The Toppers storm onto Sullivan Field to start the match. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
Jordan Herrera breaks a tackle for a touchdown run. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
By MIKE COTE
Sports Writer
Los Alamos Daily Post
Offense was again on display for the Los Alamos Hilltopper football team in its home opener Thursday night.
Los Alamos took on the Taos Tigers, one of the Hilltoppers’ oldest rivals, Thursday at Sullivan Field.
Both teams put up big yards on offense, but it was the Hilltoppers who got the ball into the end zone consistently, as they won big, 42-19.
It was the second big win in two outings for Los Alamos (2-0), and it has another very winnable game scheduled at home this coming Thursday against Pojoaque Valley.
Los Alamos rolled up nearly 300 yards on the ground, including a whopping 256 from star running back Jordan Herrera.
Herrera, who had a monster start to his season a week earlier against Espanola Valley, carried the ball 27 times and scored four touchdowns, including a 50-yard breakaway on just his second carry of the contest.
In just two games so far, Herrera, a junior, has already gotten into the end zone nine times.
Meanwhile, quarterback Hayden Watkins had a big game, also. Watkins completed 14 of 18 pass attempts, spreading the ball around to 7 different receivers, for a total of 170 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In total, Los Alamos finished with 478 total yards.
While everything went swimmingly for Los Alamos on the offensive side of the ball, Taos (0-2) found success offensively, as well.
With Los Alamos leading 28-6 at halftime and threatening to turn the game into a rout, Taos came out of the break to score a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter and get right back in the ballgame.
But the Hilltoppers, behind Herrea, as well as key runs by Watkins and Ben Brousseau, scored a touchdown to open the fourth quarter, then forced a Tiger fumble less than two minutes later, which turned into a 15-play, 7-minute drive on the other end to ice the contest.
Brousseau caught a 15-yard touchdown pass in the first half, while receiver Carlo Baca grabbed a 54-yard pass for a touchdown, also in the first half, one of 3 catches he had on the evening.
Taos did find success throwing against Los Alamos, particularly deep toward the middle of the field. Taos receiver Alejandro Ortega made 6 catches for 126 yards and a third quarter touchdown.
The Tigers finished the game with 281 yards through the air, but struggled to get their ground game going Thursday.
The Toppers dominate both offense and defense for the game. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
Hayden Walkins kicks off in the second quarter. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
Carlo Baca celebrates his touchdown reception with Dylan Baca. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
Haden Watkins completes a pass late in the first half. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com
The 116-member marching band under the direction of Steven ILiff performing at halftime. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
The Cheer team was on hand to cheer the Toppers on to victory. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com