A New Tradition
After trip to state in ‘06, Bengals look to keep the success going

By Alan Arthur
Sports Editor

GALLUP — Last year, the Gallup Bengals got a taste of the state football playoffs for the first time in 12 years. They don’t want to wait another dozen years for another taste.

“I try to tell those players about the tradition that they’re carrying on,” second-year head coach Dan Donisthorpe said. “Those seniors kind of laid that foundation and we had some success. That’s something to build off of.”

The Bengals had a 5-5 overall record and were 1-2 in the district last season. The Bengals got into the playoffs as an at-large team, thanks to convincing 50-13 win over the West Mesa Mustangs to end the regular season and the drama that escalated as Las Cruces had to forfeit games, paving the way for the Bengals to sneak into the playoffs due to the selection process. The Bengals lost to the Sandia Matadors in the playoffs, 43-3.

Donisthorpe is talking like he wants to make a state trip more definite this year.

“We obviously want to win districts and go on to the playoffs,” Donisthorpe said, “and move on further than we did last year.”

Losing some key players — led by the graduated quarterback Mikey Ramirez and running back K.J. Corley — could make a second straight state berth a tough goal to achieve. But Donisthorpe said he is pleased with many of the ‘skill’ players that will take the field.

“We’re going to be exciting. You’re not going to be able to predict what we’re doing,” Donisthorpe said. “Hopefully we can move the ball and put the ball into the zone and have you guys (the fans) have something to cheer for.”

Brandon Salazar, 6-foot-2, 180 lbs., will be taking over the quarterback chores this season. Salazar shared the signal-calling duties with Ramirez two years ago, but last year was relegated to being a receiver and a linebacker, where he did a good job for the Bengals. This year, the quarterbacking job belongs to Salazar.

“Brandon Salazar is going to be our starting quarterback,” Donisthorpe said. “What kind of hurt him was basically getting zero reps in game experience last year because of Mikey taking all the snaps. The year before they kind of battled back and forth. I think going to some 7-on-7 tournaments and with him understanding the offense a little better will help. That and understanding what we’re asking him to do, which is just let it happen, don’t try to force things and attack the defense’s weakness. He’s definitely our quarterback.”

One of Salazar’s key receivers will be senior Jeremy Wilson (6-0, 160), who had some impressive games last season.

“He’s a special kid and he can definitely make a difference on our football team. He wants to step up,” Donisthorpe said.

Taking over the running back chores for the Bengals with the departure of Corley, who is on the roster for the New Mexico Lobos this year, will be seniors Damon Sherriffee (5-8, 170) and Aaron Sheridan (6-1, 215).

“He’s been running hard, he has good strong legs and he’s going to make a lot of people miss. I’m kind of excited about that,” Donisthorpe said of Sherrifee.

As for Sheridan, who missed some games last year due to discipline, the coach said, “He’s a senior now, he’s a year older and he’ll be more mature. He can definitely play at the next level.”

Senior Anthony Gonzales (5-8, 190) will be key on both sides of the ball. Gonzales plays guard on offense and middle linebacker on defense. Chad Merrill, another senior, will be the linebacker.

Players going both ways will be a familiar site for the Bengals this year.

“We’re going to have guys that are playing both sides of the ball,” Donisthorpe said. “That’s kind of my philosophy — the best players play. We’re here to win ballgames. I’m definitely not going to show favoritism to one kid or the other. I’m here to win and whatever that takes, whether it takes little Johnny to be out on the field for us to win then so be it.

“Numbers-wise we’re down this year. We started off last year with 100 kids. But I feel the group of guys we’ve got are a good group of guys. Good character, guys that I can count on. They have to understand that they’re student-athletes. Then you don’t have that same problem that we had last year with losing 18 to eligibility.”

The Bengals have 60 players this year, with only 12 of them seniors.

“It’s a young team,” Donisthorpe said. “We’re definitely going to make our mistakes. We want to limit those and learn from the other mistakes and try not to let it happen again.”

The kicker will once again be Austin Wallace and the punting will be done by Mark Trujillo, who has transferred over to the football team from the soccer program.

Another player, Justin Gallegos, has transferred from Thoreau, and will be available midway through the season.

The Bengals also have a strong core of young players, mainly sophomores, that include players such as receiver Todd Quam, Brian Becenti, quarterback John Tafoya and Corey Romero.

The Bengals open the season Friday night against the Farmington Scorpions at Public School Stadium. They follow that with a road game at Grants and another home contest with Albuquerque. Those opening games could be huge. Last season, Gallup opened with a 3-0 record beating those same three teams (Farmington 13-7, Grants 35-6 and Albuquerque 9-7).

“They’re huge. Every game counts on going to the playoffs. Last year we went 3-0 and we kind of want to do the same,” Donisthorpe said. “We want to have success early just to build up the confidence of the team. A lot can be solved with winning.”

Donisthorpe is looking forward to a strong following from the Bengal faithful this year.

“I just encourage the fans to come out and watch us,” Donisthorpe said. “That’s an intimidating factor — full stands. They’re a key to our success too. How awesome is it to get in front of a crowd that’s just roaring. If that doesn’t fire you up, then you don’t have a pulse.”