2023 Team Preview: Bernalillo Spartans
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: John Cobos </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Spartans </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @BernaliloF, @j2cobos </p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Red and Gray </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 2-8 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Just when it seemed Bernalillo was on the upswing, the Spartans fell to 2-8 last season, losing a defensive struggle, 7-6, to district rival Albuquerque Academy in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. It was the last of four setbacks by six points or less for Bernalillo in 2022. The 2023 edition of the Spartans will feature a small senior class (5 players) but large junior and sophomore classes. The most recognizable rising senior is 6-foot-4 WR/DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275206' first='Mason' last='Espinda-McChriston']</strong>, who has been offered by New Mexico Highlands and Eastern New Mexico while FBS New Mexico has expressed interest. In 2022, Espinda-McChriston had 47 receptions for 712 yards and 4 TD on offense and 79 tackles and 2 interceptions on defense. He has shown off his incredible leaping ability in recent 7-on-7 events.</p>
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<p>Expect Espinda-McChriston to attract a lot of double teams from opposing defensive backs. When he does, rising senior WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275601' first='Shawn' last='Armijo']</strong> will work against single coverage, opening up the possibility of him enjoying a big season. 2025 quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615632' first='Uriel' last='Castro']</strong> will be responsible for getting his two playmakers the football. Castro is an elite baseball player who came out for football for the first time in 2022. He could make a big leap in his level of performance. Rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275621' first='Diego' last='Molinar']</strong> takes over as the No. 1 running back after finishing second on the Spartans in carries and rushing yards last fall. The offensive line lost four of five starters from last season, but several young blockers should step up. <strong>Ryan Berg</strong> will start at center. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594482' first='Jaden' last='Lovato']</strong> is 6-foot-3, 275 pounds. He should start at guard.</p>
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<p>Defensively, Bernalillo loses several elite players from a unit that played well last season but wasn't rewarded due to the struggles of the offense. Rising junior <strong>Gabe Trujillo</strong>, rising sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599962' first='Ivan' last='Ruiz']</strong> and <strong>Josh Barajas</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275621' first='Diego' last='Molinar']</strong> should line up at linebacker. <strong>Nate Encinias</strong> is a name to know as well. Watch out for freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853757' first='Ulisses' last='Castro']</strong> (2027) at defensive end. He's listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds with FOUR more years of high school football ahead of him. He saw extensive action with the varsity in 2022 as an 8<sup>th</sup>-grader. He'll be expected to pressure the quarterback. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853756' first='Mario' last='Molinar']</strong> (younger brother of Diego) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615568' first='Lee' last='Miller']</strong> will be counted on to make plays as well. Bernalillo has no shortage of cornerbacks led by senior <strong>Diego Vigil</strong>.</p>
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<p><strong>Schedule</strong>:</p>
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<p>Aug. 17 at Valley (Milne)(Thur.)</p>
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<p>Aug. 25 ESPANOLA VALLEY</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 at Del Norte (Milne)</p>
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<p>Sept. 7 at Highland (Milne)(Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 MORIARTY</p>
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<p>Sept. 22 at Taos</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 LOS ALAMOS</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 at Lovington*</p>
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<p>Oct. 13 PORTALES*</p>
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<p>Oct. 21 at Albuquerque Academy* (Sat.)</p>
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<p>* District Game </p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “Our record last year wasn't for a lack of talent at all. We had a hard time getting all our kids on the same page. Football is a team game. But we had separate cliques and that made it tough. We lost some close games. We were in the mix. I don't think teams are taking us lightly anymore. We're trying to be relevant and we're getting to that point. I don't want to say we're young because our juniors and sophomores have been in our program since the 7th grade. They understand the expectations and things we want. We're trying to build a program. . . .[player_tooltip player_id='275206' first='Mason' last='Espinda-McChriston'] is our horse. Everybody is going to game plan towards him. I've told him that. He had to improve his speed and he can stretch the field now. . .I'm looking forward to [player_tooltip player_id='275601' first='Shawn' last='Armijo'] having a big year for us. . .[player_tooltip player_id='275621' first='Diego' last='Molinar'] is a thick, strong kid. I think he can rush for 1,000 yards this year. We need to run the football to open up our passing game. I'm excited for our offensive coordinator. Our offense should be explosive and we should be able to score points.” – Bernalillo head coach John Cobos. </p>
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