Grady Bronchos: Players to Watch​

OFFENSE​

Zander Ciancio
Sophomore, Quarterback
With 1,132 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, Ciancio has proven to be a consistent and accurate quarterback who can deliver in the clutch. His ability to make sharp reads and distribute the ball will be essential for the Bronchos as they face Logan’s tough defense.

Deakin Ragland
Senior, Athlete
Ragland’s versatility makes him a game-changing presence on offense. He’s amassed 447 rushing yards with six rushing touchdowns, alongside 338 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Trey Rush
Junior, Athlete
Rush is another multi-talented player for the Bronchos, bringing 278 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to the table, along with 302 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air.

Chevy Dickson
Senior, Athlete
Dickson has contributed 264 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 176 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Gavin West
Sophomore, Athlete
West has become a red-zone favorite, with 142 receiving yards and an impressive eight touchdowns.

DEFENSE​

Trey Rush
Junior
Rush is also a force on defense, where he’s accumulated 77 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. His ability to get into the backfield and disrupt the quarterback makes him a crucial player for Grady.

Andre Garcia
Sophomore
With 74 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and six sacks, Garcia brings a high level of intensity to Grady’s defensive unit.

Deakin Ragland
Senior,
Ragland’s impact on defense has been just as valuable as his offensive contributions. He’s racked up 61 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and six interceptions, showing his ability to read the field and create turnovers.

Madden Flood
Sophomore
Flood has been a solid presence on Grady’s defense, recording 60 tackles and four sacks.

Noah Stanfield
Sophomore
With 49 tackles this season, Stanfield has shown his reliability as a tackler and a defender.

Logan Longhorns: Players to Watch​

OFFENSE​

Aydin Kotara
Junior, Quarterback
Kotara leads Logan’s offense with 1,261 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns, complemented by 237 rushing yards and four additional touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability and leadership have made him a key playmaker who can exploit defensive weaknesses.

Haden Judd
Senior, Running Back
Judd has been a workhorse for the Longhorns, racking up 1,257 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. His skill as a receiver adds to his versatility, with 338 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Stratton Schoonover
Sophomore, Athlete
Schoonover has tallied 593 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 303 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.

Mason Wallin
Junior, Wide Receiver
Wallin has become one of Kotara’s primary targets, with 284 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His hands and awareness in the red zone make him a dangerous player.

Devin Kotara
Senior, Wide Receiver
With 135 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Kotara may not have the same stats as some of Logan’s other offensive stars, but his consistency and experience add a valuable dimension to Logan’s passing game.

DEFENSE​

Payson Nials
Senior
Nials has been an absolute force on defense with 165 total tackles, 47 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and four interceptions. His ability to make plays all over the field and disrupt offenses has been invaluable for Logan.

Jace Jackson
Senior
Jackson has been a key defensive player for the Longhorns, with 80 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and six sacks.

Mason Wallin
Junior
Wallin has made a name for himself on defense as well, racking up 83 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and six sacks.

Haden Judd
Senior
Judd has not only excelled on offense but also on defense with 75 tackles this season.

Aydin Kotara
Junior
Kotara’s presence on defense has also been valuable, with 74 total tackles and four interceptions.

6-Man State Championship Preview: No. 1 Logan Longhorns (11-0) vs. No. 2 Grady Bronchos (10-1)

Game Details

• Date: Friday, November 15th
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Location: Logan High School, Logan, NM

Overview: The 6-Man state championship showdown between top-seeded Logan and second-seeded Grady brings two of New Mexico’s elite small-school football teams head-to-head. Logan enters with an undefeated record, showcasing both offensive firepower and a lockdown defense. Meanwhile, Grady is riding an eight-game winning streak, driven by resilience and an explosive offense. The last time these two met in September, Logan narrowly edged out Grady 32-26, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch with the state title on the line.

A Look At the Bronchos​

The Grady Bronchos have been nothing short of impressive this season. Following a one-score loss to Logan earlier in the season, Grady has reeled off eight straight wins. With a high-octane offense and a defense that forces turnovers, Grady is well-prepared for this rematch.

• Offensive Strengths: Led by sophomore QB Zander Ciancio, Grady has a potent passing game. Ciancio’s 1,132 passing yards and 25 touchdowns make him a top threat. The versatile Deakin Ragland and Trey Rush bring a dynamic edge as dual-threats with impressive yardage both rushing and receiving.
• Defensive Standouts: Trey Rush and Andre Garcia anchor the defense. Rush leads with 77 tackles and 24 tackles for loss, while Garcia isn’t far behind with 74 tackles and 22 tackles for loss. Ragland’s six interceptions showcase his ability to disrupt opponents in the secondary.

Key Stats

• Points Per Game: 42.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 252.5
• Key Players: Zander Ciancio, Deakin Ragland, Trey Rush, Chevy Dickson

A Look At The Longhorns​

Logan’s perfect season has been a masterclass in balance. The Longhorns have an explosive offense, averaging over 53 points per game, paired with a rugged defense that’s allowed only 78 points all season. Their narrow win over Grady in September suggests Logan knows what it takes to beat this team.

• Offensive Strengths: Junior quarterback Aydin Kotara and senior running back Haden Judd form a lethal backfield combination. Kotara’s 1,261 passing yards and 34 touchdowns highlight his efficiency and accuracy, while Judd’s 1,257 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns show his game-breaking ability.
• Defensive Standouts: Payson Nials has been dominant on defense, leading the team with 165 total tackles, 47 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. His ability to penetrate the backfield could disrupt Grady’s offensive rhythm.

Key Stats

• Points Per Game: 53.2
• Total Yards Per Game: 339.9
• Key Players: Aydin Kotara, Haden Judd, Stratton Schoonover, Payson Nials

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Why Grady Wins​

1. Passing Efficiency: With Ciancio under center, Grady has the ability to open up the game through the air. His chemistry with targets like Ragland and Rush could keep Logan’s defense on its toes.
2. Turnover Potential: The Bronchos’ defense has shown it can capitalize on mistakes. Ragland’s six interceptions this season speak to Grady’s ability to turn the tide of a game with defensive stops.
3. Seeking Redemption: Having narrowly lost to Logan earlier this season, Grady comes in motivated to avenge that loss and claim the state title.

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Why Logan Wins​

1. Ground Dominance: Judd’s 1,257 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns make Logan the more dominant team in the run game. Controlling the clock and tempo could work heavily in Logan’s favor.
2. Balanced Defense: With Nials, Jackson, and Wallin leading the way, Logan has a physically imposing front that could disrupt Grady’s offensive flow. Nials’ staggering 47 tackles for loss could spell trouble for Ciancio.
3. Home Advantage: Playing at home gives Logan a familiar atmosphere, potentially enhancing their confidence and comfort in this high-stakes game.

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Grine's Final Thoughts and Pick​

This matchup promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting explosive offenses and resilient defenses. Grady will need Ciancio’s passing to be on point, while Logan will rely on Judd’s ground game and their suffocating defense. This game has all the ingredients for a championship classic, but Logan’s edge in experience and defensive depth gives them the advantage in a close contest. Logan is my pick.

NMPreps Prediction​

Score Prediction: Logan 42, Grady 38
Favorite Line: Logan -4
Over/Under: 80

More: Top Players to Watch in the State Championship

Antonio Salcido, FS (Cibola HS)
With 6 interceptions and 88 total tackles, Salcido is a force in both coverage and run support, making him a reliable presence in Cibola’s defense.

Chris Melendez, DB (Valley HS)
Melendez leads the field with 8 interceptions, demonstrating exceptional ball skills and instincts that help Valley shut down the passing game.

Eli Meador, FS (Bloomfield HS)
Meador’s 5 interceptions highlight his quick reflexes and deep-field awareness, anchoring Bloomfield’s secondary.

Huston Brown, FS (Volcano Vista HS)
Brown has snagged 4 interceptions, showing why he’s one of Volcano Vista’s top playmakers.

Isaac Ramirez, FS (Dexter HS)
With 5 interceptions, Ramirez is a valuable asset in Dexter’s backfield.

Micah Hoffman, SS (Cleveland HS)
Hoffman’s 4 interceptions make him a dangerous strong safety.

Noah Lunstrom, S (Grants HS)
Lunstrom’s 5 interceptions reflect his sharp anticipation skills, adding a strong defensive layer for Grants.

Omar Terrones, DB (Centennial HS)
Terrones has 4 interceptions, proving his ability to disrupt passing lanes and prevent big plays for Centennial.

Sajon Thompson, CB (West Mesa HS)
A dependable corner with 4 interceptions, Thompson excels for the Mustangs.

Silver Morales, DB (Gadsden HS)
With 6 interceptions, Morales is a key playmaker and key piece to the Panthers success this season.

Tatum Garcia, DB (Atrisco Heritage)
Garcia leads all with an impressive 128 tackles, demonstrating his exceptional tackling ability and physical presence.

Tommy Lopez, FS (Portales HS)
Lopez has recorded 5 interceptions and 86 tackles, making him a versatile defender who excels both in coverage and stopping the run.

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6A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 La Cueva 57, #9 Hobbs 6 - F
#2 Centennial 43, #7 Rio Rancho 17 - F
#3 Cleveland 57 vs #6 Los Lunas 7 - F
#5 Las Cruces 17 vs #4 Volcano Vista 3 - F

5A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 Roswell 42, #9 Highland 0 - F
#2 Artesia 45, #7 Lovington 7
#6 Mayfield 21 vs #3 Deming 7 - F
#4 Gadsden 43, #5 Los Alamos 14 - F

4A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 Bloomfield 50, #8 Valencia (0 - F
#2 St. Pius X 46, #7 Grants 14 - F
#6 Espanola Valley 28 vs #3 Taos 0 - F
#4 Bernalillo 37 vs #12 Chaparral 6 - F

3A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 St. Michael's 55, #9 Thoreau 0 - F
#2 Dexter 53 vs #7 Hatch Valley 0 - F
#3 Robertson 38, #6 West Las Vegas 15 - F
#5 NMMI 29 vs #4 Socorro 24 - F

2A - Quarterfinals - Nov 16
#1 Texico 52, #8 Navajo Prep 0 - F
#2 Santa Rosa 14, #7 Raton 12 - F
#5 Eunice 27, #4 Tularosa 6 - F
#6 Loving 42, #3 Legacy Academy 20 - F

8-Man - Semifinals - Nov 16
#1 Melrose 58, #4 Gateway Christian 6 - F
#3 Mesilla Valley 28, #2 Fort Sumner/House 22 - F

6-Man - State Championship - Nov 15
#1 Logan 54 vs #2 Grady 14 - F

*****PICK 'EM CHALLENGE NOV 15/16******

You pick the winners, we track the points! Who among you is the best at predicting the outcomes of New Mexico high school football games each week? It’s simple: we select five games weekly, assign points for choosing favorites or upsets, and you submit your picks for each game. We’ll maintain a leaderboard throughout the season to see who comes out on top!

#1 Logan (11-0) vs #2 Grady (10-1), +15,000 either way (6-Man State Championship)
#4 Tularosa (6-4) vs Eunice (8-3), +15,000 (Eunice the upset +20,000)
#3 Robertson (9-1) vs #6 West Las Vegas (6-5), +15,000 (West LV the upset +20,000)
#4 Volcano Vista (8-2) vs #5 Las Cruces,+15,000 (LC the upset +20,000)
#3 Deming (8-2) vs #6 Mayfield (5-6), +15,000 (Mayfield the upset +20,000)