Las Cruces storms past Cleveland in state semifinals

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Las Cruces High School dominated Rio Rancho Cleveland Friday night in Rio Rancho, crushing the Storm by a final of 45 to 7 to move to the 6A state championship game.

The Bulldawgs jumped out to a commanding 17-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Things only got better in the second as the Dawgs took a 38-0 lead into the half. The two teams would each score once in the second stanza, as Las Cruces High finished off a resounding victory that left little doubt they were the better team.

Cleveland, the defending state champs in 6A, had beaten the Dawgs earlier in the regular season, scoring 49 points in the win. It appeared the Las Cruces defense was still angry about that, as they swarmed the Storm, holding them to a season-low seven points.

Las Cruces moves on to the championship game on Dec. 3. They will face the winner of Manzano and Rio Rancho High School, a game that will be played tomorrow.

Rio Rancho H.S. is currently unbeaten on the year, while Manzano edged Centennial in the state quarterfinals last week. Rio Rancho already has a win against Manzano this season, winning the first meeting 64-27.

The Bulldawgs did not play Rio Rancho or Manzano in the regular season.

Las Cruces High School is looking for its first state title since going back to back in 2012 and 2013.