In a thrilling Class 4A football quarterfinal on Friday, the Taos Tigers triumphed over the Albuquerque Academy with a final score of 25-24, thanks to a remarkable performance by senior quarterback Evan Salazar.
It became clear early in the game that Taos” traditional running strategy was faltering, leading the team to rely on Salazar to turn the tide. He did not disappoint, finishing the contest with an impressive 404 passing yards, two touchdown throws, and a rushing touchdown.
Although Salazar struggled in the first half, completing only 7 of 18 passes for 63 yards and throwing a critical interception that allowed the Chargers to take a 17-3 lead at halftime, he rebounded dramatically in the second half. Salazar connected on 26 of 39 passes for 341 yards following the break.
One of the pivotal moments came when Salazar threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to Alejandro Ortega after the Tigers” defense secured a safety, cutting the deficit to 17-12 in just 16 seconds. When Albuquerque Academy extended their lead to 24-12, Salazar led an impressive 85-yard drive, capped by a 20-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 24-18 with 11:15 remaining.
On the Tigers” final drive, Salazar displayed his poise under pressure, completing two crucial fourth-down passes that kept their hopes alive. He then found Ortega again, this time connecting for a 44-yard touchdown pass that sealed the comeback and left many Academy fans heartbroken.
This victory propels the fourth-seeded Tigers into the semifinals, showcasing the resilience and talent of their senior quarterback.
