'Goon Squad' wins in OT led by Castro at QB

ALBUQUERQUE — Another week, another thrilling win from the Bernalillo Spartans. Another season, another Castro family member at quarterback.

“Our kids are resilient. They never give up. I’m proud to be their head coach,” said Spartan football head coach John Cobos.

The Spartans (1-0) faced off against the Highland Hornets (1-1) Aug. 28 at Milne Stadium, and the Goon Squad Spartans grinded out another road win, this time in overtime, with a final score of 14-8.

“I’d probably say our team’s performance was very good; although we faced some adversity, we came together and stuck through it. I’m beyond blessed to be a part of this team,” Spartan defensive back and receiver Kenneth Saiz said.

For the third straight year, the Spartans start off the season 2-0 and have now had both Castro brothers start at quarterback.

That’s right. Spartan starting quarterback Anthony Willie was spotted on the sidelines without a helmet (injured during the season opener against Valley), and getting the nod last week was junior Ulisses Castro, who is usually the starting tight end and defensive end.

For those who don’t know, Ulisses’ brother, Uriel Castro, was the starting quarterback for three season for the Bernalillo Spartans from 2022-24.

“I texted him once I found out I was playing QB, and he called, and we texted all week; he gave some tips to me,” Ulisses said of reaching out to Uriel, who is currently at Eastern New Mexico University on a baseball scholarship.

For the most part, the game was a defensive chess match that only saw a combined two points being scored throughout the first three quarters. The two points came off of a safety forced by the Bernalillo defense.

Spartan defensive coordinator Jarmaine McChriston had his guys ready again.

The Bernalillo defense only allowed 190 yards — less than 50 air yards — forced a safety, logged nine tackles for loss, and forced multiple turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Hornets stung back and scored on a touchdown pass by sophomore quarterback George Salzano. The Hornets also successfully converted a two-point conversion.

The Spartans responded with a firework of their own, and Castro connected with senior receiver Joseph Duran for a big 85-yard game-tying touchdown.

“I think we played great. At the end, we stayed calm and we knew we could come back,” Castro said.

The Duran touchdown would send the game into overtime, and in OT, Spartan senior Ivan Ruiz came up clutch for The Goon Squad.

In overtime, Castro threw a dart to slot receiver Ruiz, who scored from 10 yards out.

And in the final possession of the game, the Spartan defense sealed the victory with an interception, courtesy of Ruiz.

“I’m proud to play for this team. I love these guys. We faced some challenges, and we stayed calm and we overcame those challenges,” Castro said.

The Spartans will continue their road tour and travel to Portales Sept. 5 to face off against the Rams (0-1). Kickoff time is 7 p.m.