Meeting for the 11th time on Friday, the Rio Rancho Rams and the Sue Cleveland Storm face off in what is expected to be another close match up. With “The City Trophy” on the line, both teams are known for surprise upsets and close victories when they meet under the lights. Last year, Cleveland beat Rio Rancho by a field goal, and with their undefeated season on the line, the Storm hopes to defend their yearlong ownership of the trophy this week.

MVP

Colton Madison

Sue Cleveland

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Travis Lorenz

Sue Cleveland

Travis is a 2-year starter for our football program and the high academic standards in the classroom. Travis is a leader on our football team and exhibits the type of character and example what we are proud to see. Travis is the epitome of a scholar-athlete. Thank you Travis for the positive impact you have made in the Storm Football Program.

Ethan Hampsten

Rio Rancho

Ethan has been with us for 4 years. He is a multisport athlete. He has been a solid leader for Rio Rancho High School and a member of the National Honor Society. He has been accepted to several universities.

HALL OF FAME

Marcus Williams

Sue Cleveland

Marcus started for the Storm for 3 years. He dominated the state at both WR and Free Safety. He was named All State at both positions and was and was a key part of the 2015 undefeated state championship team. He had 3 INTs in the state championship game. Marucs is currently playing D-1 football for the University of New Mexico and pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

Josh Foley

Rio Rancho

Josh played three years of varsity football at Rio Rancho. His senior year he earned MVP honors as he lead his team against Sue Cleveland. Josh would go on to lead his team to a state championship and an undefeated season. He also was named the 2016-17 New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year as he totaled 2,086 rushing yards with 41 touchdowns his senior season. Josh went on to play RB at New Mexico State University. Accepting the award on his behalf are his mom, sister, brother and grandmother.

GAME SUMMARY

In a game to determine the district champion, it was the Cleveland Storm who came out on top of the Rio Rancho Rams 42-7. Before the game started, many wondered if Cleveland would miss star running back Dorian Lewis, who has been out with an injury this season, but his replacement Colten Madison made sure that the Storm running game didn't suffer. Madison rushed for three first half touchdowns on his way to being named Great American Rivalry Series MVP. The Rams couldn't get much going offensively against a stout Storm defense, who shut the door and helped Cleveland finish off the game 42-7.