Grine: New Mexico HS Football: Week Three Questions

As we approach the third week of New Mexico high school football, the intensity is starting to build. We’re beginning to see teams take shape as they enter what could be labeled as a true test week—or perhaps a pop quiz week. With nearly a month of football behind us and two weeks of games played, the time has come to get a feel for who these teams will become before we hit district play. Yes, district play already!

Capital (0-2) at Española Valley (2-0), 7 p.m., Thursday

Favorite: Española, -15.5: The Capital Jaguars find themselves in a 0-2 hole as they head to face a red-hot Española Valley team that’s coming off a homecoming week thumping over Cuba in Week 2. Capital is struggling offensively, being shut out in their first two games and outscored 58-0. Can they regain some hope in their final non-district game? On the other side, they’ll have to stop senior RB Victor Parra, who has been on fire this season with 325 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.

No. 24 Cibola (1-1) at No. 14 Eldorado (1-0), 7 p.m., Wilson Stadium, Friday

Favorite: Eldorado, -2.5: This is True Test Week for both teams as we still question who they truly are this season. Eldorado is 1-0 and already coming off a bye week, but questions linger after a close win over 6A cellar-dweller Organ Mountain in Week 1. Cibola managed to break a 15-game losing streak in Week 1 but stumbled last week, falling 37-7 to Sandia. This game could shape the rest of the season for both teams as they seek to establish their identities before district play. The question, is Eldorado a playoff team in 2024 or does Cibola play early spoiler?

No. 17 Sandia (1-1) at No. 5 Volcano Vista (1-1), 7 p.m., Community Stadium, Friday

Favorite: Volcano Vista, -4.5: Will the Sandia Matadors surprise us again this week, but this time as the underdog? They fell in Week 1 as favorites and now enter Week 3 as underdogs against a Volcano Vista team riding high after pulling an upset over then-No. 2 Las Cruces in Week 2. Both teams head into this game with a win under their belts and some momentum. This game could be a true test for both teams as they look to prove themselves not just as playoff contenders but as potential semifinal threats.

Santa Fe (2-0) at St. Michael's (2-0), 7 p.m., Ivan Head Stadium, Friday

Favorite: St. Michael's, -3.5: It’s the Santa Fe showdown. Last season, the Demons nearly pulled off an upset, eventually falling to the 3A state champion St. Michael's Horsemen. Now, both teams are 2-0 and vying for city championship bragging rights. St. Michael's is about to face a grueling stretch of their schedule, while Santa Fe will soon start 6A district play in a tougher district this season. Will the Demons break into the end zone against a St. Mike's defense that hasn’t allowed a point all season? With the game no longer scheduled on Zozobra night, expect a packed house. Keep an eye on Joele Griego, an unsung hero on St. Michael's defense, who has been instrumental in their success so far. Can the Demons finally beat the Horsemen?

Hózhó Academy (2-0) at Legacy Academy (2-0), 12 p.m., Saturday

Favorite: Legacy, -16.5: Did we expect to be talking about this game in the preseason? Nope. Are we excited to discuss it now? Absolutely. The Hózhó Academy Wolves were projected to finish around 1-9 or 0-10 this season, but here they are at 2-0 and no longer ranked last out of 89 New Mexico high school football teams. For the Legacy Academy Silverbacks, last season’s success in 8-man football as a No. 2 seed in the playoffs didn’t garner much attention as they transitioned to 11-man football this year. Now, they’re 2-0 and coming off what might be the biggest win in program history, a 21-20 victory over 3A Hope Christian. Though Legacy is heavily favored, this game could spark some fireworks on a Saturday afternoon. Can the Wolves keep it close?

RAPID FIRE

• Can No. 12 Hobbs (1-1) make it two magical weeks in a row as they travel to No. 7 Roswell (1-0)?
• Organ Mountain (0-2) is favored over No. 23 Mayfield (0-2). What do we make of this all-Las Cruces game as another true test?
• How good is Pojoaque Valley (2-0)? They look to beat Los Alamos (0-2) for the first time in 12 years.

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What do you have for week three?

New Mexico High School Football: Most Likely to Upset in Week 3?

What are they?

New Mexico High School Football Rankings - Week 3 - September 2nd

Week two brought plenty of twists, upsets, and close finishes, leading to significant shifts in the rankings as we head into September and week three of the New Mexico high school football season #nmpreps

Week Three High School Football Rankings: Key Movements and Shifts​

As the New Mexico high school football season progresses, Week Three brought significant movement in the rankings, with several teams making statements, both rising and falling. The rankings reflect the outcomes of Week Two games, with shifts in momentum across various classses.

La Cueva Holds Firm at the Top​

La Cueva retains the top spot in the 6A rankings, continuing their dominan t start with a hard-fought 39-32 double-overtime victory over Pinnacle, AZ. Their earlier win against Volcano Vista (21-0) set the tone, and La Cueva's resilience has solidified their status as the team to beat in New Mexico.

Centennial Makes a Strong Leap​

Centennial jumped from No. 3 to No. 2 in the rankings after a thrilling 35-28 win over Cleveland. The victory against one of the state's top programs, followed by a convincing 54-27 win over Atrisco Heritage, has positioned Centennial as a legitimate contender in 6A. Cleveland, despite the loss, remains in the top five, now sitting at No. 3 after bouncing back with a commanding 55-7 win over Los Lunas.

Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista Climb​

Rio Rancho's steady rise continued as they moved from No. 6 to No. 4 after a 50-0 shutout against Clovis. Their defense has been impenetrable, allowing only 15 points in two games. Volcano Vista also made strides, climbing from No. 8 to No. 5, after edging Las Cruces 27-24. Las Cruces, who started strong, dropped from No. 2 to No. 6 after the loss, signaling a need to regroup.

Farmington Rockets Up​

One of the biggest movers this week was Farmington, who surged from No. 14 to No. 9. Their 47-8 victory over Clovis demonstrated their strength, and they followed up with a narrow 21-20 win against Durango, CO. This dual success against quality opponents has catapulted them into the top 10.

Lovington's Impressive Rise​

In 5A, Lovington made a significant leap from No. 16 to No. 10 following their upset win over Hobbs in the Lea County Clash, where they emerged victorious with a 31-22 score. They backed it up in week two with a 30-7 win over Portales.

Deming and Hobbs on the Move​

Deming continued to rise, moving from No. 15 to No. 11 after a solid 28-21 win over Organ Mountain. Meanwhile, Hobbs, despite their loss to Lovington, remains a formidable team, moving up from No. 17 to No. 12 after a 44-40 shootout victory against Artesia.

Artesia Takes a Hit​

Artesia, once in the top five, fell from No. 5 to No. 13 after their loss to Hobbs. Despite a strong start to the season, the Bulldogs will need to regroup to regain their early momentum.

Bloomfield and Dexter Make Notable Jumps​

Bloomfield, now ranked No. 15, enters the top-25 rankings after a dominant 47-34 victory over Piedra Vista. Dexter also made a significant jump, moving from No. 57 to No. 46, following their 22-13 win against West Las Vegas.

Legacy Academy and Pojoaque Valley Surge​

In 2A, Legacy Academy made a remarkable leap from No. 74 to No. 63 after a thrilling 21-20 victory over Hope Christian, remaining undefeated. Pojoaque Valley also climbed from No. 58 to No. 55 with an impressive 48-6 win over Hot Springs, continuing their strong start to the season.

Eunice Dominates and Moves Up​

Eunice, the 2A powerhouse, continues to impress, moving up from No. 33 to No. 32 after a 62-12 thrashing of Estancia. Their early season form has cemented their status as one of the top teams in the state, regardless of class.

Movers to Watch​

Several teams have begun to find their rhythm and could be on the rise in the coming weeks. St. Michael's, now at No. 33, and Robertson, now at No. 34, both remain undefeated after dominant performances and are poised for further ascension. In 6A, West Mesa, now ranked No. 8, and Santa Fe, moving from No. 37 to No. 35, are teams to keep an eye on as they continue to build momentum.

Conclusion​

Week Three's rankings reveal the dynamic nature of New Mexico high school football, with teams making bold statements early in the season. As the competition intensifies, expect more movement and surprises as teams battle for supremacy in their respective classes.

Class Rankings

6A FOOTBALL

1. La Cueva 2-0
2. Centennial 2-0
3. Cleveland 1-1
4. Rio Rancho 2-0
5. Volcano Vista 1-1
6. Las Cruces 1-1
7. West Mesa 2-0
8. Farmington 1-0
9. Hobbs 1-1
10. Eldorado 1-0
11. Piedra Vista 1-1
12. Sandia 1-1
13. Los Lunas 0-1
14. Carlsbad 1-1
15. Clovis 0-2
16. Atrisco Heritage 0-2
17. Alamogordo 0-2
18. Cibola 1-1
19. Albuquerque 1-1
20. Santa Fe 2-0
21. Organ Mountain 0-2

5A FOOTBALL

1. Roswell 1-0
2. Lovington 1-0
3. Deming 2-0
4. Artesia 1-1
5. Mayfield 0-2
6. Goddard 0-2
7. Gadsden 2-0
8. Highland 1-1
9. Valley 0-2
10. Santa Teresa 1-1
11. Belen 0-1
12. Capital 0-2
13. Los Alamos 0-2
14. Miyamura 1-1
15. Rio Grande 0-1
16. Del Norte 0-2

4A FOOTBALL

1. Bloomfield 1-0
2. Portales 1-1
3. Bernalillo 2-0
4. St. Pius X 1-1
5. Grants 1-1
6. Manzano 1-1
7. Silver 1-1
8. Espanola Valley 2-0
9. Valencia 1-1
10. Moriarty 2-0
11. Albuquerque Academy 1-1
12. Taos 1-1
13. Kirtland Central 0-2
14. Aztec 0-1
15. Chaparral 0-2

3A FOOTBALL

1. St. Michael's 2-0
2. Robertson 2-0
3. New Mexico Military 1-0
4. Dexter 2-0
5. West Las Vegas 1-1
6. Socorro 1-1
7. Pojoaque Valley 2-0
8. Cobre 1-1
9. Hope Christian 1-1
10. Hot Springs 1-1
11. Ruidoso 0-2
12. Hatch Valley 1-1
13. Gallup 0-2
14. Thoreau 1-1
15. Santa Fe Indian 1-1
16. Tucumcari 0-2
17. Crownpoint 0-2
18. Tohatchi 0-1
19. Wingate 0-2
20. Shiprock 0-1
21. Zuni 0-2

2A FOOTBALL

1. Eunice 2-0
2. Texico 2-0
3. Raton 1-1
4. Santa Rosa 1-1
5. Legacy Academy 2-0
6. Loving 1-1
7. Jal 0-2
8. Tularosa 1-1
9. Estancia 0-2
10. McCurdy 0-1
11. Navajo Prep 1-0
12. Newcomb 2-0
13. Cuba 0-2
14. Hozho Academy 2-0
15. Capitan 0-1
16. Laguna-Acoma 1-1