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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
