Bernalillo drops second in a row in a tough Grants environment

GRANTS — The Bernalillo Spartans (6-3) traveled to Grants high school (6-3) to face off against the Pirates in a crucial district showdown Oct. 24.

However, the night belonged to Angry Jack nation and the sea of red fans there to watch their beloved Pirates.

The final: Bernalillo 14, Grants 32.

The Goon Squad started on fire, and at the conclusion of the first quarter they led 14-7.

In fact, the defense gave a few headaches to Pirates quarterback Deandre Chavez, who threw two interceptions. Logging interceptions for the Spartans was defensive backs Kenneth Saiz and RJ Fleets. Both also logged two pass deflections apiece.

Chavez took over quarterbacking duties for Grants after the team lost starter Tristin Fernandez to injury.

Fernandez was on pace for school record type of numbers, with 23 touchdowns to his name.

Grants' head coach Steve Brown was able to install a sound game plan that focused on utilizing the team’s maulers in the run game and handing off the rock to running back Julian “Juju” Fernandez, the brother of Tristin Fernandez.

Juju Fernandez, a freshman, racked up 155 rushing yards and added four rushing scores. The young Pirate star has 16 total touchdowns on the season along with 967 scrimmage yards.

After Bernalillo led in the first quarter, the Pirates would score 25 unanswered points to close the game.

The Grants defense also showed out, logging five total sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

Having another phenomenal game was two-way lineman Gary Chavez, who logged two sacks and four quarterback hurries while wreaking havoc on the defensive line.

“We finally fired back and showed the team we’re supposed to be,” Chavez said.

In the secondary, defensive backs Cardenio Chavez, Isaiah Ortega and Coudy Melonas made it difficult for Spartan quarterback Ulisses Castro to find rhythm. Melonas was able to snag an interception for his fifth of the year.

“Wins like this are very important to our success and demonstrate that even through a couple mishap losses we’re destined to do something great,” Chavez said.

Grants will carry the momentum on the road as they have a Halloween date with the No. 1 team in 4A football, Bloomfield (8-1).

Despite the rough last couple of weeks, the Spartans still possess plenty of talent to take on any of the 4A teams.

The Spartan defense has averaged multiple turnovers per game, and the offense has a ton of juice behind two-way playmakers like Joseph Duran, Mario Molinar and Ulisses Castro

The Spartans will look to end their two-game skid on Halloween night when they face off against Taos (5-4) Oct. 31. Even though Bernalillo has secured a playoff spot, they are still fighting to be a top-four seed and have a first-week bye.