Rams dominate Gallup in district opener

The Rio Rancho Rams opened defense of their District 1-5A football title Friday night with an easy 64-6 victory over Gallup.

The Rams jumped to a 49-6 halftime and the entire second half was played with a running clock under the “mercy rule” which is applied with a 35-point margin in the second half. The Bengals crossed midfield only twice in the game – once on a Rio Rancho penalty -- and got its only score on a kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Rams scored on seven of their 10 first-half possessions, punting once, missing a field goal and killing the final 27.8 seconds of the half after stopping a Gallup drive. Even the punt worked out well, pinning Gallup at its own 3 to start a drive.

In the first half, the Bengals went three-and-out four times and committed four turnovers, two fumbles and two interceptions. Gallup’s only score came on an 88-yard kickoff return by Jonathan Fields to narrow the score to 21-6.

Running back Troy Harris had five touchdowns for Rio Rancho, four rushing and one receiving. He had 128 yards on nine carries at intermission and played sparingly in the second half.

Rio Rancho had 13 plays of 10 or more yards, including gains of 15, 19 and 23 yards on its final touchdown drive. The Rams also scored on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Cohen Magnin to Aaron Holt on the first play of the second half and added a field goal on its next drive.

Gallup, meanwhile, lost two fumbles, was intercepted, lost the ball on downs and punted once in the second half.

The Rams, 5-3 overall, close their regular season with two Thursday games – against West Mesa at Milne Stadium in Albuquerque next week and at home on Nov. 6 against Cibola.