4A: New Mexico High School Football First Round Preview & Predictions

The 2024 New Mexico high school football playoffs are kicking off, and with the first-round matchups set, we’re diving into the teams, players, and factors to watch as they vie for a spot in the next round. Below is a breakdown of each game scheduled for the weekend of November 8th and 9th, including predictions, key players, and Grine’s picks.

FIRST ROUND - NOVEMBER 8TH/9TH
#5 Portales vs #12 Chaparral, Friday, 7pm
#6 Espanola Valley vs #11 Manzano, Saturday, 1pm
#7 Grants vs #10 Silver, Saturday, 1pm
#8 Valencia vs #9 Moriarty, Saturday, 1pm

No. 5 Portales Rams (6-4) vs. No. 12 Chaparral Lobos (3-7)

Date: Friday, 7:00 PM
Location: Greyhound Stadium (Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM)

Preview: The Portales Rams, ranked fifth, enter the playoffs with hopes of making another deep run after last year's loss in the state championship. The Rams had high expectations at the start of the season, but they faced a setback when standout quarterback Paxton Culpepper (class of 2025) went down early with an injury. Senior Tommy Lopez has stepped up to fill the gap, throwing for 691 yards and 9 touchdowns. Not only a passing threat, Lopez also leads the team on the ground, rushing for 675 yards and 10 touchdowns. Freshman Slade Segovia has emerged as another offensive weapon with 378 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, hinting at a promising future for Portales. However, offensive consistency remains a question as the Rams aim for a deep playoff push.

On defense, Portales relies heavily on Lopez and Segovia, with both playing on both sides of the ball. Lopez leads with 75 total tackles, while Segovia has added 5 sacks and 56 total tackles. Another defensive force is junior Jaylon Newburn, who has racked up 69 tackles this season, and junior Rigoberto Holguin, another player to watch closely in this matchup. The Rams' defense, although young, plays with resilience and depth, making them a tough opponent for Chaparral.

Chaparral, seeded 12th, rarely makes playoff appearances, but this year, they’re entering with renewed confidence after key wins over district rivals Silver (20-14) and Albuquerque Academy (44-20). The Lobos have an exciting core of young talent, led by juniors Juan Urquiozo (class of 2026) and Israel Nieto (class of 2026), along with sophomore Raul Lopez (class of 2027). Quarterback Israel Nieto has been a dual-threat for Chaparral, amassing 1,362 passing yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 403 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. His top target, sophomore Tyvin Howard, has racked up 598 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, providing a consistent deep threat.

Defensively, Chaparral leans on senior leaders Manny Rodriguez and Reese Martinez. Rodriguez has accumulated a staggering 136 tackles and 7 sacks, while Martinez has added 114 tackles and 5 sacks. Both are standout defenders and give Chaparral’s defense a chance to keep the game competitive.

NMPreps Prediction​

Score Prediction: Portales 40, Chaparral 14
Favorite: Portales, -21.5
Over/Under: 55 points
Grine's Pick: Portales

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Who are the candidates?

What games are you watching this weekend?

Goddard Varsity Baseball is looking for a doubleheader for the upcoming 2025 Season. Looking for something February 28th/March 1st weekend or March 7th/8th weekend. We are willing to travel if need be.

Thanks!

Who are they?

Winter Storm Watch​

A winter storm watch has been issued for many parts of New Mexico.

Impacts from the storm will be wide-ranging depending on where you live.

Santa Fe​

The city of Santa Fe can expect to see some impacts from snow as early as Wednesday afternoon.

Snow totals

Travel impacts

Travel could become very difficult on many major roads in Santa Fe, including Interstate 25.

Hazardous travel conditions could also impact the evening rush hour on Wednesday.

Snow could limit visibility to near zero.

Northern New Mexico​

A winter storm watch has been issued for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Johnson and Bartlett Mesas. The watch includes the Raton Pass.

Snow totals

Heavy snow greater than 10 inches is possible in many areas of the mountains. Locations above 8,500 feet in elevation could see snow greater than 20 inches.

Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Possible impacts

Travel could be very difficult to impossible in some areas under the watch. Heavy snow could cause some roads to be closed and create significant travel delays.

Timing

Impacts begin late Tuesday night and are expected to last through Thursday night.

East Central New Mexico​

A winter storm watch has been issued for the south central highlands, eastern Lincoln County, the south central mountains, Guadalupe County, and eastern San Miguel County through Thursday night.

Snow totals

Total accumulations of snow will range from 6 to 12 inches throughout the area.

Travel impacts

Travel on I-40 and other highways could be impacted by snowfall. Difficult driving conditions with blowing snow and reduced visibility are possible.

Timing

Impacts are expected to begin on Wednesday and last through Thursday night.

Sandia and Manzano Mountains and northeast New Mexico​

Areas of the Glorieta Mesa, Glorieta Pass, the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, Edgewood, Estancia Valley, Central Highlands, Far Northeast Highlands, Union County and Harding County are under a winter storm watch until Thursday Night.

Snow totals

Heavy snow between 8 and 16 inches is possible in the area.

Travel impacts

Travel could become difficult to impossible in some areas of the watch.

Blowing snow and heavy snow could create significant travel delays and impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.

Who are they?

What do you have?

Should a team be required to win at least 4 games in order to make the playoffs?