Seventeen Seasons of New Mexico High School Football: The Rise, Reign, and Revival of State Powerhouses
J Grine of NMPreps
As we dive into the 17th season since 2008, New Mexico high school football has seen power shifts, dynasties emerge, and former champions fade. The field looks different, yet remarkably familiar, with many top programs still vying for supremacy and some surprising new contenders joining the ranks. What has changed, and what has remained? Let’s rewind the clock to 2008, examine the landscape, and trace how today’s champions were shaped.
2008: The Battle for Supremacy
The 2008 season was marked by powerhouse programs with names that still echo through high school football fields today: Las Cruces, Eldorado, Goddard, Portales, and Lovington. At that time, Las Cruces and Eldorado battled for the 5A title, with Las Cruces emerging victorious under head coach Jim Miller, defeating Eldorado 26-21. The Bulldogs maintained relevance well into the next decade, winning titles in 2012 and 2013 before fading from the championship spotlight.
Eldorado also held its ground, even reaching the state final in 2015, though they haven't won a title in the nine years since. Head coach Charlie Dotson, a steadfast figure in New Mexico football, remains one of the few constants from that era, continuing to lead Eldorado to this day.
Shifts in Power: The Rise of Cleveland
In 2011, Cleveland High School opened in Rio Rancho and quickly became a force, challenging traditional powers like Las Cruces and Mayfield. Led by notable coaches like Kirk Potter back in 2011, Heath Ridenour and, later, Robert Garza, Cleveland disrupted the old order. Their recent dominance has included multiple 6A titles, including a 2022 shootout victory over La Cueva, 75-61. La Cueva, another early 2000s powerhouse, has also had a resurgence, claiming the 6A title last season, defeating Cleveland 35-14.
The once-dominant Mayfield Trojans have seen less success in recent years, as Cleveland and Rio Rancho rose to prominence. With Michael Bradley at the helm in 2010, Mayfield took home a championship, but their appearances in the final rounds have since dwindled.
From Tigers to Bobcats: The Shifting Power in Northwest New Mexico
Aztec, which played in three state championships from 2008 to 2011, crowned its golden age with a championship win in 2011. But since the exit of Brad Hirsch and Mr. Football quarterback Adam Lucero, Aztec has struggled. Bloomfield, however, has taken the torch, emerging as the dominant team in the northwest corner. Under head coach Mike Kovacs, Bloomfield claimed the 4A championship in 2022, and they’re looking poised to defend it this season. The changing of the guard in this region epitomizes the ever-shifting nature of high school football.
Roswell's Rise: From Rockets to Coyotes
Once the banner program in Roswell, Goddard held the 4A title in 2008, edging out Aztec in a thrilling 49-45 victory under Sam Jernigan. They appeared in five title games in the early 2010s but haven’t reached the finals since 2013. Roswell High, led by Jeff Lynn, has since emerged as Roswell’s primary contender, including a championship run in 2018 and 2019. This season, they’re back as the top-ranked team in 5A, showing that Roswell’s grip on high school football remains tight, even as the faces have changed.
The Consistency of Texico and Small School Dominance
Texico, which captured the AA title in 2008 under Michael Prokop, has remained a contender. In 2023, they took home the AA title again, and they’re set for another run this season. Their enduring success reflects a commitment to excellence often found in New Mexico’s smaller schools. Similarly, programs like Fort Sumner and Melrose continue to dominate the 8-man and 6-man divisions, exemplifying how small communities rally around football excellence.
Lovington and Portales: Small Town Success Stories
Lovington and Portales have maintained a storied rivalry and success over the years. Lovington, which experienced a championship resurgence in 2021, continues to thrive, winning back-to-back titles, including in 2023. Portales has also stayed competitive, consistently challenging for 4A titles, and their deep-rooted success has kept them as a familiar fixture in championship conversations.
St. Michael's Dominance
St. Michael's remains a pillar of consistency in 3A, led by head coach Joey Fernandez. After a state title win in 2012, St. Michael's has shown exceptional staying power, making three straight trips to the championship and capturing the title last season. Fernandez’s leadership has positioned St. Michael's as one of the most stable programs in the state, where they continue to push the envelope every season. They also won it in 2007 the year before I started.
Looking Ahead: Can Tradition Stay Strong?
As we near the 2024 state championships, the powerhouses are both familiar and fresh. Programs like Texico, Melrose, and Fort Sumner keep the small-school football scene vibrant, while 6A’s Cleveland-La Cueva rivalry has grown to capture New Mexico’s attention. Still, questions loom: Can Las Cruces or Goddard rise back to the finals? Will we see new faces on championship day, or will the familiar names continue to reign?
For 17 seasons, New Mexico high school football has showcased the passion and dedication of its teams and communities, proving that while the faces and names may change, the love for the game remains constant. And as the season barrels toward the championship, one thing is clear—New Mexico’s football powerhouses are here to stay, even as they make room for new ones to shine.
Season 19 of NMPreps: A Look Back at the First Two Years
NMPreps began covering New Mexico high school football in 2006, marking the official start of the NMPreps era under the Rivals umbrella. That year, the excitement in prep football was unmistakable, with powerhouse teams like Mayfield, Artesia, and St. Michael’s taking home championships. It’s incredible to think how times have changed; Clovis was a dominant force back then, but in 2024, they’re on the brink of a winless season.
In 2006 and 2007, Artesia's Landry Jones was the name on everyone’s lips, with head coach Cooper Henderson guiding the Bulldogs to prominence. Meanwhile, Lordsburg thrived under the leadership of Louie Baisa, capturing a title in 2006 as they asserted themselves as a small-school powerhouse. Teams in the lower classifications also made history: Animas runner up in 2007 and New Mexico School for the Deaf claimed a championship in 2006, and Shaun Wigley led Gateway Christian to a state championship in 2006, a success he continued with titles in 2021 and 2022 and another state finals appearance in 2023. Mayfield's Michael Bradley cemented a dynasty with back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, completing a three-peat dating back to 2005.
These formative years built the foundation for what NMPreps would become—a dedicated platform celebrating the heart and talent of New Mexico high school football. Let's see if football season 19 can bring some fireworks!
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