Thursday, October 3
Albuquerque Academy (2-3) at St. Pius X (3-2), 7pm
Artesia (4-2) at Santa Teresa (1-5), 7pm
Centennial (5-0) at Alamogordo (1-5), 7pm
Northwest (0-1) at Pine Hill (1-3), 4pm
Pojoaque Valley (4-1) at Robertson (6-0), 7pm
Raton (2-3) at Legacy Academy (5-0), 7:30pm
Albuquerque Academy Chargers vs. St. Pius X Sartans, 7PM
In a pivotal Week 7 matchup, the Albuquerque Academy Chargers (2-3) take on the St. Pius X Sartans (3-2) in a battle that could define their respective seasons. Both teams are looking to gain momentum as they navigate district play, with the Sartans holding the edge in district record at 1-0, while the Chargers are 0-1 in district competition.
Albuquerque Academy Chargers (2-3, 0-1 District)
The Chargers have had an up-and-down season, coming into this game with a 2-3 overall record and a 0-1 district start. Offensively, the Chargers average 30 points per game, led by quarterback William Braun, who’s been lighting it up with 269.6 passing yards per game. Braun’s primary target, Gage Conway, averages 101.8 receiving yards per game, making the duo one of the most dangerous passing combinations in their class. However, the rushing game has been less effective, as Zachary Waghorn leads with just 27.3 rushing yards per game. Waghorn, however, contributes heavily on defense, leading the team with 12.8 tackles per game and recording 0.8 sacks per game. The Chargers’ defense, while solid at times, has allowed 140 points this season. They'll need to tighten up against a balanced St. Pius X offense.
St. Pius X Sartans (3-2, 1-0 District)
St. Pius X has enjoyed a strong season, especially at home, where they are undefeated (3-0). The Sartans are led by quarterback Isaiah Carpenter, who averages 209.0 passing yards per game. Carpenter’s dual-threat capability allows him to accumulate 221.8 total yards per game. Running back Hershul Olloway Jr. has been a force on the ground, averaging 110.2 rushing yards per game, which adds a balanced attack to the Sartans' offensive scheme. On the receiving end, Cayl Cox-Liggins has been Carpenter’s most consistent target, with 76.0 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Joaquin Aragon leads the Sartans with 7.8 tackles per game, while Jax Mulville adds pressure with 0.8 sacks per game. The Sartans defense has allowed 139 points this season, a number they’ll look to improve upon against Albuquerque Academy.
Key Matchups:
- William Braun vs. St. Pius X Secondary: Braun’s ability to air it out will test the Sartans' secondary, especially when targeting Conway. St. Pius X will need to limit big plays through the air to avoid getting into a shootout.
- Hershul Olloway Jr. vs. Albuquerque Academy Front Seven: Olloway’s 110.2 rushing yards per game are crucial for St. Pius X to control the clock and keep Braun and the Chargers' offense off the field. Albuquerque Academy’s defense will need to focus on containing him.
Final Thoughts:
This game features two offenses capable of putting up points, but St. Pius X’s balanced attack gives them an edge. If Albuquerque Academy can find success through the air early and tighten up their run defense, they could make it a competitive game. However, the Sartans' home dominance and strong running game may be too much for the Chargers to overcome.
Prediction: St. Pius X 31, Albuquerque Academy 21.
Artesia Bulldogs vs Santa Teresa Desert Warriors
As we head into Week 7 of the New Mexico high school football season, the Artesia Bulldogs (4-2) will take on the Santa Teresa Desert Warriors (1-5) in what looks to be a decisive matchup in Class 5A. This game pits two teams with vastly different seasons, and the Bulldogs are entering as heavy favorites.
Artesia Bulldogs (4-2, 3-0 District)
Artesia, known for its high-powered offense, has dominated district play with an unblemished 3-0 record. Coming into this game with a 4-2 overall record, the Bulldogs are on a roll, especially on their home turf (3-0). They’ve racked up an impressive 301 points this season, averaging 50.2 points per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in Class 5A. Quarterback Izac Cazares has been the engine of the Bulldogs' offense, averaging 302.4 passing yards per game and accumulating over 350 total yards per contest. Wide receiver Ethan Conn has been a reliable target, averaging 113.6 receiving yards per game. On the ground, Frankie Galindo leads the rushing attack with 71.2 yards per game, providing balance to the potent air attack. Defensively, Miguel Soto anchors the team with 9.5 tackles per game, and Kaden Grantham adds pressure in the trenches with 0.6 sacks per game. The Bulldogs’ defense is aggressive, and they’ll look to shut down Santa Teresa early.
Santa Teresa Desert Warriors (1-5, 0-3 District)
Santa Teresa has struggled throughout the season, with their only win coming at home. The Desert Warriors have been outmatched in district play, going 0-3, and they’ve struggled on the road (0-3). Offensively, they’ve managed just 41 points all season, averaging 6.8 points per game. Their offense revolves around quarterback Nicholas Vierra, who averages 224.8 total yards per game, including 123.5 passing yards. Vierra also leads the rushing attack with 101.3 yards per game, making him a dual-threat weapon. The Desert Warriors' defense has had difficulty containing opponents, allowing 214 points this season. Jacob Martinez leads the defense with 8.0 tackles per game, while Matthew Ramirez has contributed with 0.3 sacks per game. Santa Teresa will need to step up their game in all phases if they hope to keep up with the high-flying Artesia offense.
Key Matchups:
- Izac Cazares vs. Santa Teresa Secondary: Cazares’ ability to spread the ball around will challenge the Desert Warriors' defense, which has struggled to defend the pass this season.
- Nicholas Vierra vs. Artesia Front Seven: Vierra’s dual-threat capabilities are Santa Teresa’s best chance to keep this game competitive, but Artesia’s front seven will look to pressure him into making mistakes.
Final Thoughts:
Artesia enters this matchup as a clear favorite and will look to continue their dominance in district play. Santa Teresa, while facing long odds, will need a strong performance from Vierra and their defense to avoid another lopsided defeat. If Artesia’s offense gets going early, this one could get out of hand fast.
Prediction: Artesia 55, Santa Teresa 7.
Centennial Hawks (5-0) at Alamogordo Tigers (1-5)
The undefeated Centennial Hawks travel to Alamogordo to face the struggling Tigers in a district showdown. While the Hawks are riding high with a perfect 5-0 record, Alamogordo is looking to rebound from a tough start to their season with just one win in six games.
Centennial Hawks (5-0, 1-0 District)
Centennial comes into this matchup with an explosive offense and a defense that has allowed only 134 points in five games. The Hawks have been dominating on the ground, averaging a staggering 346.4 rushing yards per game, led by standout quarterback Zaiden Davis, who also adds 82.6 passing yards per game. Davis is the centerpiece of Centennial’s offense, averaging 233.0 total yards per game and 17.0 points per game. Centennial’s rushing attack is complemented by a solid passing game, making them a balanced and dangerous team. Defensively, they’ve been strong as well, averaging 52.0 tackles per game, with Cesario Pina leading the way at 7.0 tackles per game. The Hawks will look to continue their dominance on both sides of the ball and remain undefeated.
Alamogordo Tigers (1-5, 0-2 District)
Alamogordo has had a rough start to the 2024 season, sitting at 1-5 and winless in district play. The Tigers’ offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Nathanael Best, has struggled to score consistently, averaging just 20.5 points per game. Best, who leads the team with 103.2 rushing yards and 60.0 passing yards per game, will need a breakout performance to give the Tigers a chance against a high-powered Centennial team. Defensively, the Tigers have had their moments, averaging 49.3 tackles per game, with Noel Garza leading the team with 8.4 tackles per game. However, their defense will be put to the test against Centennial’s high-powered offense, as Alamogordo has allowed 202 points over their first six games.
Key Matchups:
- Zaiden Davis vs. Alamogordo Defense: Davis has been nearly unstoppable this season, both on the ground and through the air. The Tigers will need to find a way to contain him or risk being overrun by Centennial’s potent offense.
Final Thoughts:
Centennial comes into this game as heavy favorites, and with good reason. Their dominant rushing attack and strong defense make them one of the top teams in the state. Alamogordo will need their best game of the season to keep this one competitive, but Centennial’s depth and talent are likely too much for the Tigers to handle.
Prediction: Centennial 52, Alamogordo 14.
Pojoaque Valley Elks (4-1) at Robertson Cardinals (6-0)
This highly anticipated Week 7 matchup features the Pojoaque Valley Elks (4-1) traveling to take on the unbeaten Robertson Cardinals (6-0) in what promises to be a pivotal game for both teams. With Robertson dominating all season and Pojoaque Valley riding high on their strong start, this clash will likely have a significant impact on district standings.
Pojoaque Valley Elks (4-1)
The Elks enter the game with a solid 4-1 record, having posted an impressive 169 points while allowing only 73 across their five games. Offensively, they average 33.8 points per game, and their ground attack has been their strength. Running back Jonah Villegas leads the way with 122.5 rushing yards per game, accounting for most of the Elks’ 259.2 rushing yards per contest. Pojoaque Valley’s passing game, however, remains a work in progress, with quarterback Joshua Gonzales averaging just 33.0 passing yards per game. This imbalance might be something they need to address against a Robertson defense that allows only 59 points all season. Defensively, the Elks' ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks has been modest, averaging 1.2 sacks per game.
Robertson Cardinals (6-0)
The Cardinals have been nearly unstoppable this season, with an unblemished 6-0 record. They’ve dominated both sides of the ball, outscoring their opponents 322 to 59, and they are averaging a whopping 52.5 points per game. Led by dual-threat quarterback Jesse James Gonzalez, who averages 201.0 passing yards and 99.2 rushing yards per game, the Cardinals' offense is explosive and difficult to contain. Nathaniel Gonzalez has been his favorite target, averaging 100.0 receiving yards per game, adding depth to their potent passing attack. On defense, Robertson has been rock solid, allowing just 9.8 points per game. Paul Duran leads the Cardinals with 8.0 tackles per game, while Corey Gonzales has contributed 0.6 sacks per game. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit big plays will be critical in this matchup.
Key Matchups:
- Jonah Villegas vs. Robertson Front Seven: Villegas has been the engine behind Pojoaque Valley’s offense. If the Elks want to keep pace with Robertson, Villegas will need to find success on the ground. However, he faces a tough task against a Robertson defense that has been stout against the run.
- Jesse James Gonzalez vs. Pojoaque Valley Secondary: Gonzalez’s ability to hurt teams through the air and on the ground makes him a matchup nightmare. Pojoaque Valley’s secondary, which hasn’t been heavily tested this season, will have to play its best game to slow down the Cardinals’ explosive passing attack.
Final Thoughts:
Pojoaque Valley will look to control the tempo with their rushing attack, hoping to keep Robertson’s offense off the field as much as possible. However, the Cardinals have proven they can score in bunches and have been relentless on both sides of the ball. If the Elks struggle to contain Jesse James Gonzalez, it could be a long night for Pojoaque Valley.
Prediction: Robertson 45, Pojoaque Valley 17.
Raton Tigers (2-3) at Legacy Academy Silverbacks (5-0)
In a critical Week 7 matchup, two newly classified 2A programs face off with major playoff implications on the line. The Raton Tigers, a former 3A program, travel to Albuquerque to take on the undefeated Legacy Academy Silverbacks, who are making waves in their first season up from 8-man football. Both teams are looking to secure a top-four seed in the 2024 playoffs, and this game could be pivotal for both squads.
Raton Tigers (2-3)
Raton’s transition to 2A has been marked by an up-and-down season so far, with a 2-3 record. The Tigers have faced tough competition but managed to score 116 points while allowing 147. Offensively, they rely heavily on the play of dual-threat quarterback Cannon Walton, who leads the team with 105.0 rushing yards and 80.0 passing yards per game. Walton’s ability to make plays with his legs has been key, but the Tigers will need more consistency in the passing game to keep up with high-scoring teams like Legacy Academy. Raton’s defense has struggled at times, giving up 23.2 points per game. With just 0.8 sacks per game and 47.4 tackles per game, they’ll need to find a way to put more pressure on Legacy Academy’s potent offense, especially quarterback Lorenzo Sedillo-Urban.
Legacy Academy Silverbacks (5-0)
Legacy Academy has been the surprise of 2A football, dominating opponents with a perfect 5-0 record. Their offensive firepower has been unmatched, as the Silverbacks average a staggering 46.2 points per game while allowing only 4.6 points per contest. Quarterback Lorenzo Sedillo-Urban is the focal point of the offense, throwing for 190.0 yards per game and contributing 222.6 total yards per game. His favorite target, wide receiver Bryant Scales, averages 57.0 receiving yards per game, while running back Noah Sanchez adds balance with 68.6 rushing yards per game. On defense, Legacy Academy has been just as impressive, averaging 2.6 sacks per game, led by Zachary Perea, and 54.0 tackles per game, with Xander Chavez pacing the unit at 8.0 tackles per game. Their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage will be key in slowing down Walton and the Raton offense.
Key Matchups:
- Cannon Walton vs. Legacy Academy Defense: Walton’s ability to extend plays with his legs makes him dangerous, but Legacy’s defense, which has been outstanding at limiting big plays, will look to neutralize his impact. The key will be keeping Walton in the pocket and forcing him to throw.
- Legacy Academy’s Passing Game vs. Raton Secondary: With Sedillo-Urban averaging nearly 200 passing yards per game, Raton’s secondary will have its hands full. The Tigers need to find a way to disrupt his rhythm, or it could be a long night.
Final Thoughts:
Legacy Academy has been rolling through its schedule, and their balanced offensive attack should continue to thrive in this matchup. Raton will need a huge game from Walton and will have to play their best game of the season defensively to pull off the upset. However, Legacy’s strong defensive line and explosive offense give them the edge.
Prediction: Legacy Academy 38, Raton 24.
