For Albuquerque teams, two games are better than none
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If 50 percent (or even 25 percent) of something is truly better than 100 percent of nothing, there should be plenty of elated football coaches, players and parents in Albuquerque today. Wednesday, the state Public Education Department approved the hybrid…
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Continue ReadingIf 50 percent (or even 25 percent) of something is truly better than 100 percent of nothing, there should be plenty of elated football coaches, players and parents in Albuquerque today.
Wednesday, the state Public Education Department approved the hybrid education model presented by Albuquerque Public School district officials, clearing the way for high school football to begin.
The 13 APS football teams can begin working out in five-man pods on March 8. Under rules established by the PED, full team workouts can not begin until two weeks later, making March 22 the first official day of practice.
APS schools will likely have the opportunity to play two games on March 26-27 and April 1-3. The NMAA is scheduling football. Some teams around the state are starting their spring seasons this weekend, including Clovis, Hobbs, Artesia, Carlsbad and most teams in the Four Corners region of the state.
Next weekend, Rio Rancho, Cleveland, the four major Las Cruces high schools and the three in Santa Fe join them.
The two high schools in Valencia County (Los Lunas and Valencia) should begin playing football as well as the PED has approved the school district’s hybrid learning plan.
James Yodice of the Albuquerque Journal reported Thursday afternoon that all 13 APS schools are expected to play football.
Additionally, he reported fans will be allowed to attend games in a limited capacity (probably 25 percent of a venue’s maximum) but must wear masks and socially distance.
The NMAA put out a press release late Thursday afternoon: “Effective immediately, spectators will be permitted at all school-related sports to the extent allowed by the current Public Health Order under the limits applicable to large entertainment venues.”
The maximum number of spectators allowed at each football venue will be determined by the host team’s county color scheme:
Turquoise: 75 percent of capacity
Green: 50 percent of capacity
Yellow: 25 percent of capacity
Two games doesn’t sound like much, but players and coaches Prep Redzone New Mexico spoke with seem pleased they will FINALLY get an opportunity to play football.
“I’m happy for the kids, especially the seniors,” West Mesa coach Anthony Ansotigue said. “Getting an opportunity to play in some fashion is great news. We’ll do our best to get prepared and ready for a game in three weeks.”
For some seniors, especially those striving to play at the next level, Wednesday’s developments, are a mixed blessing. Two games are better than zero, but it is enough to impress college coaches?
“It stinks knowing that I’ll only be playing two games my senior year,” La Cueva quarterback Ryan Cook Ryan Cook 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2021 State NM told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “But we’re all blessed to be given the opportunity to play one last time. I think that’s what matters most.”
Even 2023 Cibola quarterback Aden Chavez, who will definitely play in college, realizes the impact playing just two games as a sophomore will have on his recruiting.
“I hope they can figure out how to play more games because there’s not a lot of film to send to colleges in just two games unless those two games are breakout games,” Chavez said. “So, we have to make each game count. I do feel good about it because at least we’re allowed to play.”
For some schools beginning the spring season this weekend, the schedule begins with a bang. Best examples: long-time rivals Clovis and Hobbs square off Saturday night at Leon Williams Stadium, while Artesia and Carlsbad battle in the annual Eddy County War.
“I’m very thankful for everyone who never gave up and continued to fight for us to play sports this year,” Artesia wide receiver Braxton McDonald Braxton McDonald 5'10" | WR Artesia | 2021 State NM said. “My teammates and I have been working hard.
“We are excited and ready to play.”
BREAKING: Spectators Now Allowed At Some School Sporting Eventshttps://t.co/yQ8ENxS6BK
— NMAA (@_NMAA) March 5, 2021