2A Rattlers drop season opener to 1A Grizzlies

The Class 2A Tucumcari Rattlers lost their season opener 47-20 Friday night to the Class 1A Carrizozo Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies scored the first 14 points in both halves against the Rattlers in Tucumcari.

While the Grizzlies offense was run heavy, the Rattlers opted for a balance of the pass and run on offense.

During their matchup with the Grizzlies, two of the Rattlers touchdowns came by way of air.

“We moved the ball down the field in several series consuming a lot of time to score six points and they would come right back and score in two plays,” said Rattlers coach Daniel Hutchins.

“I am real proud of how these guys did tonight. Our young players really stepped up for this team. ”

The key to the Grizzlies offense was their running game, which was anchored by seniors Jeremy Zamora, Mark LeBlanc and Troy Korocil.

“Our backs are the leaders of this team,” Grizzlies coach Pat Ventura said.

“The linemen are young and green, they could not maintain the type of protection needed to run the offense we have used in the past so effectively," Ventura said. “It will take some time but as the season progresses our line will mature and we’ll be able to utilize that offense once again."

Hutchins said the rough start is in part because the team is young.

There are two seniors, three juniors and four sophomores while the rest are freshman.

“These players are going to continue to work hard to make improvements and that will be better as the season goes on,” Hutchins said.