Serving Eastern New Mexico and West Texas
Texico freshman Seth Bailey breaks the tackle of a Carlsbad junior varsity defender in the second quarter en route to his second punt return for a touchdown in Thursday’s game at Texico. (CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks) By Eric Butler: CNJ correspondent TEXICO — Freshman Seth Bailey return two punts for touchdowns in the first […]
Elrie Capps, 94, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006, at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales She was born to Alice and Will Ray on April 5, 1911, in Rockdale, Texas. When she was 12 years old the family moved to New Home, Texas, and then to Mount Zion, near Dora. She attended the Rogers School […]
Editor’s note: Today’s profile ends a three-month series honoring area World War II veteran. Richard “Dick” Prokop Date of birth: May 1, 1926 Dates of service: 1942 to 1967 Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Theater and location of service: Philippines Branch: Navy and Air Force Rank: Technical sergeant Unit and specialty: Landing Ship for Tanks, gunner and […]
By Dave Wagner: CNJ sports writer Fort Sumner knew early in last Friday’s Class 1A semifinal game against Cloudcroft that it would reach the state championship game. For Texico, it came down to a 96-yard drive in the fourth quarter, culminating in Justin Garrison’s 4-yard touchdown run, and then Garrison’s game-sealing interception. The area rivals […]
Texico senior running back Carlos Meza tries to escape the reach of Questa’s Michael Cordova during last week’s Class 2A quarterfinal game. (CNJ staff photo: Rick White) By Dave Wagner: CNJ sports writer With business to tend to in tonight’s semifinals, Texico coach Mike Prokop and Fort Sumner coach Dexter McDaniel are trying to keep […]
By Jesse Wolfersberger: CNJ sports writer DEFENDING SIX-MAN STATE champion Melrose could be without two starters, including its most explosive weapon, for the rest of the season. Junior lineman Jose Arenivar suffered a broken arm two weeks ago and senior running back Carlos Ruiz is out indefinitely with a heart murmur, Melrose coach Dickie Roybal […]
By Jesse Wolfersberger: CNJ staff writer AFTER GOING UNDEFEATED FOR two straight years, Texico has dropped three out of its five games this season. “It’s hard,” Wolverines coach Mike Prokop said. “It’s been a learning experience for the coaching staff and the kids. We’ve been spoiled for so long.” A non-district schedule that includes three […]
Jesse Wolfersberger: CNJ staff writer DOWN 13-7 TO EUNICE at halftime and his team in danger of losing its third straight game, Texico coach Mike Prokop said his team pulled together for the second half. “They got tired of losing,” Prokop said. “I told them, ‘at some point you have to make a decision about […]
By Jesse Wolfersberger: CNJ staff writer AFTER BACK-TO-BACK SHUTOUTS, Muleshoe allowed its first points of the season in Friday’s 35-7 win at Shallowater. Shallowater scored with 6:36 left in the game on a 7-yard pass from Wes Dipprey to Trevor McCurdy. The Mules (3-0) have outscored the opposition 83-7 this season. TEXICO COACH MIKE PROKOP […]
By Dave Wagner: CNJ sports writer Texico football coach Mike Prokop acknowledges the two-time defending Class 1A state champion Wolverines may have a target on their backs this season, but he’s not concerned. “I’m sure we do, but we can’t worry about that,” he said. “We just have to try and keep our kids focused.” […]
By Dave Wagner: CNJ sports writer Two-a-day practices begin Monday for New Mexico football teams, although many coaches have decided to combine them into essentially one long workout. Clovis High, the defending Class 5A state runnerup, kicks off practice at 8 a.m. Wildcats defensive coordinator Darren Kelley said the sessions during the first week will […]
Texico senior Braden Vaughan was chosen Class 1A First Team All-State at both quarterback and defensive back. (CNJ file photo) By Pete Herrera: The Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE — After back-to-back undefeated seasons and a pair of state championships, it would be reasonable to assume that Texico coach Mike Prokop might be inclined to recline a […]
By John Eisel: CNJ sports writer One of Texico’s biggest challenges to winning a second-straight Class A championship came from within. Battling expectations and the complacency that comes with thoroughly beating opponents, the Wolverines won their second consecutive title and continued a winning steak that now stands at 24 games. The Wolverines repeating as state […]
By John Eisel: CNJ sports writer Texico is out to change its recent playoff history against Fort Sumner in tonight’s Class 1A state semifinal football game at the Field of Hopes and Dreams. Fort Sumner beat Texico in the Class 1A state championship game 2001 and 2002. The teams were anticipating a third straight battle […]
Texico senior Johnny Serrano is the leading rusher for the Wolverines, who have won 21 straight games. (Staff photo: Eric Kluth) By John Eisel: CNJ sports writer After a month on the road, including all of its district games, Texico starts defense of its Class 1A state football title at home. Winners of 21 straight […]
Texico senior Tony Clement has returned from knee surgery to play wide receiver and cornerback for the unbeaten and top-ranked Wolverines. (Staff photo by Eric Kluth) By John Eisel: CNJ sports writer A lot has happened since Tony Clement landed awkwardly in a summer league basketball game two summers ago. Knee surgery. Six months of […]
Eunice (3-1) at Texico (3-0) When: 7 p.m. Friday Last week: Eunice beat Hagerman 33-0; Texico beat Clayton 47-7. Last meeting: 2003, Texico blasted Eunice 59-0. Eunice player to watch: Ranson Fisher, QB. Keys to game: Texico coach Mike Prokop doesn’t expect a repeat of last year’s game and neither do the players. Prokop said […]
Texico senior Johnny Serrano outruns the Clayton defense on the way to his first touchdown in Friday’s game against Clayton. (Staff photo by Eric Kluth) By John Eisel: CNJ sports writer TEXICO — As if the Wolverines weren’t dangerous enough, Texico coach Mike Prokop decided to let out the passing game with freighting efficiency. Senior […]
Texico High School junior Michael Johnson tracks the football during drills Tuesday at practice in Texico. CNJ photo by Eric Kluth. By Eric Butler: CNJ correspondent Even after winning a state championship in 2003, the Texico Wolverines feel they have something to prove. Texico coaches and players know that they will have a giant bulls-eye […]
By Dave Wagner TEXICO’S MIKE PROKOP WILL coach five members of his Class 1A state championship team in the New Mexico High School Coaches Association’s Class 1A-2A all-star game, scheduled for June 12 at Western New Mexico University in Silver City. Prokop’s South squad will include guard Bryce Bailey, tackle Jared Curtis and running back […]
