2022 Team Preview: Taos Tigers
Photo: Twitter
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<p><strong>Taos 2022 Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Art Abreu </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Tigers </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @LeonardArchule5; @DaemonEly; @NoahWashing_1</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Orange and Black </p>
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<p><strong>2021 Record</strong>: 5-6 (Class 4A Playoffs First Round) </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Where Taos quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="269567" first="Daemon" last="Ely"]</strong> ranks among the state’s signal callers is a matter of personal opinion but one thing is for certain: he’s the tallest QB in the Land of Enchantment. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Ely threw for 1,137 yards last season in his first full season as the varsity starter. He’s also a talented basketball player that has attracted interest from colleges. While Ely is a classic drop-back quarterback, Taos’ offensive scheme requires him to execute bootlegs and sprint outs and distribute the football from the perimeter. Sophomore <strong>Mateo Salazar</strong> succeeds Matthew Suazo as the Tigers’ No. 1 running back with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275598" first="Jerome" last="Martinez"]</strong>, a standout wrestler,competing for the starting job. Taos’ top two wide receivers return: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208825" first="Favian" last="Cordova"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275570" first="Noah" last="Washington"]</strong>. Cordova is a four-year starter for the Tigers ad has overcome extreme adversity to become one of the Tigers’ most respected leaders. Possessing speed and strength, Cordova is poised to enjoy a solid senior year. Washington has gained weight and gotten faster this offseason.</p>
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<p>Defensively, 6-foot-4, 210-pound <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="269612" first="Leonard" last="Archuleta"]</strong> is arguably the top defensive end in northern New Mexico, while 2025 DE <strong>Jedrek Jozwiak</strong> established himself last season as one of the state’s top young players, although he is relatively unknown outside the region. Archuleta, who has drawn interest from multiple in-state schools, has a high motor and is lauded for his leadership. He’ll also play tight end. Jozwiak could be a Div. 1 prospect in a couple of years. Standing 6-4, he has gained weight over the past several months but needs to add more pounds to his lanky frame. The good news he has plenty of time to do that. <strong>Diego Alvarez</strong> will anchor the interior of the D-Line. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="275598" first="Jerome" last="Martinez"]</strong> returns at linebacker and should be the one responsible for making sure everybody gets lined up properly. Cordova, who has good speed and strong natural instincts, will be the Will LB. Taos’ defensive front seven is as good as any in northern NM. In the secondary, <strong>Lionel Salazer</strong> returns at cornerback while Ely will play corner as well (yes, at 6-8). Washington is back at free safety and he’ll be joined there by <strong>Jose Duran</strong>. </p>
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<p><strong>Schedule</strong>: Taos opens the season with an intriguing contest at St. Michael’s. Circle the Sept. 23 game at Bernalillo on your calendar as well as the Oct. 28 season finale against Moriarty. That latter showdown could be for the district championship.</p>
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<p>Aug. 20 at St. Michael’s (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Aug. 26 LOS ALAMOS</p>
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<p>Sept. 2 RIO GRANDE</p>
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<p>Sept. 9 at Gallup</p>
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<p>Sept. 16 Bye</p>
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<p>Sept. 23 at Bernalillo</p>
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<p>Sept. 30 AZTEC</p>
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<p>Oct. 8 at Grants (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 14 at Espanola Valley*</p>
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<p>Oct. 21 POJOAQUE VALLEY*</p>
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<p>Oct. 28 MORIARTY*</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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<p><strong>Top Storyline</strong>: With talented personnel on both sides of the ball, will Taos compete for the Class 4A title? </p>
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<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>: The last few years have been kind to Taos. The Tigers won the 2018 Class 4A state championship in Art Abreu’s fourth season as head coach. Taos has qualified for the playoffs for six straight years. Led by Archuleta and Ely, the Tigers look to achieve the same lofty heights the program achieved four years ago. We’ll learn a lot about Taos in that fascinating Week 1 matchup at St. Michael’s. The outcome of that game could have a bearing on seeding for the playoffs. </p>
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<p><strong>Coach’s Comments</strong>: “This offseason we’ve really focused on two things – getting personal with the team and the players getting personal with each other. We want to create a tighter bond in order to withstand adversity and bounce back much faster than we have in the past. I like our schedule. It’s going to get us prepared for (the Class 4A playoffs) and the foreseeable future. As long as we can focus on one week at a time, I feel confident in the group we have.” – Taos coach Art Abreu. </p>
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Taos 2022 Preview
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