Cleveland Seeks 10th Win in Final Regular Season Game

Cleveland High School football enters the final week of the regular season with a 9-0 record, aiming for a 10th win that would complete a perfect campaign. The Storm host Rio Rancho at 6 p.m. Friday at Rio Rancho High School. The matchup caps a ten-week season where Cleveland has maintained its status as the top team in New Mexico.

The Storm have found rhythm in recent weeks, winning three of their last four games by margins of 50 points or more. Cleveland is currently 6-0 in District 1-6A. The team is looking to extend its dominance in the crosstown rivalry. Cleveland has won the last 12 meetings against Rio Rancho. The Rams last defeated the Storm in 2016.

Rio Rancho enters the game with a 5-4 overall record and a 4-2 mark in district play. The Rams have won two straight games following an injury absence for starting quarterback Micah Takahashi. Takahashi returned last week to pass 20 of 27 times for 228 yards and five touchdowns in a 36-31 victory over West Mesa. The win suggests the Rams offense is regaining form heading into the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Bernalillo Spartans host Manzano at 7 p.m. Friday at Bernalillo High School. Bernalillo seeks its fourth consecutive winning season in this matchup. The Spartans are 5-4 overall and 4-3 in District 1-4A. They have won three of their last four games. Their defense has allowed just 27 points in the last four contests, a stretch that includes four blowout wins this year.

Manzano arrives with a 5-4 record and a 5-2 district mark. The Monarchs have won four of their last five games. Their only loss in that span was a one-point defeat to Valley. This contest is closely contested because both teams are playing peak football. Manzano currently holds the third seed in District 1-4A, while Bernalillo sits in fifth place. A win for the Spartans could solidify their playoff seeding.

Both games mark the conclusion of the regular season for these programs. Cleveland aims to finish undefeated and claim another district title. Rio Rancho looks to end the skid and prove its competitive edge. Bernalillo and Manzano play for position and momentum. The outcomes of these Friday night contests will set the stage for the postseason. All three teams finish the regular season with a 5-4 or better record, though Cleveland leads the group at 9-0.

The Rio Rancho Rams will try to disrupt Cleveland's scoring run. Takahashi's return provides a familiar presence at quarterback for the Rams. The Spartans will lean on their defensive unit to limit Manzano's offense. The Monarchs will rely on their recent offensive surge to keep pace. Fans in Bernalillo County can watch these key district games on Friday evening at the respective home fields.