The Santa Rosa varsity football team from Santa Rosa, NM, will play against Loving, NM, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: Loving vs Santa Rosa
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Loving vs. Santa Rosa
Two competitive teams, Loving and Santa Rosa, will clash in a high-stakes playoff matchup. Both squads have proven themselves against tough opponents, with Loving displaying a strong offensive balance and Santa Rosa dominating in district play.
Season Recap: Loving (NM)
- Record: 8-4
- Points For/Against: 375 PF, 265 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.3 points per game
Loving enters the playoffs with a balanced offensive attack, averaging over 300 total yards per game. They’ve shown the ability to win high-scoring games but have struggled against stronger defenses, as seen in losses to Texico and Tularosa.
Key Players:
- Tristen Onsurez (QB/RB): Offensive workhorse, averaging 96.6 rushing yards, 111.1 passing yards, and 207.7 total yards per game.
- Trey Tarvin (WR): Primary receiving target with 43.2 receiving yards per game.
- Kalob Lujan (LB): Defensive standout with 7.8 tackles per game.
Season Recap: Santa Rosa (NM)
- Record: 8-3
- Points For/Against: 335 PF, 239 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.5 points per game
Santa Rosa has leaned on a strong rushing attack and a stout district record, going 5-0 in league play. While their passing game is limited, their ground game, led by Josh Cordova, has been enough to overpower most opponents.
Key Players:
- Josh Cordova (RB/QB): A dual-threat athlete, leading the team with 124.6 rushing yards, 35.4 passing yards, and 160.0 total yards per game.
- Daryn Pacheco (WR): Limited opportunities but a reliable target with 20.4 receiving yards per game.
- David Chavez (LB): Defensive leader with 8.7 tackles per game.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Loving (NM) | Santa Rosa (NM) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 199.8 | 237.2 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 105.6 | 32.2 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 106.4 | 31.8 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 305.4 | 269.4 |
| Tackles Per Game | 52.3 | 44.2 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.1 | 0.6 |
| Points Per Game | 29.1 | 25.0 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Loving (NM) | Santa Rosa (NM) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 8-4 | 8-3 |
| League Record | 1-3 | 5-0 |
| Non-League Record | 5-1 | 3-3 |
| Common Opponent | 4-2 | 5-1 |
| Home Record | 4-1 | 5-1 |
| Away Record | 3-3 | 3-2 |
| Neutral Record | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Playoff Record | 2-0 | 1-0 |
Common Opponents
- Estancia:
- Loving: Won 49-20
- Santa Rosa: Won 54-0
- Tucumcari:
- Loving: Won 44-3
- Santa Rosa: Won 55-7
- Tularosa:
- Loving: Lost 12-6
- Santa Rosa: Won 33-20
- Legacy Academy:
- Loving: Won 42-20
- Santa Rosa: Won 27-20
Santa Rosa’s stronger performance against common opponents—particularly their win over Tularosa—gives them a slight edge in terms of comparative strength.
Key Matchups to Watch
Loving’s Passing Game vs. Santa Rosa’s Defense
Loving relies more on their air attack, led by Tristen Onsurez. If Santa Rosa can pressure Onsurez and limit his effectiveness, it could disrupt Loving’s rhythm.
Santa Rosa’s Rushing Attack vs. Loving’s Front Seven
Josh Cordova’s ability to exploit gaps in Loving’s defense will be critical. Santa Rosa’s game plan will likely focus on controlling the clock with their strong ground game.
Prediction
This game is a clash of styles: Loving’s balanced offense vs. Santa Rosa’s rushing dominance. Santa Rosa’s consistency in district play and superior performance against common opponents suggest they have the tools to come out on top.
