Week 14 Statewide High School Football Preview - Breaking Down The Semifinals

kyle h · Nov 23, 2015

Week 14 Statewide High School Football Preview - Breaking Down The Semifinals
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

More Previews To Follow Throughout The Week

Playoff Brackets Here
http://nmpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/2015-football-playoff-brackets-here.10188/

6A Semifinals

No. 1 Cleveland at No. 5 Mayfield - Saturday, November 28th at 1pm

Cleveland 11-0, Defeated Manzano 51-7 last week
Cleveland Head Coach: Heath Ridenour
Mayfield 9-3, Defeated Clovis 21-3 last week
Mayfield Head Coach: Michael Bradley
Game Preview: Did you know that Mayfield dropped 3 games in a row and sat at .500 entering district play following a 21-17 loss to Manzano in Albuquerque. The NMPreps.com Preseason No. 2 ranked team seemed depleted, faced key injures, and there was talk about Las Cruces Football as a whole being down. Let’s face it, with the Trojans losing to Alamogordo and Manzano this season, it didn’t seem the case that Mayfield would be entering the semifinals this weekend. But this team has found character, faced adversity, and enters the game against Cleveland winning 5 in a row after last weekend’s 21-3 victory over Clovis. In their last five games they are as hot as anyone in New Mexico scoring 51.4 points per game during that stretch and picking up key wins over Las Cruces and as mentioned they just beat Clovis handily on the road. In their last three games of the season it’s been Sophomore Torry Lockland who has shined as a dual threat quarterback and their veteran offensive line has provided key opportunities for running back Isaac Vance who has 28 touchdowns this year. While their offense is on fire, their defense will face a great task of stopping a potent Cleveland Offense headlined by three Division One Commits. The Storm has been number one in New Mexico since January 1st, 2015. Everyone knew that this team was capable of running the table and they have proved to do just that outscoring the competition 534-144 on the season. Outside of their 41-34 shootout with Eldorado, no team has played with them for four quarters and as mentioned they are led by three division one commits. Quarterback Gabe Ortega is committed to New Mexico, so is 6-foot-4 receiver Marcus Williams, and their star linemen Henry Hattis at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds Henry Hattis is committed to Stanford. On defense they fly to the football, Sean Davis and Brendon Armstead are two lesser known players that have each recored over 50 tackles. Their linebackers are excellent and same for their defensive secondary, really Cleveland is just one of those teams that truly has it all and pair that with a fantastic up and coming Head Coach Heath Ridenour, you literally have the Perfect Storm.
The Favorite: Cleveland by 9.5
Notes: Mayfield won 2013 meeting on the road 34-33, Cleveland won 2011 meeting on the road 48-28, Mayfield won 2010 meeting 21-13 on the road
Players To Watch
Gabe Ortega - Quarterback - Cleveland - 2,078-yards, 524-yards rushing with 27 touchdowns
Shawn Nieto - Running Back - Cleveland - 828-yards rushing with 16 touchdowns
Marcus Williams - Receiver - Cleveland - 769-yards with 11 touchdowns
Ryan Anderson - Athlete - Cleveland - 401-yards receiving, 399 yards rushing
Sean Davis - Defensive Linemen - Cleveland - 62 tackles
Brendon Armstead - Defensive Linemen - Cleveland - 60 tackles
Henry Hattis - Offensive Linemen - Cleveland - 6-foot-7, 265 pound Stanford Commit
Santos Taylor - Offensive Linemen - Cleveland - 6-foot-2, 275 pound D-1 prospect
Isaac Vance - Running Back - Mayfield - 1,600-yards rushing and 28 touchdowns
Torry Locklin - Quarterback - Mayfield - 900-yards of offense in last three games
Ethan Alvarado - Defensive Back - Mayfield - 45 tackles on the season
Gavin Swinson - Receiver - Mayfield - Over 500-yards receiving on the year
Colton Evans - Offensive Line - Mayfield - Key linemen for the Trojans
Noah Pierce - Defensive End/Tight End - Mayfield - Key defensive linemen for the Trojans

No. 2 Eldorado at no. 6 Las Cruces - Friday, November 27th at 1pm

Eldorado 9-2, Defeated Hobbs 70-20 last week
Eldorado Head Coach: Charlie Dotson
Las Cruces 9-3, Defeated Rio Rancho 55-14 last week
Las Cruces Head Coach: Jim Miller
Game Preview: After the Eldorado Eagles pounded Hobbs last weekend in the quarterfinals, Head Eldorado Football Coach Charlie Dotson told me that as a Head Coach he’s 0-6 All-Time against Las Cruces. That simple fact alone is a wake up call to Eldorado who’s proved several times this season that they are the best football team in Albuquerque. I’ve pointed out several times this year that Eldorado is a remarkable 19-4 over the last two-years and a big part of that is due to the Eldorado Class of 2016, a group with dynamic players and winners off the field, seriously, it’s a great group of kids that are playing some outstanding football. What has made them superior this year? Their offense has scored 512 points (46.5 average) and their defense is allowing just 15.9, which is great for this day in age where teams are scoring 30+ per game. Eldorado is a team with good size and they are balanced on offense, with a power running game and a good ability to get the ball downfield on long passes. I think we’re going to remember this Eldorado team for seasons to come and they’ll prove it this Friday. Where do you start when talking about Las Cruces, duh you start with talking about three year starting quarterback and NMPreps.com Mr. Football Candidate Kameron Miller who has put up a season to remember. Miller has thrown for 2,199-yards with 17 touchdowns and his rushing yards: 1,542-yards and 26 touchdowns which is a grand total of 3,741-yards of offense and 43 touchdowns. This group is also powered by a strong junior offensive line and some sophomores and freshman that are starting varsity. Really, the leadership of Miller on the field has translating into 9 wins, Miller has a career record of 26-7 at Las Cruces. When talking to Eldorado Football Coach Charlie Dotson, he told me, “Were going to have to find a way to stop Miller, I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but we’ll figure it out this week.”
The Favorite: Eldorado by 4.5
Notes: As Head Coach at Eldorado, Charlie Dotson has never beat Las Cruces, 0-6 all-time
Players To Watch
Kameron Miller - Quarterback - Las Cruces - 3,741-yards of offense with 43 touchdowns
Payton Ball - Running Back - Las Cruces - 656-yards and 15 touchdowns
Braon Baeza - Receiver - Las Cruces - Caught for 1,265-yards and 12 touchdowns
Jayce Jackson - Quarterback - Eldorado - 2,700-yards of offense with 22 touchdowns
Noah Swietzer - Running Back/Linebacker - Eldorado - 500-yards of rushing, 190 tackles
David Inman - Receiver - Eldorado - Over 500-yards receiving on the season, 8 touchdowns
Dominic Sandoval - Running Back/Receiver - Over 500-yards of offense with 5 touchdowns

5A Semifinals

No. 4 Moriarty at no. 1 Centennial - Friday, November 27th at 7pm

Team Comparisons
Moriarty 9-2, defeated Farmington last week 27-26
Moriarty Head Coach: Joe Anaya
Centennial 11-0, defeated Goddard last week 53-18
Centennial Head Coach: Aaron Ocampo
Game Preview: The Pintos at 9-2 on the season under third year Head Coach Joe Anaya have been labeled the underdog before. This year they weren’t supposed to beat undefeated St. Pius X, they did, in 2013 they weren’t supposed to play with Artesia in the playoffs, they beat Artesia 48-41 in 3 OTs. This year, Moriarty is hard hitting, no flash, and riding a 7 game winning streak heading to Las Cruces to face the undefeated Hawks for the first time in school history. Centennial is preparing for a team that they have never seen before, which is always a tough task, but if this game was played on paper Centennial wins by 21 points. Although not one will say it on the message boards, Centennial is the overwhelming favorite with better talent at every position on the football field. In 11 games this year Centennial has racked up 535-points and allowed just 163. What makes them so dangerous is their size up front: George Nino is a 4-year starter at 330 pounds on the offensive line, Cameron Burkley is a 275 pound 4-year starter on the offensive line as well, and defensive linemen Jerry Gurrola is a 245 pound 4-year starter at defensive end. This Centennial Senior Class will set the bar for future Hawks as it’s loaded with experience, talent, and excellent coaching.
The Favorite: Centennial by 14.5
Notes: Two teams have never played. Centennial is outscoring opponents 49-14 this year, Moriarty has won 7 in a row
Players To Watch
Allen Michel - Running Back - Moriarty - Ran for 1,590-yards
Elijah Tapia - Running Back - Moriarty - Ran for 720-yards
Sanitago Mora - Linebacker - Moriarty - 136 tackles
Matt Smith - Linebacker - Moriarty 105 tackles
Dante Lopez - Quarterback - Has thrown for 1,525-yards and 28 touchdowns
Keath Jasso - Running Back - Has rushed for 652-yards
Bryce Rewalt - Receiver - 670-yards receiving
Junior Pena - Receiver - 662-yards receiving
Jake Boykin - Linebacker - 81 tackles
Jerry Gurrola - Defensive End - 36 tackles, 6 sacks

No. 3 Piedra Vista at no. 2 Artesia - Saturday, November 28th at 1pm

Team Comparisons
Piedra Vista 9-2, defeated Roswell last week 27-16
Piedra Vista Head Coach: Jarod Howell
Artesia 11-0, defeated St. Pius X last week 27-21
Artesia Head Coach: Cooper Henderson
Preview: Piedra Vista is 8-1 against New Mexico Teams this year. Their lone loss came against Roswell losing 19-10, but last weekend they avenged that loss beating the Coyotoes 27-16 in the quarterfinals. A youthful team with dangerous skill position players who keep rising to the challenge, ran through their district schedule, and though they are another long shot to win on the road this weekend, there is no question on whether this team is dangerous - they are. As you’ll scroll down and read in the top players section, Elijah Gamboa has had an unreal season with over 2,000 all purpose yards and more than 25 touchdowns, he’s also a very good defensive back. For the Artesia Bulldogs who are going for another football state championship (defending Class 5A Champ) playing at home has been a huge advantage for decades. Over the last two seasons the Bulldogs are 12-0 at home. This season the Bulldogs are scoring 38.4 points on offense and their defense is being compared to all-time great Bulldog defenses headlined by some prospects that will garner post season awards when the season is completed. The last time Artesia lost at home dates bak to October 11th, 2013 when the Clovis Wildcats bested the Bulldogs 48-17. The last time Artesia lost at home during the playoffs dates back to 2012 when Aztec took down Artesia 61-55 in overtime.
The Favorite: Artesia by 12.5
Notes: Artesia is 22-2 overall and 12-0 at home over the 2014 and 2015 football seasons. Piedra Vista is riding 5 game winning streak
Players To Watch
Isaiah Weideman - Running Back - Artesia - 11 touchdowns
Justin Houghtaling - Quarterback - Artesia - 2,815-yards with 29 touchdowns
Ethan Duff - RB/WR - Artesia - 848-yards receiving with 10 touchdowns
Jacon Enriquez - Linebacker - Artesia - 152 tackels
Carlos Carrasco - Defensive Back - Artesia - 8 interceptions
Codey Scott - Defensive Linemen - Artesia - 15 sacks
Elijah Gamboa - Athlete - Piedra Vista - 2,000 all purpose yards with 27 touchdowns
Scott Ramirez - Running Back - Piedra Vista - Over 500-yards fishing with 5 touchdowns
Matt Gonzales - Atlete - Piedra Vista - 300-yards receiving, dangerous spt player

4A Semifinals

No. 1 Portales @ No. 4 Robertson - Saturday, November 28th at 1PM

Team Comparison
Portales 11-0, defeated St. Michael's 41-7 in the quarterfinals
Portales Head Coach: Jaime Ramirez
Robertson: 9-2, defeated Bloomfield 49-6 in the quarterfinals
Robertson Head Coach: Leroy Gonzales
Preview: These two teams have met 9 times since 2010 with Robertson winning 7 out of those 9 meetings. The two teams met earlier this year and it was Portales coming away with a 26-13 victory. On the year, Portales has outscored the competition 456-75, their defense has forced 4 shutouts and allowed just two touchdowns in their last two games. Robertson might be the hottest team in 4A right now: These are the results of their last four games: Beat Pojoaque 51-0, beat Taos 25-0, beat West Las Vegas 51-0, and last week beat Bloomfield 49-6, on top of that they have won 9 games in a row. This game comes down to defense and it's that simple.
The Favorite: Portales by 5.5
Notes: The two teams have played a remarkable 9 times since the 2010 season with Robertson leading the series over that time 7-2
Players To Watch
Arjay Ortiz - Robertson - Quarterback - Has thrown for 942-yards
JP Griego - Robertson - Running Back - Has rushed for 1,231-yards
Francisco Arguello - Robertson - Linebacker - 113 tackles
Jamie Ramirez - Portales - Quarterback - Has thrown for 1,062-yards, rushed for 995-yards
Bronte Staugaard - Portales - Running Back - Has rushed for 1,788-yards and 24 touchdowns
Darion Ontiveros - Portales - Defensive Back - 42 tackles
Jeremy Karngbaye - Portales - 7.5 sacks this season

No. 3 Cobre @ No. 2 Hatch - Friday, November 27th at 7PM

Team Comparison
Cobre 8-3, defeated Ruidoso 35-7 in the quarterfinals
Cobre Head Coach: Jerry Martinez
Hatch 11-0, defeated Hope Christian 43-14
Cobre Head Coach: Jack Cisco
Preview: Two district rivals that have had some great games over the past few years. While Hatch Valley has seemed untouchable, it was Cobre that kept it close with the Bears a month ago in a 19-14 loss. Cobre has a spread the field offense and has thrown for over 2,000-yards this year and is scoring 35 points per game. Hatch Valley's numbers are amazing with the Bears outscoring the competition 504-106.
The Favorite: Cobre by 7.5
Notes: Hatch this match up earlier this year 19-14, last year Cobre beat Hatch twice winning 21-10 and 21-14 in the semifinal round.
Players To Watch
Jared Garay - Hatch - Quarterback - Thrown for 863-yards
Adrian Grajeda - Hatch - Running Back - Rushed for 1,362-yards, 8 sacks on defense
Austin Franzoy - Hatch - Linebacker - 75 tackles
Andru Sanchez - Cobre - Quarterback - 2,073-yards passing, 656-yards rushing
Robert Rodriguez - Cobre - Athlete - Caught for 800-yards, rushed for 765-yards, 81 tackles
TJ Ortiz - Cobre - Defensive line - 4.0 sacks

3A Semifinals

No. 1 Estancia @ No. 5 Lordsburg -Saturday, November 28th at 1PM

Estancia 11-0, last week defeated Texcio 54-0
Estancia Head Coach: Stewart Burnett
Lordsburg 9-3, last week defeated Dexter 20-12
Lordsburg Head Coach: Louie Baisa
Preview: The No. 5 seeded Lordsburg Mavericks are riding a 6 game winning streak and will host the Top Ranked Estancia Bears Saturday in what some will likely say is the State Championship Game in the semifinals, meaning these are the two best in the bracket meeting one-game shy of the finals. Last weekend Lordsburg won on the road against Dexter 20-12 and their offense has been explosive in last 30-days producing 246 points. The Estancia Bears are as hot as they've been all season and have outscored their last four opponents by a combined 210-0. A true juggernaut that is powered by three outstanding running backs, a good defense, and a very youthful and energetic coaching staff.
The Favorite: Estancia by 10.5
Notes: Estancia is 22-3 over the last two football seasons, the Bears are averaging 47.5 points per game on offense, Estancia to Lordsburg is 305 miles (one way)
Players To Watch
Adam Lujan - Estancia - Running Back - 1,657-yards with 21 touchdowns
Ezekiel Tapia - Estancia - Running Back - 1,048-yards with 16 touchdowns
Mosies Anaya - Estancia - Running Back - 920-yards with 16 touchdowns
Johnny Plowman - Lordsburg - Quarterback - 1,561-yards passing and 751-yards rushing
Jacob Enriquez - Lordsburg - Receiver - 397-yards with 7 touchdowns

No. 2 Clayton vs. No. 3 Eunice - Saturday, November 28th at 1PM

Clayton 6-5, Defeated Santa Rosa last week 32-7
Clayton Head Coach: Dustin Tippit (1st Year)
Eunice 7-3, Defeated Capitan last week 42-18
Eunice Head Coach: Ken Stevens (1st Year)
Preview: Though it's a 600+ mile round trip, these two have seen each other three times since 2014 with Clayton winning all three games: 46-7 (this year), 34-14 (playoffs last year), and 57-6 (last year). It's the Yellowjackets that have the road trip despite landing the No. 2 seed in the playoffs after playing a gauntlet of a schedule and ending the regular season at 5-5. Clayton's schedule included: Sunray TX, Stratford TX, Robertson, and Estancia. First Year Head Coach Dustin Tippit has kept the power run game in-tact and the defense is still flying around the football. For Eunice, the Cardinals have won 6 in a row and like their opponent this week they love to pound the rock with over 2,600-yards rushing this season. While they do enter this semifinal showdown with a record of 7-3, their defense has allowed 25.6 points this year.
The Favorite: Even
Notes: Both Clayton and Eunice have Head Coaches in their first year, the two teams met in the semifinals last year with Clayton winning 34-14, Clayton also won during the regular season last year 57-6. Clayton to Eunice is 335 miles (one way)
Players To Watch
Justin Taylor - Clayton - Running Back - 1,211-yards rushing
Jose Zamora - Clayton - Running Back - 746-yards rushing
Seth Martinez - Clayton - Linebacker - 103 tackles
Tukcer Poling - Clayton - Defensive End - 13 sacks
Blane Ferbrache - Eunice - Running Back - 1,178-yards rushing
Aaron Madrid - Eunice - Running Back - 766-yards rushing, 147 total tackles

Feedback Welcomed & Wanted

kyle h · Nov 24, 2015