Tigers Open Season with Thrilling 41-33 Victory Over Santa Fe

Alamogordo N.M- Alamogordo’s football team made a statement in their 2024 season opener Friday night, holding off a spirited Santa Fe squad to claim a 41-33 victory at Tiger Stadium.

The game was a back-and-forth affair that showcased both offenses throughout, but Alamogordo’s defense came up with crucial stops down the stretch to secure the victory and improve to 1-0 on the season.

“It was a hard-fought game,” said one of the parents in the stadium. “Both teams showed they can move the ball, but we made the plays we needed to make when it mattered most.”

First Quarter Fireworks

Alamogordo wasted little time establishing dominance, scoring three touchdowns in the opening quarter. Nate Cereceres broke through on a 41-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead. Rudy Wolfe then connected with Tristan Bowman on a 16-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 14-0 with 5:46 remaining in the first quarter.

Santa Fe answered with a Manuel Pena 17-yard touchdown pass to Tristan Ramirez, narrowing the gap to 14-6. Cereceres struck again with a 1-yard scoring run, and Alamogordo led 21-6 heading into the second quarter.

Santa Fe Mounts a Comeback

The Demons refused to go away quietly. John Henry Clement punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to bring Santa Fe within striking distance at 21-19. The momentum continued to shift when Pena launched a devastating 76-yard touchdown pass to Ramirez, giving Santa Fe its first lead at 26-21 with just 29 seconds remaining in the half.

At the 21-6 mark in the game, defensive standout Tanner Nowaczck delivered a huge sack that energized the Alamogordo sideline during a crucial Santa Fe possession.

Second Half Drama

The back-and-forth battle continued after intermission. Jesus Navarette’s 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave Santa Fe a 33-21 advantage with 11:39 left in the third quarter. But Wolfe answered with an 8-yard touchdown run to cut it to 33-28.

Jayden Valdez scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:48 remaining in the third quarter to put Alamogordo back on top 34-33. The Tigers then sealed the victory when Tristan Bowman returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown with 49 seconds left in the quarter, extending the lead to 41-33.

Looking Ahead

With the season-opening victory in hand, Alamogordo will hit the road next Friday to face Clovis in what promises to be another competitive matchup.

Final Stats:

• Alamogordo 41, Santa Fe 33

• Record: 1-0

• Next Game: at Clovis (Friday)

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