Ad
Featured
Bernalillo grinds out another OT win in Portales
Bernalillo Spartan running back Mario Molinar cuts in with a ton of open field in front of him. Molinar would finish the night with two scores.
Published
Modified
PORTALES — The Bernalillo Spartans (3-0) traveled to Portales (0-3) to face off against the Rams, and the Goon Squad prevailed once again, sealing another one-score win 19-13.
For the third straight year, the Spartans start their season 3-0, and head coach John Cobos has his team firing on all cylinders.
Returning to the lineup for the Spartans was quarterback/defensive back Anthony Willie.
"I would say although we experienced adversity all game, we found a way to come through," Willie said.
The first points for the Spartans came in the first quarter, when Willie hit Ulisses Castro for six. An ensuing fumble would result in a failed extra point conversion.
Portales answered with a touchdown of their own, also missing the extra point.
The game was tied 6-6 at the half.
Portales would score in the third quarter to take the 13-6 lead, and the Spartans put in Ulisses Castro at quarterback for some snaps.
Castro connected with running back Mario Molinar for a 50-yard touchdown, and an extra point from kicker Ryan Mortensen sent the game into overtime.
In OT, Spartan safety Joseph Duran made an incredible stand, intercepting a Ram pass on third down.
Ad
With prime field position, the Spartans went three and out and attempted the game-winning field.
On the field goal attempt, a Portales defender ran into the kicker, resulting in a penalty, giving the Spartans a fresh set of downs.
Then, it was Molinar who ran into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Molinar has had two game-winning touchdowns of the season.
"If you keep us in the game, we are always going to find a way to win," Molinar said. "We face adversity every week, but our urge to win is what is so special about this team. God gives miracles in so many ways, and we were blessed enough to have one tonight."
Cobos' undefeated Spartan squad will travel to Moriarty for its final stop in its four-game road stretch to play the Pintos (2-1).
The Pintos routed the highly touted St. Pius X football team (before the game was cancelled due to weather), and the battle will have significant implications for 4A teams. The game is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 12.
