Spartans have a new QB1

BERNALILLO — With football season just around the corner, the town of Bernalillo can expect some big things from the Bernalillo High School Spartans.

The “Goon Squad” Spartans bring back several returning players but lose some key players like Jaden Lovato, Nathan Encinias and longtime starting quarterback Uriel Castro.

However, there is some real buzz for the new Spartan starting quarterback, Anthony Willie.

“We are super excited, and it’s his time to shine,” said John Cobos, the team’s coach. “He was voted as a captain this summer by his team, so we are really looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Willie, a senior, has been a varsity player since his sophomore year and spoke on being the starting quarterback for the Spartans: “It means everything. This school, this sport, playing here is an honor.”

Last season, Willie was the starting defensive back and the backup quarterback. Willie also mentioned that he has been playing quarterback since he was a little kid, and considers himself a dual threat.

“Anthony Willie is just a very disciplined young man, he understands how to read defenses, and is very coachable,” Cobos said.

Willie will have a well fortified offensive line protecting him and a plethora of position skill players at his disposal.

“With some great guys behind me, I feel great about this season,” Willie said.

The offensive line group is led by senior TJ Pino and junior Avery Gutierrez. According to Maxpreps, both are listed as captains for the 2025 season.

The Bernalillo skill guys include Kenneth Saiz, Mario Molinar, Joseph Duran, Ivan Ruiz, Josh Barajas and Ulisses Castro. Duran has been recognized as a top-five receiver in the state while Ulisses is a top-five prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.

“We have a bad taste in our mouth from last year. It’s just been a fire that’s been burning inside of us,” Cobos said.

To kick off the season, the Bernalillo Spartans will face off against the Valley Vikings at Community Stadium at 7 p.m. Aug. 21