Sartans Show Heart but Fall Short Against West Mesa, 47-28
Story: Joshua Griñe, Digital Content for SPX
Albuquerque, NM (Community Stadium) — The St. Pius X Sartans put up a valiant fight in their season opener, showing heart and determination, but ultimately fell to the 6A West Mesa Mustangs, 47-28, on Saturday afternoon. Despite the final score, the 4A Sartans demonstrated their resilience, leading at halftime and giving the Mustangs all they could handle.
Sophomore sensation Hershul Olloway Jr. was the standout for St. Pius X, delivering an electrifying performance that kept the Sartans in the game. Olloway was unstoppable in the first half, rushing for 243 yards on just 12 carries, and scoring three long touchdowns. His impressive 87-yard sprint to the end zone, coming right after a crucial fourth-down stop by the Sartans' defense, gave St. Pius X a 21-20 lead heading into halftime.
The game began with West Mesa taking a 20-7 lead, but Olloway quickly closed the gap with a 60-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He followed it up with his breathtaking 87-yard dash, swinging the momentum in the Sartans' favor. The St. Pius X defense, led by a gritty effort in the trenches, held strong to protect the lead going into the break.
However, the second half told a different story. West Mesa, despite cycling through four quarterbacks, found a way to regroup and control the third quarter. Wide receiver-turned-quarterback Ronnie Gilletti sparked the Mustangs with touchdown runs of 46 and 3 yards, helping West Mesa regain control. The Mustangs outscored the Sartans 21-0 in the third quarter, a decisive stretch that ultimately sealed the game.
Olloway’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, and the team’s first-half display showed they can compete with anyone. But West Mesa’s depth and physicality took their toll in the second half, wearing down the Sartans and preventing a comeback.
From the Coach:
Head Coach Curtis Flakes reflected on the game, saying, “This weekend was a tough loss. But as a coach, you know losses are a part of the game. What’s most important is how we respond after this. I am super proud of the way our players competed Saturday against West Mesa. West Mesa is a good team that will make the 6A playoffs this season. We are healthy going into week 2 and will continue to work and improve to be ready for the Grants Pirates on Thursday night.”
Stats from the Game:
- Passing: Sophomore Isaiah Carpenter completed 129 yards on 30 attempts.
- Rushing:
- Freshman Hershul Olloway Jr. led the ground attack with 15 carries for 262 yards and 4 touchdowns.
- Freshman Christian Morales added 2 carries for 20 yards.
- Receiving:
- Curtis Flakes III had 1 reception for 3 yards.
- Sophomore Cayl Cox-Liggins caught 4 passes for 41 yards.
- Senior Bryan Thomas made 4 receptions for 63 yards.
- Christian Morales contributed with 5 receptions for 22 yards.
Up Next:
The Sartans (0-1) look to bounce back as they play host to the 4A Grants Pirates (1-0) on Thursday night at Milne Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:00 PM. The Pirates are coming off a 34-20 win over Gallup-Miyamura in week one.
More Sartan Athletic News:
The Sartan cross-country team opened their season at the Cleveland Invitational, where the boys, led by Senior Max Lopez, placed 7th, and the girls, led by Senior Brooke Kelly, placed 10th. Next up is the Super Cinco, their home meet on Saturday, September 7, featuring over 30 schools.
The St. Pius X women's soccer team also kicked off their season with a tough match against the defending 6A state champions, the Cleveland Storm. The Sartans fought hard but ultimately fell 1-0, conceding a single goal in the first half. Despite the loss, the team showed promise against top competition as they begin their campaign.
The St. Pius X men's soccer team kicked off the APS Metro Tournament with a 2-0 victory over the Rio Rancho Rams. Sophomores Nico Reyes and Landon Mileshosky each scored first-half goals for the Sartans (1-0). Senior goalkeeper Frank Barela III made six saves, earning his first clean sheet of the season. The Sartans will face Valley on Tuesday at 4:30 PM at the APS Soccer Complex and conclude group play on Thursday at 6:30 PM against Albuquerque High
(Photo Credit: Mike Sandoval / Albuquerque Journal)