Bloomfield dominates Valencia, advances to 4A semifinals

Posted by Navajo Times | Nov 21, 2024 | Sports |

By Lee Begaye
Special to the Times

BLOOMFIELD, N.M. – The undefeated Bloomfield Bobcats wasted no time in dismantling Los Lunas Valencia in the second round of the New Mexico Class 4A football playoffs.

The top-seeded Bobcats needed just two quarters to move onto the state semifinals as Bloomfield defeated the Jaguars 50-0.

The defensive dominance by the Bobcats was on full display, marking their sixth mercy-rule victory of the season and extending their streak of not allowing more than one touchdown in the last nine games. Only 6A Piedra Vista managed to put up more points (34) during its season opener in late August.

The Bobcats set the tone early after kicking off with the wind behind their backs. Valencia’s junior running back, Michael Storm III, entered the game ranked second in the state with 1,723 rushing yards, averaging 156 yards per game. Yet Bloomfield’s defense had other plans.

“Our strategy was to slow down Michael Storm III. He’s a sensational running back, but we focused all week on containing him,” said Bloomfield head coach Mike Kovac.

The Jaguars went three-and-out on their opening drive, punting into the wind and setting up Bloomfield at the Valencia 42-yard line. It took the Bobcats just a few plays to find the end zone, with junior running back Peyton Duncan capping the drive on a 7-yard rush. The successful PAT gave Bloomfield an early 7-0 lead with 8 minutes left in the first quarter.

On Valencia’s next possession, another three-and-out led to a short punt, which junior Deasyl Priddy returned to the Jaguar 25-yard line. On the very next play, senior quarterback Blake Spencer connected with Priddy on a short hook. The Bloomfield wide receiver spun out of a would-be tackle and dashed into the end zone for a 25-yard score, extending the lead to 14-0 after the PAT with 7:21 remaining in the quarter.

The Bobcat defense then forced Valencia to turn to the air, where junior defensive back Tayetum Callado intercepted a pass at the Jaguars’ 48-yard line. On the first play after the turnover, Duncan broke loose for a 52-yard touchdown run. Senior fullback Eli Snell-Martinez added a two-point conversion, pushing the lead to 22-0 with over seven minutes still to play in the quarter.

Another Valencia punt set Bloomfield up at the Jaguar’s 42 yard-line. Spencer added to the onslaught, scrambling for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 30-0 late in the first.

Valencia briefly crossed into Bobcat territory but couldn’t capitalize as the quarter ended.

The second quarter brought more of the same. After Valencia failed to convert on fourth down at the Bloomfield 31, Duncan exploded for a 69-yard touchdown run, his third of the game. The PAT pushed the score to 37-0.

Spencer then extended the lead with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Priddy, who broke free on a well-timed rollout. With 1:42 left in the half, senior linebacker Logan Gosnell—lining up at running back—powered in from 11 yards out for the final score, sealing the 50-0 mercy-rule victory as all those points were scored just over an hour.

Coach Kovac praised his team’s preparation. “In the playoffs, we make it a point to play all our seniors when we get a lead like this. Our defense was dialed in, and we executed our plan perfectly. For now, we’ll celebrate, but come Monday, we’re back to work. We’re not done yet.”

Bloomfield (10-0) will host Bernalillo on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Bobcats previously defeated the Spartans 20-7 on Oct. 18. Bernalillo is one of only two 4A teams to score against Bloomfield this season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.