Bayfield Wolverines’ fans should cherish their opportunity to watch the Bayfield High School football team play Kirtland Central at 7 p.m. Friday at Wolverine Country Stadium.

They won’t get to see them in person again until Oct. 3.

BHS will follow its home opener with four consecutive road games ranging from Gallup, New Mexico, to Paonia on the Western Slope.

Friday, though, the Wolverines will wake up in their familiar beds to face a familiar opponent.

BHS and Kirtland Central have played each other to open the last three seasons, splitting the two previous meetings.

Kirtland Central won 28-6 last year in Kirtland, N.M., while the Wolverines prevailed 22-14 the last time the teams met at Wolverine Country Stadium in 2012.

The Wolverines return their starting quarterback – junior Kelton McCoy – and leading rusher – junior Zane Phelps – from last season’s loss.

Phelps ran for 99 yards and averaged more than 5 yards per carry in a performance that kicked off his breakout sophomore campaign.

The Broncos graduated their senior quarterback from last season, Rashaan Sorrelhorse, but return their three leading rushers from that game.

Keishaun Aspaas, now a junior, caught two touchdowns and ran for a third in last season’s game.

BHS head coach Gary Heide could not be reached for comment Thursday.

kgrabowski@durangoherald.com