6A: New Mexico High School Football First Round Preview & Predictions
The 2024 New Mexico high school football playoffs are kicking off, and with the first-round matchups set, we’re diving into the teams, players, and factors to watch as they vie for a spot in the next round. Below is a breakdown of each game scheduled for the weekend of November 8th and 9th, including predictions, key players, and Grine’s picks.
6A - First Round - Nov 8/9
#5 Las Cruces vs #12 West Mesa, Friday, 7pm
#6 Los Lunas vs #11 Piedra Vista, Friday, 6pm
#7 Rio Rancho vs #10 Sandia, Friday, 7pm
#8 Eldorado vs #9 Hobbs, Friday, 7pm
PREVIEW
No. 5 Las Cruces Bulldawgs (7-3) vs. No. 12 West Mesa Mustangs (5-5)
Date & Time: Friday, 7 p.m.
Location: Field of Dreams (Las Cruces, NM)
Overview:
The Class 6A first-round matchup pits the District 3-6A runner-up Las Cruces Bulldawgs against the visiting No. 12 seed West Mesa Mustangs from District 2-6A. Las Cruces enters the playoffs as the fifth seed and is aiming for another deep postseason run after a semifinal appearance last year. Meanwhile, West Mesa returns to the playoffs for the second year in a row, looking to pull off an upset after a challenging regular season.
Las Cruces Bulldawgs:
The Bulldawgs are poised for a strong playoff push, hoping to make it back to the semifinals and potentially face off against top-seeded La Cueva. Their three losses came against some of the state’s best: Cleveland (3-seed), Centennial (2-seed), and Volcano Vista (4-seed), a team they narrowly lost to early in the season, 27-24, and who awaits the winner of this game in the quarterfinals. Las Cruces boasts a talented roster with several standout players, especially sophomore running back Daniel Amaro, who’s been a consistent offensive force. Amaro’s season highlights include 221 rushing yards (2 TDs) against Rio Rancho, 106 yards (3 TDs) versus Cleveland, and 238 yards (2 TDs) against Hobbs, positioning him as a contender for NMPreps & Rivals New Mexico Running Back of the Year.
Junior quarterback Gunnar Guardiola has been a reliable leader, throwing for 1,666 yards and 16 touchdowns. His favorite target, senior Nate Libby, has contributed 705 receiving yards this season, forming a strong passing connection. Additionally, sophomore Diego Lopez and junior Francisco Winnikoff have provided depth at the receiver position, giving Guardiola plenty of options in the passing game.
West Mesa Mustangs:
West Mesa, seeded 12th, returns to the playoffs aiming for a better outcome after last year’s first-round loss to Rio Rancho, in this 12-5 matchup. The Mustangs started the season with promise, winning their first two games before a tough three-game losing streak against ranked opponents Volcano Vista, Los Lunas, and La Cueva. Although West Mesa lacks a signature 6A win, they secured victories over Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Atrisco Heritage, which helped them clinch a playoff berth. However, the Mustangs struggled against top 6A teams, being outscored 206-55 in those matchups.
Key players for the Mustangs include senior running backs Jamari Phillips-Woods (854 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and Ronnie Gilletti (365 rushing yards, 6 TDs), along with junior Logan Jacobson-Waldrep (522 rushing yards, 6 TDs). Defensively, the Mustangs rely on their senior-heavy lineup, led by Eric McAfee (104 tackles, 4 sacks), Yorik Molinar (80 tackles), and Tristan Caraveo (66 tackles). This experienced defense will need to step up if West Mesa hopes to challenge the Bulldawgs on their home field.
NMPreps Predictions
- Score Prediction: Las Cruces 44, West Mesa 18
- Favorite: Las Cruces, -25.5
- Over/Under: 59 points
- Grine’s Pick: Las Cruces
No. 6 Los Lunas Tigers (7-2) vs. No. 11 Piedra Vista Panthers (3-7)
Date & Time: Friday, 6 p.m.
Location: Los Lunas High School Stadium
Overview:
The first round of the Class 6A playoffs kicks off with the No. 6 Los Lunas Tigers hosting the No. 11 Piedra Vista Panthers. Los Lunas comes into the postseason after a strong 7-2 regular season, securing the District 5-6A runner-up spot with a potent offensive attack. Meanwhile, Piedra Vista punched their playoff ticket with a critical rivalry win against Farmington on the final night of the regular season, showcasing resilience in a must-win situation.
Los Lunas Tigers:
The Tigers have been one of the most consistent teams in 6A, finishing with a 7-2 record and going undefeated at home. Their balanced offense averages 384.1 total yards per game, powered by a potent rushing attack led by standout junior Kaiden Reese, who averages 78.8 rushing yards per game. Reese has been a dual-threat weapon, adding 103.6 passing yards per game, keeping opposing defenses off-balance. Wide receiver J'den Howard is Reese’s top target, averaging 54.8 receiving yards per game and giving the Tigers a reliable playmaker downfield.
Defensively, LosLunas has held opponents to just over 22 points per game, bolstered by strong performances from linebacker Gage Marquez (6.8 tackles per game; 61 total tackles) and defensive lineman Brad Mallory and Aidan Martinez each with 3 sacks on the season. The Tigers’ defense will look to disrupt Piedra Vista's offensive rhythm and keep their playoff momentum strong.
Piedra Vista Panthers:
Piedra Vista enters the playoffs with a 3-7 record, but their season has been marked by resilience, especially with their season-saving win over Farmington to close out the regular season. The Panthers average 288.4 total yards per game, primarily leaning on the ground game led by Brig Keiser, who has been a workhorse for the team with an impressive 148.8 rushing yards per game. Keiser’s production will be vital for the Panthers to control the pace and keep the Los Lunas offense off the field.
Quarterback Felipe Moreno adds another dimension, averaging 75.4 passing yards per game, with wide receiver Aj Cockrell (2027) serving as his primary target. On defense, Andrew Wood leads the team with 5.4 tackles per game, while Amilio Ibuado has been effective in pass-rushing situations. Piedra Vista will need a disciplined defensive effort to contain the versatile Los Lunas offense.
NMPreps Predictions
- Score Prediction: Los Lunas 38, Piedra Vista 20
- Favorite: Los Lunas, -18.5
- Over/Under: 58 points
- Grine’s Pick: Los Lunas
No. 7 Rio Rancho Rams (6-4) vs. No. 10 Sandia Matadors (5-5)
Date & Time: Friday, 7 p.m.
Location: Rio Rancho High School Stadium
Overview:
This matchup between the No. 7 Rio Rancho Rams and No. 10 Sandia Matadors could be one of the most competitive games of the first round. The Rams, once considered semifinal favorites, are now looking to stave off an upset against a Sandia team riding momentum, having won two of their last three games. Meanwhile, Rio Rancho has dropped two of their last three games, with losses coming to top-seeded teams Cleveland (No. 3) and Volcano Vista (No. 4). Their only other losses are to Centennial (No. 2) and Las Cruces (No. 5), demonstrating their strength of schedule and battle-tested readiness.
Rio Rancho Rams:
The Rams have shown versatility on offense this season, with 2026 athlete Micah Takahashi filling in at both quarterback and running back. Senior quarterback JJ Arellano has also proven reliable, showcasing solid playmaking skills throughout the season. Key receiver Jace Pitt (2025) has been Arellano’s go-to target, adding consistency to the Rams’ passing attack. On the defensive side, Jacob Lesperance anchors the unit, bringing leadership and physicality that will be essential against Sandia’s quick offense.
With four tough losses to some of the best teams in the state, Rio Rancho enters the playoffs battle-hardened and ready to make a statement. They’ll be looking to assert themselves early and leverage their home-field advantage to advance past this opening round.
Sandia Matadors:
The Matadors come into the game with a 5-5 record, fueled by recent wins in two of their last three games. They are led by sophomore quarterback Jahleel Lewis, an emerging talent who’s been dynamic under center this season. On defense, Jeremiah Bustillos has been a cornerstone for the Matadors, providing critical stops and rallying the defensive squad in key moments.
Sandia will need a strong performance from both Lewis and Bustillos to upset the Rams on the road. Their defense, in particular, must be prepared to contain Rio Rancho’s balanced attack and prevent explosive plays.
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Prediction:
- Score Prediction: Rio Rancho 34, Sandia 24
- Favorite: Rio Rancho, -10.5
- Over/Under: 49.5 points
- Grine’s Pick: Rio Rancho
No. 8 Eldorado Eagles (7-3) vs. No. 9 Hobbs Eagles (6-4)
Date & Time: Friday, 7 p.m.
Location: Wilson Stadium, Albuquerque
Overview:
The 9-seed Hobbs Eagles travel a long way to Albuquerque to face the 8-seed Eldorado Eagles in what should be a close and hard-fought battle at Wilson Stadium. Both teams come in hot: Eldorado has won their last four games, surpassing early expectations, while Hobbs enters the playoffs on a three-game win streak that earned them a playoff spot. This matchup could easily go down to the wire, as both teams bring strong playmakers and defensive stoppers to the field.
Eldorado Eagles:
Junior quarterback Giovanni Evans leads Eldorado with 613 passing yards and three touchdowns, while the backfield is powered by seniors Daniel Quinones (379 yards, 1 TD) and sophomore Isaiah Quintana, who has six touchdowns on 299 rushing yards. Eldorado’s offense also relies on specialist Jahari Morehead, a dangerous returner and key receiver with 311 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
On defense, seniors Andres Atsye and Kevin Cuomo are tackling machines, with 99 and 97 total tackles respectively. Atsye also leads the team with four sacks, while Cuomo has added two sacks and contributes with physical play. Defensive back Kadin Dominguez (three interceptions) is another key figure, capable of turning the momentum with his playmaking abilities.
Hobbs Eagles:
Hobbs has been led by senior quarterback Brock Beaty, who has racked up 1,898 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. His top targets include juniors Justice French (552 yards, 7 TDs) and Braddock Beaty (457 yards, 7 TDs), both of whom average over 50 receiving yards per game. Sophomore Shamus Wright anchors the rushing attack with 618 yards and four touchdowns, complemented by senior Omarrion Kennedy, who has contributed 517 yards and ten touchdowns.
On defense, Hobbs is stacked with seniors who bring experience and toughness. Tristan Davis leads with a staggering 133 total tackles and six sacks, while Gustavo Diaz-Castro and Sammy Baeza follow with 121 and 101 tackles, respectively. Davis and Baeza also add significant disruption in the backfield, with Davis recording 19 tackles for loss and Baeza contributing 20 TFLs. Their presence will be crucial in containing Eldorado’s run game and creating pressure on Evans.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Hobbs Passing Attack vs. Eldorado Secondary: Brock Beaty’s connection with French and Braddock Beaty has been lethal this season, and Eldorado’s defense will need to lock down these explosive receivers to prevent big plays.
- Eldorado’s Ground Game vs. Hobbs Front Seven: With Atsye and Cuomo on defense, Eldorado will aim to control the pace through its rushing attack. Hobbs' strong linebackers, led by Davis and Baeza, will look to disrupt Eldorado’s rhythm.
Prediction:
- Score Prediction: Eldorado 31, Hobbs 28
- Favorite: Eldorado, -2.5
- Over/Under: 59.5 points
- Grine’s Pick: Eldorado
