Who is hosting? Where is your team going? When?

UNM - 2-8 overall
SDSU - 6-4 overall

6A Semifinal Preview & Prediction: Centennial vs La Cueva

NMPreps guide to the semifinals in New Mexico high school football. The 2022 6A semifinals take place on November 19th and 20th. #nmpreps

NO. 2 LA CUEVA BEARS AT NO. 3 CENTENNIAL HAWKS

The first game between the two programs resulted in a final touchdown by the La Cueva Bears. This game is on path to bring the same last drive heroics that the first game brought.

Centennial would go on to finish the season 9-1. La Cueva sits at 10-1, another 10-win season under head coach Brandon Back.

The La Cueva Bears are on the road despite being the 2-seed in the field. Riding a 9-game win streak and District 2-6A championship. The Bears have been on a scoring frenzy in the last five games averaging 62 points per game.

Centennial brings a 7-game win streak into the game and district champions of 3-6A, representing the southern district. The Hawks impressive on offense putting up 44 points per game have been sound on defense only allowing 13 points per game in the last four outings.

NUMBERS


Home Record: 5-0 (Centennial)
Away Record: 5-0 (La Cueva)
Over/Under: 66.5
Pick 'Em Favorite: La Cueva (13 picks), Centennial (14 picks)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For the Bears it has been the solid play of quarterback Aidan Armenta. The senior has 3,283 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns on the season. Targets Ian Sanchez (2023), Jackson Hix (2024), and Cruz Markham 2024) have been stellar this season with Sanchez leading the way with 1,376 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns. The sophomore sensations Mason Posa and Nick Mertz guide the defense this season.

Star running back Mikah Gutierrez has played well all season and continued that last week with 160 yards and 3 rushing against Rio Rancho in the quarterfinals. His partner in the backfield, senior quarterback, Daniel Hernandez threw for nearly 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Final word: Centennial can't beat themselves, last week they were hindered with penalty calls. La Cueva gets better as the game goes on, they will have to play well all four against a team like Centennial.

What do you have?

*****Week 14 Pick Em Challenge*****

Friday
St. Michael's @ Socorro, +8,000 (SM is the upset +8,500)
Jal @ Texico, +8,000 (Texico is the upset +10,000) *2A SC

Saturday
Taos @ Bloomfield, +8,000 (Taos is the upset +9,500)
La Cueva @ Centennial, +9,000 either way
Ruidoso @ Raton, +9,500 either way
Lovington @ Silver, +8000 (LVT is the upset +9,500)

No. 1 JAL PANTHERS VS No. 2 TEXICO WOLVERINES

When: Friday, November 18th | 7:00 p.m.

Where: Texico High School

For the first time in three years we will a new state champion in 2A football. The top ranked Jal Panthers (12-0) will look to complete their perfect season as they take on the 2-seed Texico Wolverines (9-3). The pair met back on October 14th, a Jal win (41-35) on the road.

For the Wolverines it has been 14-years since they last won the state championship. Currently riding a four game win streak beating two top five ranked teams along the way. The Wolverines feature a highly talented trio in junior quarterback Cade Figg and sophomores Alex Fuentes and Taye Smith. Figg and Smith connected on a pair of passes over 50 yards in last weeks win over Santa Rosa.

Since losing the 2021 state championship game the Jal Panthers have been considered the favorite in 2A football. The first task was taking out rival Eunice and ending their four peat as state champs. Much of the offense still runs through the talents of senior running backs Jacob Lujan and Alexavier Carreon. On defense it is junior Brandon Houston and Ethan Sandoval that have guided the team to seven shutout wins this season.

Much like the first game this one could end up in a shootout. Texico has some talents on the offensive side of the ball but youth could come into play. Jal has the experience and well developed core that should control this contest.

NMPreps Prediction: Jal 44, Texico 28 (Jal -10.5)

Down, the same, or up this year?

New Mexico High School Football 2022 3A Semifinal Preview & Predictions
J Grine

NMPreps guide to the semifinals in New Mexico high school football. The 2022 3A semifinals take place on November 19th and 20th. #nmpreps

No. 1 Socorro Warriors vs No. 4 St. Michael's Horsemen

Friday night lights in the semifinals brings us the top ranked Socorro Warriors (11-0) taking on the 4-seed St. Michael's Horsemen (10-1).

St. Michael's finished the season as district runner ups in 2-3A but feature an impressive resume. The Horsemen opened their post season with a 50-0 win over 5-seed Thoreau last week in Santa Fe.

Socorro finished the season with seven shutout wins and outscored their opponents 473 to 77. Last week they held on to defeat 9seed Cobre 21-14 in Socorro.

NMPreps Prediction

Score: Socorro 15, St. Michael's 14
Line: Socorro, -1.5
Over/Under: 32.5

Players to Watch

Marcus Leyba (2023) RB, Zach Martinez (2023) QB, Dillon Pacheco (2023) DT are the names that have played a huge role in the success for the Horsemen this season. Leyba is among the best when it comes to running backs in 3A football this season, which is an impressive group.

Socorro quarterback Marcus Armijo (2023) is one of the top athletes in the class. Armijo leads the Warriors with 1,377 passing yards and 22 passing yards; He also leads the team in rushing yards with 958 yards and 15 touchdowns.

==

No. 2 Ruidoso Warriors vs No. 6 Raton Tigers

The 3A race continues to heat up and two teams with their eyes set on the state championship will square off in Raton on Saturday afternoon.

Raton comes into this game with an overall record of 9-3 and they are the 6-seed in the field. The Tigers have rattled off a pair of wins in the playoffs, one against district foe and the three seed Robertson Cardinals.

Ruidoso comes into the game with a record of 10-1, the 2-seed, but will be making the trip to Raton. The Warriors are winners of nine of the final ten games only following during week 2 of the season.

NMPreps Predictions

Score: Ruidoso 24, Raton 23
Line: Ruidoso -2.5
Over/Under: 53

Players to Watch

Raton running back Cayden Walton (2023) is the name we know and the name that continues to shine for the Tigers. Walton now has 2,968 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns as he comes off 198 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns last week against Robertson. Anderson Weese (2023) and Isaac Garcia (2024) lead the defense for the Tigers. Weese leads in total tackles with 119 TOT (25 solo).

Ruidoso quarterback Cooper Pritchett (2023) is having a monster season for his team, as he has thrown 25 touchdowns behind 1,645 passing yards. Pritchett also adds 472 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Kaden Sago is another standout for the Warriors this season with 1,538 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. The defense features a duo with seniors Dalton Trapp and Gavon Hall leading the way. Trapp leads the team with 11 sacks on the season.

Most likely Upset this Week?

What games are you at this week?

New Mexico High School 4A Semifinal Preview & Predictions

NMPreps guide to the semifinals in New Mexico high school football. The 2022 4A semifinals take place on November 19th and 20th. #nmpreps

No. 2 Bloomfield Bobcats vs No. 3 Taos Tigers

Taos and Bloomfield look to put a special season on display this Saturday afternoon. The winner will earn a trip to the 4A state championship game, a place both have become well at playing in. Bloomfield played in the 2019 and 2018 state championship game but look to win it all this time around. Taos played and won the 2018 title behind a 12-1 season.

Bloomfield is 10-1 on the season only falling to top seed Silver back in early October but have their season back on track since that loss winning the last four games. During that time frame the Bobcats have also captured the 1-4A district championship.

Taos winners of 10-straight games heading into the semifinal game with Bloomfield. The Tigers lost their opener on August 20th have since been perfect with only two games within single digits. Key note for the Taos Tigers is playing all games on the road this season.

Numbers
Score Prediction: Bloomfield 34, Taos 33
Line: Bloomfield, -1.5
Over/Under: 65.5
Records: Bloomfield (10-1), Taos (10-1)
Avg Points: Bloomfield (45), Taos (37.9)
Home Record: Bloomfield (6-0)
Away Record: Taos (10-1)

Players to Watch

Senior quarterback Dameon Ely leads the team in passing and rushing yards for the Taos Tigers this season. Although complete numbers have yet to be reported Ely has over 1,000 passing yards and over 600 yards rushing this season. Diego Alvarez (2023), Favian Cordova (2023) and Ely also guide the Tigers defense.

Bloomfield players George Rascon Jr. (2024), Drew Perez (2024) and Jared Seitzinger (2024) are the go-to targets for senior quarterback Ryan Sharpe this season. Sharpe accounted for over 250 yards in last weeks win over Moriarty.

The final word. Taos has the opportunity to continue a storyline season without a home game into the state championship. Bloomfield has weapons upon weapons and will be difficult to overcome.

NMSU - 4-5 overall
Missouri - 4-6 overall

Missouri is a 29.5 favorite.

Thoughts?

New Mexico High School Football 6A Semifinal Preview & Prediction

NMPreps guide to the semifinals in New Mexico high school football. The 2022 6A semifinals take place on November 19th and 20th. #nmpreps

NO. 1 CLEVELAND STORM VS NO. 5 VOLCANO VISTA HAWKS

The race for the 2022 6A state championship and now Cleveland or Volcano Vista is looking to take the inside track as we enter the semifinals on Friday night. The district 1-6A members will square off for the second time this season after a Cleveland win early during district play.

The Volcano Vista Hawks are currently riding high after upsetting 4-seed Hobbs last week and winners of the last five games. The Hawks are 10-2 on the season, both losses to the 1-seed (Cleveland) and to the 2-seed La Cueva.

Cleveland sits at 9-2 on the season (8-1 vs New Mexico; 1-1 vs Texas) and haven't lost to a New Mexico team since following in the 4th quarter to Centennial on opening night (38-35). Since then the Storm captured a district 1-6A crown along with big wins over La Cueva (No. 2 in 6A), Artesia (No. 1 in 5A) and a 56-21 win over Volcano Vista.

Numbers

Score Prediction: Cleveland 41, Volcano Vista 36
Line: Cleveland, -4.5
Over/Under: 77.5
Records: Cleveland (9-2 overall), Volcano Vista (10-2 overall)
Home Record: Volcano Vista, (5-0 at Community Stadium)
Away Record: Cleveland (5-1, 1 loss was in Texas at Frenship High)

Players to Watch

Volcano Vista senior quarterback Elliot Pasket-Bell is approaching over 4,000 yards on the season (3,000 passing and 1,000 rushing) and 45 total touchdowns (33 passing). Pasket-Bell looks to be a finalist for the Mr. Football award this off-season along with other skilled players on the Hawks roster. Another next level talent comes in the form of senior WR Tristan Cordova who has over 1,100 yards receiving and 11 receiving touchdowns this season. Hunter Martinez (2024), Kian Vander-Wilt (2024), and Noah Wallin (2023) anchor the defense for the Hawks and will play pivotal roles in their upset bid this weekend. Wallin looks to be a finalist for LB of the Year with outstanding totals (105 total tackles, 7.5 sacks).

The Cleveland Storm are flooded with top level talent this season and we can list any player at any position that is likely to find a spot on a college roster and post season award list. The guy that makes things go for this Storm roster is Evan Wysong, a senior quarterback with over 1,800 yards passing, 27 passing touchdowns along with 860 yards rushing and 9 rushing touchdowns. Running back Josh Perry sits at 1,520 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, deserving more credit when discussing the top RB's in New Mexico. Other D-1 standouts are Nic Trujillo (2023/WR) with nearly 1,000-yards receiving and perhaps the top ranked player in Stratton Shufelt (2024/LB).

The final word: Volcano Vista has the momentum, has the talent, now can they get over the hill? Cleveland is loaded with talent, again, and they have everything that it takes to be a state champion, again. This one will be closer than the 56-21 score in the first game but Volcano Vista can't spot the Storm points and expect a comeback like they did Hobbs last week.

New Mexico High School 4A Semifinal Preview & Predictions

NMPreps guide to the semifinals in New Mexico high school football. The 2022 4A semifinals take place on November 19th and 20th. #nmpreps

No. 1 Silver Colts vs No. 4 Lovington Wildcats

The Lovington Wildcats are coming in to face the Silver Colts a team that has suffered just one loss on the season. The winner will have the opportunity to play for the 2022 state championship.

Lovington comes into this game having won the state championship in 2021 and looking to repeat. The Wildcats have arguably played one of the most impressive schedules this season. After a 0-6 start to the season playing Texas and most top 6A and 5A teams the Wildcats are riding a five game win streak.

Silver has had plenty of success this season and the lone loss is to a 5A semifinal team--Deming. Looking at the resume the Colts enter the game on a five game win steak that includes a 39-point win over 2-seed Bloomfield.

Numbers
Score Prediction: Lovington 27, Silver 23
Line: Lovington, -5.5
Over/Under: 49.5
Record: Lovington (5-6), Silver (10-1)
Away Record: Lovington (3-1)
Home Record: Silver (7-1)
Avg. Pts: Lovington (29.4), Silver (39.2)

Players to Watch

Silver senior running back Aidan Granado is averaging nearly 9 yards per carry for 894 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. Ricky Vasquez (2023) and Mason Lockett (2023) also add to a top ranked running back core, both over over 400-yards rushing on the season.

Lovington quarterback Ashton Aranda (2023) has quietly established himself as one of the best in 4A again this season. The senior has 1,843 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns for the Wildcats this season along with 724 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.

Week 14 Picks & Predictions

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH

Grine's Picks
Cleveland
Jal
St. Mikes
Artesia
Lovington
Roswell
Raton
Taos

==

What are you taking? Where do you agree/disagree?

What did we learn last week?

Poll: Ruidoso vs Raton

Poll: Socorro vs St. Michael's

The best New Mexico food dish?

Farmington High Boys JV is looking for a tournament or 3 games.

TOP NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYERS

NMPreps list of the top players from the 2022/2023 season in New Mexico high school basketball. #nmpreps

2023
Alex Alfaro - Deming High School
Alexis Dominguez - Highland High School
Ali Abdullah - Valencia High School
Andrew Hill - Sandia High School
Anthony Gonzales - Volcano Vista High School
Brian Kalb - St. Pius X
Cedarious Yates - La Cueva High School
Chris Coash - St. Pius X
Chris Parra - Atrisco Heritage Academy
Daemon Ely - Taos High School
Dalon Moyer - Sandia High School
Damian Perez - Carlsbad High School
David Chacon - Hagerman High School
David Cruz - Las Cruces High School
Derek Sanchez - Pojoaque Valley High School
Devin McWright - Carlsbad High School
Davion Smith - Mayfield High School
D'Shaun Vinyard - Magdalena High School
Ely Lovato - Sandia High School
Exodus Ayers - La Cueva High School
Evan Campos - Carlsbad High School
Ezra Guest - Los Lunas High School
Harrison Frank - Del Norte High School
Ismael Chaves - Carlsbad High School
Jacob Lujan - Jal High School
Jamal Bynum - Rio Rancho High School
Jerrick Mendoza - Goddard High School
Jonah Lopez - Rio Grande High School
Juday Casaus - Del Norte High School
Ivan Miramontes - Roswell High School
Marcus Armijo - Socorro High School
Michael Mackey - Hobbs High School
Mikey Woods - Rio Rancho High School
Nick Trujillo - Cleveland High School
Sean Alter - Volcano Vista High School
Shane Douma-Sanchez - Del Norte High School
Tyen Gonzalez - Carlsbad High School

2024
AC Munoz - Mayfield High School
Brandon Kehres - Organ Mountain High School
Cody Vassar-Steen - Farmington High School
Daniel Steverson - Cleveland High School
Dominic Padilla - Hot Springs High School
Elijah Brody - Cleveland High School
Jayden Johnson - Rio Rancho High School
Jeremiah Estrada - Roswell High School
Josh Estrada - Roswell High School
Jordi Rojo - Belen High School
Kai Bicham - Alamogordo High School
Suge Valles - Las Cruces High School

2025
AJ Manning - Cleveland High School
Boudy Melonas - Grants High School
Cameron Dyer - La Cueva High School
Damian Avila - Belen High School
Daniel Lovato - La Cueva High School
Eliseo Velazquez - Rio Grande High School
Jackson Fudge - Roy/Mosquero High School
Jacob Palomino - Roswell High School
Jalin Holland - Los Lunas High School
Jesse James Gonzales - Robertson High School
John Horacek - Grants High School
Julian Ramos-Hernandez - Sandia High School
Kenyon Aguino - Volcano Vista High School
Latavious Morris - Atrisco Heritage Academy
Lenny Washington - Organ Mountain High School
Mason Howell - Sandia High School
Thomas Adams - Sandia High School

RELATED
Top 25 Player Ranking for the 2022/2023 Season

We will continue to add players leading up to the 2022/2023 season. E-mail prospects to grinejosh@yahoo.com or text 505-414-4313.