BHS wins a nail-biter at Spartan Stadium

BERNALILLO — It was a nail-biter Aug. 30 at Spartan Stadium when the Bernalillo High School football team (2-0) defeated Highland High School (1-1), 20-19.

The Bernalillo Spartans did not get off to the best start. In fact, they found themselves down 8-0 after Highland running back Amiri Mumba dashed for a 50-yard touchdown.

In Highland’s run-heavy attack, Mumba handled the rock for most of the game and finished with 244 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Bernalillo quarterback Uriel Castro also turned the ball over twice, throwing two interceptions in the first half.

On a positive note, the Spartans had no issue stopping the pass. Highland quarterback Alex Lopez struggled through the air with seven passes for seven yards on the night.

Like last week, the Bernalillo defense came through and created some turnovers. In the second quarter, off-ball linebacker Gabe Trujillo provided some boom on an outside run by Mumba and caused a fumble, which was recovered by the Spartans.

Bernalillo also snagged a couple of interceptions, including the first one of the season by safety Anthony Willie.

The Bernalillo offense was able to get on the scoreboard before the half as running back — and team captain — Nathan Encinias was able to punch it in for six.

In the third quarter, Castro found his footing. It was second down and 17 at the Bernalillo 30. Castro was lined up in the pistol formation with four receivers spread out wide. Castro snaps the ball, his two inside receivers run quick “out” routes, and the two outside receivers run “go” routes. Castro looks at wide receiver Joseph Duran first, who is covered by a Highland safety, then Castro turns to his second read, receiver Christian Sanchez, who was able to get behind the other Highland safety, and at that point, Castro corked a deep throw that ended up being a 56-yard completion.

Castro then threw a touchdown to tight end — and brother — Ulisses Castro. Ulisses Castro finished the game with three catches, 32 yards and one touchdown.

Down in the fourth quarter, Castro hit Duran on a screen for a 22-yard gain. Then, with 5:23 left in the fourth quarter, Castro connected with Duran for a 35-yard TD that tied the game and completed Bernalillo’s comeback.

Duran was Bernalillo’s leading receiver and finished with three catches, 58 yards and one touchdown.

With the game tied, Bernalillo decided to go for two. They put the ball in the hands of Nathan Encinias, who successfully scored the two-point conversion and sealed the win for Bernalillo.

Bernalillo will look to keep the win streak alive against Portales (1-0) at Spartan Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.