Cavemen Gridders Gear Up for Stretch Run

From the Stands by Don Eskins

Carlsbad High, along with the other seven members of District 2/6A, will be taking this weekend off, October 1-3.

With four games remaining on their schedules, games that could help to catapult their conference standings and to punch their tickets to this year’s state playoffs, the break couldn’t have come at a better time.

That’s especially true for the Cavemen (4-2, 1-2), who will face off against three of New Mexico’s Top 10 Class 6A teams during their final four-game stretch of the season.

Still left on their schedule are No. 2 Las Cruces (5-1, 2-1), No. 8 Eldorado (3-2-1, 3-0), and No. 9 Hobbs (3-3, 1-2). Organ Mt. (3-3, 0-3) is ranked 12th.

The Cavemen are currently ranked 10th.

The Break and Coach Sanders

As most football fans know, taking a break in mid-season can have a see-saw effect on a team’s overall finish. For some, the break reinvigorates them and propels them on to bigger things. For others, the results can be disastrous.

As for the Cavemen, well, let’s just say head coach Cale Sanders couldn’t be happier about having the week off.

“We are happy about our open week. During our first week off, we’ll cut back on our workouts and give our kids some time off. Having time off should help them to get some much-needed rest, both physically and mentally,” said Sanders.

“As for the coaching staff, it will be nice not being so rushed to put a game plan together for Eldorado, and to spend a bit more time at home with our families,” he added.

“We’ll get back on our normal schedule beginning on Monday, October 5,” said the Cavemen coach. “By then, our kids, and coaches, should be ready to get back to work.”

And, for the Cavemen, there will be lots to work for.

“We have two main goals this season,” said Sanders. “First, to get to the state playoffs, and second, to host a first-round playoff game.

“Both of those games are still on the table for us,” he said. “But to do that, we have to win some games down the stretch. Knowing that should be plenty of motivation for our kids.”

Encouraging Signs for Sanders

Taking the break, after having come off a big win over Clovis, especially made Sanders happy. It was the first time this season they’d thrown for over 200 yards.

“Marley had a rough go of it against Volcano Vista. Coming off our game with Clovis—a game in which he completed 16 of 21 attempts for 263 yards and four touchdowns—has given him a shot of confidence,” said Sanders. “In doing so, he distributed the ball well, completing passes to five different receivers. We were a bit more aggressive with our game plan, which seemed to help him out a lot.

“But we saw a lot of things, on both sides of the ball, that were pleasing,” he said. “As their coaches, we have a lot of confidence in our kids. They’re resilient, and if they continue to work as hard as they have all season and can cut down on some of the mistakes we’ve been making, they’ll be in good shape down the stretch.”