The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate football team picked up another win on Friday, Oct. 24, taking down the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers 42-10 in Cortez.
With the win, the Pirates remain unbeaten in the Intermountain League (IML), boasting a league record of 4-0 and an overall record of 5-3.
According to stats entered into Max Preps and shared with The SUN, the Pirates were able to go up 21-0 in the first quarter thanks to Colton Lucero rushing for a 14-yard and a 24-yard touchdown, along with returning an interception 60 yards for a touchdown.
“It’s always good to come out and play good and continue to do that for four quarters,” coach Nathan Morales said.
The Pirates put up a total of 354 yards on offense, 339 rushing and 15 passing.
Lucero led the Pirates in rushing with a total 207 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries.
Alex Pacheco racked up 91 yards on 10 carries, and Hudson Mazur tallied 41 yards on five carries.
“Colton’s been making the most of his touches,” Morales said, also pointing out that the Pirates are “fortunate” to have three or four other playmakers they like to get the ball to. “I think Alex, Hudson and Creede [Dozier] all do good things for us.”
Morales added the Pirates’ offensive line has also put in quality performances over the past few weeks.
After last week’s performance, Lucero is now fifth in the state for most rushing yards on the season, racking up a total of 1,354 yards through eight games. Leading the state is Ethan Mangrum from Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs with a total of 1,861 yards through nine games.
Lucero also leads the Pirates in touchdowns, having scored 23 so far this season. He’s followed by Pacheco, who has scored eight this season.
Dozier completed his one pass attempt on the night, connecting with Mazur for a gain of 15 yards.
Morales commented on the Pirates’ ability in the passing game, mentioning receivers Kasen Limebrook and Johnny Baker.
“They can do big things for us in the pass game, too,” Morales said.
In the second quarter, the Panthers were able to get on the board with a successful 40-yard field goal attempt.
The Pirates’ only score in the second quarter came from a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Lucero.
In the third quarter, the Pirates were first on the board with an 82-yard punt return by Lucero for a touchdown, bringing the score to 35-3.
“We take special teams seriously,” Morales said, noting the Pirates aim to have big plays on special teams every game and have “been fortunate to get some the last few weeks.”
Mazur converted four out of four extra-point attempts, and Gavin Carter converted two out of two on the night.
The final scoring action of the night for the Pirates came on the following offensive possession with another rushing touchdown by Lucero, this time going for 53 yards.
The Pirates’ defense was able to come up with four turnovers on the night.
In addition to Lucero’s interception, Jimmy Elledge also recorded an interception off a tipped pass, Morales explained, noting the Pirates’ linebackers read an attempted screen pass play by the Panthers and the ball “popped up in the air and Jimmy got it.”
Dozier also recorded an interception, and Mazur is credited with a fumble recovery.
Pacheco led the Pirates in solo tackles on the night, recording nine.
Elledge recorded five solo tackles, and Dozier, Limebrook and Zander Lefthandbull each recorded four on the night.
“I think everyone played pretty well,” Morales said, noting that a bunch of guys are doing what they’re supposed to. “They’re just doing a good job of reading their keys and playing sound football on defense.”
He added the Pirates “gotta continue to do that” as they prepare to host the Alamosa Mean Moose in the final regular game of the season tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 31, at Golden Peaks Stadium at 7 p.m.
This will also be senior night for the Pirates.
“These seniors have done an amazing job for us these last four years, and we hope to go out and play well for them,” Morales said, noting the Pirates are focused on controlling what they can and having a solid week of practice.
“We just want to play sound football,” he added.
The Pirates are currently ranked 15th in the state’s 2A division, which would earn them a playoff spot, with the top 16 teams in the state getting a berth.
The Pirates will also be playing for the IML title against the Mean Moose, who currently sit atop the IML with an overall record of 6-2, including a league mark of 4-0.
The Mean Moose are ranked 13th in the state’s 2A division.
Morales commented more on the Pirate seniors, noting they’ve “done a great job.”
This year’s seniors include Baker, Dozier, Carter, Lucero, Jayton Ross, Lincoln Butler, Aidan Vega and Jeremiah Dean.
“The seniors have done a great job for us,” Morales said, “We’re gonna want to play well for those seniors. They’ve done a lot for us. It’s time for us to give back to them, as well.”
clayton@pagosasun.com
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