Tough District Awaits Socorro Football Team

By John Severance

SOCORRO – With the addition of Silver High School, Socorro football coach Damien Ocampo thinks the Warriors will be playing in the toughest district in the state.
“Silver has 3A enrollment according to the state but kids from their charter schools are allowed to play and that gives them 4A numbers,” Ocampo said. “It’s going to be 10 times tougher for everybody. And they have a great reputation and tradition in football. They are good in all sports but football is their thing. In fact, they are even bigger than (perennial power and defending AAA state champion) Lovington.”
Silver made it to the 4A quarterfinals before falling to Volcano Vista last season and in 2008, the Fighting Colts also made it to the state quarters before losing to Belen.
Ocampo said Silver is on the schedule this season in place of Robertson, which also added a school to its district. Taos will be playing in the Robertson district.
With the addition of Silver, Ocampo knows the Warriors have a tough task ahead of them if they want to repeat as district champions.
Ocampo said training in the summer has become much more crucial.
“We are into our lifting program now,” Ocampo said. “There are some kids who are not showing up on a regular basis and that concerns me. Some of them are in basketball and baseball camp now so are numbers are a little down.”
Ocampo and his staff held a seven-on-seven camp a couple of weeks ago that was well attended.
“In July, we will be really busy with camps,” Ocampo said.
Preseason practice begins Aug. 11. “And we will be having a midnight practice then,” he said. “Our first game is at home on Aug. 27.”
Golf Tourney
Players and sponsors are needed for the Warrior Football Golf Tournament Saturday at the New Mexico Tech Golf Course. The fee is $60 per player and signups will be conducted at the Tech Course. Call the course for more information.

Tough District Awaits Socorro Football Team