the remainder of the game. Early on though the girls had to work to break it out but it didn’t take long as they pulled out in front while still in the single digits scores.

            While Raton looked like the winning team West seemed flat and while they had some strong play at the net with great blocks yet the spikes often went wide or long.

            As game three moved along the Ladies hit a slump and were up by 12 with West making a rally. A rally that fell short for West and allowed Raton to end the game by seven.

Raton will now travel on to Albuquerque for state tourney play this week. 

Its official the winning circle on the floor after the Lady Tigers won the 2AAA district title.

The 2011 2AAA District Championship Team
Kalista Dorrance, Breannon Trujillo, Mikala Vertovec, Makayla Mondragon, Shania Dorrance,Brittni Garcia, Arissa Maldonado, Maggie Honeyfield, Jordan Valdez, Sarandon Walton

RHS Seniors Arissa Maldonado, Brittni Garcia, Maggie Honeyfield, Jordan Valdez.

            

Wild Finish to Regular Season Game

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            Great defense in the first half kept the score in the single digits as the Tigers hosted undefeated rivals St. Mike’s Horseman Friday night in the Jungle. Second half play was a wild and raucous game.

            The Raton defense came on strong and held the Horseman’s first drive to a few plays. The Horseman faked the punt to no avail and turned the ball over on downs at the 50-yard line. Five plays later Matt Ortiz scrambled, zigged and zagged his way 32 yards for six. The 2-point failed and Raton lead 6-0.

            An offside penalty on the kickoff forced Raton back five and kind of set a tone of different for the rest of the game. St. Mikes went three and out on their next series and Raton took the punt at the 21. From there they chewed up ground on a penalty plagued drive that saw both teams commit the infractions. Raton a procedure and holding call and St Mikes a pass interference and offside call. Yet the drive ended in the end zone when Josh Carrasco picked off a Matt Ortiz pass and carried it to the 14.

            St. Mikes ended the quarter and three plays later ended their drive when Luis Ruiz snatched a Louis Montoya pass at the 1-yard line and facemask penalty took it out to the 16. But its not over yet as Raton drives the field and breaks into the red zone only to see their hopes dashed when Alexander Saiz picks off a Matt Ortiz pass in the end zone.

            The Raton defense however holds up and forces St Mikes to punt and Raton starts at the 38. Raton unfortunately becomes their worst enemy when a 25-yard pass play is called back on a hold and an 18-yard pass play is called back on an illegal block forcing Raton to punt.

            St Mikes takes advantage of the situation and drives down inside the red zone but the Raton defense holds tough and St Mikes Santo Coppola boots one high and straight kick for a 27-yard field goal. Its now a 6-3 ball game and 26 seconds left in the half and to the surprise of many as St Mikes comes into the game not only undefeated but allowing their opponents very few points.

            Second half action continues with different as Luis Ruiz gets smacked  hard and looses the ball out near the 50 on the kickoff. St Mikes turns right around and Mark Hightree grabs a Louis Montoya pass at the Raton 33. Unable to do much Raton turns it over on downs at the 41.

St Mikes keeps it to the ground and chews up the yardage. A stubborn Raton defense holds St Mikes at the 2-yardline and turns it over on downs. To the dismay of Raton fans the Tigers fumble on the 8-yard line and St Mikes capitalizes when Salamon Montoya crosses the goal line for six. The Coppola PAT was good and it was now a 10-6 game with 2:35 left in the third.

            Two plays later Josh Carrosco pulls in an Ortiz pass and rambles the 30 yards for another Horseman TD (6-17). The PAT is good and St Mikes has scored twice in less than a minute with 1:42 left on the clock in the third.

            Raton carries the ball into the fourth quarter and another pass interception by Salamon Martinez at the Horseman 16 yard line dashes Tiger hopes of another score.

            St Mikes drive again chews up ground and then the fireworks go off with a team brawl that occurred when Mackenzie Main sees movement and plows through the St Mikes line, seconds later both teams were being pulled apart by officials and coaches. When it is all said and done, after about a 10-minute break as officials conferred, two players are ejected George Marquez and #68 (not on the Roster) from St Mikes. The ball is now on the Raton 25 and St Mikes completes the drive with a Daniel Ortega run from the three. Coppola’s PAT is good and it’s a 24-6 score.

            Raton goes three and out and St Mikes takes it the distance and finishes it off with an18 yard run by Salamon Martinez. PAT is good and it’s 6-31 with 4:25 on the clock.

            Raton drives it down the field with purpose and bang Joaquin Garcia picks off an Ortiz pass at the 10 and an open field in front of him. 90 yards later it’s six more points for the Horseman. Coppola’s PAT is good and it’s a 6-38 game with only 1:28 left on the clock.

            Game over the coaches try to pump up the boys telling them they played one heck of a game and the numbers on the scoreboard don’t tell the whole story at how close the game really was. Coach Walton felt the defense played one of their best games. It was the big plays that really hurt Raton like the two pass interceptions that resulted in touchdowns.

            Raton will now wait to see if they will be on the 12 team bracket for the state tourney.

to see more game photos follow the link below

http://www.martymayfieldphoto.smugmug.com/

Salamon Martinez hurdles Dylan Aragon Friday night in the Jungle

Salamon Martinez hurdles Dylan Aragon with Tyler Vertovec in hot pursuit

Whoops there goes the ball 

Alexander Saiz picks off a Matt Ortiz pass intended for Mark Hightree in the end zone. 

Robertson  22  17  17

Raton          25  25  25

Lady Tigers continue in District Tourney

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            Lady Tigers looked like a totally different team Thursday night as they hosted the Robertson Lady Cardinals for a district 2AAA tourney match.

            As game one got underway about 7:00 p.m. Thursday night in Tiger Gym it was a totally different looking Lady Tiger team that came to play compared to last Saturday’s performance in Las Vegas against the Lady Cardinals.

            Yet the Lady Cardinals came to play as well and the score stayed close the whole game never separating more than three points. Both teams exhibited strong play at the net with blocks and spikes going hard. The problem for both teams came from the service line as both teams missed critical serves during the game.

            Game one was by far the most exciting of the night with both team making some great plays to keep the ball in play. There were saves made that would make any coach and fan proud as the girls stretched it out and even got a hand under the ball as it fell to the floor to keep it in play. With the score tied several times during the game Raton did manage to slip ahead after a tie at 22 and take the win 25-22.

            The next two games however were a bit easier for the Lady Tigers as they played some of their best volleyball and Robertson seemed to have problems with vollies and serves. Game two was a bit closer early on but Raton pulled it together and widened the point spread and finally the win.

            In game three Raton took the early lead and at times had as much as a 10-point lead during the game as the Lady Cardinals just seemed to loose that groove. Missed hits and miss communication resulted in Lady Tiger Points. The Lady Cardinals did however make a short rally, to little to late resulted in a 25-17 loss.

            The Lady Tigers will travel to West Las Vegas Saturday for the District 2AAA championship match at 7:00 p.m.

Coach Zack Romero talks to Arissa Maldonado, Breannon Trujillo and Shania Dorrance during the District tourney match in Raton Thursday evening (11-3-2011)

Coach Zack Romero talks to Arissa Maldonado, Breannon Trujillo and Shania Dorrance during the District tourney match in Raton Thursday evening (11-3-2011)

Lady Cardinal Abbey Bradley goes up for the block as Mikala Vertovec makes the hit Thursday evening (11-3-2011) during the district tourney match

Lady Cardinal Abbey Bradley goes up for the block as Mikala Vertovec makes the hit Thursday evening (11-3-2011) during the district tourney match

The Tiger Strikes Cheerleader Katie Flores gets Fuzzy with the Tiger mascot Thursday evening (11-3-2011)

The Tiger Strikes Cheerleader Katie Flores gets Fuzzy with the Tiger mascot Thursday evening (11-3-2011)

District 1A Volleyball battle continued Saturday

Springer        24 25 17 21

Des Moines  26 23 25 25

District 1A Volleyball battle continued Saturday

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            The battle for supremacy continued Saturday night in District 1A volleyball as the Des Moines Lady Demons hosted the Springer Lady Red Devils yet it took the Lady Demons four games to stay off the Lady Red Devils.

            A walk in the park it wasn’t either as the lead changed several times in game one and was even tied going into the final points of the game at 24. The battle at the net was between Lady Demon Shelby Walker and Alisha Frye.

            As game two continued other net battles started such as the one with Samantha Bostillo and Brandy Burton. It was blocks and spikes back and forth again keeping the score close until Springer took the lead and went on to win it by two after a tie at 23.

            The match continued and was destined for four or five games by this time. The Lady Demons currently are in first place in the district and in game three continued to show why as they created a small lead and hung on to pulling out the game by eight.

            Game four was a bit closer yet strong play with good spikes from Shelby Walker and Samantha Bostillo lead the Lady Demons to a lead. But the Lady Red Devils wouldn’t give up that easily and created some long lasting vollies that kept up the excitement.

            By the end of game four it was a Des Moines match and a firm grasp on the lead in the district. District 1A will start tourney play this week as well with Cimarron traveling to Questa for match one on Tuesday and the winner will travel to Springer on Thursday. Des Moines will host the district championship on Saturday.

LRD Brandy Burton makes the hit as LD Samantha Bostillo goes up for the block during the match in Des Moines Saturday night (10-29-2011)

LRD Brandy Burton makes the hit as LD Samantha Bostillo goes up for the block during the match in Des Moines Saturday night (10-29-2011)

LRD Alisha Frye makes the block as LD Auna Walker sends the ball over the net Saturday night (10-29-2011)

LRD Alisha Frye makes the block as LD Auna Walker sends the ball over the net Saturday night (10-29-2011)

The Battle at the net continues with LRD Brandy Burton and LD Samantha Bostillo Saturday night (10-29-2011)

The Battle at the net continues with LRD Brandy Burton and LD Samantha Bostillo Saturday night (10-29-2011)

C-team

Raton               25 25

Robertson      21 21

JV

Raton                          25 25

Robertson      12 23

Varsity

Raton              18  25  25  25  14

Robertson      25  27  22  13  16

Robertson dowses first place hopes for Tigers

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            It was another one of those volleyball matches that kept fans on the edge of their seat and whooping and hollering cheering the girls on. But when this one was over Raton saw a first place finish dashed as they fell to a 3-2 district record behind West Las Vegas 4-1.

            In game one fans were wondering if the girls would wake up as they fell short 25-18. During game one it was bad serves and missed hits that gave Robertson the win.

The girls began to come alive and play ball in game two as they kept close or took a brief lead during the game. Again it was the girls play at the net that kept things going. Robertson began to play the longer shot instead of the spike. As Raton adjusted they stayed close and tied the game at 24 and 25. West made the last two points and won that game.

Raton and Robertson again kept it close with neither team taking a solid and commanding lead during the third game. Raton finally took the lead and the win after a tie at 22.

In game four Raton took off and managed an early lead and later a commanding lead. From there they looked more like the Raton team they were known for. It was a 2-2 match and time for a tie breaker.

The heat was on and both teams kept this a close one. It was a tie game not once, not twice, but several times and again at 14. Hearts a pounding and sweaty palms and who was going to bring this one out. Robertson got a lucky hit and took the lead. It was 15-14, one point left for the win. The volley went back and forth and a hit went just out side the reach and hit the floor inside the white line. Robertson won 16-14 and the disappointment could be seen.

Instead of a tie breaker in Taos with Raton and West, as was talked about it, will be Taos traveling to Robertson on Tuesday for the beginning of the district playoff. The winner will come to Raton on Thursday and that winner will go to West Las Vegas on Saturday for the championship game and a chance of a state tourney trip.  Go Lady Tigers!!!

Mikala Vertovec makes the reach for the ball Saturday afternoon (10-29-2011)

Mikala Vertovec makes the reach for the ball Saturday afternoon (10-29-2011)

Tangled up is Shania Dorrance and Sarandon Walton as Sarandon gets low and the ball Saturday afternoon (10-29-2011)

Tangled up is Shania Dorrance and Sarandon Walton as Sarandon gets low and the ball Saturday afternoon (10-29-2011)

Its a stretch as Arissa Maldonado goes for the ball well out of bounds to keep the ball in play Saturday afternoon (10-29-2011)

Its a stretch as Arissa Maldonado goes for the ball well out of bounds to keep the ball in play Saturday afternoon (10-29-2011)

Yellow Flags Fly in Friday night game

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

           

            The AstroTurf at Perkins stadium in Las Vegas saw plenty of yellow (20 penalties) Friday night as the Dons hosted the Tigers for a district match up.

            It was also a night of big plays and missed tackles as both teams changed the numbers on the scoreboard often for a total of 100 points by both teams. Raton however put more on the board for the win, a final of 60-40.

            Scoring started late in the first after a troubling start for the Tiger offense. Raton held West and they turned it over on downs with Raton promptly turning it back over to the Dons. The defense held and again Raton took over on downs and it was a 45-yard TD pass to Mark Hightree that put Raton on the board first. The 2-point try was good and Raton was on top 8-0 at 4:20 on the clock.

            West fumbled again on their next series with Raton recovering it on the Raton 36. Raton started down field and a couple of penalties Raton makes it to the West 15 and a short pass to Seth Parker finishes the drive for six. This time the 2-point failed leaving Raton on top 14-0 with 2:06 on the clock.

            Stephen Urioster took the ball 90 yards on the kickoff and started the scoring for West. The 2-point failed and it was a 14-6 game with 1:48 still left in the first.

            A couple of punts later and Raton took the ball on the 46. A 14-yard run was called back on a holding penalty followed by a 49-yard pass to Troy Hall for six more Raton points. It was another pass to Hall for the 2-point try and a 22-6 ball game with 10:36 in the second.

            More yellow on the kickoff and a play later West fumbles the ball and Seth Parker takes it to the 39. Two runs later and another flag followed by a sack and George Marquez fumbles at the West 39. Here it comes another big West pass play to Jordan Lopez for 61 yards and six more. The 2-point failed and Raton was up by 10.

            The on-side kick off gave Raton great field position at the 50. Yet a holding penalty and a sack along with a bad snap on the punt gives West the ball on the Raton 19. Three plays later David Sanchez scampers the eight yards for six. Jay Morrales plowed through for the 2-point play and it was a 22-20 game with 4:54 on the clock.

            Raton suffers again from a yellow flag and is forced to punt. West starts up field and despite a 15-yard offensive interference call West gets the ball to the three where quarterback George Martinez scampers the three yards for six. With 35 seconds on the clock it was a 22-26 ball game after a failed 2-point try.

            Raton goes 45 yards in two plays and a short pass to George Marquez makes six with 11 seconds on the clock. Another pass and George finds the end zone again for the 2-point conversion and it’s a 30-26 ball game. The kickoff ends the half and a wild quarter.

            The third quarter starts where the second left off when Raton’s Matt Ortiz gets off a pass to George Marquez who zigs and zags the 45 yards for six with only 11:14 on the clock. Ortiz takes it in for the 2-point and a 38-26 game.

            Wow!! It’s another 90 yard plus scamper by Jordan Lopez for another West TD, the 2-point failed and with only 58 seconds gone on the clock it was a 38-32 game.

            Raton goes the 55 yards with the help of two offside penalties and finishes the drive with a Matt Ortiz scramble of five yards for six. Seth Parker takes it in for the 2-point and only 10:13 on the clock. That’s three scores in only a minute and 47 seconds and a 46-32 game.

            Raton recovers the on-side-kick but West intercepts a Matt Ortiz pass at the West 36. West heads up field and despite a holding call keeps on going and then George Marquez finds a George Martinez pass and takes it to the 23. A pass interference call on a pass to play puts the ball at the West 40 then West intercepts an Ortiz pass and takes it to the 46 and tacks on a facemask penalty. Dylan Aragon picks off a Martinez pass in the end zone to save a West touch down.

            Raton gets a couple of big plays with a 33 yard Ortiz run and 15 yard pass play and this drive ends with a 2-yard pass play to George Marquez and six more. The 2-point fails and it’s a 52-32 game.

            Three and out for West then a play later its another pass interception giving West the ball at the Raton 42. Another three and a fake punt and a holding penalty gives west a chance but still turn the ball over on downs.

            Raton has a 34-yard pass to Hall followed by a 49-yard pass play to Tyler Vertovec for six. Ortiz scampers in for the 2-point conversion and it’s a 60-32 game with 4:40 on the board.

            George Martinez scampers 48 yards to Raton 1-yard line and then dives over the line with 2:42 left. A pass to Jordan Lopez adds 2-points and it is a 60-40 ball game.

            Raton with the help of two offside penalties and a procedure call manage to run the clock out and put to bed a wild ball game and a 2-1 district finish. Raton will now host Santa Fe St. Mikes Friday night.

squirt there goes the ball. Raton recovered this one but it didn't last long as they fumbled a couple of plays later Friday night (10-28-2011)

squirt there goes the ball. Raton recovered this one but it didn't last long as they fumbled a couple of plays later Friday night (10-28-2011)

There goes George Marquez as he scampered down the field Friday night (10-28-2011) in Perkins Stadium

There goes George Marquez as he scampered down the field Friday night (10-28-2011) in Perkins Stadium

In the open Jonathan Roybal bears down on Raton's Troy Hall as he catches a Matt Ortiz pass and then heads for the goal line Friday night (10-28-2011)

In the open Jonathan Roybal bears down on Raton's Troy Hall as he catches a Matt Ortiz pass and then heads for the goal line Friday night (10-28-2011)

            

C-team

WLV 25  25

Raton 9    9

JV

WLV   26  14

Raton 28  25

Varsity

WLV    25  26  17  13  15

Raton  13  24  25  25 11

Tough Loss for Lady Tigers

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            Wow oh wow, wipe the sweat from my brow, heart pounding, sweaty palms kind of volleyball Saturday afternoon in Tiger Gym as the Lady Dons came to play and play they did taking the Lady Tiger to five games in the district match.

            As game one got underway it looked like both teams had just woke up and were sluggish then the Lady Dons came alive and worked the net with great blocks turned points and hits that fell to the court. Finally the Lady Dons scored the final point and ended the Lady Tiger misery.

            Game two however started the sweaty palms as both teams came alive and the battle of the net began in earnest. Both teams were making the blocks and hits at the net and the score went back and forth as players like Maya Roybal and Faith Romero went head to head with Arissa Maldonado and Mikala Vertovec. Others at the net for West included Ellena Armijo, Larissa Gallegos and Rebecca Goldean. Goldean one of the taller West players was deadly at the net with spikes while Maggie Honeyfield, Jordan Valdez and Makayla Mondragon along with Breannon Trujillo battled the blocks and hits. The lead had changed hands several times and the game was tied multiple times with the last coming at 24. Yet by the final whistle the Lady Tigers had powered their way to 26 and a win.

            This battle continued throughout the game two and into game three. The girls had some extended vollies that kept the heart pounding as the ball went back and forth with diving saves and hits stretching the out of bounds line. The crowd by now was well into the games cheering both teams on and making this an afternoon to enjoy and remember for the girls.

            In game four it looked like West might have lost their rhythm as they dropped this game by more than 10. It didn’t last and the tiebreaker was just as exciting as game two and three. Raton took an early lead but West stayed close and tied it up before they extended the lead by four 10-6 But Raton continued to battle and keep it close until West put together a rally that extended their lead and as the final whistle blew gave them the win by four.

            Raton with a 3-1 record in district play is easily in front and on their way to a district title. The way the district plays out will now fall to how Robertson and West play each other. West beat Robertson 3-0 in their first meeting. Taos is in last and with losses to all three district opponents will likely stay there. Raton will host Taos on Thursday and travel to Robertson Saturday to end regular season play. 

Senior Arrissa Maldonado demonstrates the magic of volleyball as she makes the hit with her eyes closed Saturday evening (10-22-2011)

Senior Arrissa Maldonado demonstrates the magic of volleyball as she makes the hit with her eyes closed Saturday evening (10-22-2011)

Brittny Garcia makes the hit and slides it by Larrissa Gallegos and Ellena Armijo Saturday evening (10-22-2011)

Brittny Garcia makes the hit and slides it by Larrissa Gallegos and Ellena Armijo Saturday evening (10-22-2011)

Here Elena Romero goes tip to tip with Maggie Honeyfield Saturday evening (10-22-2011) in Tiger Gym

Here Elena Romero goes tip to tip with Maggie Honeyfield Saturday evening (10-22-2011) in Tiger Gym

Cardinals stun Tigers at Home

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

            Two plays, only two plays and a PAT, Robertson was on the scoreboard with seven and only 45 seconds have run off the clock. Coach Brock Walton later said, “I thought we were better prepared than we really appeared to be.” As The Robertson Cardinals stun the Tigers in a 35 to 6 romp.

            The Robertson defense did their job as well and held Raton at bay. The next Robertson series ended with a field goal attempt that went wide. Raton now had the ball on the 20 and with the help of a persona foul penalty they moved forward. Matt Ortiz laid out a short pass to George Marquez and 60 yards later Raton had six. The PAT wobbled wide and it was a 6-7 game at 3:58 on the clock.

            As second quarter action got underway Robertson’s Justin Bustos made the 37-yard field goal, 11:52 on the clock and it was a 6-10 score. Again the Cardinal defense did their job and kept Raton clear of the goal line and getting the ball back on their 23.

            The next Robertson series was all Dalan Abreu with a little help from Cardinal quarterback Girard Maestas who took it on the ground and rambled up the field. Abreu himself went 10, 15, and then 30 yards, which placed the ball at the Raton one. Abreu did the honors and went in almost untouched. Bustos missed the PAT and left Robertson on top 16-6.

            The second half was even crueler to the Tigers when Robertson’s Dalan Abreu picked off a Matt Ortiz pass at the Raton 40. A 28 yard run by Maestas was called back on a hold and then a procedure penalty had Robertson on a 1^st and 25. A run then a 25-yard pass play and it was at the five. This time James Gonzales took the honors and six. Bustos shanked the PAT and it was now a 22-6 ball game.

            The Robertson defense forces a Raton punt and from the Robertson 37 they march up field. Penalties plague this series but they go both ways and a facemask penalty puts the ball on the Raton six. Maestas rambles in from the six and Bustos nails the PAT for a 29-6 game.

            Raton rumbles down the field, inside the red zone Raton suffers a sack and then in the end zone it goes, no not a Raton touchdown but a Robertson pass interception by Dominic Lucero. Robertson took the ball at the 20 and worked it to the 35 where Girard Maestas seals the deal with a 65-yard romp for six. The PAT failed and left the score a dismal 35 to 6 with only 5:42 left on the clock.

            Robertson again ended another Raton drive deep in Cardinal territory when Lucero found another Matt Ortiz pass. It was only a matter of running out the clock and Robertson did that with the second-string offense then the first-string defense held Raton and forced the ball over on downs. A knee ended the game and a stunned Raton team wondered what happened.

            After the game the Raton huddle was quiet and coach Walton shaking his head told KRTN we will have to go back and look at the video. He added the coaches will have to study the video and see what went wrong. One thing that did go wrong was allowing the run to the outside, which often times ended in big yardage.

            Raton will now prepare and travel to West Las Vegas for the final district game of the season Friday night.

            

It right there as George Marquez makes it look so easy as he brings in a beautiful Matt Ortiz pass Friday (10-21-2011) night in the Jungle

It right there as George Marquez makes it look so easy as he brings in a beautiful Matt Ortiz pass Friday (10-21-2011) night in the Jungle

Sticky hands and concentration and Mark Hightree brings this one in for a Raton first down and puts them in striking distance Friday (10-21-2011) night

Sticky hands and concentration and Mark Hightree brings this one in for a Raton first down and puts them in striking distance Friday (10-21-2011) night

Its an open field tackle as Dylan Aragon brings James Gonzales down Friday (10-21-2011) night in the Jungle

Its an open field tackle as Dylan Aragon brings James Gonzales down Friday (10-21-2011) night in the Jungle

The clock explains it all as Girard Maestas goes down the near sideline toward the pylons and the final six of the night for Robertson (10-21-2011)

The clock explains it all as Girard Maestas goes down the near sideline toward the pylons and the final six of the night for Robertson (10-21-2011)