GRINE'S FANTASTIC FOUR MUST WATCH GAMES FRIDAY NIGHTS

St. Michael's (4-0) vs Eunice (4-0): Preview Linked Here

No. 5 Las Cruces (2-2) at No. 10 Hobbs (2-2), 7 PM

We stay in the southeast corner for another must-see game tonight as two 6A powerhouses collide in a District 3-6A battle. Las Cruces, a preseason favorite to contend for the 6A title, has had moments this season that justify their high ranking. A key factor has been standout running back Daniel Amaro, who has emerged as a legitimate New Mexico Mr. Football candidate. His ability to break through defenses makes the Bulldawgs' offense a threat every time they take the field.

For Hobbs, the Eagles have been a sound offensive unit, averaging nearly 40 points per game over their last three outings. Quarterback Brock Beaty and his receiving corps have clicked, making the Eagles a tough challenge for any defense they face. Tonight’s matchup will determine who stays in contention for the district title, along with Centennial.

Prediction: Las Cruces 35, Hobbs 34.
Grine's Pick: This one was tough to call, and I went back and forth before settling on Hobbs pulling out a close win at Watson Stadium. Las Cruces' defense is the X-factor. If they can limit Hobbs, which they've proven they can in previous games, the Bulldawgs could win a tight one in the 20s. Still, I'm giving the edge to Hobbs in their home stadium.

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No. 14 Deming (3-1) vs. No. 8 Roswell (2-1), 7 PM

This game might just be the best showdown no one’s talking about. However, it deserves attention with major playoff implications on the line. Deming comes into this game with several standout players, led by Mr. Football candidate Ryan Alfaro. Supporting him are talents like Isaiah Pizarro and Sebastian Acuña, who have helped the Wildcats to a strong start.

Roswell, despite a setback last weekend against Lovington, is still considered a 5A state title contender. The Coyotes boast a wealth of talent across the board, and a win tonight could reaffirm their status as one of the top teams in the class. Both teams are in the hunt for a top-four playoff seed, with three of those seeds likely coming from this highly competitive district.

Prediction: Roswell 28, Deming 15.
Grine's Pick: Deming is a solid team, but Roswell is just a bit better. Both teams are capable of making deep playoff runs, but I give the edge to Roswell here. Look for them to come out on top in what will be a crucial district game.

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No. 25 Gadsden (4-0) at No. 11 Artesia (3-1), 7 PM

It’s homecoming night in the legendary Bulldog Bowl, and this rare matchup has plenty of intrigue. Gadsden comes into the game ranked and undefeated—something you don’t often see from the Panthers. This new district matchup will be one to follow closely, as Gadsden looks to prove they belong among the state’s elite.

However, standing in their way is the Artesia Bulldogs, one of the most storied programs in New Mexico high school football. Quarterback Izac Cazares has been making a name for himself, leading a potent Artesia offense. Gadsden counters with running back Alfredo Andrade, but the difference in this game may lie on defense. Gadsden’s Daan Cano and Artesia’s Miguel Soto are both playmakers who could turn the tide for their respective teams.

Prediction: Artesia 44, Gadsden 17.
Grine's Pick: I'd love to predict a closer game, but Artesia is, well, Artesia. Gadsden scores first and gives an early scare, but ultimately, the Bulldogs will take control and cruise to a victory in front of a raucous homecoming crowd.

6A New Mexico High School Football Preview: Friday Night Rapid Fire​

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Chili or Chile – New Mexico vs. Texas

The debate over "chili" or "chile" spills onto the football field as No. 3 Cleveland (3-1) heads south to take on El Paso Pebble Hills (TX) (1-2). Cleveland has been an offensive powerhouse this season, averaging over 43 points per game. Can the Storm continue their dominance against a Pebble Hills squad that got off to a slow start but exploded for 63 points last weekend against El Paso Americas (TX)?

Meanwhile, No. 6 Rio Rancho (2-2) will host another El Paso school, Eastlake High (TX), who sits at 1-2 on the season. Eastlake’s defense has been shaky, allowing an average of 50 points per game, but their offense hasn’t been far behind, scoring nearly 40 points per game. Keep an eye on Rio Rancho’s sophomore running back, Micah Takahashi, who has posted three 100-yard games, including a 100-yard, one-touchdown effort last weekend against No. 2 Centennial.

Predictions:
Cleveland wins 42-21.
Eastlake wins 35-32.

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Raining Cats and Dogs: Proving Our Worth

Albuquerque High (3-1), the Bulldogs, take on the Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (1-2), in a game that could change both teams' seasons. Atrisco Heritage opened the year with two tough losses to top-ranked teams—No. 6 Rio Rancho and No. 2 Centennial—but their offense showed resilience. Albuquerque, on the other hand, hasn’t faced the same caliber of competition but did square off against ranked teams in Cibola and Alamogordo. Their only loss came in overtime to Cibola, 20-17, in the season opener.

Both teams are looking to prove they belong in the upper tier of the district standings, but who makes a stronger case?

Prediction:
Atrisco Heritage wins 28-21.

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In-N-Out: No, Not Burgers
No. 9 West Mesa (2-1) and No. 13 Los Lunas (2-1) face off in what could have major playoff implications. Both teams are looking for a crucial win that could give them momentum heading into district play. The winner will inch closer to securing a playoff spot, while the loser could be on the bubble come November.

Down south, Alamogordo (1-3) and Organ Mountain (1-3) meet in a similar scenario. Both teams are in dire need of a win to keep playoff hopes alive, and a loss could leave them on the outside looking in.

Predictions:
Los Lunas wins 31-28.
Alamogordo wins 24-20.

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Morning BearClaw: Who Doesn’t Love a Bearclaw on a Saturday Morning?

The No. 1 ranked La Cueva Bears (3-0) will host Farmington (3-1) tonight in a game that looks lopsided on paper but could surprise. La Cueva has been dominant and should cruise past the Scorpions, but Farmington has a sting that can’t be overlooked. If Farmington is to pull off an upset, they’ll need to play a flawless game on both sides of the ball. La Cueva, however, has the firepower and depth to control this one.

Prediction:
La Cueva wins 45-14.

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Final Predictions for the Night:

• Cleveland wins 42-21.
• Eastlake (TX) wins 35-32.
• Atrisco Heritage wins 28-21.
• Los Lunas wins 31-28.
• Alamogordo wins 24-20.
• La Cueva wins 45-14.

Week 5 Standouts: New Mexico High School Football Top Performers

Week 5 of New Mexico high school football showcased impressive performances from players across the state, with standout efforts on both sides of the ball. From quarterbacks airing it out to defensive players shutting down offenses, here are the top performers of the week, broken down by position.

Top Offensive Performers​

Quarterbacks:

1. Blake Spencer (Senior, Bloomfield)
   Spencer was a dominant force in Bloomfield’s 53-0 victory over Aztec, needing just 7 completions to rack up 200 passing yards and 5 touchdowns. He also added 28 rushing yards and another touchdown, making him a standout on both the ground and through the air.
2. Jordan Hatch (Junior, Cleveland)
   Hatch put on a show in Cleveland’s 49-27 win over Pebble Hills, Texas. He threw for 276 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, guiding his team to a decisive victory. Hatch’s poise and accuracy helped the Storm keep rolling.
3. Matthew Prudencio (Senior, Lovington)
   Prudencio passed for 235 yards and 4 touchdowns in a commanding 46-6 win over Goddard. His efficiency and leadership were key in securing the victory.
4. Ilijah Hansen (Senior, Volcano Vista)
   Hansen led the Volcano Vista offense to a 28-8 win over Eldorado, passing for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to make plays through the air continues to be a strong asset for his team.
5. Jose Jaramillo (Junior, Valley)
   Jaramillo helped Valley to a gritty 13-6 win over Miyamura, throwing for 179 yards and 1 touchdown while also rushing for 25 yards and another score. His dual-threat ability was crucial in the victory.
6. James Vautier (Senior, Manzano)
   Vautier was electric in Manzano’s 40-20 win over Portales, passing for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 61 rushing yards and 2 more touchdowns. His ability to move the ball both on the ground and through the air kept the Portales defense guessing all night.
7. Isaiah Ocampo (Senior, Socorro)
   Ocampo's all-around performance in Socorro’s win over Hot Springs was one for the books. He threw for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also rushing for 124 yards and adding another score, leading Socorro's offense with confidence.
8. Lawrence Sedillo-Urban (Legacy Academy)
   Sedillo-Urban accounted for 4 passing touchdowns and 181 passing yards in Legacy Academy's win over McCurdy, showing off his precision and control in the pocket.

Running Backs:

1. Isaiah Yannis (Senior, Cleveland)
   Yannis was a force in Cleveland’s victory, rushing for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and dominate the line of scrimmage was crucial in helping the Storm overpower Pebble Hills.
2. Juan Munoz (Senior, Cleveland)
   Munoz added to Cleveland’s ground dominance with 126 rushing yards and a touchdown. The combination of Yannis and Munoz proved too much for Pebble Hills to handle.
3. Aiden Erickson (Junior, Manzano)
   Erickson contributed 59 rushing yards and a touchdown in Manzano’s win over Portales, adding a reliable ground game to complement Vautier’s passing.
4. Zachary Perez (Sophomore, Valley)
   Perez rushed for 55 yards in Valley’s tight win over Miyamura, providing key carries to control the game’s tempo.
5. Zach Toledo (Senior, Valley)
   Toledo matched Perez with 55 rushing yards and added 62 receiving yards, making him a dual-threat that kept Miyamura’s defense on its heels.

Receivers:

1. Peyton Duncan (Senior, Bloomfield)
   Duncan was nearly unstoppable against Aztec, racking up 139 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on just a few catches. His deep-play ability continues to make him a valuable weapon in Bloomfield’s passing attack.
2. Chris Alcantar (Senior, Bloomfield)
   Alcantar complemented Duncan with 101 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, proving that Bloomfield’s receiving corps is one of the best in the state.
3. Kaden McCown (Senior, Bloomfield)
   McCown capped off the trio of standout receivers for Bloomfield, adding 2 touchdowns of his own in the 53-0 rout.
4. Jay Lee (Junior, Socorro)
   Lee had a huge game in Socorro’s win, totaling 167 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. His big-play ability helped push Socorro over the top.
5. Gabe Gonzales (Sophomore, Valley)
   Gonzales had 51 receiving yards and a touchdown, providing a key spark for Valley’s offense in their close win over Miyamura.

Top Defensive Performers​

Linebackers and Defensive Backs:

1. Daniel Rios (Senior, Volcano Vista)
   Rios anchored Volcano Vista’s defense with 9 total tackles in their 28-8 win over Eldorado. His ability to read the offense and make key stops kept Eldorado’s attack in check.
2. Manny Chavez (Senior, Portales)
   Despite a loss to Manzano, Chavez stood out with 14 total tackles, leading Portales’ defense and giving a gritty performance.
3. Tommy Salgado (Sophomore, Portales)
   Salgado added 10 total tackles for Portales, continuing to develop into one of the top defensive players for the Rams.
4. Thomas Pettus (Senior, Volcano Vista)
   Pettus was a major contributor to Volcano Vista’s defense, recording 8 tackles in the win over Eldorado.
5. Adam Jaramillo (Senior, Volcano Vista)
   Jaramillo finished with 7 tackles, forming a tough trio with Rios and Pettus that shut down Eldorado’s offense.
6. Brenden Cochrane (Junior, Cleveland)
   Cochrane was the leader of Cleveland’s defense with 7 total tackles in their victory over Pebble Hills, helping to shut down their opponent’s offensive momentum.
7. AJ Manning (Junior, Cleveland)
   Manning added 6 total tackles in Cleveland’s win, proving to be a reliable presence in the middle of the defense.
8. Collin Joyner (Junior, Cleveland)
   Joyner also contributed 6 tackles, rounding out a strong defensive effort for the Storm.
9. Elias Tafoya (Junior, Manzano)
   Tafoya finished with 6 total tackles, helping to slow down Portales’ offense in Manzano’s victory.
10. Vincent Varela (Sophomore, Manzano)
    Varela matched Tafoya with 6 total tackles, showcasing his talent as a young defender with a bright future.

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The Connie Mack World Series will no longer provide an automatic berth to a team from Farmington. Instead, a tournament at Ricketts Park of New Mexico-based teams will be held about a month before the series. It will be similar to several qualifying tournaments held across the country, and the winners will earn the right to compete in the CWMS. The team that wins the qualifying tournament will be required to put at least six Farmington area-based players on their roster for CMWS play.