Bernalillo's season ends in Bloomfield, future is still bright

BLOOMFIELD — The Bernalillo Spartans (7-5) football season ended in Bloomfield as the No. 1 seed Bobcats blanked the Spartans49-0 in the 4A semifinal playoffs Nov. 15. This is the second straight year that Bernalillo's season ends in Bloomfield.

"This season didn’t end the way we dreamed, but it did end with something powerful: A team that never quit, never fractured and never stopped fighting for each other. That is something to be proud of,” Spartan head coach John Cobos said.

From the get-go, it was all Bloomfield. Senior Gavin Pecotte took the opening kickoff to the house.

On the next Bloomfield possession, Spartan senior Mario Molinar was able to recover a fumble. However, the Spartans would turn the ball over due to a feisty Bobcat defense. On the day, Bloomfield created six turnovers.

Part of Bloomfield's success on defense came from the prowess of senior linebacker Cole Gosnell, who had two first-quarter sacks. One of the sacks forced a loose ball that was scooped-and-scored by Kaleb Hutchens.

On the offensive side of things for Bloomfield, quarterback Manuel "Peanut" Chavarria continued his brilliant season by tossing three scores and rushing for one.

Catching touchdowns for Bloomfield include receivers Cable Carruth (one), and Kaleb Hutchens (two).

With the win at home, Bloomfield will face off against Taos (7-4) at 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at Bobcat Stadium.

Despite the playoff loss, there is much to be excited about for the future of Bernalillo Spartan football.

"Playing at Bernalillo not only was an honor, but it was a privilege. The bonds we shared throughout the team were so special and will forever stick with me through my journey God has carved for me. I give thanks to the Lord everyday for all of the tools He had given me to write His story,” Molinar said.

From 2010-22, the Spartans had a 42-82 record. In the last three seasons, the Spartans have had a 24-12 record, including three straight playoff appearances, with two of those seasons as a top-four seed).

“Being a part of such a hard-working team with the whole community supporting us was a huge blessing in my life," Molinar said.

The Goon Squad also has a very talented coaching staff that includes defensive coordinator Jarmaine McChriston, and offensive coordinator Blake Miller to name a few.

"As I sit down to reflect on this season, my heart is full — full of pride, gratitude, emotion and a deep appreciation for every young man who put on that jersey and represented this program with honor. Also for our amazing managers who worked tirelessly to contribute to our success," Cobos said.

Another reason to be excited: The team will have a ton of young talent ready to step up to the plate. Some of the Spartans returning include R.J. Fleets, Teo Martinez y Marr, Dusty Debeer, Davontae Richards, Dominic Trujillo and, of course, Ulisses Castro, who hadn’t played quarterback prior to week two of this season.

"Your time is now. You’ve seen what leadership looks like. You’ve learned from the seniors who poured into you. The torch has been passed — carry it with the same pride, the same passion and the same relentless work ethic. Championships are built long before the season starts, and every rep, every step, every decision from here forward will define who you become," Cobos said to the juniors, sophomores and freshman on the team.

Some of the seniors who played their last game for the Spartans include Kenneth Saiz, Joseph Duran, Ivan Ruiz, Anthony Willie, Josh Barajas, Isaiah Rodgers, Tarynce Pino and Mario Molinar. Many of the 2026 class have been hallmark players for years.

"I’ve always wanted to put on that Spartan helmet ever since I was a kid watching my older brothers play. It was a dream come true to be a part of this Spartan family and I can’t thank the coaches enough and all the support I’ve had throughout these years to push myself in becoming a better man. It wasn’t just a football team, it was a brotherhood that always had each other’s backs. Once a Spartan, always a Spartan," Molinar said.