2025 COACH TRACKER

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Here is my next Sunday segment of my 1-on-1 feature!

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[1:40 - Spring Game][6:28 - Interview with Head Coach Jeff Lynn]

No. 85 Newcomb Skyhawks

Head Coach: Vicent Lee
2024 Record: 4-6 overall, 0-5 District 1-2A
Classification: 2A (District 1-2A)
Points For: 176
Points Against: 273
2024 Final Ranking: No. 83 overall (6A–2A), No. 16 in 2A
2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 85 overall, No. 16 in 2A
Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Review​

The Newcomb Skyhawks were one of the classifications early surprises in 2024, opening the season with a 4-0 record after notching wins over Wingate, Santa Fe Indian, Gallup, and Tohatchi. The run-first Skyhawks relied on their physicality and backfield depth to overwhelm non-district opponents. But once district play began, the season unraveled. Newcomb closed the year on a six-game losing streak, falling to Loving, McCurdy, Hozho Academy, Laguna-Acoma, and Cuba. The losses exposed depth issues and defensive struggles, especially against playoff-caliber teams. Newcomb finished the season at 4-6 overall, 0-5 in district, and landed at No. 83 in the overall rankings and No. 16 in Class 2A.

Overview​

Under Vicent Lee, the Skyhawks have fully embraced a power-running identity. In 2024, they rushed for over 2,500 yards as a team while throwing for just 115 yards total on the season. That approach produced early-season success but left them vulnerable in games where they trailed or had to adjust on the fly. Entering 2025, Newcomb looks to remain true to its ground-and-pound philosophy but will need better results in district play to be taken seriously as a contender. With a strong group of backs returning and young offensive linemen gaining experience, the pieces may be in place for a turnaround.

Roster Breakdown​

The backfield is led by senior Landon Noble (2026), who returns after rushing for 1,411 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. He will again be the workhorse of the offense and a leader on defense from his defensive back position. Colt Yazzie (2026), who added 338 rushing yards and a touchdown last season, also returns to solidify the backfield. Glacious Chee (2026) and Kaelowe Tom (2026) each contributed over 170 rushing yards, and Chee in particular brings two-way value with his defensive presence. Of the five backs who rushed for over 100 yards last season, only one graduated, leaving a strong and experienced unit intact.

Up front, the offensive line brings back two standouts from the Class of 2028 who played significant minutes as freshmen. Terrence Dick (2028) returns at center and was already considered a force last season, while Bryson Brown (2028) also returns to help anchor the offensive front. The continuity and physicality of the line will be critical if Newcomb is to continue its rushing dominance.

Defensively, the Skyhawks take a hit due to graduation, but some key players return. Landon Noble (2026) leads the secondary, Marlene Martin (2027) returns at linebacker, and Lyn Bencenti (2026) brings experience to the defensive line. Glacious Chee (2026) will again be an important two-way contributor. A player to watch is Ezekiel Becenti (2028), who flashed potential as a freshman and could emerge as a breakout player in the secondary this fall.

Realistic Expectations​

The Skyhawks start the 2025 season ranked No. 85 overall and No. 16 in 2A—nearly identical to their final ranking last fall. But despite the low preseason ranking, there is upside here. Newcomb has the returning talent to climb the standings quickly. Their ability to dominate the ground game gives them an identity and an edge in controlling tempo, and they have enough experienced backs to continue wearing down opponents. The biggest question mark remains on defense, where improvement is essential if the Skyhawks want to compete in District 1-2A.

A return to a 4-0 start is possible again this year, and if they can steal a district win or two, Newcomb could push for a 6-4 finish. We’re projecting them cautiously at No. 16 in 2A for now, but they are one of the more likely risers in this tier.

Bottom Line​

The Skyhawks have a clear identity, an experienced and productive backfield, and promising young lineme, all signs of a program that could break through with the right development. Landon Noble is one of the top returning backs in 2A, and with players like Chee, Yazzie, and Tom rounding out the backfield, Newcomb should again be difficult to slow down on the ground. The key lies in their defense, which must drastically improve to avoid another collapse in district play. If the Skyhawks can stay healthy, find some consistency on defense, and continue to dominate in the run game, 2025 could be the season they shake off last year’s losing streak and re-enter the 2A conversation.

2025 PRESEASON (SUMMER) RANKINGS

No. 85 Newdcomb Skyhawks - Preview
No. 86 Gallup Bengals - Preview
No. 87 Zuni Thunderbirds - Preview
No. 88 Wingate Bears - Preview
No. 89 Capitan Tigers - Preview

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Working on releasing our 89 to 1. Hitting June hard with content. Any thoughts on who should be ranked in the top 10? What about No. 1 in each class?

No. 86 Gallup Bengals

Head Coach: Lawrence Garcia
2024 Record: 1-9 overall, 1-5 District 1-3A
Classification: 3A (District 1-3A)
Points For: 108
Points Against: 444
2024 Final Ranking: No. 87 overall (6A–2A), No. 19 in 3A
2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 86 overall, No. 18 in 3A
Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

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What was the ultimate cafeteria lunch item you traded for?

Who wins this series?

8th grader has an offer from UNM

I'm really looking forward to the Pacers vs. Thunder championship — two young, exciting teams, SGA vs Haliburton! They claim it will be low ratings but I think this is going to be a great matchup.

No. 87 Zuni Thunderbirds

Head Coach: Shawn Miller
2024 Record: 2-8 overall, 1-5 District 1-3A
Classification: 3A (District 1-3A)
Points For: 122
Points Against: 402
2024 Final Ranking: No. 88 overall (6A–2A), No. 20 in 3A
2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 87 overall, No. 19 in 3A
Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs

Review: Searching for Answers​

The Zuni Thunderbirds showed flashes of fight during a tough 2024 campaign, but ultimately couldn’t overcome their shortcomings on either side of the football. After starting the season 0-3 with double-digit losses to Hozho Academy (36-6), Laguna-Acoma (48-18), and Hatch Valley (50-0)—a 3A playoff team that went on to win a postseason game—Zuni finally broke through with a 24-0 shutout of Hopi High School (AZ).

Momentum carried briefly into district play as Zuni outlasted Wingate 42-36 in a shootout, improving to 2-3 overall. But the second half of the season unraveled quickly. The Thunderbirds scored only 32 points across their final five games, all losses, and head into the 2025 season on a five-game losing streak.

They finished last in 3A and No. 88 overall in 2024. While they've moved up one spot to No. 87 in this year’s preseason rankings, major roster losses and question marks leave little reason for optimism.

Roster Breakdown: Filling Spots​

The Thunderbirds are in for a major reset on both sides of the football. They’ll be without standout running back Mackenzie Lara, and the quarterback position is also up for grabs heading into the fall. Finding a new leader under center will be a top priority as the offense tries to regain its rhythm after sputtering down the stretch last season.

There is some size and returning experience along the offensive line in Ty Lementino (2026), a 6-foot-2 senior-to-be who will be counted on to anchor the trenches. His leadership and physicality will be crucial as Zuni looks to develop a new backfield.

On the outside, Dionte Ukestine (2027) returns at wide receiver and could become a go-to option in the passing game, if they pass it. Another player to watch is Terrance Smith (2025), a two-way contributor with size who will be expected to play a larger role on both offense and defense.

Defensively, Zuni already struggled last season, allowing over 400 points, and now takes a major hit from graduation, losing much of its starting unit. Without immediate impact players ready to step in, the defense could face even more challenges in 2025.

Realistic Expectations for 2025​

Given the roster turnover and last year’s struggles, Zuni enters 2025 with one of the lowest preseason outlooks in the state. They open the year ranked No. 87 overall and No. 19 in 3A, narrowly ahead of Wingate, but there’s little separation.

A repeat 0-3 start is very possible, and even their non-district matchup with Hopi (AZ) isn’t guaranteed—the Arizona school won just two games last season but could be improved. While Zuni earned a win over Wingate last year, a reversal in that matchup could easily happen this fall.

At this stage, a realistic record for Zuni is 1-9 overall and 0-6 in district, matching their 2024 struggles and keeping them near the bottom of the 3A standings.

Bottom Line​

The Thunderbirds are trending toward another difficult season. They scored 66 of their 122 total points in just two games—their only wins—and failed to reach the end zone consistently in the second half of the year. With graduation gutting both sides of the ball, especially on defense, and uncertainty at quarterback and running back, 2025 looks like a rebuilding (or building) year at best.

There are a few bright spots—Lementino, Ukestine, and Smith offer some hope—but unless Zuni finds an answer at quarterback and dramatically improves defensively, they’re likely to remain near the bottom of Class 3A and New Mexico’s overall football rankings this fall.

Related: 2025 New Mexico high school football rankings

Post here or text to 505-414-4313 or email grinejosh@yahoo.com

Who are they?

Just heard that Mason was seen removing signage, equipment, and memorabilia from the facility they were in. Hearing that Mason and Skarsgard have had a falling out.

Who are they?

Scott Noble named AD. Comes over from WNMU. Noble was also a candidate for ENMU last year.

Committed to Eastern New Mexico will team up with former teammates Raul Stanford, and Jose Murillo

6A FOOTBALL

ALAMOGORDO TIGERS

ALBUQUERQUE BULLDOGS

ATRISCO HERITAGE JAGUARS


CARLSBAD CAVEMEN


CENTENNIAL HAWKS

CIBOLA COUGARS

CLEVELAND STORM

CLOVIS WILDCATS

ELDORADO EAGLES

FARMINGTON SCORPIONS

HOBBS EAGLES

LA CUEVA BEARS

LAS CRUCES BULLDAWGS

LOS LUNAS TIGERS

ORGAN MOUNTAIN KNIGHTS

PIEDRA VISTA PANTHERS

RIO RANCHO RAMS

SANDIA MATADORS

SANTA FE DEMONS

VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS

WEST MESA MUSTANGS

No. 88 Wingate Bears

Head Coach: AD Jim
2024 Record: 2-8 overall, 2-4 District 1-3A
Classification: 3A (District 1-3A)
Points For: 230
Points Against: 417
2024 Final Ranking: No. 85 overall (6A–2A), No. 17 in 3A
2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 88 overall, No. 20 in 3A
Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs
Current Streak: 2 game losing streak

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No. 89 Capitan Tigers​

Head Coach: Nate Poss (1st Season)
2024 Record: 0-9 overall, 0-5 District 2-2A
Classification: 2A (District 2-2A)
Points For: 21
Points Against: 412
2024 Final Ranking: No. 89 overall (6A-2A), No. 17 in 2A
2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 89 overall, No. 17 in 2A
Playoff Result: Missed Playoffs
Current Streak: 16 games losing streak (Last win: Sept. 2, 2023)

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Coming Soon! We’re kicking off the countdown to the 2025 season and celebrating NMPreps.com's 20th season covering New Mexico high school football!

My goal is to reconnect with coaches and bring the tour back. If coaches are open to it, I’d love to visit workouts, spring/summer practices, and conduct interviews.

If there’s a specific team you’d like me to check out, let me know, and I’ll reach out to the coaches. If you’re a coach interested in a visit, please reach out as well!

Football is just five months away, and 2025 promises more videos, more previews, and—hopefully—more school visits than ever!