The La Cueva Bears have earned a spot in the semifinals of the 6A New Mexico State High School Football Championship, a milestone that has energized the community and set the stage for a promising postseason run.
Yet the achievement comes with a twist: the team has been reassigned to a new district that already boasts a defending champion, forcing the Bears to adjust their schedule and confront a heightened level of competition right from the start.
Monty Melendez leads a potent offense
Senior quarterback Monty Melendez returns after a breakout season in which he amassed 2,400 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, and he believes the Bears' offense will be a major factor in overcoming the new district's challenges.
The Bears open their campaign on August 21 against El Dorado, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m., a matchup that will serve as the first test of their revamped lineup and chemistry.
Coaches and players alike have emphasized preparation, focusing on practice routines, film study, and conditioning to ensure they can compete at the highest level, while the community looks forward to seeing how the team translates its regular‑season success into the playoffs.