Grants holds off Silver in a hard-fought defensive battle

By Lee Begaye
Special to the Times

GRANTS, N.M. – Grants returned to the 4A NMAA State Football Playoffs for the second consecutive season, finishing with a 6-5 overall record and 4-3 mark in District 1-4A.

The Pirates last won a playoff game in 2019, and this year’s opener featured a defensive showcase with Grants claiming a 22-16 victory over Silver, which was powered by a series of turnovers and non-offensive scoring plays.

The action kicked off in the first quarter when junior cornerback Cardenio Chavez stepped in front of Silver sophomore running back Urijah Arrey as he wrestled the ball away, and sprinted 20 yards to the end zone for a pick-six, putting Grants on the board 6-0.

Shortly after, junior free safety Coudy Melonas tackled Silver’s senior Mekhi Grant in the end zone for a safety. Although initially flagged for a facemask, the penalty was overturned after a lengthy referee discussion, extending the Pirates’ lead to 8-0.

In the second quarter, Silver responded. Senior quarterback Josiah Madrid connected with freshman running back Cody Cooper on a 24-yard touchdown pass, with Cooper slipping past Grants’ defense down the left side and diving into the pylon. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 8-8.

Both teams battled for the lead in the third quarter. Silver took the edge late in the period when Madrid punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Arrey followed up with a leaping grab on a two-point conversion, giving Silver a 16-8 advantage.

But Grants quickly answered as senior wide receiver Boudy Melonas ignited the crowd with a 90-yard kick return touchdown, slicing through Silver’s coverage. A two-point rush by senior running back Andres Lazos tied the game again at 16-16 as the quarter drew to a close.

The fourth quarter belonged to the defense. Senior defensive end Juaquine Rivera intercepted a desperation pass from Madrid and raced 20 yards for Grants’ second pick-six of the game, putting the Pirates ahead 22-16.

Although Grants missed the extra point, their defense held strong. With six minutes left, Coudy Melonas grabbed another Madrid interception, positioning Grants on Silver’s 33-yard line.

However, Grants’ offense, struggling with penalties, as they couldn’t capitalize. Silver had one final drive, but Grants’ defense stood firm.

With under a minute remaining, Melonas secured his second interception of the game, sealing the victory at 22-16.

Grants finished with a remarkable seven interceptions, underscoring their defensive prowess. Grants Pirates siblings Coudy Melonas and Boudy Melonas accounted for four of the seven interceptions in the game.

Reflecting on the hard-fought win, Grants head coach Steve Brown praised his defense: “I have to give it to our defense—they kept us in the game. We didn’t score an offensive touchdown and still beat a tough team like Silver. Our defense is loaded with talent.”

He added, “I don’t know what the fix is for our offense, but we need to figure out something to get them in sync.”

Looking ahead, he remarked, “For next week, we need to get our offense working; our defense can’t keep bailing us out.”

Grants will next face second-seed St. Pius X at Milne Stadium in Albuquerque on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., aiming to advance further into the state playoffs.

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