Elks Drop Raton, Up Next, St. Michael’s
Tom Nakotte guards Dustin Walton down low
Tom Nakotte won the game opening tip and a heart beat later Chris Ortiz soared in for a layup. After that, Pojoaque dominated Raton, limiting the Tigers to two first half field goals as the Elks went on to win 54-26, after leading 34-4 at the half.
It’s been a long time since Raton has defeated Pojoaque Valley. Pojoaque athletic director Matt Martinez said he thought the last time Raton defeated the Elks was about ten years ago.
The Elks bench saw a lot of minutes and nine players registered points. Andrew Martinez led Pojoaque’s balanced attack with 9 points, Christian Baca contributed 8, white Luke Salazar and Brian Montoya put up 7 each.
Derrick Valdez led Raton (1-9,0-4), the district cellar dwellers, with 11 points.
Pojoaque (14-6, 3-1) travels to the opposite end of the District 2AAA spectrum on Thursday when they travel to Santa Fe to play St. Michael’s (11-9, 2-2). Don’t let St. Michael’s record fool you, especially in light of history and the titanic battles between the two teams.
Unbelievable as it may seem, Pojoaque has not defeated the Horsemen since 2004, which means the Elks have lost 15 straight games.
“At least 10 of those games came down to the final minute,” Pojoaque head coach Joey Trujillo said.
Several came down to the final shot.
“The key to defeating the Horsemen this year,” Trujillo said, “is to limit our turnovers and keep them off the offensive glass.”
Another key, how to overcome the Horsemen’s curse? Maybe imagining the Horsemen are the Raton Tigers. But that’s almost unimaginable.
Maybe prayer, but there are more important things to pray about.
How about ferociousness?
If the Elks come out hungry and fearless, they most likely return to Pojoaque Valley with their first win since 2004, because lets face it, St. Michael’s is a middle of the road 2-2 team this year.
But knowing the Horsemen’s heart and winning tradition, despite their mediocre record, they’ll hit the hardwood fighting like a wounded mama bear protecting her young.
