2025 Team Preview: Gallup Bengals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 GALLUP PREVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Years of struggle led the Gallup High administration to hand the keys to the football program over to Lawrence Garcia, a former Miyamura player and assistant coach who was hired in May. Gallup hasn't won more than two games in a season since 2015 when they won three. The closest the Bengals have come to .500 in the last two decades was a 5-6 record in 2006.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gallup open the 2025 season Saturday night at Tuba City (AZ). MaxPreps list 37 players on the Bengals' varsity roster, which is dominated by seniors and sophomores. Garcia's effort to change the culture and the mindset of the players and people surrounding the program is well underway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“So far, everything has been great with the kids we have,” Garcia told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “The administration seems like they're fully invested in this and making football important. Everything I've asked for, they've been right on top of it and very supportive. Hopefully, I got the job at the right time with everything aligning. The kid shave really bought in and they've worked hard.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterback job has been the subject of a spirited battle between a pair of candidates: senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1846111' first='Elijah' last='Eddie']</strong> and sophomore <strong>Tristan Garcia</strong>. Eddie has a strong throwing arm and more of a pocket presence, while Garcia is speedy and very athletic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior transfer <strong>Alex Gonzalez</strong> is set to start at running back. Gonzalez has been impressive in the weight room since he arrived at Gallup. He has very strong legs and good speed. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1848610' first='Elijah' last='Alemon']</strong> and junior <strong>Jeremias Cleveland</strong>, a basketball standout. will likely get reps as well as the backups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>Jayson Bruner</strong>, another hoops standout, returns at wide receiver. His strength is rising up and catching the football. Senior <strong>Josh Keeto</strong> is back as well at slot receiver. He is a three-sport athlete for Gallup, with basketball and track being his other sports. Good sized senior <strong>Kelton Edison</strong>, center for the Gallup basketball team, will be the tight end. Edison is extremely mobile and has a good work ethic. Athletic sophomore <strong>Kaleb Baca</strong> is in the mix at outside WR as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gallup offensive line won't lack for experience or size. Several have started for the last two or three years. The left tackle will be Garrett Benally, a captain on last year's team. Alongside Benally is left guard <strong>Bradley Joe</strong>. The center will be senior <strong>Tijes Largo</strong>. Senior <strong>Tyler Joe</strong> will be the right tackle. The one position battle along the offensive line is at right guard. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia expects a lot of the Bengals offensive players to also line up on defense. <strong>Kelton Edison</strong> will play defensive line along with <strong>Garrett Benally</strong> and senior <strong>Ryland Cisco</strong>. <strong>Tyler Joe</strong> and senior <strong>Teegan Lossiah</strong> will be part of the rotation as well. Sophomores <strong>Chayton Chato</strong> and <strong>Adam Candelaria</strong> will be in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alex Gonzalez</strong> will be one of the inside linebackers alongside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1846111' first='Elijah' last='Eddie']</strong>. &nbsp;<strong>Jeremias Cleveland</strong> has been competing for starting job. Senior <strong>Collin Jimmy</strong> and sophomore <strong>Kaleb Baca</strong> are expected to start at outside LB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josh Keeto</strong> and <strong>Jayson Bruner</strong> will be the cornerbacks. Behind them are sophomore brothers <strong>Ayden Rico</strong> and <strong>Kyian Rico</strong>. Junior <strong>Jacob Yazzie</strong> will be one of the safeties. Sophomore <strong>Chid Murphy</strong> has competed for a safety job.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Gallup Football Schedule:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 23 at Tuba City (AZ) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29 SILVER (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5 at Newcomb (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 12 BAYFIELD (CO) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 19 at Tohatchi (7 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 26 THOREAU (7 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 3 at Zuni (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 10 WINGATE (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 17 Bye &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 24 CROWNPOINT (7 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 31 at Shiprock (7 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* District 3A-1 Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">GO BENGALS <a href="https://t.co/7kTw5KUF2o">pic.twitter.com/7kTw5KUF2o</a></p>&mdash; Lawrence Garcia (@CoachGarcia62) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGarcia62/status/1956790215487447177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewProfilePic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewProfilePic</a> <a href="https://t.co/bLXte6kMRj">pic.twitter.com/bLXte6kMRj</a></p>&mdash; Lawrence Garcia (@CoachGarcia62) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGarcia62/status/1941353266174099859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->