The Monte Vista Pirates pounced all over the Center Vikings to win the 2022 version of the Gunbarrel Rivalry. The Pirates defended Sullivan Field with a 62–19 victory.
The Pirates scored six touchdowns in the 1st quarter to take a 46–0 lead after the first 12 minutes. Khegan Gunter found the end zone twice, rushing for touchdowns of 39 and 5 yards. DeAngelo Archuleta also rushed for two touchdowns, getting to pay dirt from 29 and 80 yards. Andrew Chavez contributed two touchdowns through the air. He connected with Esteban Lujan for a 49-yard score and with DeAngelo Archuleta from 36 yards out.
The 2nd quarter saw the Vikings get on the board after a Chase Bouet interception and run to the Pirate 7-yard line. Jesus Valadez then connected with Alexis Villagomez on a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Pirates were not done in the first half. Chavez and Esteban Lujan connected on a second touchdown pass allowing the Pirates to take a 54–7 lead into halftime.
The 2nd half saw the Pirates add one more touchdown in the 3rd quarter as Jacob Pacheco got into the end zone on a 13-yard rushing score. The Vikings added two more late touchdowns. Cael Ruggles scored twice in the 4th quarter. Both were rushing touchdowns. Both were from 5 yards. The Monte Vista Pirates got the home win, 62–19.
With the win, the Monte Vista Pirates moved to 8–0 overall and 4–0 in league. The Pirates will again defend Sullivan Field against the Centauri Falcons on Friday, October 28. That game will kick at 6:00 PM with the winner taking the Southern Peaks League crown. Brian Stevenson and Bob Richards will have the game on 95.3 FM KYDN Country.
The Center Vikings are now 3–5 overall with a 1–3 league record. The Vikings will close out the season at Center Community Park on Friday, October 28, against the Trinidad Miners. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.