St. Michael’s football team can’t wait to get started.

By Arnie Leshin 

St. Michael’s football team can’t wait to get started.

And it kicks off Saturday afternoon at Taos, which is no longer in its district but still a familiar opponent.

Departed is versatile Joey Fernandez, Jr., who had no problem playing almost every minute of every game, and will certainly be missed. Also a graduate is starting quarterback Antonio Gabalon. Those are the two key players that will be missed, and there’s also others, but it has enough returnees to put together a good season.

Last year ended with a loss in the state 4A quarterfinals to visiting Hatch Valley. The Horsemen were the top seed, but Hatch Valley wanted respect on the road, and got it.

Now it’s a switch from 4A to 3A, and in a district comprised of Las Vegas Robertson, West Las Vegas, Raton, and Santa Fe Indian School. Raton is a former district rival, as are the neighboring Braves, but once again the Cardinals and the Dons remain in the new district with St. Michael’s.

“Yes, that wasn’t the way we wanted to end the season,” said head coach Joey Fernandez, Sr., now in his 15th season as head coach. “But this is a new season and we want to get off to a get start.”

Fernandez said that he has some talented returnees, with senior Dominick Morgan now the starting quarterback, and junior Derrick Roybal doing the bulk of the ball carrying. He will be in the backfield with senior Alejando Talamantes.

Roybal is one the returning speedsters on the 47-man roster. He’s one of 26 returning lettermen, but the team’s greatest strength is its speed.

Of course, Fernandez is also the head track and field coach, so he knows what he has. Among the top wide receivers is flanker Luke Kastendeck and and tight end Jake Tupler.

They will play behind a line that features left tackle Tayo Regenold, who is also on the wrestling team, has set three school records in the weight room this offseason, and at 295 pounds, could be one of the most intimidating players in 3A.

“We don’t have a lot of vocal leaders on this team,” said Fernandez, “but we do feel good about what Dominick can do. It’s his third year, so he knows his way around and will also go at linebacker. If we get away to a good start, it will increase the confidence, so I’m hopeful.”

The opener at Taos will begin traveling to the first five games at Portales, Bloomfield, Moriarty, Capital and at Santa Fe High, all night games.The initial home contest will be Oct. 6 against Shiprock. Then comes the district tests versus Santa Fe Indian School, West Las Vegas, Robertson and Raton.

Said Fernandez: “I figure if we are going to be in the playoffs, we might as well get used to traveling, playing on the road.”

The opener versus Taos will be Fernandez’ 200thgame with St. Michael’s. He is 146-33 with 16 trips to the playoffs, five appearances in the championship game, and three state titles. His teams have won nine games nine different times.

There’s a new look to the Horsemen helmets, slightly altering their helmet design to going with a Jacksonville Jaguars-themed look in which the back of each player’s head is in white. It fades into metallic royal blue as it approaches the crown, giving the helmet a blue-in-the-front and white-in-the-back appearance.