2022 Team preview: Organ Mountain Knights
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<p><strong>Organ Mountain 2022 Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Steve Castille </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Knights </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @OrganMountainFB</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Black and Silver </p>
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<p><strong>2021 Record</strong>: 4-6 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: It's been six years since Organ Mountain finished with a record above .500 and reached the Class 6A playoffs. But with seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, Organ optimism might be at its highest point in years. Junior quarterback <strong>Logan Tarango</strong> is the new signal caller for the Knights, replacing the graduated Beto Garcia. The OM coaches like Taranago's skill set even though he is lacking experience.</p>
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<p>The running back spot will be by-committee with senior <strong>Joe Estrada</strong> among those getting carries. However, Estrada has battled some injuries and won't play in Friday's night opener against Albuquerque High. <strong>Abraham Romero</strong>, the starting middle linebacker and a reserve RB a season ago, and <strong>Fabian Lazoya</strong> will likely handle the bulk of the RB duties until Estrada returns.</p>
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<p><strong>Erik Dominguez</strong> is entering his third season as a starter at wide receiver. <strong>Isaiah Garcia</strong> plays both sides of the ball, including receiver. <strong>Ricky Villegas</strong> plays slot WR with <strong>Isaiah Maldonado</strong> on the opposite side. All four are seniors. Four starters return on the offensive line. Senior center <strong>Diego Abeyta</strong>, a three-year starter, is the anchor.</p>
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<p>Defensively, senior DT <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='269975' first='Christian' last='Valenzuela']</strong> ranks among the best players at his position in southern New Mexico. Valenzuela weighs 300 pounds and is strong and quick. He moves his feet well. His lateral movement is impressive. He knows how to use his hands. His job is to wreak havoc in the middle of the trenches. Lazoya is a three-year starter at defensive end. Romero is the undisputed leader of the LB corps from his MLB spot. The OM coaches consider Romero to be the ‘heart and soul' of the Knights. Senior <strong>Ryan Trejo</strong> holds down one of the OLB spots. <strong>Mando Paez</strong> and <strong>Julian Gonzalez</strong> are locked in a position battle for the other OLB spot. </p>
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<p><strong>Schedule</strong>:</p>
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<p>Aug. 19 ALBUQUERQUE HIGH</p>
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<p>Aug. 26 at Deming</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 MAYFIELD (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 9 at Rio Rancho</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 GADSDEN (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 23 at Centennial*</p>
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<p>Sept. 30 Bye</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 CARLSBAD*</p>
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<p>Oct. 14 LAS CRUCES* (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 21 at Hobbs* (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 28 at Alamogordo* (Sat.)</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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<p><strong>Top Storyline</strong>: Will the experience gained by Organ Mountain's older players over the past few years pay dividends this season? </p>
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<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>: Is this the season Organ Mountain has been building towards since Steve Castille took over as head coach in 2019? Many of the Knights' senior players are going into their fourth year with the program. They know the system and, just as importantly, the expectations. Organ Mountain is aiming for the Class 6A playoffs, and they just might get there. But first they have to survive a tough district with games against Las Cruces, Centennial and Hobbs along with non-district matchups against Rio Rancho and Deming. </p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “Everybody is expecting big things this time of the year and we're no different. Wee feel good. It's nice having a lot of older kids in the program that have been around. Our football IQ is higher. We have a lot of guys who have played under the Friday Night Lights and gotten experience. They've taken some lumps as young players. They're ready for it to be their turn to shine and go make some plays on Friday nights. We have some skill and veteran leadership on the offensive defensive lines. That helps you sleep better as a coach” – Organ Mountain coach Steve Castille.</p>
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<p> </p>
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Organ Mountain 2022 Preview
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