Tigers Overcome Early Misfires, Defense Delivers Statement
Truth or Consequences, N.M. — The Hot Springs Tigers shook off a slow start to earn a 26–6 home victory over the Tularosa Wildcats in their season opener Friday night. Behind a relentless defense and a breakout performance from sophomore quarterback/defensive back Zaiden Baker (#4), the Tigers turned an early deficit into a statement win.
Baker accounted for four total touchdowns — one on the ground and three through the air — while also grabbing an interception on defense. Senior wideout Tristan Polanco (#10) and junior Billy Baca (#18) each hauled in touchdown receptions, with Baca also adding an interception to fuel the Tigers’ surge.
The turning point came in the second quarter. After falling behind 6–0, Baker picked off a pass to swing momentum, then capped the drive with a rushing score to tie the game. On Tularosa’s next possessions, Baca and Evan Aguirre (#21) came up with interceptions, setting up a Baker-to-Polanco strike that gave Hot Springs a 13–6 halftime lead.
From there, the defense clamped down. The Tigers stuffed Tularosa on a fourth-down attempt to open the third quarter, and Baker quickly delivered his second passing touchdown. The Wildcats threatened late, driving inside the 5-yard line, but the Tigers stood tall once again, forcing a turnover on downs. With the game in hand, Baker sealed the win by connecting with Baca on a 50-yard touchdown to put it away, 26–6.
In all, Hot Springs’ defense forced seven turnovers — four interceptions and multiple fourth-down stops — while the offense found balance with short passes, the run game, and deep strikes. The Tigers open the season at 1–0 and will travel next Friday, Aug. 29, to face the Pojoaque Valley Elks.
