Football Game Preview: Kirtland Central Broncos vs. Bernalillo Spartans + How To Watch

The Kirtland Central Broncos will take on the Bernalillo Spartans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Kirtland Central has given up an average of 44.2 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Kirtland Central is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Grants last Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Broncos were beaten by the Pirates 66-14. The Broncos were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 47-14.

Kirtland Central didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Jayceon Atcitty and Natonabah Begay.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bernalillo). They blew past Espanola Valley 41-12 on Friday. The victory continues a trend for the Spartans in their matchups with the Sundevils: they've now won seven in a row.

Kirtland Central better keep an eye on Ulisses Castro. He was instrumental in Bernalillo's win, rushing for 86 yards and three scores, while also throwing for 64 yards and one touchdown. Mario Molinar was another key player, rushing for 66 yards and one TD.

Bernalillo was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 237 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

One reason for the win was Bernalillo's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for nine sacks. Tyshawn Calabaza and Isaiah Rogers were the leaders of the group effort as each produced three apiece. Rogers is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least five every time he's taken the field this season.

This is the second loss in a row for Kirtland Central and nudges their season record down to 1-4. As for Bernalillo, their win bumped their record up to 4-1.

Kirtland Central was dealt a bruising 54-0 loss at the hands of Bernalillo in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Broncos, Uriel Castro (who threw for 341 yards and seven touchdowns on only 18 passes) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.