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Go Start the Bus: Weather may be an issue

This week brings some really, really, really, long trips, along with a few decent journeys. Expect plenty of wind, rain, and possible snow in the high mountains. Let’s stay safe out there, have fun, play hard, and aim for success.

Here are the round-trip distances for this week's matchups:
  1. Escalante vs. Clayton – 447 miles
  2. Socorro vs. Cobre – 450 miles
  3. Dexter vs. Hot Springs – 471 miles
  4. Academy vs. Silver – 473 miles
  5. St. Pius vs. Chaparral – 512 miles
  6. Lovington vs. Gadsden – 520 miles
  7. Animas vs. Carrizozo – 534 miles
  8. Capitan vs. Clayton – 584 miles
  9. Lordsburg vs. Melrose – 822 miles
  10. NM School for the Deaf vs. Arkansas School for the Deaf – 1,644 miles

Feature Week 9 Preview: New Mexico High School Football Friday Night

NMPreps Week 9 New Mexico High School Football Friday Night Preview
Friday, October 18


Week 9 is here, and with the playoffs looming, every game is crucial for teams looking to lock in district titles or secure key victories. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most intriguing matchups on Friday night across New Mexico.

Class 6A


Centennial (7-0) at Organ Mountain (4-4), 7 pm
Centennial enters this matchup undefeated and ranked #2 in the state, aiming to remain a top contender for the 6A title. Organ Mountain, despite showing improvement this season, faces an uphill battle. Centennial’s defense has been dominant all season, while Organ Mountain will need to execute flawlessly to keep this game competitive.
Prediction: Centennial 44, Organ Mountain 12
Favorite: Centennial, -22.5
Grine’s Pick: Centennial

Cleveland (6-1) at Piedra Vista (1-6), 7 pm
Cleveland looks to continue their strong season as they travel to face Piedra Vista, who has struggled to find consistency and riding a 6-game losing streak. Cleveland's powerful offense should be in control throughout, making this a potential blowout. Quarterback Jordan Hatch has our attention and look for him to explode for a monster stat game.
Prediction: Cleveland 49, Piedra Vista 14
Favorite: Cleveland, -28
Grine’s Pick: Cleveland

Clovis (0-7) at Hobbs (3-4), 7 pm
Clovis is still searching for their first win of the season, but Hobbs, with a 3-4 record, will be hungry to get back to .500. Hobbs has the edge on both sides of the ball, and Clovis will need to pull off something special to avoid an eighth straight loss. Hey, let's not forget this is a rivalry game --- I think.
Prediction: Hobbs 48, Clovis 7
Favorite: Hobbs, -40
Grine’s Pick: Hobbs

Eldorado (4-3) at Albuquerque (4-3), 7 pm
Both teams are looking to solidify their playoff chances in this key District 2-6A battle. With matching records, this game could go either way, but Eldorado's defense has been more consistent, which might give them the slight edge.
Prediction: Eldorado 28, Albuquerque 24
Favorite: Eldorado, -4
Grine’s Pick: Eldorado

Los Lunas (4-2) at Santa Fe (2-5), 7 pm
Los Lunas has quietly built a solid season and will be favored against Santa Fe. Santa Fe has shown flashes but has struggled will uncertainty with the pending investigation. Los Lunas should have the edge in both offensive execution and defense, making this an important game as they push toward district play.
Prediction: Los Lunas 34, Santa Fe 10
Favorite: Los Lunas, -16
Grine’s Pick: Los Lunas

Volcano Vista (6-1) at Rio Rancho (5-2), 7 pm
This is one of the week’s marquee matchups, with both teams vying for district supremacy and playoff positioning. Volcano Vista has been rolling all season, while Rio Rancho will look to bounce back after a sluggish showing last week as they shuffle quarterbacks around, like they did about this time last season. Expect a high-scoring, intense battle with both teams showing their playoff potential.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 34, Rio Rancho 31
Favorite: Volcano Vista, -2.5
Grine’s Pick: Volcano Vista

West Mesa (4-3) at Sandia (3-4), 7 pm
West Mesa and Sandia both sit in the middle of the pack, making this game crucial for playoff implications. West Mesa’s explosive offense will look to outpace Sandia, but Sandia’s defensive unit could be the difference-maker if they can hold their ground.
Prediction: West Mesa 28, Sandia 20
Favorite: West Mesa, -4
Grine’s Pick: West Mesa

Class 5A


Lovington (5-2) at Gadsden (5-2), 6 pm
Will the Lovington Wildcats finally recover after suffering back-to-back losses, they’ll look to keep things rolling against Gadsden, who has also had a solid season. However, Lovington’s high-powered offense might prove to be too much for Gadsden to handle. I wouldn't sleep on the Panthers run game in this one.
Prediction: Lovington 35, Gadsden 27
Favorite: Lovington, -11.5
Grine’s Pick: Lovington

Mayfield (3-4) at Goddard (2-5), 7 pm
Mayfield is looking to bounce back from a tough loss, and Goddard has had a rough season. Despite Goddard’s struggles, they are always tough to beat at home. Mayfield’s balanced attack should be enough to secure the victory, but it might be closer than expected.
Prediction: Mayfield 24, Goddard 17
Favorite: Mayfield, -7
Grine’s Pick: Mayfield

Miyamura (4-3) at Capital (2-5), 7 pm
Miyamura has had an up-and-down season, and right now on the up, but Capital has struggled to find consistency. Miyamura should control the pace of the game and come out with the win on the road. Capital has shown flashes maybe this is an early radar game.
Prediction: Miyamura 21, Capital 14
Favorite: Miyamura, -12
Grine’s Pick: Miyamura

Roswell (5-1) at Artesia (5-2), 7 pm
This storied rivalry should produce one of the best games of the week. Both Roswell and Artesia are strong contenders for the 5A title again, and this game could have significant implications for playoff seeding. Roswell's balanced attack and Artesia’s home-field advantage make this one a tough call.
Prediction: Artesia 37, Roswell 27
Favorite: Artesia, -4.5
Grine’s Pick: Artesia

Class 4A


Albuquerque Academy (3-4) at Silver (2-6), 7 pm
Both teams are trying to finish the season on a high note, but Albuquerque Academy has shown more resilience, especially in tight games. Silver has struggled defensively, and Albuquerque Academy should be able to capitalize on that. Silver would need an offense to show up, while Academy needs to play four full quarters.
Prediction: Albuquerque Academy 27, Silver 13
Favorite: Albuquerque Academy, -10
Grine’s Pick: Albuquerque Academy

Bernalillo (7-0) at Bloomfield (6-0), 6 pm
Two unbeaten teams square off in what could be the game of the week in Class 4A. Bernalillo has been impressive all season, but Bloomfield, playing at home, will look to use their defensive strength to their advantage. This game could go down to the wire, with both teams hoping to maintain their perfect records. Both have a quarterback in our Top 25 Quarterbacks of the 2024 season.
Prediction: Bloomfield 34, Bernalillo 21
Favorite: Bloomfield, -13.5
Grine’s Pick: Bloomfield

Kirtland Central (1-6) at Taos (4-3), 6 pm
Taos is trying to keep pace in a competitive district and should have little trouble against a Kirtland Central team that has only one win on the season. Expect Taos to control the game with their rushing attack.
Prediction: Taos 35, Kirtland Central 6
Favorite: Taos, -21
Grine’s Pick: Taos

Manzano (5-2) at Valencia (5-2), 7 pm
This game features two evenly matched teams with identical records. Manzano has been solid, the loss last week hurt some of their steam, but Valencia’s home-field advantage could make a difference. This will likely be a close game, with both teams relying on strong defensive efforts.
Prediction: Valencia 21, Manzano 20
Favorite: Valencia, -1
Grine’s Pick: Valencia

St. Pius X (5-2) at Chaparral (3-5), 7 pm
St. Pius X has put together a solid season behind a talented sophomore class that includes running back Hershul Olloway Jr. and will look to keep their momentum going against Chaparral. This game should serve as a good tune-up for St. Pius X as they approach the playoffs. Can the Lobos pull another shocker?
Prediction: St. Pius X 31, Chaparral 13
Favorite: St. Pius X, -18
Grine’s Pick: St. Pius X

Class 3A


Crownpoint (3-4) at Shiprock (0-6), 7 pm
Crownpoint is having a decent season and will look to add another win against a Shiprock team still searching for their first victory. Crownpoint’s defense should keep them in control throughout.
Prediction: Crownpoint 27, Shiprock 6
Favorite: Crownpoint, -14
Grine’s Pick: Crownpoint

Dexter (8-0) at Hot Springs (4-3), 7 pm
Dexter has been one of the most dominant teams in Class 3A, and their perfect record reflects that. Hot Springs will need a near-flawless performance to have any chance of pulling off an upset.
Prediction: Dexter 48, Hot Springs 10
Favorite: Dexter, -39.5
Grine’s Pick: Dexter

Pojoaque Valley (4-3) at Santa Fe Indian (1-6), 7 pm
Pojoaque Valley is looking to bounce back and should have a relatively easy task against a struggling Santa Fe Indian team. Pojoaque Valley’s offense should be able to control the tempo and as they look to regain a healthy roster for the post season.
Prediction: Pojoaque Valley 44, Santa Fe Indian 10
Favorite: Pojoaque Valley, -28
Grine’s Pick: Pojoaque Valley

Tohatchi (4-3) at Wingate (2-6), 7 pm
Tohatchi is having a solid season, potentially making the 3A playoffs and Wingate will be trying to play spoiler. However, Tohatchi has the offensive firepower and defensive consistency to control the game.
Prediction: Tohatchi 30, Wingate 12
Favorite: Tohatchi, -16
Grine’s Pick: Tohatchi

Ruidoso (1-6) at NMMI (5-2), 7 pm
NMMI has been steady this season, and they’ll look to continue their success against a Ruidoso team that has struggled throughout the year, although they are much improved. Expect NMMI to control this one from start to finish with their rushing attack.
Prediction: NMMI 41, Ruidoso 14
Favorite: NMMI, -24
Grine’s Pick: NMMI

Zuni (2-5) at Thoreau (4-2), 7 pm
Thoreau is having a strong season and should be favored at home against Zuni, who has struggled to maintain momentum. Expect Thoreau to control the pace and earn the win.
Prediction: Thoreau 28, Zuni 7
Favorite: Thoreau, -14
Grine’s Pick: Thoreau

Class 2A


Capitan (0-6) at Raton (3-4), 7 pm
Raton is looking to get back to .500 and should have no trouble handling Capitan, who has yet to secure a win this season and currently ranked 89 out of 89. Raton’s defense should stifle Capitan's offense.
Prediction: Raton 35, Capitan 0
Favorite: Raton, -20
Grine’s Pick: Raton

Estancia (0-7) at Legacy Academy (7-0), 7 pm
Legacy Academy has been one of the best teams in 2A this season, and Estancia will have a tough time pulling off an upset. Legacy Academy should remain undefeated with a dominant performance. Quarterback Sedillo-Urban has been a solid spark, on homecoming night, this one could be done by halftime.
Prediction: Legacy Academy 52, Estancia 6
Favorite: Legacy Academy, -40
Grine’s Pick: Legacy Academy

Jal (2-5) at Loving (5-3), 7 pm
Loving has had an up-and-down season, but they’ll be looking to get back on track against Jal. With playoff implications on the line, Loving will need to be sharp, especially on offense, to pull out a win.
Prediction: Loving 28, Jal 14
Favorite: Loving, -10
Grine’s Pick: Loving

Laguna-Acoma (2-4) at Newcomb (4-3), 7 pm
Newcomb is looking to keep their playoff hopes alive and should have an edge at home against Laguna-Acoma. Newcomb’s balanced attack will likely prove to be too much for Laguna-Acoma to handle.
Prediction: Newcomb 31, Laguna-Acoma 13
Favorite: Newcomb, -18
Grine’s Pick: Newcomb

McCurdy (5-2) at Cuba (2-5), 7 pm
McCurdy has quietly put together a solid couple of weeks and will look to secure another win against Cuba. Expect McCurdy to control the pace with a steady offense and walk away with the win. Cuba has been on the upward trend though the last two weeks starting district 2-0.
Prediction: McCurdy 28, Cuba 14
Favorite: McCurdy, -14
Grine’s Pick: McCurdy

Navajo Prep (4-2) at Hozho Academy (4-3), 7 pm
This is a game between two evenly matched teams, and it could come down to the wire. Navajo Prep has been more consistent, and that should give them the edge, but Hozho Academy could make things interesting at home. A win could jsut about lock up a win for the program playing their first full varsity season.
Prediction: Navajo Prep 21, Hozho Academy 18
Favorite: Navajo Prep, -3
Grine’s Pick: Navajo Prep

Santa Rosa (4-3) at Tucumcari (2-5), 7 pm
Santa Rosa will aim to move closer to a playoff berth with a win over Tucumcari, who has struggled to find consistency this season. Santa Rosa’s defense should be the difference in this one. Santa Rosa trying to establish themselves still as a power a win here could potentially set up a district championship with Legacy Academy in the coming weeks.
Prediction: Santa Rosa 21, Tucumcari 7
Favorite: Santa Rosa, -13
Grine’s Pick: Santa Rosa

Tularosa (5-3) at Eunice (5-2), 7 PM
Both teams are sitting at five wins this season and looking to either solidify their status as legitimate contenders to top-ranked Texico or join the pack in the 3-6 range. Eunice has been a top contender all season, but Tularosa, winners of two straight, is looking to play spoiler. Will Eunice's letdown last weekend against Texico—a 36-28 loss despite leading 21-0—carry over into this matchup?
Prediction: Eunice 34, Tularosa 21
Favorite: Eunice, -12.5
Grine's Pick: Eunice

8-Man/6-Man


Elida (5-3) at Dora (3-3), 7 pm
Elida is having a solid season and will look to keep things going against Dora. With their high-powered offense, Elida should control this matchup and add another win to their record.
Prediction: Elida 44, Dora 20
Favorite: Elida, -18
Grine’s Pick: Elida

Escalante (3-5) at Clayton (5-2), 7 pm
Clayton has been strong this season, and they’ll be favored at home against Escalante, who has had an inconsistent year. Expect Clayton to control the game from start to finish.
Prediction: Clayton 38, Escalante 16
Favorite: Clayton, -22
Grine’s Pick: Clayton

Grady (7-1) at Floyd (1-5), 1 pm
Grady has been one of the top teams in 6-Man football this year, and Floyd will have a tough time keeping up. Expect Grady to win comfortably.
Prediction: Grady 50, Floyd 12
Favorite: Grady, -35
Grine’s Pick: Grady

Logan (7-0) at Roy/Mosquero (5-2), 7 pm
Logan has been a powerhouse in 8-man football this season, and they’ll look to continue their undefeated campaign. Roy/Mosquero has put together a solid season of their own, but Logan’s dominance might be too much to overcome.
Prediction: Logan 46, Roy/Mosquero 20
Favorite: Logan, -26
Grine’s Pick: Logan

Lordsburg (4-3) at Melrose (8-0), 6 pm
Melrose is undefeated and will look to keep their perfect season alive. Lordsburg has been competitive, but Melrose should be able to pull away and remain unbeaten.
Prediction: Melrose 48, Lordsburg 20
Favorite: Melrose, -28
Grine’s Pick: Melrose

Fort Sumner/House (6-0) at Cloudcroft (1-5), 7 pm
Fortt Sumner/House is cruising through the season and should have little trouble against Cloudcroft. This one looks like a mismatch on paper, with Fort Sumner/House being heavy favorites.
Prediction: Fort Sumner/House 62, Cloudcroft 6
Favorite: Fort Sumner/House, -50
Grine’s Pick: Fort Sumner/House
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