Cannon Fire in the Distance

Well it didn't take long for a few friends of mine to flat out predict this is the year East wins back the Cannon coming off their impressive win Friday night over Central 29-21 in front of a small but vocal crowd at Dutch Clark Stadium. The Eagles wasted little time in making a big statement by running back the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Alex Mestas took the kick up the middle then cut to the right sideline and raced untouched into the endzone. Central did bounce right back on their next possession to draw within one off the first of three touchdown runs by scat back Darrian Hatchett. The other half of the Eagle Mestas two headed monster struck next as Felix Mestas hauled in a 31 yard pass from CNM player of the game Petey Martinez. Felix Mestas added a field goal moments later to push the lead to 17-6. The Wildcats made a game of it late in the first half on another nice drive capped off my Hatchett. In the third quarter Eagle wideout Rico ran one of the prettiest pass routes you will ever see when faked a quick post drawing the safety in before racing down the hashmarks to haul in a picture perfect throw from Martinez to make it 23-14. Again Central would draw close with a beautiful 44yd TD run by Hatchett. The Eagles would put the game away late though with a short drive courtesy of their defense and kicking game. Last year's starting quarterback Corey Laughlin punched one in from his new fullback position from a yard out. Martinez was super efficient going 11-16 for 185 yards and no interceptions. The unconventional lefty doesnt look polished but he has that "it" factor going for him. He plays with super passion, has a bevy of talented receivers and perhaps most importantly the unfailing vote of confidence from the coaching staff. The Eagles were by far the more polished team Friday night and credit for that has to go to first year interim head coach Paul Andrada. The former Eagle QB wears his East High pride on his sleeve and is the first to tell you he is not afraid of big bad South despite the dismal record vs their crosstown rival for the past decade plus. Some would shy away from putting added emphasis on a rivalry that has long since passed the competitive phase. But Andrada is not afraid to address the big game. He has made it one of the three major goals for this years squad. After week one this reporter is not drinking the Kool-aid but has a glass close by ready to pour the elixir and consider the possibility.

Photo credit to Bryan Kelsen of the Pueblo Chieftain