TATUM COYOTES HOPING TO BE IN THE HUNT AGAIN

As the 2019 High School football season approaches, we will preview the defending state champs in each class.

8-man

Tatum

2018 record: 10-2

Head coach: Gary Richardson

Last game: 28-20 win over Gateway Christian

2019 Outlook:  Tatum should be in the hunt again this year.  Their offense should be potent with six returning starters.  Tatum’s run/pass ratio last year was 50/50 so this program is very balanced and can take advantage of anything they fell they need to do during a game.  Senior quarterback Sebastian Jimenez will be their leader on the field.  Head coach Gary Richardson describes him as “an accurate passer and can run effectively as well.â€

Defensively they have seven returning starters.  Richardson says they “hope to give up fewer points on defense this year with a swarming, hard-hitting defenseâ€.  Tatum generally runs a 3-man front on defense, but can use a 4-man front as needed. Melrose, Gateway Christian, Mountainair and Mesilla Valley will give Tatum a test.

Key returning players: Sebastian Jimenez – QB/S – senior, Scott Alexander – FB/DE – senior, Kaden Rodriguez – WR/Sec- senior, Bryan Garcia – FB/LB – senior, Cesar Dominguez – C/DL – junior, Luis Cervantes – RB/LB – junior, Kivan Cardenas – TE/Sec – junior, Ruben Ibarra – FB/G/LB – junior, Pete Ponce – WR/Sec – junior, Skylar Campbell – OL/DL – junior, Charlie Liverett – OL/DL – junior, Ariel Baeza – OL/DL – junior, Carson Little – OL/DL – sophomore, Hayden Mullins – RB/LB – sophomore, Sam Harris – OL/DL – sophomore, Ranley Krueger – OL/DL – sophomore, Abraham Duran – RB/WR/Sec. – sophomore, Cesar Ibarra – OL/DL – sophomore

“If we are going to be successful again, we need to come together and play as a team, avoid injuries through the tough season, and play better defense.†– Gary Richardson