Rams, Storm ready for season after final scrimmages

RIO RANCHO — It was an unusual sight on the Rio Rancho High School football field on Aug. 14 when three teams lined up along the sidelines to prepare for their final scrimmage and the end of summer training.

“One last run through against another opponent, which is good,” said Rams head coach Nick Pino. “You hit each other for a long time [in the off-season], and it's nice to finally get after it and see some other people.”

The three-team scrimmage was something of an impromptu event. RRHS was set to scrimmage Sandia High School when Pino got a call.

“Originally we had Sandia scheduled but La Cueva couldn’t find a scrimmage, so they jumped on with us,” he said. “So, we [decided to do] a jamboree setup where all three teams are playing against each other.”

The atmosphere was more festive than a typical scrimmage, with several food trucks on site and the stands filled with friends and family from three different schools.

Work still got done, though. The teams took turns rotating between offense, defense and rest every six plays. The freshman teams played at 4 p.m., JV at 5:15 p.m. and Varsity at 6:30 p.m.

The Rams looked ready for what will prove to be a tough season as they hunt for their first district title since 2016.

“We are excited about our group,” Pino said. “We are bringing a lot of guys back on offense. Defensively, we got a lot of team speed; a little inexperience, but those guys fly around.”

Pino said his team looked a little sluggish to start but quickly found their footing.

“I thought we were slow coming out of the gate, but I thought as the scrimmage warmed up, and especially when we were able to go live and move the ball a little bit, we really warmed up,” Pino said.

Pino said he is excited to see some of the Rams defensive speed going into the season.

“We got some athleticism on the outside. More than in the past,” he said. “[The off-the-line defensive players] were part of our 4x100 relay state championship team, so they got some speed.”

The Rams will open the season against Atrisco Heritage Aug. 22. The RRHS home-opener will take place Sept. 6 against Las Cruces.

The Cleveland High School Storm also closed their off-season this week, taking on Eldorado in a full-pad scrimmage at CHS Aug. 15. Though only two teams were involved, it was no less intense.

Eldorado was able to bring some pressure, but Storm quarterback, junior Jordan Hatch, got a chance to let loose for more-than-a-few impressive throws throughout the evening.

“[Hatch] threw the ball really well tonight,” said coach Robert Garza. “I’m pleased with the progress he’s made from freshman, and then sophomore, and this year, his junior year. [The coaching staff] looks forward to seeing more of him.”

CHS kicks off their season at home versus Centennial at 7 p.m. Aug. 23.