Cats face eight teams that made playoffs last year

The Clovis Wildcats 2008 football schedule includes three trips to Albuquerque, two new opponents and eight playoff teams from last year.

The Wildcats, who finished 9-4 last season while reaching the Class 5A state title for the third time in four seasons, open the season Aug. 29 by hosting Alamogordo.

Noticeable absent is three-time 5A champ mayfield

Here’s a look at their schedule:

Aug. 29: Alamogordo, 7 p.m.

The Tigers feature running back Bobby Wride, a 1,000-yard rusher as a junior. Alamo is coached by former Clovis High standout and Eastern New Mexico University coach Tommy Standefer.

Sept. 5: At Eldorado, 7 p.m.

The first of back-to-back trips to Albuquerque.

The Eagles started slow last year under first-year coach Charlie Dotson, but reached the second round of the playoffs before falling to Cibola. Star running back Logan Lippert graduated.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 24-7.

Sept. 12: At Highland, 7 p.m.

Teams took two years off after developing a good rivalry. The Hornets usually played the Wildcats tough under Judge Chavez, who left to coach Cibola two years ago.

Last meeting: 2005, Clovis 41-7.

Sept. 19: La Cueva, 7 p.m.

Teams met twice last year. La Cueva beat Clovis 26-21 in fourth game of season. Wildcats rallied from 17-0 halftime deficit to beat the Bears 21-17 in state quarterfinals. Bears feature speedy sophomore Ronnie Daniels, who might see some time at QB.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 21-17

Sept. 26: Rio Rancho, 7 p.m.

Wildcats have never lost to Rio Rancho on gridiron. Rams, who went to a spread offense last season, graduate one of state’s top athletes in Marcus Williams.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 38-8.

Oct. 3: At Goddard, 7 p.m.

Rockets upset Clovis last year. Clovis didn’t lose again until heartbreaking 49-48 loss to Mayfield in Class 5A final to Mayfield. Rockets return junior QB David Vega.

Last meeting: 2007, Goddard 14-9.

Oct. 10: At Cibola, 7 p.m.

Cougars lose several standouts from state semifinalist, including QB Jonathan Mader. But judging by their dominance at the Class 5A state track meet, they have plenty of quality replacements.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 13-12

Oct. 17: Artesia, 7 p.m.

No way this year’s game can match last year when the contest was featured on ESPNU ... right? Defending Class 4A champs will miss Landry Jones, who went to the University of Oklahoma, but will just reload.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 35-31.

Oct. 24: At Carlsbad, 7 p.m.

District opener. Cavemen likely to be better under second-year coach Ron Arrington. Only New Mexico team Clovis played last year that did not reach the playoffs.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 34-0.

Nov. 7: Hobbs, 7 p.m.

Hobbs felt good about its chances to beat Clovis last year, but Wildcats scored early off turnovers and coasted. Eagles record-breaking QB Alberto Caballero is gone.

Last meeting: 2007, Clovis 28-7.