08/17/2026
Granada Bobcats football poised for solid season
By John Contreras
Last year was a turbulent season for the Granada Bobcats football team according to their head coach Traegon Marquez.
Granada finished third in the South East League standings with a 3-2 record. The two league losses came against Cheyenne Wells and Eads.
The Bobcats advanced to the Class A 6-man state playoffs where they lost in the first round to Sierra Grande, 62-19, to end the season with a 6-4 record.
“We had a great showing last season even with the turbulence in our roster,” said Marquez, who heads into his seventh season as the head coach of the Bobcats. “Injuries took a toll on our young team. Having only one senior, no freshman and few numbers it forced our team to push through. Every week we adjusted our starting lineup and kids had to adapt. We fell short of our goal but set a foundation for this year.”
Marquez lost just one senior starter from last year’s team and returns a strong core to build around.
He will be counting on three seniors and three juniors to provide the leadership for the team.
Among the notable returners are All-State selections Sebastian Pizarro and Fernando Cadena.
Marquez said senior Alejandro Perez’s versatility will make him a key contributor, as he can play every position on the field.
Jesus Perez, a senior, returns as an anchor on interior line.
Angelo Martinez, another senior, will seed duty at quarterback, receiver, and safety.
Sebastian Pizarro, a junior, will carry the load at running back and at outside linebacker on defense.
Junior Fernando Cadena is also expected to contribute at several positions.
Wyatt Pete, a junior, will see action at end and linebacker.
Last season, Pizarro accounted for 1,354 yards rushing, 21 rushing TDs, 273 yards receiving and 4 TDs. On defense, he lead the way with 96 tackles, 13 TFL, and 6 sacks.
Cadena had 377 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs, 255 yards receiving, 3 TDs, 68 Tackles, 7 TFL, 4 INTs
Alejandro Perez contributed 126 yards rushing, 2 rushing TDs, 181 yards receiving, 3 TDs, 465 yards passing, 6 passing TDs, 78 tackles
Jesus Perez registered 27 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.
“This is a core of players that we are really excited about,” said Marquez. “All of our kids have put in work on their own to get better for this season. We have size and speed at every position.”
“Sebo (Sebastian Pizarro) will lead our backfield, but we have a three-headed running attack with Fern and Alejandro who are capable of breaking off big plays.”
“Zeus (Jesus Perez) is a big guy in the interior and he does a good job of moving the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” cited Marquez.
“Angelo is going to play a big roll and has potential to stretch the field as a receiver or lead our offense at quarterback.”
““Wyatt Pete has shown the most growth and has gained our confidence to be involved in every formation and situation,” Marquez added. “I’m excited about this group because we have physical athletes at every position we ask them to play.”
As far as the league picture is concerned, Marquez feels that Cheyenne Wells will be the team to beat despite some key losses to graduation.
“Cheyenne Wells is always a top contender in our league,” said Marquez. “Their coach Myles Smith always brings a disciplined group and Wiley and Walsh have athletes that are going to be a challenge to contain. Our league should see at least four or five teams make the playoff bracket this year. We have a tough league but iron sharpens iron.”
Looking ahead to a new season of hope, Marquez said.
“The outlook is promising. We have high expectations for this group to understand the standard they have to uphold to be a part of Granada football.
“We have our own internal goals, and have identified what it is going to take to accomplish them, but ultimately it’s winning the day, winning the next drill, winning the next snap.
Marquez continued, “We want to be the team that fights from the first snap to whistle and we’ll see where we land when the dust settles.
“I know already this group is going to make our school and community proud by how they attack every opportunity we get.”
Assistant coaches for the Bobcats will Tanner Grasmick and Matt Carrigan.
The Bobcats will kick off the 2026 season with a home game against the Caliche Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon on Aug. 22 at 1 o’clock.
2026 GRANADA BOBCATS FOOTBALL TEAM
Front row, l-r, Timothy Cook, Alan Yanez, Johvanii Aguirre, Fernando Cadena, Cristiano Aguilar, and Isaiah Gonzales.
Back row, l-r, Jesus Perez, Alejandro Perez, Angelo Martinez, Sebastian Pizarro, Wyatt Pete, and Gabriel Mendez.
(Photo by John Contreras)
