The St. Michael's Horsemen want to be a good running team.

It's by necessity. It's their future for the time being. The passing game is still in its comparative infancy with a sophomore quarterback, who was a backup to begin the season, and a new corps of receivers.

That inexperience could spell blowout. The Hilltoppers of Los Alamos are all too familiar with the ground game — both creating and stopping it.

It is what they have specialized in for two decades under head coach Bob Scott. It was the difference in Los Alamos' 22-14 win over the Horsemen last season.

It is what has given the Hilltoppers a 94-28 margin of victory in the last four games of the series. St. Michael's hasn't beaten the 'Toppers since 2003.

The Class AAA Horsemen were most effective last season when they went to the spread offense to neutralize the AAAA Hilltoppers' size advantage on the lines. Both touchdowns against Los Alamos were via the pass and in the second half.

Then-quarterback Mark Manning attempted a school-record 41 passes. Manning completed 19, tying another mark. Graduated receiver Robert C' de Baca turned in a brilliant effort in that game, hauling in 10 receptions for 117 yards and both touchdowns.

That type of potency likely won't be available today, but the Horsemen hope they have enough variety to keep the 'Toppers honest.

"We had a lot of stuff in (the offense)," said St. Michael's head coach Joey Fernandez, who also calls the plays. "We're gonna probably throw the ball a little more (the Horsemen attempted just nine passes in their season opener). But I think we have a better running team than we did last year."

And in a strange twist, the normally conservative double-wing-heavy Hilltoppers might open up their offense.

Los Alamos used a spread formation in a scrimmage against Aztec in the preseason. The Hilltoppers didn't have a game last week because of a change in the schedule.

"Maybe he realized that with the speed he's had in the past, if he opens it up it might help," Fernandez said of Scott.

The Horsemen aren't sure which primary formation they will see, but they hope they are prepared — although a week of practice didn't convince Fernandez of that.

"I really haven't seen it," Fernandez said. "The youth and inexperience is showing. We could have a hard time. We're trying to teach guys to read keys.

"I've been concerned all week."

The Horsemen defense gave up touchdowns of 63, 65 and 67 yards in a 20-19 win over Bloomfield in the season opener.

The Hilltoppers will take aim at school records if St. Michael's breaks down again.

"It's time to play," Scott said. "They guys are ready. They want to get on the field."

Scott said St. Michael's inexperience in the passing game could be a big factor after scouting the Horsemen last week.

"He's doing what he has to do," Scott said of Fernandez. "You gotta learn the basics before you can add stuff."

Los Alamos has reached the addition stage.

The Hilltoppers return two of their top skill players from last season: Running back Raul Rodriguez and quarterback Zach Mang.

Joining them will be senior running back and defensive back Corey Clark.

Clark played with Los Alamos as an underclassman before moving away with his family. He was all-state honorable mention, and returned this season.

Fernandez remembers:

"He picked off three passes against us."

The Horsemen know the challenge ahead. The Hilltoppers are ready to provide it.