Here's how the Gadsden football program continues to make major strides in 2023
Gadsden football has always meant something special to the program's head coach Dino Facio, Jr., who graduated from the school in 2008 and had family play in the program.
When he took over the program, which is located near the state line in Anthony, New Mexico, in 2018, it was indeed a challenge. Gadsden had not made the playoffs since 1979, hadn't had a winning since 2000 and hasn't even reached .500 since 2012.
But fast forward to now and the Panthers are in a good spot across the state. Last season, the Panthers garnered a spot in the Class 5A playoffs (there are six classes in New Mexico) and won a game, defeating Los Alamos.
Things are looking even better in 2023. The Panthers are 5-2 headed into District 3-5A play, which starts on Oct. 13 against Chaparral. Gadsden avenged losses to Ruidoso, Organ Mountain and El Paso High earlier this season and need one win the rest of the year to secure a winning record.
The Panthers will be favored against Chaparral and Santa Teresa, setting up a likely district title game at home against Deming on Oct. 27.
"Our kids have worked hard for the success they've had," Facio, Jr. said. "They like the feeling of winning and they have bought into what we are trying to do. The effort on the field, in the weight room, in the film room has paid off. It's special to see the program do well. I'm really proud to see our progress. Last year was huge for our program, getting on a bus for a playoff game and going to Los Alamos and winning. I think the kids saw what that meant and how that felt and it had a positive impact on them."
Gadsden had success as an independent in 1983 and 1984, winning a state title in that division but it was not eligible for the postseason. The program also won state titles in the 1950s and in 2000 the Panthers had one of its best teams, but finished third in district to Las Cruces High and Mayfield when the playoff field still included the top two teams from each district.
"The community has really gotten behind our program," Gadsden senior offensive lineman Oscar Romero said. "Around the community people are beginning to take notice and are coming to the games on Friday nights. That means a lot to us as players and gives us great energy. We have lots of goals we want to meet and the 5-2 record is great, but we want more. But we have to continue to work hard and stay focused. We have to earn it."
Facio Jr. said one of the keys to the program's recent successes has been the stability of the coaching staff.
"We've been able to keep coaches here, we've been able to build a strong relationship with the kids, with the parents and with the community," Facio Jr. said.
Added quarterback Adrian Munoz: "The coaching staff being here for this long has been huge for all of us. As players, we've built a strong relationship with the coaches and they've worked hard to get us where we are today. We are in a good place right now and we want to keep building. We learned so much last year and saw what it takes to be successful. Winning a district title is a goal, we want to host a playoff too. It's going to take all of us to accomplish that."
The state of New Mexico is taking notice as well. The Panthers are ranked No. 6 in Class 5A in the recent New Mexico Coaches Poll.
"We had early wins to start the year against El Paso High and Ruidoso and we really gained confidence," running back Alfredo Andrade said. "We want to make this program a consistent winner and we want to have even more success than last year. We believe in one another and we're playing with confidence right now."
This week's game moved to Saturday
Facio said Friday's game against Chaparral has been pushed back to 9 a.m. Saturday due to concerns for the safety of fans and his team.
"This year's Battle of The Gap has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 14 at 9 AM," Facio said in a statement posted to X. "In addition to this change, no spectators will be allowed into Lobo stadium for this game."
No other information was mentioned in the message online. It is the district opener for both teams. The game will be broadcast on youtube.com/@CHSLobos2.
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Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gadsden Panthers football continue winning ways in Southern New Mexico
