Bowman's three touchdowns carry Alamogordo past Mayfield, 24-19

Alamogordo N. M- What a way to celebrate homecoming.

One week after a 54-19 loss to Artesia, Alamogordo gave its homecoming crowd plenty to cheer about Friday night. Tristan Bowman rushed for three touchdowns, and the Tigers beat Mayfield 24-19 on their home field.

It was the turnaround this team needed. Alamogordo had lost four of its previous five games and dropped its last two at home by a combined 110-45. On Friday, the Tigers held an opponent under 20 points for the first time all season.

Bowman was the star of the night. He found the end zone from 2, 18 and 8 yards out and added a two-point conversion run, accounting for 20 of his team's 24 points. Kicker Gabe Russell supplied the other four with a 35-yard field goal and an extra point.

Alamogordo trailed only once, 5-3 in the second quarter. The Tigers answered with 21 straight points and led 24-5 after three quarters.

Mayfield made it interesting. Levi Montez ran for one touchdown and threw for another in the fourth quarter, cutting the margin to five with 4:53 left. The Tigers shut the door from there, and the homecoming celebration was on.

The victory lifts Alamogordo to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in district play. It is the Tigers' first home win since the Aug. 21 season opener against Santa Fe.

How the scoring went

First quarter. Russell put Alamogordo on the board with a 35-yard field goal with 3:15 left. Mayfield got two points back on a safety, and the Tigers led 3-2 at the end of the quarter.

Second quarter. Ryan Chavez kicked a 28-yard field goal with 7:18 left to give Mayfield a 5-3 lead. Bowman answered with a 2-yard touchdown run with 4:59 left and ran in the two-point conversion himself. Alamogordo led 11-5 at halftime.

Third quarter. Bowman scored on an 18-yard run with 8:49 left, and Russell's extra point made it 18-5. Bowman added an 8-yard touchdown run with 3:28 left. The extra point missed, leaving the score 24-5 after three quarters.

Fourth quarter. Montez scored on a 7-yard run with 9:02 left, and the extra point cut the lead to 24-12. He then threw a 19-yard touchdown pass with 4:53 left, and the kick made it 24-19. Neither team scored again.

Momentum heading into Gadsden

The Tigers now have a win to build on. Alamogordo sits fourth in 5A District 2 and travels to Gadsden on Oct. 16 with a chance to even its record at 4-4.

Homecoming weekend has more to celebrate than one win. In other Tiger sports news, the Class of 1986 and former athletes gather at noon Saturday at the 19th Hole to honor the late Coach Marilyn Sepulveda, a pioneer of girls' athletics in New Mexico. Read more: Class of 1986 Returns for Homecoming; Gathering to Honor Coach Marilyn Sepulveda.

From the legends who built Tiger athletics to the players carrying it forward, it is a good weekend to be a Tiger. The Tiger class of 86 reunion gala will also be tonight - roaring through the city with Tiger pride this homecoming weekend. 

More News from Alamogordo

• Class of 1986 Returns for Homecoming; Gathering to Honor Coach Marilyn Sepulveda Gathering to remember the accomplishments of Coach Marylin Sepulveda, noon 10th Hole Bar & Restaurant
• Factcheck: Block Mailer Claims Credit for Money Every House Member Got — Including Bills He Opposed and Bills That Died Rep. John Block’s mailer takes credit for an equal share every House member received, money inside bills he opposed, and bills that died in committee.