2022 Team Preview: Portales Rams
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<p><strong>Portales 2022 Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Jaime Ramirez </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Rams </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @PHS_RamFootball</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Red, Black and White </p>
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<p><strong>2021 Record</strong>: 2-8 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Class 4A state champions in 2016 and 2019, youth proved to be Portales' kryptonite last season as the Rams posted a rare losing record. But the Rams hope the experience gained by the young players pays dividends in 2022. Junior dual threat <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275478' first='Devin' last='Diaz']</strong> returns as the starting quarterback as being thrown into the fire as a sophomore in 2021. But he'll have to win a QB battle first with sophomore <strong>Paxton Culpepper</strong>. The close battle raged all summer and carried over into preseason camp. Senior <strong>Emmanuel Diahn</strong> looks to be the primary rusher after seeing limited action at RB in 2021. Sophomore <strong>Kaiden Cordova</strong> will be the No. 2 RB. Diaz will get some carries as well when Portales runs the speed option.</p>
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<p>Juniors <strong>Zane Mayberry</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103881' first='Andru' last='Ontiveros']</strong> figure to be two of Portales' top receivers this season after making significant contributions last season. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594674' first='Tommy' last='Lopez']</strong> is a promising WR prospect. <strong>Brandon Beck</strong> is back as well. Senior center <strong>Travin </strong>Price anchors the offensive line. <strong>Nicholas Lavalle</strong> is back at guard. Junior <strong>Nehemiah Yorfee</strong> and senior <strong>A.J. Lopez</strong> bring versatility to the offensive line.</p>
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<p>Defensively, freshman sensation <strong>Manny Chavez</strong> emerged as one of the top 2025 prospects in the state with an impressive 95 tackles in 9 games. He'll be back at inside linebacker for the Rams. <strong>Dallas Lozano</strong> is battling for the other inside LB spot. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594674' first='Tommy' last='Lopez']</strong> moves to free safety after making 50 tackles in 2021 as a freshman. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103881' first='Andru' last='Ontiveros']</strong> is set to return at outside linebacker. Mayberry will compete for a starting job at cornerback. Diahn and Lavalle return at defensive line. A.J. Lopez was the nose tackle ad and should return to that vital role. </p>
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<p><strong>Schedule</strong>: Portales opens the season with a pair of home games against Highland and Ruidoso. Three lengthy road trips follow. In fact, the Rams make four trips to the Albuquerque metro area during the season. Portales is now a member of arguably the toughest Class 4A district with Albuquerque Academy, Bernalillo and Lovington. </p>
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<p>Aug. 19 HIGHLAND</p>
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<p>Aug. 26 RUIDOSO</p>
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<p>Sept. 2 at West Las Vegas</p>
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<p>Sept. 9 at Valencia</p>
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<p>Sept. 17 at St. Pius X (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 23 POJOAQUE VALLEY</p>
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<p>Oct. 1 at Valley (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 7 Bye</p>
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<p>Oct. 14 at Albuquerque Academy*</p>
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<p>Oct. 21 BERNALILLO*</p>
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<p>Oct. 28 LOVINGTON*</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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<p><strong>Top Storyline</strong>: Will the valuable experiences gained by so many of its young players pay dividends for Portales as the Rams seek a return to its prior championship form? </p>
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<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>: The NMAA put together a powerhouse district when they put Portales, Bernalillo, Lovington and Albuquerque Academy together, creating some tremendous October matchups. Portales took its lumps last season with a very young roster. The Rams hope some of the lesson learned produce more victories in 2022 against a challenging schedule. A .500 record would be a nice first step for Portales. </p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “We were extremely young last season. We had a lot of freshmen and sophomore starters on the varsity. Usually, having that many is never a good thing, but that's where we were last season. The good thing is all those freshmen and sophomores are now sophomores and juniors. They have experience.” – Portales head coach Jaime Ramirez.</p>
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Portales 2022 Preview
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