Football Recap: Eunice Starts Season with Win on the Road

Eunice had to kick off their season on the road on Friday, but they showed no ill effects. They blew past the Ruidoso Warriors 60-39. That's more bragging rights for the Cardinals, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.

Elijah Melancon

Rushing Yards (Career)

08/22/25 @ Ruidoso	143
11/16/24 @ Tularosa	92
09/06/24 @ New Mexico Military Institute	84
10/18/24 vs Tularosa	69
10/04/24 vs Kermit	54

Elijah Melancon had a dynamite game, throwing for 249 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 143 yards and one score while picking up 7.9 yards per carry. Those 143 rushing yards gave him a new career-high.

On the other side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Eunice's defensive line and their three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Greyson Meek, Tysen Jones, and Kyle Hacker, who each picked up one sack apiece. Eunice received some extra help from Jesse Ornelas, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.

Despite the defeat, Ruidoso had strong showings from Mason Fikany, who gained 252 total yards and three touchdowns, and Tru Camejo, who gained 200 total yards and three touchdowns. Fikany was no stranger to the big play, taking off on a dash that went for 69 yards.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Eunice will square off against Estancia at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Ruidoso, they will take on Tularosa at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.