Day 1: Rio Rancho is talented enough to run the table again

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Video of Rio Rancho's first practice on Monday

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RIO RANCHO, N.M. -- As the first day of high school football practice unfolded across the state of New Mexico, the sobering reality for opposing Class 6A schools is defending state champion Rio Rancho could be even better than last year’s 13-0 team.

Can the Rams improve on perfection? We’re about to find out.

With a senior quarterback eager to make the most of his one opportunity as the starter, multiple receivers talented enough to play at the next level, a solid running game, two FBS prospects in the trenches and a strong defensive supporting cast, Rio Rancho has all the pieces in place to win its third 6A title in four seasons.

And sufficient talent to run the table again.

Numerous Class 6A foes such as crosstown rival Cleveland and Las Cruces don’t want to see that happen, obviously, and the Rams face demanding early tests with contests against Mayfield (Aug. 25), Clovis (Sept. 8), Onate (Sept. 16), Manzano (Sept. 23) and Cleveland (Oct. 6) in the first seven weeks of the season.