Senior Adadrian Jackson was laser-focused before facing off against NMMI during the Warriors homecoming game.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Coming off a tough road loss in Santa Fe against the St. Michael’s Horseman, the Warriors were ready to roar back for a homecoming victory. The team took to the field with a chip on its shoulder as they broke through the homecoming banner. The visiting NMMI Colts had next to no shot on this Friday night. Socorro prevailed with a 35-7 victory.

“This win felt great,” Head Coach Damien Ocampo said. “The kids were really needing this one. It felt great to have all of our kids available and I really feel like they all wanted to play hard for each other.”

The Warriors defense was key in the game as they did not give up a score until the Colts found the endzone with a garbage-time touchdown in the fourth quarter. NMMI’s offense was stifled all night, converting just 10 first downs on 40 offensive possessions. Quarterback Juan Badillo was 4-for-12 for 16 yards through the air. The running attack could not get going either as junior Juan Badillo averaged 1.8 yards per carry on the ground.

Despite the big win, coach Ocampo is still focused on the team improving.

“We just have to execute better. Late in the season it comes down to who stays healthy and who is the more physical team. We cannot make any mistakes. I can’t tell you how many games late in the season come down to making mistakes, and that is how you lose.”

A well deserved week of rest for the Warriors should help before they face off against rival Hot Springs on the road October 15. Their next home game will be October 22 against Cobre.

NM Class 3A Standings:

  1. Robertson; 6-1
  2. Socorro; 6-1
  3. St. Michael’s; 5-1