Monarchs off to stellar start

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - After a jewel of a win over the La Cueva Bears, the Manzano Monarchs are certainly worthy to wear the Team of the Week crown.

Last Friday, the men in purple rallied from a 10 point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Bears 31-27.

In that game, the Monarch's Jayson Serda picked off two passes, blocked a field goal and blocked an extra point.

Serda said he's not normally a starter on that special teams unit, but an injury and a few good practices later—he's a special teams hero.

Manzano also got a huge performance out of slot wide receiver Kevin Reaves. Reaves blew past the Bears twice Friday for timely touchdowns.

Now the team looks to their next big challenge, a road trip to face the storied Artesia Bulldogs.

Monarch players said their concept of 'brotherhood' keeps them close on and off the field.

"We're known really for brotherhood and keeping a strong bond between each other and keeping each others back," Reeves said.

It's something the coaching staff said they've noticed.

"I think our kids playing hard for each other really helps too, they really try to focus on being there for their teammates," Head Coach Aaron Ocampo said.