6A Semifinal Preview: Centennial and Cleveland Clash Again in 6A Semifinal Showdown
By Joshua Grine, NMPreps Publisher
One of three semifinal games taking place this Friday night, the 6A showdown between the undefeated #2 Centennial Hawks (11-0) and the #3 Cleveland Storm (10-1) promises to be a marquee matchup. These two teams previously met in a thrilling season opener, with Centennial securing a narrow 35-28 victory on a rainy night in Rio Rancho. Now, they meet again with a trip to the state championship on the line.
Game Details
- Matchup: #2 Centennial Hawks (11-0) vs. #3 Cleveland Storm (10-1)
- Date/Time: Friday, November 22, 7:00 PM
- Location: Field of Dreams, Las Cruces, NM
Path to the Semifinals
Centennial Hawks
The Hawks have been nothing short of dominant this season, finishing the regular season undefeated and outscoring opponents 532-236. Led by dual-threat quarterback Zaiden Davis, Centennial rolled into the semifinals after a commanding 43-17 victory over #7 Rio Rancho in the quarterfinals. Their high-powered rushing attack and disciplined defense have been the cornerstones of their success.
Cleveland Storm
The Storm enter this matchup with only one blemish on their record — their Week 1 loss to Centennial. Since then, Cleveland has rattled off 10 straight wins, including a 57-7 dismantling of #6 Los Lunas in the quarterfinals. Known for their balanced offense and stingy defense, Cleveladn has scored 515 points this season while allowing just 116.
Team Comparisons
| Stat | Centennial Hawks | Cleveland Storm |
|---|
| Record | 11-0 | 10-1 |
| Points Per Game | 48.4 | 47.9 |
| Total Yards/Game | 436.5 | 385.4 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 320.8 | 205.8 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 115.6 | 179.5 |
Key Players to Watch
Centennial Hawks
- QB Zaiden Davis: The heart of the Hawks’ offense, Davis averages 138.9 rushing yards and 104.8 passing yards per game, with a total of 37 touchdowns this season.
- WR Jordan Lucas: A reliable target with 600 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, Lucas can stretch the field when needed.
- LB Joseph Bitar: Leads the Hawks' defense with 7.4 tackles and 0.6 sacks per game, anchoring a unit that thrives on physicality.
Cleveland Storm
- QB Jordan Hatch: A steady hand under center, Hatch averages 179.5 passing yards per game with 24 passing touchdowns.
- RB Juan Munoz: A dynamic runner who averages 73.1 yards per game and leads the team with 10.2 points per game.
- WR Jacob Maldonado: The top receiver for Cleveland, averaging 71 yards per game and a significant red-zone threat.
Game Outlook
This rematch promises to be another close contest. Centennial's strength lies in their relentless rushing attack, which will look to wear down Cleveland’s front seven. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s balanced offense and ability to strike through the air make them a formidable foe.
The key to the game will be execution in critical moments. Centennial will need to limit turnovers and control the clock, while Cleveland must find a way to slow down Zaiden Davis and the Hawks' rushing attack. Special teams and red-zone efficiency could also play pivotal roles in deciding the outcome.
Prediction
This game has all the makings of a classic. Cleveland’s defense has been dominant all season, but Centennial’s ability to grind out long drives and make explosive plays gives them a slight edge. Expect another tightly contested battle, with Centennial pulling away late.
- NMPreps Predicted Score: Centennial 38, Cleveland 31
- Favorite: Centennial (-6.5)
- Over/Under: 66.5
- Grine’s Pick: Cleveland
