Rattlers fall, while Logan needs overtime for victory

The Logan Longhorn went overtime for an upset, defeating the Tatum Coyotes 30-22 Friday night.

Longhorn senior Brandon Rafool had several key catches during Friday nights game against the Coyotes, but his biggest catch came from 2 yards out in overtime, an interception of Tatum's Matthew Ellis.

"I was watching the receiver and jumped the route," Rafool said. "My teammates had all the other options covered and we knew they were going for a pass."

Ellis, the normal backup, took the position under center when starter Joseph Belsom was hurt in the third quarter.

"Ellis went from nose guard to quarterback," Tatum coach Gary Durham said. "I say he did well tonight."

Trailing 22-16, Ellis led the Coyotes down the field and with 28 seconds left in the game. Tatum ran a flea flicker play, with a pass to Chris Anderson to tie the game.

"That is a play we have used with success in the past," Durham said.

The Coyotes ran an sweep play on the conversion attempt, but the Longhorn defense held to force overtime..

"We wanted this game," said Longhorn senior Klay Rodgers.

In overtime Rodgers ran for the touchdown and extra points.

"It was all heart," Rodgers said.

The Longhorns next game is at 7 p.m., Friday at Gateway Christian.




Tucumcari

The Tucumcari Rattlers routed the New Mexico Military Institute Colts 32-13 for their first win of the season.

"We controlled the tempo of the game by driving the football down the field," said Rattlers head coach Daniel Hutchins.

The Rattlers had four rushing touchdowns (Cameron Montano 2, George Montano 1 and Clinton Marquez) and one receiving touchdown (Jakus Martinez).

"We felt confident that our run game could not be stopped by their defense," Hutchins said. "This was a great win which will gives the guys a lot of confidence."

Hutchins said mental errors are still a problem such as fumbling and penalties.

"We have to stop turning the ball over," Hutchins said. "We were operating in the no huddle offense for awhile but as soon as we started getting into the groove a penalty was slowing us back down."

Hutchins said the team will continue to work on the small issues and expects the progress to show later on in the season.

The Rattlers' next game is at 7 p.m. Friday. It's a homecoming affair against West Las Vegas.