Predicted the New Mexico State University football record for the 2022 season?

Schedule
August 27th - vs Nevada
September 1st - at Minnesota
September 10th - at UTEP
September 17th - at Wisconsin
September 24th - vs Hawaii
October 1st - vs Florida International
October 15th - vs New Mexico
October 22nd - vs San Jose State
October 29th - at UMASS
November 12th - vs Lamar
November 19th - Missouri
November26th - at Liberty

2023
Brennan Garcia - Lovington High School - OG/NT
Dalton Trapp - Ruidoso High School - DE
Ezekiel Guzman - Lovington High School - OT/DE
Ian Ortiz - Deming High School - DE
John Garza - Carlsbad High School - DT
Jonathon Mendez - Carlsbad High School - OL
Izaiah Gonzales - Centennial High School - OT/DE
Rylee Jarratt - Artesia High School - 2023
Tylen Gonzalez - Carlsbad High School - DE

Post your players below! Give the OL's and DL's some love!

Boys or Girls. Who do we have?

Loved listening to Dodger games.

What device do you use most to use NMPreps?

Grine Interview with Aidan Armenta, La Cueva H.S.

NMPreps' Joshua Grine continues his interview tour with some of the top New Mexico high school athletes. #nmpreps

Today, we sit down with top ranked quarterback Aidan Armenta (2023) from the La Cueva Bears. Armenta passed for 2,696-yards and 28-passing touchdowns during a 10-2 season in 2021. Armenta also holds an offer from the University of New Mexico.

Interview

JG: Start us with the basics.
AA: Aidan Armenta, La Cueva High School. I play football and baseball.
--
JG: What is your jersey number and why?
AA: #10. My YALF coach told me that it was important to him because every quarterback he has ever had has worn the number. He has had a lasting impact on me so it's in honor of him.
--
JG: What nicknames do you have?
AA: Double A. I've been called that due to my first and last name.
--
JG: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
AA: Super speed, so I could use it in football. I wish I was more of a dual threat QB-haha.
--
JG: What are the first three songs on your pre-game playlist?
AA: Spirit in the Sky, Till I Collapse, Boys of Fall.
--
JG: What are your strengths?
AA: I think my strongest attribute is the ability to lead other people and lead by example.
--
JG: Who got you into the game?
AA: My dad got me into the game because he is so into Nebraska football. That's where he went and played baseball and watching Nebraska play every Saturday made me love the game so much at such a young age.
--
JG: If you weren’t playing this sport, what sport or other passion would you be doing?
AA: If I wasn’t playing football or baseball I would be trying to pursue sports journalism because I love the game so much.
--
JG: What is the perfect pre-game meal?
AA: Perfect pre game meal would be something light in the morning before a game like eggs and bacon or something like that in the morning on a Saturday.
--
JG: Who has been an influence on your life and game? Why?
AA: I would say Rob Kujath has had the biggest influence on my game because he has mentored me not only as a QB coach but has showed me the mental side of the game as well.
--
JG: Who is the funniest person on the team?
AA: Miyuh Robertson is the funniest person on the team, he can make anyone laugh with anything he says.
--
JG: What is the plan after you graduate HS?
AA: The plan is to play division 1 football and then make it to the NFL.
--
JG: What are some expectations for your team this year? Goals?
AA: Obviously the biggest goal is to win the state championship as it should be for every team, every year. We come into the year with a ton of expectations, and I think we will do well because we are used to striving under the pressure as a school. Personal accolades will come with that if we show up everyday and do the right thing day in and day out.
--
JG: What makes it special playing at your school?
AA: It’s so special to play at La Cueva because of the rich history of winning and the great players that have came through. It’s an honor to be apart of the next part of la Cuevas history and hopefully make it a special year to remember.
--
JG: Leave us with a quote.
AA: “When Preparation Meets Opportunity” I worked a ton with Casey Thompson the quarterback for Nebraska this year. It just reinforces in your mind that you’ve already done all the work to get to this point, now it’s just time to play.

Thank you Aidan for sharing more about you as a person and athlete!

4A Football Preseason Projections: DC's & Playoffs

It's that time again with weekly projections and predictions as we go on this wild ride that we call the 2022 New Mexico high school football season. #nmpreps

Today, we look at our district champions, standings, and ultimately playoff predictions in 4A New Mexico high school football.

DISTRICT 1-4A - "Northwest District"

1. Bloomfield Bobcats - 3-0
2. Kirtland Central Broncos - 2-1
3. Aztec Tigers - 1-2
4. Gallup Bengals - 0-3

DISTRICT 2-4A - "North Central District"

1. Taos Tigers - 3-0
2. Moriarty Pintos - 2-1
3. Pojoaque Valley Elks - 1-2
4. Espanola Valley Sundevils - 0-3

DISTRICT 3-4A - "Western District"

1. St. Pius X Sartans - 3-0
2. Silver Colts - 2-1
3. Grants Pirates - 1-2
4. Valencia Jaguars - 0-3

DISTRICT 4-4A - "Eastern District"

1. Albuquerque Academy Chargers - 3-0
2. Lovington Wildcats - 2-1
3. Portales Rams - 1-2
4. Bernalillo Spartans - 0-3

2022 PLAYOFFS

TOP FOUR

FIRST ROUND

Grine's Take: Pojoaque in the playoffs would be huge for that program. Albuquerque Academy and Lovington are the best two teams in 4A but I would say we have 5-teams that could make a run at the title game. We could flip AA and LVT 1 or 2 but stayed trued to the feature as AA is the preseason number one. That Eastern District is tough with three quality teams along with a tough Bernalillo program. Unpopular opinion I like this classification make up -- I wish we had the 6-classifications in all sports.

6A Football Projections, Playoff Predictions

It's that time again with weekly projections and predictions as we go on this wild ride that we call the 2022 New Mexico high school football season. #nmpreps

Today, we look at our district champions, standings, and ultimately playoff predictions in 6A New Mexico high school football.

DISTRICT 1-6A - "Metro West District"

1) Cleveland High School - 4-0
2) Rio Rancho High School - 3-1
3) Volcano Vista High School - 2-2
4) Cibola High School - 1-3
5) Atrisco Heritage Academy - 0-4

Why: Cleveland is a machine, a machine that has all of the pieces to make them run to another DC. The runner up spot will come to a fourth quarter finish between the Volcano Vista Hawks and Rio Rancho Rams. Yes, I nearly picked the Hawks to pull the DRUP slot but they have many of spots to fill. I will re-visit this in September. Cibola lost the number one ranked quarterback in the off-season that could put them in the fourth slot but the Cougars have talent, enough to prove this prediction. Atrisco Heritage battle is great.

DISTRICT 2-6A - "Metro East District"

1) La Cueva High School - 4-0
2) Sandia High School - 3-1
3) Eldorado High School - 2-2
4) Farmington High School - 1-3
5) West Mesa High School - 0-4

Why: The news that the Bears lost the number one ranked receiver in Exodus Ayers hurts but is not the end to what should be a special year. The Bears have top ranked QB Aiden Armenta along with 2025 rising prospect Mason Posa. Sandia has a strong program led by head coach Chad Adcox. Eldorado is a dark horse to keep an eye on this season. Farmington will battle with the move to 6A from 5A but they have pieces, if QB Griego develops into a top ten QB they will shock someone. West Mesa is not a pushover.

DISTRICT 3-6A - "South Central District"

1) Las Cruces High School - 5-0
2) Centennial High School - 4-1
3) Hobbs High School - 3-2
4) Carlsbad High School - 2-3
5) Organ Mountain High School - 1-4
6) Alamogordo High School - 0-5

Why: Las Cruces and Centennial are programs that start here each season to unseat them will be a wait and see. Hobbs has been building for a couple years and now enter the part of a head coach era when we see the progress or direction of the program. Carlsbad has a new head coach, Organ Mountain is improving, and Alamogordo is in an uphill battle.

DISTRICT 4-6A - "North Central District"

1) Los Lunas High School - 4-0
2) Clovis High School - 3-1
3) Santa Fe High School - 2-2
4) Albuquerque High School - 1-3
5) Capital High School - 0-4

Why: Paul Cieremans is a dude. Los Lunas will have to prove themselves each week as they move from 5A football where they went 13-0 and won the state championship. However, they will now battle in 6A football with the largest enrollment classification. Clovis features new head coach Andrew McCraw. Santa Fe continues to be on the climb. Albuquerque lost a key 2024 piece but they have some guys. Capital hurt by the move to 6A from 5A.

2022 PLAYOFF PROJECTIONS


FIRST ROUND

Agree or Disagree?
What would you change?

Any early predictions?

2022 SCHEDULE
Sept 3rd - vs Maine - 6PM
Sept 9th - vs Boise State - 7PM
Sept. 17th - vs UTEP - 6PM
Sept. 24th - at LSU - 5:30PM
Sept. 30th - at UNLV - 9PM
Oct. 8th - vs Wyoming - 5PM
Oct. 15th - at NMSU - TBD
Oct. 22nd - vs Fresno State - TBD
Nov. 5th - at Utah State - 1:30PM
Nov. 12th - vs Air Force - 1:30PM
Nov. 19th - vs San Diego State - TBD
Nov. 25th - Colorado State - 1:30PM

Two-a-Days are here. Best meal or thing you did during the break?

1. Mayfield at Las Cruces (Week 4) - Rivalry
2. Carlsbad at Artesia (Week 1) - Rivalry
3. Roswell at Los Lunas (Week 3) - Top 5A vs defending 5A now in 6A.
4. Lovington at Roswell (Week 1) - Talent and Regional
5. Goddard at Piedra Vista (Week 4) - Northwest Meets Southeast
6. Artesia at Hobbs (Week 2) - Regional
7. Goddard at Deming (Week 3) - Playoff Challenger
8. Centennial at Mayfield (Week 3) - City
9. Deming at Artesia (Week 3) - Deming Battling
10. Valley at Bernalillo (Week 1) - Family Traditions
11. Mayfield at Deming (Week 6) - Playoff Implications
12. Piedra Vista at Farmington (Week 1) - City Battle
13. Hobbs at Roswell (Week 3) - Regional Thing
14. Los Lunas at Belen (Week 1) - They Play Yearly/Rival Game
15. Artesia at Cleveland (Week 4) - Top Football Programs in New Mexico

Top 5A non-district games ranked and ready to go for the 2022 season. Did we miss a game? List it below. Disagree, let us know! Thoughts on the 5A season?

Grine: Interview with Andres Rivera, Albuquerque Academy

NMPreps' Joshua Grine continues his interview tour with some of the top New Mexico high school athletes. #nmpreps

Today, we sit down with top ranked quarterback AJ Rivera who threw for 2,531-yards and 23-touchdowns as a junior guiding the Chargers to a 9-3 season.

1-ON-1

Joshua Grine: Start us off with the basics.
Andres 'AJ' Rivera: I play football and basketball. In football I am a quarterback and in basketball I am a stretch forward.

JG: What number do you wear and why?
AR: #9 (in football) Carson Palmer was playing for the Bengals around the time I switched from #65 and he was wearing number 9.

JG: Nicknames?
AR: AJ because my middle name is Jerome and it's easier for some people to say. Coach G likes the Pharmacist but it hasn't caught on yet.

JG: If you had a super power, what would it be?
AR: I’d love to be able to teleport, sometime the drive home after the game feels longer than the game itself and if I could snap home I would.

JG: What are the first songs on your pre-game playlist?
AR: Family Ties by Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem, The Climb Back by J. Cole, and Ambitionz Az a Ridah - 2Pac.

JG: What is your perfect pre-game meal?
AR: In the morning two eggs, ham or Canadian bacon, and a slice of toast with peanut butter banana and honey. In the afternoon I’d take a ham and cheese sandwich with some mayo, lettuce and cucumbers.

JG: What are your strengths?
AR: I think my ability to lead a team as well as my football IQ pair really well with my ability to adapt and make a ton of different throws around the field, which makes it tough for defenses to game plan.

JG: Who do you credit for getting into the game?
AR: Both my parents. Ever since I was little we’ve watched football and I’ve been throwing a football around as long as I can remember.

JG: Who has been an influence on your life and game? Why?
AR: Definitely my dad, he’s been with me since the start and has really helped me develops my game as well as shape me into the leader and person I am today.

JG: If you weren’t playing this sport, what sport or other passion would you be doing?
AR: If I wasn’t playing football or basketball, I’d like to think I’d make a pretty decent pool player. Either that or bodybuilding since I’ve been having a lot of fun in the weight room.

JG: Who is the funniest person on the team?
AR: That’s a tough one, Jaewon pry takes the cake on that one, but I’d say we all have our moments here and there.

JG: What is the plan after you graduate HS?
AR: After HS, I’m really looking forward to playing a little more football in college and earning my degree.

JG: What are some expectations for your team this year? Goals?
AR: This year we expect to go all the way. We feel like we’ve got a little more experience under our belts and a lot of big pieces back, so we’re ready to make some big moves this year. Some personal goals, I’d like to win games, break 3000 passing yards and throw at least 25 touchdowns.

JG: What makes it special playing at your school?
AR: The special thing about Academy is that we feel like we’re building something. With a relatively new coaching staff and more recent success we feel like we’re really starting to build a great culture around this football program and that really helps keep all of us locked in and together..

JG: Quote?
AR: Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come."-Dwayne Johnson

Thank you to Andres AJ Rivera for sharing his answers with us!

2022 SCHEDULE
8/19 - vs Centennial
8/26 - vs La Cueva
9/2 - vs Amarillo, Texas
9/10 - at Las Cruces
9/16 - vs Artesia
9/23 - at Frenship, Texas
9/30 - vs Volcano Vista
10/14 - at Atrisco Heritage
10/21 - at Cibola
10/28 - vs Rio Rancho

Over/Under: 8.5. This number on the surface seems 'low' for the Cleveland Storm who are accustomed to 10-0 or 9-1 regular season records. Could some vote them as losing three games in 2022? Games in question are La Cueva and against the Texas area schools along with Rio Rancho.

Related: 2022 Over/Under Features

Offered by UNM

Bella had herslef a game with 67 points this past weekend in Las Vegas playing for the ABC Spotlight squad.

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The draft today is: best cliche things football coach sayings (could look at this as parody or cliche but meaningful)

How do they affect New Mexico?

What are some key areas in IX?

What are some myths?

Most likely to win ten games first: Nate Pino (new RR head coach) or Robert Garza (new Cleveland head coach).

Most likely to have over 1,000 yards receiving:

Most likely to repeat as a state champion:

Most likely to have two RB's with over 600 yards rushing:

Died today at the age of 88

to go undefeated?

to lead the state in total tackles

to lead the state in INTs

to make the playoffs