.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Hope Christian quarterback Hunter Peterson and Huskies assistant coach Lyle Rittman go through their paces while wearing masks. They’re mandatory in all sports except swimming. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Albuquerque Journal) Among the hot-button topics related to New Mexico’s condensed high school football season is this one: The face masks behind the face mask. “It’s tough to run in one,” Cleveland High football coach Heath Ridenour said. “I can’t imagine kids playing football in one.” ................................................................ When the state’s five-weeks-long spring season kicks off on Friday night, eyes are the only part of the face that are supposed to be visible. New Mexico has a mask mandate for all athletes during competition.