Portales gang-tackles Ruidoso running back Marcos Rubio during the first half their District 4-3A contest on Nov. 7 at Blackwater Draw.

Portales senior quarterback Michael Trujillo looks downfield for a receiver during the Rams’ Nov. 7 contest against Ruidoso at Blackwater Draw.

Portales has put up a lot of points this season — seven times the Rams have scored more than 30 in a game.

Cobre has shown it can win the close ones, going 5-1 in games decided by seven points or less.

The two opposing styles collide in a Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game set for 1 p.m. today at Greyhound Stadium.

The Indians (9-2), seeded sixth in the 12-team field, are coming off a dominating 37-10 win over Las Vegas Robertson last week. The third-seeded Rams (7-3) haven’t played since pounding Ruidoso 48-24 in their regular-season finale on Nov. 7.

Brian Miller, Cobre’s 12th-year coach, said his team will have to limit the Rams’ big-play opportunities in their spread offense.
“They’re really good,” he said. “They’re pretty fast everywhere.”

Portales coach Andy Correll scouted last week’s game at Cobre and said that while the Rams match up well in size, he’s concerned about the Indians’ speed.

Both coaches think turnovers could be a factor.

“We can’t afford turnovers, and they can’t either,” Correll said. “They’re going to bring a lot of (defensive) heat on the outside, so we’ve got to be pretty solid up front.”

Rams senior lineman Junior Olivas is glad to be playing at home.

“We’ve played really good at home this year,” he said. “We kind of feel more comfortable at home. I think if we play our best, we’ll be all right.”

In addition to having a chance to scout Cobre, the Rams were able to heal up some bumps and bruises during the bye week.

“The bye was good for us,” Olivas said. “It helped get us healed up for the playoffs.”

Cobre’s top players are senior tailback E’Lon Cox, whom Correll called “their stud,” and senior quarterback Justin McNett, who provides a running and passing threat.

Among the team’s top defensive players is junior outside linebacker Nick Madrid.

Correll said the Rams will have to be ready for trick plays from Cobre, “so we’re going to have to be disciplined on defense.”

Miller, whose team practiced on Friday in Roswell and spent the night there, said the Indians have played well on defense this year.

“We’re pretty quick; we’re not very big,” he said. “I think the key is to not give up big plays.

“We’ve got a bunch of kids who play together and believe in each other. I think this (game) will be a good matchup.”

Correll said senior wide receiver-linebacker Lukas Pickard, who was carted off the field after taking a hard hit in the Ruidoso game, returned to practice late last week and should be ready to play. His injury was diagnosed as a strained neck.