Ad
LOS LUNAS — “Prove It.”
Sounds like a challenge. Exactly.
“Prove It” is the motto Greg Henington, Los Lunas head coach, selected for the upcoming football season.
“It’s time to ‘Prove It’ in 6A,” Henington said. “We need to prove that we are one of the top programs in 6A. Those are heavy words. We’ve got to back it up every single day.”
It’s not that the Tigers have been slouches. After winning the 5A State Championship in 2021, LLHS posted records of 7-5 and 7-4 while competing in 6A. Still, not up to recent expectations. That could change this season.
Certainly, there isn’t a lack of motivation. A one-point loss at Clovis to end the 2023 regular season still stings, costing LLHS a district title and a home playoff game.
“That was a disgusting taste in our mouth that we’re chomping at the bit to get rid of,” Henington said of the Clovis loss.
The running attack should be set, with top rushers Emi De la Torre, Jordan Howard and quarterback Kaiden Reese returning. Reese, who rotated with senior Damacio Kaneshiro last season, threw four touchdown passes and rushed for eight more in 2023.
“Our running game,” is the strength of the offense, said Reese, a junior. “We just have to keep getting our work in with the receivers,” after the graduation of Fabian Trujillo and Ethan Olguin.
Howard and his brother, J’den, both seniors, will help at the skill positions. Jordan hauled in five touchdown passes. Also at quarterback is Luke Cieremans, sophomore, whose brother, Paul, guided Los Lunas to the championship three years ago.
Ad
Also expected to be a “big play guy,” is slot receiver Robert Pino, a junior.
The defense may have a few new wrinkles with Nathanial Charley taking over as coordinator.
“We’re going to be hardnosed. We’re going to be disciplined,” said Henington.
“Some of the calls and the formations are different,” said Gage Marquez, senior linebacker. “We’re getting used to it.” Marquez led Los Lunas in tackles and sacks last season.
As for “Prove It,” Marquez likes the motto. “Short and sweet. Everything in one.”
LLHS hosts Roswell Friday, Aug. 23 to open the season. Coyotes (12-1) handled Los Lunas 34-7 during the 2023 regular season. Because of construction at the stadium, fans should expect changes to the parking layout near the facility.
LLHS football schedule
Aug. 23: Roswell (H)
Aug. 30: Cleveland (A)
Sept. 6: Farmington (H)
Sept. 12: Eldorado* (A at Wilson Stadium)
Sept. 20: West Mesa* (H)
Oct. 4: Albuquerque High* (H)
Oct. 10: La Cueva* (A)
Oct. 18: Santa Fe High* (A)
Oct. 26: Atrisco Heritage Academy* (A at 11 a.m.)
Nov. 1: Sandia* (H)
*Denotes district game
