Week 9 prep football power poll

Is this the season a football team from San Juan County finally snaps the 30-plus-year drought and brings a Blue Trophy home? Way back in 1973, Kirtland Central produced a state championship ... nothing since.

I remember my first fall in the Four Corners, in 2006. It's not that long ago, but there was this idea that local football would never catch up with the rest of the state, that we were resigned to staying a baseball/softball/basketball town. But entering tonight's District 1-4A opener, it's clear that, collectively, our gridiron scene can match that of just about any in the Enchanted State. Aztec (2), Kirtland Central (5) and Piedra Vista (6) all are ranked in the top 10 of the Class 4A Coaches Poll, and Bloomfield is No. 2 in 3A. The heightened talent level speaks volumes to the quality coaching we have, along with the athletes' commitment.

The District 1-4A slate opens this evening with (in case you haven't heard) Aztec at Kirtland Central, and PV playing Farmington at Hutch. Last year's league race was won in convincing fashion by Aztec, with KC second and PV third. FHS finished fourth. The top three squads went to the state playoffs, where Aztec (Goddard) and Kirtland (Artesia) both lost in the semifinals. AHS knocked off Piedra Vista in the quarterfinals.

What's going to happen this time around? We should have a fair idea after tonight's action.

Here's the Week 9 power poll.

1. Aztec (7-0): A bye week gave the Tigers time to refine their offense. As if it needs refining.
2. Bloomfield (5-2): Last week's destruction of Academy removed any doubt that the Bobcats are, at least, the second-best club in 3A.
3. Kirtland Central (5-2): The Broncos have won four in a row. A fifth straight would cement them as Blue Trophy contenders.
4. Piedra Vista (3-4): If healthy, the Panthers can play with any team in the county.
5. Farmington (2-5): Minus a rough second quarter, the Scorps played even against Los Alamos a week ago.
6. Shiprock (3-3): With two games left, the Chieftains can post a record north of .500. Talk about a drastic improvement.
7. Navajo Prep (1-6): The Eagles hit the road tonight, playing at Laguna Acoma.

Tonight's Aztec-KC game can be heard on FOX AM 1340 and KNMI 88.9 FM. The PV-FHS showdown is on KPCL 95.7 FM.