Skyhawks secure victory over Bengals

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

GALLUP – In a Friday night battle at Public School Stadium, the Newcomb Skyhawks demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic prowess, overcoming the Gallup Bengals in a tightly contested game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Skyhawks head coach Vincent Lee applauded his team’s execution under pressure after the hard-fought victory.

“First and foremost, hats off to Gallup. They played an absolutely great game,” Lee stated post-match, acknowledging the tough challenge the Bengals presented.

From the outset, it was clear that the Bengals, who boasted a significant size advantage, would test the Skyhawks’ mettle.

“Gallup has probably ten or eleven kids bigger than my biggest kid, so we knew we had to play a more precise game,” remarked Lee.

This insight prompted the Skyhawks to rely on their speed and agility, forcing them to adapt their strategy to outmaneuver their formidable opponents.

As the game unfolded, both teams exchanged powerful plays, with the Skyhawks leveraging their quickness and sharp decision-making to counteract the Bengals’ brute strength. The tactical adjustments made by the Skyhawks were crucial, allowing them to maintain momentum and press the advantage throughout the contest.

On the other side, Gallup’s head coach Robert Bornholdt acknowledged the challenges posed by a younger roster.

“I think our biggest thing is we need to play together as a team,” he reflected, noting that four freshmen were on the field, some experiencing competitive football for the first time. “Some of the kids we’re playing have never put a helmet on,” he said, emphasizing the learning curve faced by his squad.

Despite these growing pains, Bornholdt remains optimistic about the Bengals’ future.

“We have all the tools; we just need to mesh them together,” he affirmed, emphasizing the significance of teamwork over individual talent.

The Bengals showcased flashes of potential during the game, reinforcing their coach’s belief that with experience, they could evolve into a competitive powerhouse.

As the night concluded, the Skyhawks reveled in their hard-earned 20-12 victory, while the Bengals took away valuable lessons to aid their development.

Newcomb is hosting the Tohatchi Cougars this Friday at 7 p.m., and Gallup travels to Bayfield, Colorado, to take on the Bayfield Wolverines at 7 p.m.

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