***WEEK 8 PICK EM CHALLENGE***

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!

Alamogordo (1-6) at Carlsbad (3-4), +800 (Alamogordo is the upset +850)
Dexter (7-0) at Socorro (5-1), +850 either way
Sandia (3-3) at Eldorado (3-3), +850 either way
Robertson (7-0) at West Las Vegas (3-3), +800 (WLV is the upset +875)
Eunice (5-1) at Texico (6-0), +800 (Eunice is the upset +875)


Sorry for the delay!

NMPreps Official Week 8 Thursday Preview: Predictions & Game Breakdowns​

As Week 8 of New Mexico High School Football approaches, Thursday night is set to feature some high-stakes matchups, particularly in the 6A division. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the games lined up for Thursday night:

INSIDE THE TOP 25

#1 La Cueva (6-0) vs #11 Los Lunas (4-1)
6A Football. Wilson Stadium, 7:00 PM

This District 2-6A matchup could very well determine the district champion. Both teams are 3-0 in district play, with La Cueva boasting a perfect 6-0 record on the season. Their wins include triumphs over tough opponents like Volcano Vista (21-0) and Sandia (42-19). Los Lunas comes into the game at 4-1, having lost only to Cleveland (55-7), but with solid wins over Farmington (37-28) and West Mesa (54-21). La Cueva's offense is led by Arizona State commit Cameron Dyer, who has accumulated 1,915 total yards and 23 touchdowns across six games. He’s coming off an efficient game against Eldorado, throwing for 230 yards and 5 TDs. Bears receiver Tanner Montano continues to be a major weapon and could have another 100-yard game. Los Lunas relies on a ground game spearheaded by Jaggar Casillas (347 yards) and QB Kaiden Reese, who has 277 rushing yards and 536 passing yards. However, they face a tough challenge against La Cueva’s defense.

Prediction: La Cueva 54, Los Lunas 7
Grine’s Take: La Cueva’s defense will be hard to break, but Reese might manage to break free for one score.

#4 Volcano Vista (5-1) vs #15 Farmington (3-3)
6A Football. Nusenda Community Stadium, 7:00 PM

This District 1-6A battle features a Volcano Vista team looking to continue their hot streak, coming off a 48-7 win over Piedra Vista. Their only loss this season came against La Cueva (21-0). Senior QB Ilijah Hanson has 887 passing yards and 9 TDs, while the rushing attack is anchored by Mason Gurule and standout freshman Dangelo Mitchell. Farmington has shown flashes, with wins over Clovis and Durango, CO, but they’ve also been shut out twice, including last week’s 50-0 loss to Cleveland. They’ll need to rely on weapons like Taushaun King and Michael Beck to have any chance against Volcano Vista’s balanced attack.

Prediction: Volcano Vista 44, Farmington 27
Grine’s Take: Farmington’s Beck is a star, but Volcano Vista’s balance on both sides of the ball should guide them to a comfortable win.

OUTSIDE THE TOP 25

Silver (2-5) at Chaparral (2-5)
4A Football. 7:00 PM

Both teams enter this game with identical 2-5 records, but Chaparral is 1-2 in district play and can still make a historic push for the playoffs. Silver, 0-3 in district, has been competitive but has struggled to finish games, particularly against district leaders like Portales and St. Pius X. Chaparral’s defense is anchored by one of 4A’s top defenders, Manny Rodriguez, and if they can keep Silver’s offense in check, they might be able to eke out a close win.
Prediction: Chaparral 14, Silver 13
Grine’s Take: My gut says Silver could finally break through, but their offensive struggles give me pause. I’m leaning slightly toward Silver getting the win.

New Mexico Military Institute (4-2) at El Paso-Cathedral, TX (4-1)
3A Football. 7:00 PM

NMMI will try to rebound from last week’s 38-0 loss to Dexter by hitting the road to face a strong Cathedral team out of El Paso. Cathedral has averaged 45 points per game this season, led by standout defender Ignacio Gomez. NMMI will lean on senior RB Tegin Maloney and senior QB Cole Seidenberger, who has 9 rushing TDs this season.
Prediction: NMMI 33, Cathedral 30
Grine’s Take: NMMI has to reignite their offense after last week’s shutout. This will be a close game, but I think NMMI pulls it off.

Cuba (1-5) at Navajo Prep (4-1)
2A Football. 7:00 PM

Navajo Prep is a contender for the District 1-2A title and is coming off an impressive start to district play. Cuba, on the other hand, picked up their first win last week over Hozho Academy, 26-8 starting district play 1-0. However, Xavier Nez of Navajo Prep is a player to watch, and he should lead his team to another district victory.
Prediction: Navajo Prep 35, Cuba 7
Grine’s Take: Cuba might make it interesting early calling it 7-6 Cuba lead after one, but Navajo Prep should pull away by the second half.

NMPreps Week 8 Bold Statements: Grine Unleashing the Chaos in 6A

Welcome to Week 8, where the predictions are as bold as a bear paw and the wordplay is only slightly less fierce! Let’s dive into the wild world of New Mexico high school football with some truly bold (and perhaps ridiculous) statements. You may want to buckle up for this one—it’s going to get punny.

La Cueva Bears completely maul the Los Lunas Tigers in a mercy rule game.
The Bears didn’t just beat the Tigers, they put them in a zoo exhibit. Los Lunas barely had time to growl before La Cueva unleashed a full-on mauling, sending the game into a mercy-rule meltdown. Somebody call animal control—this one’s already over.

The Farmington Scorpions sting the Hawks in the first quarter, but the Hawks prevail by three touchdowns.
Farmington came in like a scorpion ready to strike—first quarter stinger and all! But the Hawks just shook it off, stretched their wings, and flew away with three touchdowns, leaving the Scorpions' sting feeling more like a tickle by the end.

Clovis gets to double digits vs Organ Mountain but falls by 40.
Clovis finally cracks double digits! The bad news? Organ Mountain treated those 10 points like spare change, and handed Clovis a 40-point "thanks for playing" consolation. At least they’re inching closer… right?

Santa Fe and Atrisco Heritage play for their last win of the season, a Demon stumbles to a hungry Jaguar by 20.
It's desperation mode for both teams, but in this battle of mythological creatures, it’s the hungry Jaguar that sinks its teeth into a Demon that trips on its own pitchfork. Santa Fe stumbles, and Atrisco picks up their final feast of the season—by 20 points.

The Storm rains down on the Cougars; kitties don’t like getting wet—Cleveland mercy rules Cibola.
When it rains, it pours. And when you’re a Cougar caught in a Cleveland Storm, there’s no umbrella big enough. These kitties definitely didn’t like getting wet—Cleveland brings the thunder and a mercy rule flood for Cibola.

Can the Matadors pull the rug out on the Eagles? Playoffs on the line—three’s a charm for Sandia over Eldorado?
I’ve picked Sandia more times than I’d like to admit, but this time I’ve got a feeling. Will the Matadors finally pull the rug out from under the Eagles, or will I be the fool again? Playoffs are on the line and Sandia’s due—third time’s the charm… right?

Centennial Hawks thrash the Hobbs Eagles—no flight zone in Las Cruces.
This one’s simple: Hawks own the sky, Eagles get grounded. Centennial enforces a strict “no-flight zone” in Las Cruces, and Hobbs’ wings never even had a chance to flap. Hawks by a thrashing.

Alamogordo Tigers look to finish off the Carlsbad Cavemen for good.
Carlsbad limped in after being ambushed by a Knight, but they’re walking into an even worse fate. The Tigers smell blood and are ready to turn out the Cavemen’s lights for good, possibly sending Carlsbad’s playoff hopes straight into extinction.

West Mesa Mustangs stampede over Albuquerque Bulldogs—‘bad dog!’
We had the Bulldogs riding high at 4-1, but here come the West Mesa Mustangs, ready to stampede all over the dog park. The Mustangs say "bad dog" to Albuquerque and gallop away with a 14-point win.

Rio Rancho Rams send Piedra Vista Panthers back to the NW with a 25-point loss.
Piedra Vista puffed their chest out after Week 1, but the Rams are about to send these Panthers limping back to the Northwest. It’s a bad week to be a cat in 6A football, and Rio Rancho’s handing out L’s like candy on Halloween—by 25 points, no less.

And there you have it—our boldest, most unscientific, and entirely-too-witty predictions for Week 8! Let’s see how many of these statements turn into headlines, or if we’ll be eating our words come next week. Either way, it’s going to be a wild ride!

FYI ---- Just a fun feature for readers.

Week 8 New Mexico High School Football: 8-Man Football Preview

Week 8 in New Mexico 8-man football brings several intriguing matchups, including a game-of-the-week showdown between two top teams, Clayton and Fort Sumner/House. Here's a quick look at the key games happening this week:

Friday​

Alamo Navajo (1-6) at Northwest (0-2) – 5 p.m.​

Hagerman/Lake Arthur (2-3) at Lordsburg (3-3) – 6 p.m.​

Pine Hill (2-3) at Dulce (2-4) – 7 p.m.​

Gateway Christian (4-2) at Tatum (4-3) – 7 p.m.​

Mescalero Apache (3-3) at Melrose (7-0) – 7 p.m.​

Menaul (3-3) at Escalante (3-4) – 7 p.m.​

Clayton (5-1) at Fort Sumner/House (5-0) – 7 p.m.​

Saturday

Cloudcroft (1-5) at Questa (4-3) - 4pm

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Game of the Week: Clayton (5-1) at Fort Sumner/House (5-0)​

This week’s marquee matchup pits Clayton against undefeated Fort Sumner/House in a battle of two high-powered teams. Clayton, enters the game with a 5-1 record, with their only loss coming to Turpin, Oklahoma. Fort Sumner/House, the top-ranked team in Class 8-Man, has dominated opponents with a perfect 5-0 record, outscoring their competition 280-18 this season.

Fort Sumner/House has been nearly unstoppable, particularly in the first half, where they average a staggering 39 points in the opening quarter alone and 53 per game. Clayton, on the other hand, relies on balanced scoring, led by quarterback Daniel Manquero and standout ATH Omar Valdez.

Key Players:

• Clayton: QB Daniel Manquero has been solid, while ATH Omar Valdez continues to make big plays for the Yellowjackets.
• Fort Sumner/House: Sophomore QB Jordan Hollan has been a stud for Fort Sumner/House, displaying impressive poise and decision-making. His leadership has propelled the team to aperfect season so far.

Expect a highly competitive game between these two powerhouses as both teams fight to establish themselves as the frontrunner in 8-man football heading into the later stages of the season.

Prediction: Fort Sumner/House 66, Clayton 42

Post yours now

Grine Breaks Down District 3-6A Race as Week 8 Approaches

As Week 8 approaches, District 3-6A is shaping up to be a highly competitive race with Centennial emerging as the clear favorite. With an undefeated record and impressive wins, Centennial is now in the conversation to challenge top-ranked La Cueva from District 2-6A for the state championship. Meanwhile, Las Cruces is holding steady as the favorite to claim the runner-up spot, while Organ Mountain's big win over Carlsbad last week has kept their playoff hopes alive. The upcoming Alamogordo vs. Carlsbad game could be crucial for both teams’ postseason chances.

Centennial: The Championship Contender​

Centennial (6-0, 2-0 district) has been nothing short of dominant this season, posting six straight wins and averaging nearly 50 points per game. Their offense has been explosive, highlighted by key victories over Cleveland (35-28), Artesia (70-39), and Rio Rancho (43-27). The Hawks have shown they are ready to compete with anyone in the state, making them serious contenders for the 6A state title.

Their latest win, a 61-35 blowout over Alamogordo, only solidified their standing as one of the top teams in New Mexico. With their offense firing on all cylinders and a defense capable of making big plays, Centennial is in prime position to make a deep playoff run.

Las Cruces: Solid in Second Place​

Las Cruces (5-2, 3-0 district) has bounced back strong after two early-season losses to Cleveland and Volcano Vista. The Bulldawgs are now riding a three-game winning streak, with dominating victories over Hobbs (44-14), Organ Mountain (55-7), and Clovis (55-3). Their defense has been stout, giving up just 24 points in district play, while the offense has been equally impressive, scoring 287 points through seven games.

Las Cruces is the clear favorite to finish second in the district, but they’ll need to keep their momentum going as they prepare for a potential playoff run. With Centennial looming at the top of the standings, the Bulldawgs will likely need to play their best football to challenge for the district title.

Hobbs: In the Middle of the Pack​

Hobbs (3-3, 1-1 district) has been a bit of a wildcard this season, showing moments of brilliance but also suffering some tough losses. After a hot start with wins over Artesia and Parkland (TX), the Eagles have hit a rough patch, including a 44-14 loss to Las Cruces. However, Hobbs bounced back with a win over Alamogordo and will look to finish the season strong.

The Eagles’ upcoming games against Centennial and Organ Mountain will be critical in determining their playoff fate.

Organ Mountain: A Revival of Playoff Hopes​

Organ Mountain (3-4, 2-1 district) kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 41-40 overtime victory against Carlsbad last week. This huge program win has given them a shot at securing a playoff spot, but they’ll need to keep the momentum going in their remaining games.

Despite a tough start to the season, including losses to Mayfield and Deming, the Knights have shown resilience in district play. Their defense has struggled at times, allowing 200 points this season, but if they can build on their recent win and continue to improve, they could sneak into the postseason.

Alamogordo vs. Carlsbad: A Pivotal Game​

The upcoming matchup between Alamogordo (1-6, 0-3 district) and Carlsbad (3-4, 1-2 district) will be a key game for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Carlsbad, despite a tough overtime loss to Organ Mountain, is still in the hunt for a postseason spot. The Cavemen’s victories over Goddard and Cibola earlier in the season showed they can compete, but they’ll need a win over Alamogordo to stay in the race.

Alamogordo, on the other hand, has had a difficult season, but they’ve shown flashes of potential. Their lone win came in overtime against Piedra Vista, and while they’ve struggled in district play, a victory over Carlsbad could provide a much-needed boost. However, with Centennial and Hobbs still on their schedule, Alamogordo faces an uphill battle to make the playoffs.

Clovis: Still Searching for Their First Win​

Clovis (0-6, 0-2 district) has had a tough season, and they’re still searching for their first victory. The Wildcats have struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, being outscored 298-31 this season. With Centennial and Las Cruces still left on their schedule, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. While their playoff hopes are all but gone, Clovis will look to play spoil er as they finish out the year.

Playoff Outlook​

As the District 3-6A race comes down to the wire, Centennial is the clear front-runner, with Las Cruces locked in as a strong second-place contender. The real battle lies in the race for third place and the final playoff spots. Organ Mountain, Carlsbad, and Hobbs are all in the mix, and the head-to-head matchups in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the district’s postseason picture.

The Alamogordo vs. Carlsbad game will play a major role in shaping the playoff field, while Hobbs’ upcoming tests against Centennial and Organ Mountain could decide their fate. With Centennial eyeing a potential state championship run and several teams fighting for playoff berths, District 3-6A promises plenty of excitement as the regular season winds down.

Grine Breaks Down District 2-6A Race as Week 8 Approaches

District 2-6A has been dominated by one team from the start of the season: La Cueva. Ranked No. 1 for eight consecutive weeks, the Bears have shown no signs of slowing down as they march toward a potential undefeated season. However, there’s more intrigue in this district beyond La Cueva’s dominance, with teams like Los Lunas, Albuquerque High, and Sandia battling for playoff positioning. As we head into Week 8, here’s a breakdown of the district’s key players and potential playoff scenarios.

La Cueva: The Unstoppable Force​

LACueva (6-0, 3-0 district) has been nothing short of dominant all season, outscoring opponents 251-85. Their latest victory, a 56-7 thrashing of Eldorado, was a statement to the rest of the district. With six straight wins, including victories over top teams like Volcano Vista and Farmington, La Cueva has firmly established itself as the team to beat. Their offense has been unstoppable, led by a balanced attack that can beat teams on the ground and through the air. On the other side of the ball, their defense has been equally suffocating, giving up just 40 points in district play so far.

With the district title in sight, La Cueva’s remaining schedule looks manageable. If they continue playing at this level, they’ll not only claim the district crown but also enter the state playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed. The question isn’t whether La Cueva will win the district, but how far they’ll go in the postseason.

Los Lunas: The Best of the Rest​

Los Lunas (4-1, 3-0 district) has quietly put together an impressive season, sitting just behind La Cueva in the district standings. The Tigers have won four straight games, including a convincing 28-7 win over Albuquerque High last week. Their lone loss came at the hands of Cleveland, but since then, Los Lunas has looked sharp on both sides of the ball.

While it’s unlikely Los Lunas will catch La Cueva, they are in excellent position to secure the second spot in District 2-6A and a solid seed in the state playoffs. If they can maintain their current form, a deep playoff run could be in the cards. However, they’ll need to stay focused, as their next fewgames will be crucial in locking up that second-place finish.

West Mesa: A Sleeper in the Race for Third​

West Mesa (3-3, 1-2 district) is still very much in the hunt for third place in the district, despite two tough losses to top teams Los Lunas and La Cueva. The Mustangs have shown resilience this season, with big wins over St. Pius X, Mayfield, and Atrisco Heritage. Their most recent victory, a 22-16 win over Atrisco Heritage, has kept them in the thick of the playoff race.

With a strong offensive unit, West Mesa has the tools to finish strong and challenge for third place. If they can capitalize on their remaining games and earn some key wins, they could secure a playoff spot, proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with in District 2-6A.

The Battle for Third Place: West Mesa, Albuquerque High, Sandia, and Eldorado​

The race for third place is wide open, with several teams still in the hunt. West Mesa currently has the edge, but Albuquerque High (4-2, 2-1 district), Sandia (3-3, 2-1 district), and Eldorado (3-3, 1-2 district) are all within striking distance.

• Albuquerque High (4-2, 2-1 district) has had a solid season, with key wins over Valley, Alamogordo, and Santa Fe. Their loss to Los Lunas in Week 7 dropped them out of second place contention, but they remain in the race for third. The Bulldogs will need a strong finish, and their matchup with West Mesa will be pivotal.
• Sandia (3-3, 2-1 district) has rebounded after a rough start to district play, winning two straight games against Santa Fe and Atrisco Heritage. The Matadors’ defense has been stellar, allowing just 62 points in district competition, but they’ll need to keep up their momentum to challenge for a playoff spot.
• Eldorado (3-3, 1-2 district) started the season strong but has hit a rough patch with back-to-back losses to Los Lunas and La Cueva. At 1-2 in district play, the Eagles need to turn things around quickly if they want to stay in the playoff conversation. Their defense will need to step up, and they’ll need to pull off a few upsets to keep their hopes alive.

Atrisco Heritage and Santa Fe: Out of the Picture​

Atrisco Heritage (1-5, 0-3 district) and Santa Fe (2-4, 0-3 district) are both effectively out of playoff contention. Atrisco Heritage has struggled mightily in district play, with their only win coming against Rio Grande, while Santa Fe has been unable to gain traction this season. Both teams will look to play spoiler in the final weeks of the season, but their playoff hopes are slim.

Playoff Outlook: How Many Teams Will Make It?​

With La Cueva and Los Lunas looking like locks for playoff spots, the big question is how many other teams from District 2-6A will earn a bid. West Mesa, Albuquerque High, Sandia, and Eldorado are all in contention for third place, and depending on how the rest of the season shakes out, we could see as many as four teams from this district in the playoffs.

Much will depend on how West Mesa, Albuquerque High, and Sandia fare in their remaining games. The head-to-head matchups between these teams will be critical in determining who earns the third playoff spot, and potentially a fourth, depending on the overall state rankings.

Key Games to Watch​

• West Mesa vs. Albuquerque High: A key game for both teams’ playoff chances. A win for West Mesa would solidify their position in the top three, while a win for Albuquerque would keep them in the hunt.
• Eldorado vs. Albuquerque High: Eldorado needs this game to stay alive in the playoff race, while Albuquerque High will be looking to secure their position.
• Los Lunas vs. La Cueva: Los Lunas has a chance to challenge La Cueva’s dominance, but the Bears are heavy favorites.