Week 1 New Mexico High School Football Friday Night Preview
NMPreps preview for Friday night in New Mexico high school football. NMPreps looks at every game taking place in the state. #nmpreps
Related: Week 1 Team Rankings |
Thursday Night Preview |
Thursday Night Predictions
FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEWS
6A FOOTBALL
Alamogordo Tigers (0-0) at Valencia Jaguars (0-0)
The Alamogordo Tigers will rely on a number of returning defensive stars, including Ryan Stovall (2023) and Devaun Herrera-Hamiton (2023). Last season, the Tigers went 2-8 overall and missed the playoffs. The Valencia Jaguars went 7-5 overall and won a playoff game in 2021. The Jaguars return an experience 2023 class this season and look to avenge a 45-6 loss in the opener last season to Alamogordo.
Albuquerque Bulldogs (0-0) at Organ Mountain Knights (0-0)
The Bulldogs return playmaker Jabulani Cooper (2023) this season but will need to replace a handful of positions when they open up tonight against Organ Mountain. The Bulldogs went 2-8 overall, 0-5 in district play and missed the playoffs. The Knights had success last season going 4-6 an improvement from 1-9 in 2019. Running back Joe Estrada (2023) provides an offensive spark for the Knights. The key for both teams will be limiting turnovers as both teams have players starting for the first time.
Carlsbad Cavemen (0-0) at Artesia Bulldogs (0-0)
Starting the season with a rivalry game in southeast New Mexico (well, one of two). This one features the Carlsbad Cavemen enter the season with a new head coach and trying to get back to a .500 type season. All eyes will be on DE Tylen Gonzalez (2023) who committed to the University of Arizona this offseason. Artesia reached the 5A state championship in 2021 and returns off a 9-4 overall season. They will look to top prospects Payton Deans (2023) and Peyton Greathouse (2024) entering the season.
Also See: Grine's Must-See Games This Week
Centennial Hawks (0-0) at Cleveland Storm (0-0)
The reigning 6A state champions are currently holding the longest active win streak at 22-wins dating back to the 2019 season. They have a new head coach this season but welcome back a roster loaded with next level talent that includes UNM commits Evan Wysong (2023/QB) and Nic Trujillo (2023/WR); Stratton Shufelt (2024/LB) the highly recruited junior will be a main focal point on defensive. The Centennial Hawks return after going 8-2 last season and will look to an experienced 2023 class. Devyn Woods (LB) and Izaiah Gonzales (DE) will look to slow the offensive power of the Cleveland Storm tonight.
Cibola Cougars (0-0) at Eldorado Eagles (0-0)
The Cibola Cougars have more questions than answers right now as they enter the 2022 season with a new head coach. What we do know is that they have some talented prospects that should shine more this season in Brayden Mummert (2023), Branden Castillo (2023), and Peyton Harrison (2023) among others. The Cougars went 6-6 last season falling in the quarterfinals. Eldorado returns this season with some under-the-radar talent in Brandon Olivas (2024), Mark Pacheco (2023), and John Paul Ludi (2024). Cibola will try to answer the identity question at QB and Eldorado hopes the experienced gained last season leads into a successful opening night.
Clovis Wildcats (0-0) at Hobbs Eagles (0-0)
The second of two rivalry games taking place in the SE corner. Clovis enters the season with new head coach Andrew McCraw taking over a team that went 3-8 overall in 2021. Offensive struggles surrounded the Wildcats last season and will have plenty of players taking on bigger roles this season. Hobbs had a successful run last season under head coach Ken Stevens going 6-6 and reaching the 6A quarterfinals. The Eagles have some top talent returning this season with Kaden Trevin (2023), Diego Baeza (2023) and Ethan Vanlandingham (2023) making a return. The key will be a new quarterback in 2022.
Grants Pirates (0-0) at Capital Jaguars (0-0)
The Capital Jaguars play host to 4A Grants on Friday night in what could be one of the early finishes. The Jaguars return after winning 4-games in 5A last season as they transition into 6A football. Julian Munoz (2023) threw for 900-yards last season and will be the spark guiding the Jaguars early tonight. The Pirates won 1-game in 2021 and will be in a continued rebuild as the talent level is not what it was a few years ago.
Las Cruces Bulldawgs (0-0) at Volcano Vista Hawks (0-0)
The Bulldawgs turn things over at quarterback to Matthew Lashley. If you know the Bulldawgs program the quarterback position plays a prominent role on the team, more than the average program. Las Cruces went 7-5 overall last season and reached the 6A semifinals. Volcano Vista lost a year ago on opening night to Las Cruces, 27-20, hoping to get the best of the Bulldawgs in Albuquerque this time around. The Hawks will feature several new faces in key positions with many of their number one options graduating. Volcano Vista won 7-games last season losing in the semifinals.
Los Lunas Tigers (0-0) at Belen Eagles (0-0)
The Belen Eagles own the overall rivalry 41 to 31 for the Chile Roaster, however, the Los Lunas Tigers have owned the rivalry as of last winning the last six games between the schools. Los Lunas returns after winning the 5A state championship but now enter the 6A classification in football. The Tigers return perhaps one of the best WR-QB duos in Jalin Holland and Paul Cieremans. Belen went 7-4 last season and turn things over to longtime assistant Kevin Pena. The Eagles return two key players from last season in Elijah Romero (2023) and Diego Avila (2024).
Piedra Vista Panthers (0-0) at Farmington Scorpions (0-0)
The Piedra Vista Panthers focus will remain in the run game and turn to running backs Zach Mora-Dotson and James Ramsted, both seniors. One prospect that is catching an eye as we enter this season is DL Noah Valencia (2023) who could have a breakout season for the Panthers. Farmington went 11-1 last season reaching the 5A semifinals, they now move to 6A football for the 2022 season. Quarterback Terl Griego (2024) takes over at quarterback this season and the 6-foot-4 quarterback looks to carry them forward in 2022.
La Cueva Bears (0-0) at Rio Rancho Rams (0-0)
The
game of the night according to our feature ranking all 43-games taking place in 11-man football this weekend. The La Cueva Bears enter the season ranked No. 1 in the NMPreps Team Rankings and look to top ranked quarterback Aidan Armenta (2023) but the roster is loaded with next level talent. Rio Rancho, ranked No. 3, will have a new head coach this season and will need to make some moves on the depth chart as key players have since graduated. Mikey Woods (2023) and Travien Williams (2023) are the early prospects on offense. The Rams will need to be cautious and not let the Bears get hot early.
5A FOOTBALL
Aztec Tigers (0-0) at Miyamura Patriots (0-0)
This 5A/4A northwest contest between Miyamura (No. 12 NMPreps 5A) and Aztec (No. 7 NMPreps 4A) will answer some questions for two teams that will welcome new head coaches. Miyamura had a disappointing season falling to 2-7 overall. Seniors Chris Chavez, Clayton Hall, and Isaiah Martinez return for the Patriots. The Tigers have a key piece for new head coach Henry Strauss returning. Landon Frost who had 1,325 passing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021. Baylor Seabolt (2024), Marquis Henry (2023) and Tristan McNeal (2023) were key targets for Frost last season.
Cobre Indians (0-0) at Chaparral Lobos (0-0)
This will be one of two 5A vs 3A games taking on this week in New Mexico high school football. The Cobre Indians (No. 8 NMPreps 3A) will travel east to Chaparral to take on the Lobos (No. 16 NMPreps 5A). The Cobre Indians enter the season after finishing the 2021 season at 3-8 overall, reaching the playoffs. The Indians have plenty to replace in Adrian Juarez, Gavin Placencio, and Arthur Quintana. Chaparral returns after a winless 2021 season going 0-10 overall. The two schools met on opening night last season with the Cobre Indians coming out ahead 39-0. 2023 Linebacker Armando Aguillon and 2023 DL Uriel Cordero return for the Lobos and some experience.
Deming Wildcats (0-0) at Del Norte Knights (0-0)
North meets south in this contest of 5A teams that have gone in different directions. Deming (No. 5) enter the season looking to become a real player in 5A football this season. They have key players to replace but welcome back top players Ian Ortiz and Fabian Reyna, both 2023. Del Norte (No. 15) struggled their way to a 1-8 overall season dealing with roster and injuries problems throughout the season. ATH Jojo Turtle-Morales (2024) hopes to be a player for the Knights this season.
Espanola Valley Sundevils (0-0) at Los Alamos Hilltoppers (0-0)
The Espanola Valley Sundevils (No. 14 NMPreps 4A) and Los Alamos Hilltoppers (No. 10 NMPreps 5A) provide us with a northern neighbors game. Espanola Valley struggled to a 1-9 season last year but hope to return with some hope in 2021. Los Alamos will have some experience returning this season and turn to 2023 RB Teke Nieto who had over 600-yards rushing last season.
Gadsden Panthers (0-0) at Ruidoso Warriors (0-0)
This contest will feature the Gadsden Panthers (No. 13 NMPreps 5A) traveling to the Ruidoso Warriors (No. 2 NMPreps 3A). The Panthers are entering their first season in 5A after years in the largest enrollment classification - 6A. The Panthers went 3-5 overall last season playing as an independent. 5th year head coach Dino Facio Jr. returns dual threat QB Tomas Herrera (2023) under center. Herrera threw for 654-yards and 7-touchdowns but did most of his work on the run finishing the season with 1,055-rushing yards and 12-rushing touchdowns. Ruidoso enters the new classification alignment in 3A football, down from 4A. The Warriors finished the season 8-6 overall after pulling off three wins in the playoffs eventually falling to Lovington 41-21 in the championship. Although the Warriors have pieces to replace the have some talent returning. Gavon Hall (2023), Cooper Pritchett (2023), and Dalton Trapp (2023) are three immediate names to know in 3A football this season. The two teams did not meet in 2021.
Highland Hornets (0-0) at Portales Rams (0-0)
A cross game between 5A Highland Hornets (No. 14) and the 4A Portales Rams (No. 5). Highland went 3-8 overall last season and look to a core of RB's who contributed to the success that they had winning two of the final three contest. Amiri Mumba (2025/RB), Alex Lopez (2025/QB) and Aaron Loya (2023/OL) are the key prospects to watch this season. Loya holds an offer at NMHU. Portales, a team expected to be much improved in 2022, welcomes back a core of their roster from last season. QB Devin Diaz (2024) returns along with all of his receiving targets -- Zane Mayberry, Andru Ontiveros, and Elijah Kladiihbah all 2024 prospects. Portales should move along at home by three touchdowns plus.
4A FOOTBALL
Gallup Bengals (0-0) at Moriarty Pintos (0-0)
The only 4A game featuring two teams from 4A football taking place on Friday night. The Moriarty Pintos (No. 9 NMPreps 4A), after an 0-2 start to the 2021 season pulled off 7-games before falling in the final games. The Pintos finished 7-3 overall. The Pintos identity has been and will be the run game and welcome back four RB's who rushed for over 100-yards last season. Erik Wolf (2023) led the team in rushing yards with 621-yards and 8-touchdowns. Gallup (No. 16 NMPreps 4A) went 1-9 last season being one of the few teams to enter the season off a win after winning the final game of the season. Head coach Andrew Rodriguez returns DB/WR Darvell Skeet as a key player for the Bengals this season.
Pojoaque Valley Elks (0-0) at Socorro Warriors (0-0)
Another 4A vs 3A contest on Friday night. This time we have the No. 7 (NMPreps 3A) playing host to the Pojoaque Valley Elks (No. 15 NMPreps 4A). After a 4-1 start to the season the Pojoaque Valley Elks would finish the season 5-4 overall but missed the playoffs. Some excitement surrounds the football program entering the 2022 campaign behind ATH Adam Pacheco (2023). Pacheco tossed the ball for 1,257-yards and 17-touchdowns for the Elks in 2021. Socorro returns after winning 10-games in 2021 and winning a playoff game. Socorro returns Brian Armijo (2023/LB) along with stud QB Marcus Armijo (2023) and one of his targets in Alex Amaro (2024/WR). The two teams did not face each other in 2021.
Shiprock Chieftains (0-0) at Tohatchi Cougars (0-0)
Another pair of northwest squaring off on Friday night. The Shiprock Chieftains (No. 17 NMPreps 4A) travel to Tohatchi to take on the Cougars (No. 20 NMPreps 3A). Tohatchi won six of their final games last season to go 6-4 overall. 6-1 DE Adriano Begay will guide the Cougars in 2022 after a successful freshman season. Shiprock enters the contest after going winless in 2021 -- 0-9 overall. They hope to improve after struggling to get anything going being outscored 427 to 6 last season. Looking at some bright spots is the Chieftains will return over 90% of their roster from last season after having a makeup of 2025 and 2024 members along with a strong 2023 class.
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3A FOOTBALL
Dexter Demons (0-0) at Santa Rosa Lions (0-0)
Week 1 is always tough to predict, no matter what level of football it is. Both Dexter and Santa Rosa enter the season as a "dark horse" meaning that they could have a breakout season. Santa Rosa (No. 6 NMPreps 2A) welcomes back 2023 running back Andres Madrid who rushed for over 1,300-yards as a junior for a team that went 4-5 overall in 2021. Dexter (No. 10 NMPreps 3A) has a task to replace Juan Fuentes from last season but have two contenders to take over that load in Joshua Duran (2023) and Joel Venegas (2023). Duran an all around athletes passed for 500-yards, rushed for 375-yards, over 100-yards receiving. This one could be a back and forth, high scoring affair with the offensive weapons.
Eunice Cardinals (0-0) at Raton Tigers (0-0)
Perhaps the game of the this section - 3A/2A previews. Eunice (No. 2 NMPreps 2A) will look to return the favor of a 35-0 loss to Raton (No. 6 NMPreps 3A) last season on opening night. Eunice went 9-3 overall last season winning the 2A state championship and will need to find replacements to their top prospects from last season. Ashton Thompson (2024/WR) is an early name to become familiar with as we enter this season. Raton lost two college level players off their 11-1 overall season in 2021. The Tigers return the top ranked 3A running back this season in Cayden Walton (2023) who rushed for 1,905-yards and 24-touchdowns as a junior. The bigger Raton should again have the advantage in this contest on depth alone -- Walton is the x-factor in this contest.
Hatch Valley Bears (0-0) at Laguna-Acoma Hawks (0-0)
This could potentially be a very ugly game. Hatch Valley is looking to improve in 2022, and Laguna-Acoma is looking for any relevance to their successful teams of the early 2010's. Hatch Valley (No. 9 NMPreps 3A) struggled last season behind a difficult schedule finishing 1-9 overall. Jacob Gomez (2024) and Layton Gillis (2023) contributed on offense last season for the Bears. Laguna-Acoma (No. 12 NMPreps 2A) looks to a big class returning 25 from the roster last season. Hatch is favored by several touchdowns in this contest using their talent and depth.
Hot Springs Tigers (0-0) at Tularosa Wildcats (0-0)
This game will kick off on Friday night in Tularosa. The Wildcats (No. 4 NMPreps 2A) is the heavy favorite in this contest after going 7-1 overall last season reaching the 2A semifinals. The Wildcats have a new head coach in Mike Felicetti and will rely on his experienced defense surrounding players Justin Porter (2023), Kani Mathis (2024), and Dillon Salazar (2024). Hot Springs (No. 12 NMPreps 3A) return after a disaster of a season that had them forfeit the final games of their season, finishing 3-7 overall. They will have a new head coach and he will look to Josiah Tidwell (2023) who had over 400 rushing and receiving yards combined. Tularosa should flex in this contest with the talent but then again both teams have a new head coach, making the prediction difficult.
Mescalero Apache Chiefs (0-0) at New Mexico Military Colts (0-0)
The New Mexico Military Institute (No. 11 NMPreps 3A) play host in this contest and enter has a five touchdown favorite to win this contest. Juan Badillo (2023) passed for 1,169-yards and 17-touchdowns as a junior, if he returns, the Colts could look at a playoff bid. Mescalero Apache (No. 13 NMPreps 2A) have offensive players Alexander Fangman (2025/WR) and Darius Wheeler (2024/WR) to rely on this season and will need to shake off the 0-8 season from 2021. NMMI has too many weapons and depth moving along early in this contest.
Thoreau Hawks (0-0) at Zuni Thunderbirds (0-0)
This contest puts two teams in the northwest region against each other for a 3A contest. Zuni (No. 17 NMPreps 3A) enters the contest as a favorite as they look to build off a 4-5 overall season in 2021. Zuni will look to improve on defense after allowing over 36 points per game (324). The Thunderbirds fell last season, 38-36 on the road at Thoreau (No. 21 NMPreps 3A). Thoreau went 6-4 overall last season but will need to rebuild the backfield after graduating their three go-to players from a year ago. Matteo Loera (2023) had 163-yards and a single touchdown last season on 17-carries. He will be the focus this season for the Hawks.
West Las Vegas Dons (0-0 at Escalante Lobos (0-0)
Escalante (No. 9 NMPreps 2A) returns for the 2022 season after finishing 4-4 overall and missing the playoffs in 2021. It appears to be a continued rebuild for the Lobos after graduating their top prospect from the roster last season. The 2024 class has potential to carry them forward in this build. West Las Vegas (No. 5 NMPreps 3A) somewhat becomes an unknown in the classification. Finding their place will be focused on top quarterback CJ Perea's return under center. Replacing their run game will be the question here for the Dons but this game is a solid opening contest to get things moving for a run in 2022. Jaydin Vigil (2023/ATH) is a prospect we will have an eye on as he builds on a successful 2021 season. WLV has all of the checkboxes to control this game.
2A FOOTBALL
Capitan Tigers (0-0) at Hagerman Bobcats (0-0)
This is the lone 2A vs 2A game taking place this weekend in New Mexico high school football. The Hagerman Bobcats (No. 7 NMPreps) enter the 2022 season after going 4-4 overall last season. The Bobcats reached the 2021 playoffs and although they will have to replace key players look to Romelo Salazar (2024/DE) who contributed last season. Capitan (No. 8 NMPreps) return this season after an impressive 7-win season in 2021, reaching the state playoffs. Like Hagerman they will be looking to fill voids left to graduation. Experience will show in this game and it could turn in the favor of the team with the better defense, knowing that both offenses have new players taking key roles.
Note: We will continue to update this feature, leading up to Friday night. We will continue to update the feature and if two teams from different classification meet, the higher class will have the feature.
