By Josh Franklin — Rockets’ quarterback Nate Vazquez accounted for five touchdowns as Goddard beat Mayfield 35-0, pairing an explosive offense with its second straight shutout.
An extra week of preparation paid off for the Goddard Rockets, who shut out Mayfield 35-0 on Oct. 16 at the Wool Bowl.
“I was really happy with … our football team,” head coach Art Bolaños said. “Our kids had a pretty good week of practice, and they were really focused, really dialed in, and just proud of them.”
The Rockets (4-4, 3-2 5A-2) delivered their second straight shutout and third of the season after a 54-0 road win at Deming (1-8, 0-6). Containing the quarterback was a priority against the Wildcats, and the message stayed the same against Mayfield (2-6, 2-3).
“When I looked at Mayfield, I thought they were really athletic,” Bolaños said. “That was kind of our message with our boys, ‘we got to really make sure that we don’t give big plays and contain their quarterback.’ He’s a pretty shifty kid. … Anytime you shut out a team. I mean, that’s pretty big.”
Goddard paired that defensive effort with an offense that produced on the ground and through the air.
Junior quarterback Nate Vazquez threw four touchdown passes and ran for another, completing nearly 80% of his attempts for 159 yards without an interception.
“Nate just keeps getting better and better every week,” Bolaños said. “He’s just always making progress. So I really like where all those guys are offensively right now. They’re doing a good job. They’re clicking, you know, and they’re really connected.”
Eli Cooper was among Goddard’s scorers, catching a 22-yard touchdown pass from Vazquez. He was one of the underclassmen who stepped in as the Rockets dealt with injuries.
“Really proud of those kids that kind of stepped up and filled in some big shoes,” Bolaños said.
Goddard also rushed for 284 yards against a Mayfield defense that entered the matchup allowing 191 rushing yards per game. Vazquez led the Rockets with 139 yards and a rushing touchdown, while running back Isaiah Montoya added 108 yards.
Bolaños credited the offensive line for its work up front, saying the group deserves more recognition.
“Our o-line up front, I don’t think offensive linemen in general ever get enough credit, but those guys have been doing a really good job,” Bolaños said.
Beyond the results, Bolaños said he wants his players to know he values their effort regardless of the outcome.
“I don’t ever want our kids to feel like I, as their head coach, am disappointed in them if they lose. I just want them to give their best effort, and if they give me their best effort, man, I’m proud of those guys,” Bolaños said.
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