September 11, 2021 | Portales, NM | Photos by Mark Kemp
On Friday, September 10th, the Portales Rams hosted Valencia High School from Los Lunas for a football game under the big lights at Greyhound Stadium. With at least 1,000 fans in attendance, the Rams proudly carried American flags in remembrance of Patriot Day. The teams and fans took time to honor all who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001. Following the 9/11 presentation, Valencia kicked off to Portales and the game was on.
The Valencia Jaguars quickly took charge of the game, forcing Portales to punt on their first drive. On Valencia’s first drive, they added 6 points to the scoreboard. They continued denying Portales any points in the first quarter, but added another 6 points to their score. The teams headed into the second quarter with Valencia ahead 12-0. Portales gave up turnovers and an interception before they added a 6-point rushing touchdown to the scoreboard. On the next drive, Valencia added 6 more to their score, leaving Portales at a yet another 12-point deficit. At halftime, the Rams were down 18-6.
In the 3rd, Valencia added another 6 points, but failed the 2-point conversion. The Jaguars held Portales to a no score quarter, and the teams went into the 4th with Valencia ahead 24-6.
Portales tried to rally in the 4th, scoring on a punt return. The Rams scored again with a passing touchdown late in the 4th, and added 2 more with a pass conversion. The deficit from the first half of the game was too much to overcome for the Rams though, and they ultimately lost to Valencia. The final score was 32-22.
The loss sets Portales at 0-3 this season. Their next game is scheduled for September 17, 2021 against Albuquerque’s St. Pius X High School. The game will be at Greyhound Stadium at 7 PM.
