Nobody expected what happened at Española Valley’s football stadium on Friday. Not even their own players.
Española’s football players figured that if they were going to win, they would have to do so in an intense battle.
“I expected to win,” said center Bryan Almedia. “But I didn’t expect this.”
Instead, what was a close game for most of one half turned into a slaughter.
The Española Sundevils (6-3, 2-0 in district) clinched the District 2-4A championship for just the second time in school history as they dismantled Moriarty (5-4, 1-1) in a 50-0 victory at home on Friday night. The Sundevils scored 29 points in the third quarter and hit the mercy-rule threshold with 10:42 left on the clock. Española’s forceful defense was nearly perfect as they scored a shutout for their fifth straight win.
“We played like a team today, it just all clicked,” said guard E.J. Martinez. “We weren’t just physically better. We played as a team. That’s what counts.”
The game turned right at the end of the first half. Moriarty was down to Española’s goal line shortly before the half, with a chance to take the lead. Facing fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, the defensive line held on a quarterback sneak.
The Sundevils then had 31 seconds to drive 99 yards. On the third play, as time expired, sophomore quarterback Irvin Primero found Abraham Tamayo deep down the sideline, and he had passed all defenders and was gone for a 64-yard score.
“I was telling coach, that corner was slacking all day,” Tamayo said. “And then he called the right play. And I was there. Irvin (Primero) good ball. Touchdown.”
After halftime, Española came back out and Adrick DeLeon ran for 80 yards to the end zone on the first play from scrimmage of the second half. From there, the Sundevils knew they had the game in the bag, and played with an even more intense level of passion.
Star running back Adrick DeLeon ran for 200 yards for the third-straight game, as he gained 211 on 16 carries with two touchdowns. Jack Purdy was a perfect complement, gaining 171 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. Primero was 3-for-6 passing for an efficient 84 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
In the second half, the Sundevils scored on every drive, while Moriarty went backward on all four. The final Pintos’ drive ended in a punt blocked by Leonard Martinez, and Nick Sandoval recovered the ball in the end zone. DeLeon converted the two-point conversion to reach 50 and send Moriarty home early.
The real star for the Sundevils in recent weeks has been the offensive line. Leandro Salazar (left tackle), Jesus Gonzales, Bryan Almedia, E.J. Martinez and Matthew Martinez punished Moriarty, getting fantastic push at the line and opening wide holes for DeLeon and Purdy.
“We know how to fix our mistakes,” E.J. Martinez said. “We’ve learned communication.”
“Best O-line in the state,” Tamayo said.
Moreover, that group has created a new culture for Española football. They were the players working hard over the summers in years past, when there were as few as 10 players at practices. After four years, their hard work is beginning to pay off.
“We started a program here,” E.J. Martinez said.
“We’re finally getting a culture here,” Almedia said. “Española’s finally going to be put on the map. People are going to know our names.”
Española’s defense was incredible against a Moriarty offense known for their rushing attack. Española Coach Tylon Wilder had been scared to face them, but knew he had a team that was ready.
“I hate that offense … I call it ‘picking at the scab,’” Wilder said. “They pick at the scab. And then pretty soon they bust it, and then pfff. It bleeds. And then they grind clock. And you can’t stop it, And it’s left right middle right left right middle jet this pass. Over and over.”
Española had not beaten Moriarty in 20 years, if not longer. Since realignment put the two in the same district, Española had allowed 50 or more points to the Pintos in all five matchups. On this night, it was zero.
“They believed in what they were doing,” Wilder said. “They believed they could stop it.”
Española honored 10 seniors during their senior night ceremony at halftime, all of whom are big contributors to the team.
“All the younger guys wanted to win this one for the seniors, seniors wanted to win this one for the underclassmen,” Wilder said.
Now at 2-0 in the district, and with head-to-head wins over both Moriarty and Taos, the Sundevils will be district champions even with a loss next week. They will look to make it six straight wins against Pojoaque to close the regular season on Friday.
“We’re coming,” Tamayo said.
Throughout the season, the Sundevils’ rallying cry has been, “They didn’t believe in us; but god did.”