Las Cruces football team ready for redemption in opener

The Las Cruces Bulldawgs have been waiting nearly nine months for another shot at Manzano, and the wait is almost over.

The Bulldawgs open their 2018 season against the Monarchs on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Field of Dreams.

Las Cruces will be looking to avenge a loss in last year’s 6A state semifinals, but it won’t be an easy task. While this year’s version of the Bulldawgs enters the season ranked fourth in the state, according to Maxpreps, Manzano enters as the second-ranked team in the Land of Enchantment.

But there are a few differences this time around.

“I think we have a lot more speed. Last year we were more strength,” said Las Cruces wide receiver and defensive back Kennedy Aleman. “This year I think we have more speed, and people are gonna to have to catch up to us.”

Last season it was Manzano running away with a 28-10 victory over the Bulldawgs to clinch a spot in the state final. Las Cruces grabbed an early 7-0 lead in the first, but Manzano rallied, outscoring the Bulldawgs 28-3 the rest of the way.

The Monarchs went on to win the title, defeating La Cueva in the state championship game by a final score of 14-7.

But the Bulldawgs don’t just enter the year with a bit more speed – they’re bringing a whole new mentality.

“Our motto, you know, our seniors always come up with our motto, and this year it’s “Be About It.” We know that talk is cheap, and we understand that,” said head coach Mark Lopez. “At the beginning of the season everyone is a state champ, and everyone is a state championship contender.”