Grine: What It Will Take for an All-Las Cruces 6A Championship
The 2024 Class 6A semifinals hold a tantalizing possibility: an all-Las Cruces state championship for the first time in over a decade. No. 2 Centennial and No. 5 Las Cruces High both face formidable challenges against perennial powerhouses No. 3 Cleveland and No. 1 La Cueva, respectively. Here’s what needs to happen for Las Cruces to defend its turf and deliver a southern showdown for the blue trophy.
Centennial Must Prove Its Perfect Season Is No Fluke
Centennial, one of two undefeated teams left in Class 6A, has steamrolled opponents with its potent offense, averaging 48.4 points per game. Quarterback Zaiden Davis has been the engine of this attack, contributing both through the air and on the ground, while wide receiver Jordan Lucas has been a reliable target. Their offensive line has consistently paved the way for a dominant rushing game (320.8 yards/game).
Their opponent, Cleveland, is no stranger to big games. Cleveland boasts a disciplined defense, allowing just 116 points this season. Centennial will need to replicate the balance that secured a 35-28 victory over Cleveland earlier this year. Davis must continue to spread the field with precision passing while using his legs to extend drives. Key plays from RB Rudy Rios (939 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and Lucas and other skill players could tip the scales.
Defensively, Centennial has already beaten Cleveland once this season—a 35-28 thriller in August. That game showcased Centennial's ability to adjust late, as they shut out Cleveland in the fourth quarter. Replicating that performance requires containing Cleveland's versatile QB Jordan Hatch (179.5 passing yards/game) and leading rusher Juan Munoz (73.1 rushing yards/game). Forcing Cleveland into third-and-long situations will be key. Joseph Bitar (2026) has been a key player on the Hawks defense with 81 total tackles on the season.
Las Cruces Needs to Slow Down the La Cueva Machine
Las Cruces High faces the monumental task of dethroning the top-seeded La Cueva Bears, a team averaging 47.1 points per game and boasting one of the best defenses in the state. The Bears’ defensive front, led by Mason Posa and Nick Mertz, will be looking to stifle the Bulldawgs’ offense early and often.
The formula for a Las Cruces upset starts with ball control. Running back Daniel Amaro (120.1 rushing yards/game) must have a career day. Sustained drives not only wear down La Cueva’s defense but also keep their explosive offense off the field. Quarterback Gunnar Guardiola will need to pick his moments to attack downfield, targeting reliable receiver Nate Libby (65.8 receiving yards/game) while avoiding La Cueva’s opportunistic secondary.
Defensively, Las Cruces must disrupt La Cueva’s rhythm. That means generating pressure on QB Cameron Dyer, who has thrived behind one of the state’s best offensive lines. Can Las Cruces make any resembles to last weekends game only allowing a field goal from 4-seed Volcano Vista in the quarterfinals.
Keys to an All-Las Cruces Championship
- Limit Mistakes: Both Centennial and Las Cruces must win the turnover battle. Cleveland and La Cueva thrive on capitalizing on miscues, so ball security is paramount.
- Control the Clock: A heavy dose of Amaro and Davis will keep the high-powered northern offenses on the sidelines.
- Special Teams Play: Field position could be the difference. Big returns, clean punts, and clutch field goals will be critical.
- Home-Field Advantage: Las Cruces fans have the chance to pack Field of Dreams and turn it into a true fortress. The energy from the crowd can provide the boost needed to topple the favorites. Just imagine if New Mexico took a step forward and hosted a doubleheader at New Mexico State University—imagine the crowd and the atmosphere it would create! Unfortunately, proactive thinking like this seems to be in short supply in New Mexico athletics and its too much work. Soapbox over.
The Dream Scenario
Imagine it: The final whistle blows, and both Centennial and Las Cruces celebrate monumental victories. The city of Las Cruces hosting the first all-southern championship since 2013 (Las Cruces vs Mayfield). It’s a tall order, but if any teams are capable of upsetting the northern powers, it’s these two.
