Strength in numbers, new look offense for Goddard Rockets

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – The 2024 Goddard football team will look a little different than year’s past. Thanks to first year head coach Arturo Balaños, numbers are up and there are some new wrinkles to the offense.

After leaving his role at Roswell as an assistant, Balaños instantly took to increasing the numbers at his new program. He recruited the hallways and increased the number of players in the program by around 30.

Another change he wanted to make to the program was the speed in which his players operated. Both during plays and their overall hustle.

Story continues below

• Crime: Albuquerque couple accused of armed robberies at 3 Blake’s Lotaburgers and a dispensary
• Roads: Construction begins on two major Albuquerque interchanges
• Podcast: ‘Food, Hygiene, Safety’ Violations Found During Surprise Check-Ins Of Senior Care Facilities

“Pick up the pace,” said Balaños. “You should know we are, where we need to be at a good speed and stuff like that. So, we want to play fast, everything we’re trying to do is fast. Offensively fast, defensively fast, the game has just changed so much. The get up, walk back to the huddle, those days are done. That’s been a big one right there.”

Over the last few seasons, the Rockets have had a solid defense and did most damage offensively through its ground game. While the defense looks to be stout once again, the offense will look different.

“I’m really excited this year because I feel like as a team we’re going to be instead of running the ball, I feel like we’ll be more of a dual threat team this year and really show people that we can be more than just one thing, we’re not one trick ponies,” senior Bruce Loya said. “I feel like we’ll be able to throw the ball this year and throw it pretty far.”

Goddard opens the 2024 season on August 23 at the Wool Bowl against Portales.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.