Scorps host familiar foe in home opener
FARMINGTON — The Farmington High football team has picked up two wins on the road to start the 2015 season, and in week three, the Scorpions will finally get to play on their own field.
FHS (2-0) will host a familiar foe tonight when the Belen Eagles (0-2) come to town.
It will be the fourth time in three seasons the two teams have met. The Scorps beat the Eagles 14-7 in the 2013 state semifinals, then Belen topped FHS twice last year, beating the Scorps 35-20 in the regular season, then 47-9 in the quarterfinals.
Despite the familiarity of the matchup, and Belen besting Farmington twice last year, FHS head coach Jeff Dalton said his team isn't going into tonight looking for revenge.
"One thing I really love about these guys is we tell them not to dwell on a loss, and they don't. We know as well as everybody that every single year is a completely new year," Dalton said. "I'm sure inside, some of them are a little hungry and want some revenge for last year, but we have to focus on the things we do well."
While the No. 9 Scorps picked up wins in their first two games this season, No. 7 Belen is off to a rough start, losing to top-ranked Artesia 41-0, then Moriarty 24-7. Both losses came at home.
Dalton said one of the points of emphasis this week has been making sure his team doesn't overlook the Eagles, despite their slow start.
"Our record doesn't mean anything, and their record definitely doesn't mean anything," Dalton said. "We know they're a great program with one of the top-notch coaches in the state. They're a young team, but I guarantee you, they're getting better every single week, and we can't get caught on our heels."
FHS quarterback Kody Becenti will get his first home start tonight, as well. The sophomore QB has started both of the team's games this season after a long position battle with QB-turned-wide-receiver Diego Elebario during camp.
Dalton said Becenti was a little rattled during his first start, a 15-14 fourth-quarter comeback win at Los Lunas two weeks ago, but has settled down and is coming into his own.
Becenti, who threw for 218 yards and three scores, and ran for 85 yards and another touchdown in last week's 63-26 win over Kirtland Central, said he's starting to better understand the game with every practice.
"The first game, it was pretty short notice, about me starting, but I think I've progressed, and I'm kind of getting used to it," Becenti said. "The team seems to be adjusting to it, so it's working out well."
Karl Schneider is the sports editor for The Daily Times. He can be reached at 505-564-4648 and kschneider@daily-times.com. Follow him @karltschneider on Twitter.