Favorite Year and Why. Year for sports, year overall, year in New Mexico sports, etc. Anything goes.

4A Basketball: Early Preseason Team Rankings for 2021/2022

NMPreps first look at the 4A girls basketball team rankings for the 2021/2022 season. #nmpreps

29. Ruidoso Warriors (1-9 overall, 1-5 district): The Lady Warriors return a nice 2022 core but graduated their best player from a 1-win team in 2021.

28. Santa Teresa Desert Warriors (2-7 overall, 1-5 district): Erica Barrera (2022) looks to be that player for ST this fall. Ruby Ramirez (2022) provides some inside presence.

27. Los Alamos Hilltoppers (0-12 overall, 0-8 district): Kaylee Salazar (2023), Michelle Macias (2023), and GG Romero (2025) all return for the Hilltoppers.

26. Aztec Tigers (2-10 overall, 2-8 district): The Lady Tigers have continued to struggle for a few years now and continue to struggle with the graduation to key players off a two win team. \

25. Chaparral Lobos (6-5 overall, 4-2 district): The Lady Lobos could have one of their best seasons yet and return 95% of their scoring led by Emily Ibarra (2023), Nathalie Hernandez (2022), and Andrea Molina (2022)

24. Shiprock Chieftains (2-10 overall, 1-9 district): The Chieftains program has struggled to have resemblance to the power that they once were under Henderson.

23. Belen Eagles (3-8 overall, 0-8 district): The Belen Eagles have five wins in two years. Year three under head coach Chris Storey should have some promise.

22. Grants Pirates (2-10 overall, 2-6 district): The Pirates will feature a new head coach this season and return key players Delaney Duran (2023) and Ebony Chavez (2023)

21. Albuquerque Academy Chargers (2-10 overall, 0-8 district): 2022 guard Reagan Madonia returns for the Chargers after leading the team with 15 ppg.

20. Lovington Wildcats (1-10 overall, 0-6): The Lady Wildcats should be much improved after a difficult schedule in 2021. They return some core players.

19. Miyamura Patriots (6-5). The Lady Patriots have been knocking on the door at making the state tournament and this season they will have a new head coach taking over. They graduate nine players off the 14-team roster from the Spring.

18. Pojoaque Valley Elkettes (4-8). The Elkettes went 4-8 overall during the Spring and still searching for the spot in 4A basketball. This could be another season on the rebuild of this once power program.

17. Del Norte Knights (4-5). The good news for Del Norte was the improvement from year one to year two. The bad news for the Del Norte Knights is that they graduate their top scorers from last season. Could be another fight out of the cellar.

16. Silver Colts (9-4). Silver has graduated some of their talent over the last two seasons but have high hopes on a core of newcomers. Those newcomers include Audi Torrez (2024) and Alizae Torres (2023).

15. Valley Vikings (5-5). The Lady Vikings are hoping to climb back into the playoff conversation and although they graduate a core of their scoring from last season, leading scorer Shawls Carrillo (2022) returns after leading the team in scoring during the 2021 Spring.

Bloomfield Bobcats (3-7)
Artesia Bulldogs (3-8)
Moriarty Pintos (7-4)
St. Pius X Sartans (7-3)
Valencia Jaguars (5-7)
Taos Tigers (8-4)
Goddard Rockets (7-4)
Highland Hornets (9-2)
Hope Christian Huskies (8-3)
Bernalillo Spartans (11-2)
Kirtland Central Broncos (10-2)
Espanola Valley Sundevils (13-2)
Portales Rams (10-2)
Gallup Bengals (14-1)

Note: NMPreps will continue to update the feature.

2021/2022 Preseason Rankings

NMPreps.com's early look at the 2021/2022 New Mexico high school basketball season.

1. Volcano Vista (13-0)
2. Hobbs (12-1)
3. La Cueva (7-4)
4. Mayfield (8-4)
5. Centennial (12-1)
6. Farmington (8-3)
7. Piedra Vista (3-8)
8. Eldorado (7-3)
9. Carlsbad (7-3)
10. Las Cruces (6-6)
11. Sandia (7-4)
12. Organ Mountain (8-4)
13. Cleveland (10-3)
14. Clovis (3-5)
15. Albuquerque (8-2)

No. 16 Cibola (4-5). The Cibola Cougars will go through a transitional year as longtime head coach Lori Mabrey retired after the 2021 season. The Cougars will also have to go without their top player Azia Himeur who graduated in the spring and is playing college ball. New first-time head coach in Joe Sena and new players in new roles could creating some growing pains.

No. 17 Alamogordo (6-6). The Tigers could be one of the early risers as they welcome back all but one player that graduated. Alamogordo won four of the last five to end the Spring season and will look to use that momentum to carry them into the 2021/2022 season.

No. 18 Los Lunas (12-2). The Tigers moved up in classification last season and it ended their reign over the lower enrollment classification (4A). Also, gone are the three studs from last season in Natalie Jojola, Mia Guest, and Feleena Gabaldon; All three are playing college basketball this year. Marty Zeller also resigned to take over Mescalero Apache.

No. 19 Capital Jaguars. The Jaguars girls basketball program had some success last season going 6-6 overall and ended on a three-game win streak. They also had some more milestones with Ethena Silva signing to play college basketball at Northern New Mexico College. Head coach Darren Casados has done a fine job and will return some youth but it could be a middle of the pack-year. Layla Cintron (2023) returns as the most experienced scorer with 4.8 points per game. Watch out for newcomers Kayla Martinez (2024) and Amerie Romero (2023).

No. 20 West Mesa Mustangs. The Lady Mustangs went 1-9 overall last season and have gone into rebuild mode since winning the state championship in 2018. More good news for the Mustangs moving forward is the return of their top four scorers from last season. Jackie Sanchez (2022) led the way with 6 points per game but the look forward approach is the return of a trip of 2024 prospects that played well as freshmen. Kiana Sanchez (2024), Olivia Francis (2024), and Destiny Jackson (2024).

No. 21 Santa Fe Demons. The Demons return this season with hopes of making a big leap forward after going 3-8 overall last season. The Demons have a chance to really take a step forward this season with the return of Olivia Montoya (2022) and Maci Cordova (2023) in the backcourt, both are three-year varsity players, come this Fall.

No. 22 Rio Rancho Rams. The Rio Rancho Rams have consecutive years starting in the twenties and coming off another season under .500 on the season. The Rams went 4-8 in 2021 losing seven of their final eight games of the season. The good news moving forward and that will hopefully get the program back on track is the return of shooting guard Olivia Bergsten (2022). She'll have to fill in for the loss of Taylor Kennedy.

No.23 Roswell Coyotes. The Coyotes return after going 3-5 overall during the Spring 2021 season. The bad news for the Coyotes, a once top program, is that the NMAA decided to keep the current alignment for another season - so basically taking away 6A, you have a 5A program playing "up". The good news for the Coyotes is that the Coyotes return a good core of players.

No. 24 Deming Wildcats: The Lady Wildcats had plenty of promise entering what would have been the 2020/2021 season. Well, the pandemic happened, led to a postponed season and the kicker for the Wildcats was the loss of top-25 player Hermanie Dominguez, which transferred to Mayfield High School (Las Cruces). The Wildcats also won 18-games in head coach Kimberly Garcia's first season. Well, looking at the Wildcats now, they are coming off a 2-10 win season with their two wins coming against Gadsden. They welcome back four, varsity, experienced players this season Lily McMilan (2022), Briana Flores (2022), Santana Valentine (2023), and Moniqa Schultz (2023).

No. 25 Manzano Monarchs: After experiencing a state tournament appearance and 12-win season the Monarchs went 2-7 overall during the 2021 season. It was expected to be a rebuild and looks like it could be another long season. Sierra Dixon (2023) will be a three-year letterman and look to bring some experience to the bunch.

No. 26 Gadsden Panthers: The Panthers went 0-12 during the 2021 basketball season and finished last in district 3-5A play. The good news for the program is returning Ema Rose (2023) and Ashley Hernandez (2023); both led the team in scoring and rebounding as sophomores.

No. 27 Atrisco Heritage Jaguars: After graduating from one of their better classes the Jaguars dropped back to the bottom with a 0-10 season. Moving forward they return all players from this season along with three-year contributors Anaise Perez (2022), Natalia Randell (2022), and Ayanna Taylor (2022).

No. 28 Rio Grande Ravens: The Rio Grande Ravens continue their placeholder in the cellar after a 0-10 season. This caps a four-year run with a record of 1-84 record.

Recruiting & Commitments

Please e-mail us information and send photos or statements from players if you can. (505) 414-4313.

Class of 2022

Isaiah Carr - Las Cruces HS - Committed to Grand Canyon Univ. (D1)
Jalen Goar - Hobbs HS - Committed to Cameron University (DII)

========================

Class of 2021

Junior Hodnett - Rio Rancho HS - Eastern New Mexico (D2)


=========================

Class of 2020

Aiden Moreno - Cleveland HS - University of the Southwest (NAIA)
Brandon Montanez - Goddard HS - University of the Southwest (NAIA)
Brian Kitinge - Del Norte HS - Central Missouri (CC)
Deraje Agbaosi - Eldorado HS - New Orleans (D1)
Derek Aeilts - La Cueva HS - St. Edwards (D2)
Dion Battle - Volcano Vista HS - Northwestern Colorado (CC)
Elijah Davidson - Bosque - Wesern Colorado (D2)
Eloy Medina - West Mesa HS - University of New Mexico (D1)
Gonzalo Corbalan - Las Cruces HS - Lubbock Christian (D2)
Jacob Mattox - Valencia HS - Central Wyoming (CC)
Joziah Ramos - Atrisco Heritage - Western New Mexico (D2)
Ricky Lujan - Onate HS - Dallas Baptist (D2)
Seyi Okeyu - Valley HS - Northwest Wyoming (JC)
Terrin Dickey - Volcano Vista HS - University of Wyoming (D1)
TJ Sanchez - Captial HS - New Mexico Highlands (D2)

==========================

Class of 2019

Aameer Muhammad - Cleveland High School - G - Lubbock Christian (D2)
David Patterson - Rio Rancho High School - G - Air Force Academy (D1)
Jalen Munn - Cleveland High School - G - New Mexico Highlands (D2)
Jorrell Saterfield - Mayfield High School - G - Southern Mississippi (D1)
Tristin Moore - Silver High School - G - Western New Mexico (D2)
Zanen Zeller - Los Lunas High School - G - Biola University (NAIA)
Antonio Lovato - Santa Fe High School - G - New Mexico Highlands (D2)

=========================

Class of 2018

Anthony Chavez - Valley HS - University of New Mexico (D1)
Christian Fernandez - Espanola Valley HS - Northern New Mexico College (NAIA)
Jeremy Arroyo - Atrisco Heritage Academy - University of New Mexico (D1)
Logan Eaker - Roswell HS - Concordia University (D2)
Mario Archuleta - Pecos HS - New Mexico Highlands University (D2)
Michael Ou - Menaul HS - Cal State Northridge (D1)
Ryan Brown - Las Cruces HS - Adams State (D2)
Marlon Cunningham - Albuquerque HS - Texas State Univ. (D1)
Eric Sonnenberg - Manzano HS - New Mexico Highlands Univ. (D2)
Alonzo Grajeda - Gateway Christian - New Mexico Military (JC)
Dalin Stanford - Goddard HS - University of St. Katherine (CA).
Jaylen Domina-Lovato - Eldorado HS - New Mexico Highlands Univ. (D2)
Segun Oyeku - Valley HS - University of LaVerne
Tony Avalos - Onate HS - Western New Mexico Univ. (D2)
Jose Vigil - West Mesa - New Mexico Highlands Univ. (D2)

=========================

Class of 2017

Brendan Boatwright - Carlsbad High School - F - Fort Lewis College (Colorado)
Bryce McAlister - Artesia High School - G - Lubbock Christian (Texas)
Clay Patterson - Rio Rancho High School - G - Fort Lewis College (Colorado)
Chris Johnson - Carlsbad High School - F - Colorado Northwestern Community College.
Desmond Carpenter - Cibola High School - G - New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM)
DJ Bustos - West Las Vegas High School - G - New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM)
Jeremy Anaya - Capital High School - G - Northern New Mexico College (Espanola, NM)
Jeremie Karngbaye - Portales High School - F - New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM)
Juan Hurt - Rio Rancho High School - G - Adams State (Colorado)
Jose Rodriguez - Rio Grande High School - G - Colorado Northwestern Community College
Tennessee Owens - Centennial High School - G - University of Alabama-Huntsville.
Marcus Hill - Cleveland High Schol - G - Northern New Mexico College (Espanola, NM)
Marquise Hill- Cleveland High Schol - G - Northern New Mexico College (Espanola, NM)
Tyrique Weaver- Cleveland High Schol - F - Northern New Mexico College (Espanola, NM)

What are the best games to watch this week and in what order?

What is your takeaway this week

NMPreps Family,

Sad news out of Roswell today. Former Roswell High Standout Running Back, Mickey Reeves, passed away today after a medical episode while coaching Gateway during the 6-Man state championship. Prayers and Condolences to the Reeves Family. His brother, Sean Reeves, is current head coach at Miyamura.

*****QUARTERFINALS SCOREBOARD (NOV. 12TH & 13TH)*****

The 2021 New Mexico high school football state playoff quarterfinals. #nmpreps

Friday, Nov. 12
Bloomfield 48, Valencia 13 - F
Farmington 28, Santa Teresa 6 - F
Goddard 14, Roswell 3 - F
Jal 53, Texico 12 - F
La Cueva 35, Volcano Vista 21 - F
Las Cruces 35, Centennial 21 - F
Moriarty 20, Albuquerque Academy 14 - F
Rio Rancho 44, Cibola 20 - F
Tatum 22, Melrose 14 - F

Saturday, Nov. 13
Belen (7-3) at Los Lunas (10-0), 2pm
Eunice (7-3) at Tularosa (7-0), 1pm
Hobbs (6-5) at Cleveland (10-0) 1pm
Hope Christian (7-4) at Raton (10-0), 1pm
Mayfield (7-4) at Artesia (7-3), 1pm
New Mexico Military (8-2) at St. Michael's (7-3), 1pm
Ruidoso (6-5) at St. Pius X (8-2), 1pm
Silver (7-4) at Lovington (7-3), 1pm
West Las Vegas (8-3) at Robertson (8-2), 12pm

Post or text score updates here. 505-414-4313. #nmpreps

Saturday Morning Coffee: What to Watch Today

Friday, Nov. 12
Bloomfield 48, Valencia 13 - F
Farmington 28, Santa Teresa 6 - F
Goddard 14, Roswell 3 - F
Jal 53, Texico 12 - F
La Cueva 35, Volcano Vista 21 - F
Las Cruces 35, Centennial 21 - F
Moriarty 20, Albuquerque Academy 14 - F
Rio Rancho 44, Cibola 20 - F
Tatum 22, Melrose 14 - F
Socorro 41, Dexter 0 - F

Saturday, Nov. 13
Belen (7-3) at Los Lunas (10-0), 2pm
Eunice (7-3) at Tularosa (7-0), 1pm
Hobbs (6-5) at Cleveland (10-0) 1pm
Hope Christian (7-4) at Raton (10-0), 1pm
Mayfield (7-4) at Artesia (7-3), 1pm
New Mexico Military (8-2) at St. Michael's (7-3), 1pm
Ruidoso (6-5) at St. Pius X (8-2), 1pm
Silver (7-4) at Lovington (7-3), 1pm
West Las Vegas (8-3) at Robertson (8-2), 12pm

Best Game Today: Artesia vs Mayfield. Two historic football programs slam helmets today in Artesia. Both teams are averaging over 30 points per game and will bring in some of the best talent in the class. Two must-see running backs that will be finalist for 5A RB of the Year in Jake Barrera (Artesia/2022) and Jose Montoya (Mayfield/2022).

The Original Vegas Showdown: West Las Vegas at Robertson. At noon today the town will flood the football field for the Cardinals of Robertson taking on the Dons of West Las Vegas. Don't miss the showdown of Matthew Gonzales (RHS) and CJ Perea (WLV); Two QBs are finalist for 3A QB of the Year.

Sneaky Good Game to Watch: NMMI at St. Michael's. The NMMI Colts are having a solid season and if they are going to make it two wins in the playoffs this would be the year. St. Michael's is on a 2-game losing streak but they are still considered a favorite, but it is close.

Upset Alert: Ruidoso at St. Pius X. If we had to pick an upset, and we do have it, then we went here. I don't have a high confidence in it being an upset though. Ruidoso has played well the last two weeks leading up to this game and if they can contain Marco Ybarra of Pius then they have a shot.

Coffee: Well, I had my cup yesterday so I may skip it today. The menu today includes hot wings! Quick thoughts from last night include - Exodus Ayers (La Cueva/WR) improving his stock more than any other WR last night in the win over Volcano Vista. Tatum wins the 8-man state championship 22-14 of Melrose! Las Cruces and Goddard get revenge and both hoping to ride that momentum into the semifinals. Moriarty shut up any talk of any upset and Bloomfield flexed this time around after falling to Valencia the first time. Good morning all and have a great Saturday!

Post Here

Most Intriguing Score from Friday

Las Cruces vs Centennial, +1000 (Las Cruces is the upset 1200)
Goddard vs Roswell, +1000 (Goddard is the upset 1250)
Albuquerque Academy vs Moriarty, +1250 either way
West Las Vegas vs Robertson, +1000 either way
Mayfield vs Artesia, +1000 either way

For the playoffs. Points start over! 0-0! All new ball game! bwsong1 is the regular season champ. Three Weeks to Find our Post Season Champ.

6A/5A/4A: Friday Night Football in New Mexico

It's Friday Night in New Mexico High School Football and we break down the games taking place. #nmpreps

6A FOOTBALL

Game to Watch: #4 Centennial vs #5 Las Cruces (7pm). The Las Cruces rematch from the October 14th, 42-41 Centennial win that gave them the District Championship.

Close in the Metro: #3 La Cueva vs #6 Volcano Vista (7pm). If you're in the Albuquerque area head over to Wilson Stadium - this game is a must-see and promises to provide a next level QB showdown. Both teams are entering the post season hot, La Cueva is riding a 7-game win streak. Volcano Vista looks to keep this second match close after losing 38-16 to La Cueva on September 10th.

99 Problems: #2 Rio Rancho vs #7 Cibola (7pm). The first time the teams combined for 90-points in a Rio Rancho 65-35 win. Will they light up the scoreboard again? The over/under is set at 75.

NMPreps Predictions
Rio Rancho 55, Cibola 21
La Cueva 41, Volcano Vista 38
Centennial 28, Las Cruces 24

5A FOOTBALL

Game to Watch: #3 Roswell vs #6 Goddard (7pm). Who's ready for another round 2 game this week aka rivalry week part 2! Roswell took the first game 16-14 and looking to continue a post season win streak dating back to the 2018 and 2019 season.

Road Trip Four Corners; #8 Santa Teresa at #1 Farmington (7pm). Yes, we used the title of the movie road trip and added four corners to it. Santa Teresa hits the road for about a 7/8 hour trip to the far northwest corner of New Mexico. Two quarterbacks in the running for 5A QB of the year in Julian Cobos (ST) and Brandon Furbee (Farm.). Unfortunately, Cobos is out with an injury.

NMPreps Predictions
Farmington 27, Santa Teresa 14
Roswell 20, Goddard 14

4A FOOTBALL

Game to Watch: #5 Albuquerque Academy at #4 Moriarty (7pm). This one is expected to be close and even considered on our official upset alert watch. Andres Rivera of Albuquerque Academy is one of the top QBs to watch this season.

Make it Two: #7 Valencia at #2 Bloomfield (7pm). The Valencia Jaguars upset the Bobcats in September, 34-21. The road could play into this game with the Jaguars taking the long trip to the northwest corner but you should expect it to be a game won in the second half.

NMPreps Predictions
Moriarty 22, Academy 21
Bloomfield 26, Valencia 18

What games are you watching in the quarterfinals?

Offer from Lincoln University (DII) in California

2A SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

The 2021 New Mexico high school football 2A semifinal preview. #nmpreps

JAL PANTHERS vs TEXICO WOLVERINES

#1 Jal
Record: 9-1
Points For: 418
Points Against: 149
Scoop: One thing that has been certain with Dusty Giles led teams, the head coach of the Jal Panthers, is that they will run that football. This season they've relied on a junior duo of Alexavier Carreon and Jacob Lujan. Both players have rushed for over 1,000 yards each and 33 touchdowns combined - Carreon with 17 and Lujan with 16.

#4 Texico
Record: 5-4
Points For: 384
Points Against: 301
Scoop: The Wolverines enter the semifinal game riding a 4-game win streak and looking to erase an opening night loss to the Jal Panthers (63-56). Both teams have shown the ability to get into the endzone. The name to know here is Cade Collins (2022) who is coming off a 260-yard rushing night in the quarterfinals against Capitan. You also have to keep an eye on quarterback Cade Figg (2024) who gets out for big runs as well.

NMPreps Prediction: Jal 54, Texico 45


TULAROSA WILDCATS vs EUNICE CARDINALS
Date: Saturday
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Tularosa

#2 Tularosa
Record: 7-0
Points For: 263
Points Against: 28
Scoop: The Tularosa has had an intriguing season this year with an undefeated record that includes a month break of games from September to October. They've also recorded four shutouts and all but Capitan on October 8th scored in double digits. This is arguably the game to answer the question of just how good the Wildcats are this season, and yes this preseason most expected them to have a great season.

#3 Eunice
Record: 7-3
Points For: 369
Points Against: 210
Scoop: The Eunice Cardinals have been the power in 2A football winning the last three state championships (2017, 18, & 19). They'll look to continue their post season success this weekend along with continue their three game win streak for a possible showdown with district rival Jal. The thing to enjoy about Eunice is the balanced attack with quarterback Conagher Pierce (2022) who has tossed for over 2,000 yards this season and Micah Tibbett nearly the 1,000-yard rushing mark (8 yards away). We should add that Pierce also has 594 rushing yards.

NMPreps Prediction: Eunice 40, Tularosa 37

3A Quarterfinals - Rundown, Predictions, & Bracket

The 2021 New Mexico high school football quarterfinals will take place this weekend. Today, we breakdown what to watch and why. #nmpreps

(1) Raton vs (8) Hope Christian

Why: Both teams feature next level talent and could provide you with that playoff feel to it. James Jenkins (2022/ATH) is a must-see prospect in New Mexico with plenty of potential and looks to guide the Hope Christian Huskies (7-4) this Saturday. Jenkins has 1515 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns to add to 648 passing yards and 7 passing touchdowns. What's not to love about the Raton Tigers (10-0) and their three-headed monster in Dylan Quartieri (2022/QB), Cayden Walton (2023/RB), and Matthew Quartieri (2022/WR).

Prediction: Raton 36, Hope Christian 27

(2) Socorro vs (10) Dexter

Why: The Socorro Warriors (9-1) have continued were they left off last season with as a state champion contender. Senior running back Jordan Armijo has been a force all season and is the player that make the Warriors move. Bringing the power for the visiting Dexter Demons (5-5) is senior back Juan Fuentes who has gone over the 1,000 rushing yard mark. He also reached the end zone 16 times this season.

Prediction: Socorro 42, Dexter 28

(3) Robertson vs (6) West Las Vegas

Why: Well, for starters you can head over to Charlies for breakfast and then get to Robertson field for a 12pm kick-off between the crosstown rivals. The famous red or green question (I went x-mas at Charlies every breakfast) will be answered with a chance at the semifinals on the line. West Las Vegas brings the duo of Damian Gallegos (2022/RB) and CJ Perea (2024/QB). Robertson has defender Ace Gonzalez (2023) and ATH Matthew Gonzales (2022). Robertson took the first game between the two 40-27 but this one should provide the viewer with everything about November football.

Prediction: Robertson 34, West Las Vegas 30

(4) St. Michael's vs (5) New Mexico Military

Why: We get the only true south team taking on the north team. Both teams bring plenty of excitement and looking to make that playoff run for a possible state championship. The visiting Colts will look to junior quarterback Juan Badillo who is coming off a solid first round performance passing for 173-yards in the win over Thoreau. The Horsemen have had an intriguing season and enter the contest on a 2-game losing streak but those losses to No. 3 Robertson and No. 1 Raton should prove how tough the slate has been. This season also includes a win over No. 2 Socorro.

Prediction: St. Mike's 21, NMMI 20

Commits to Fort Lewis

Thank you! Take time to honor those veterans!

3A New Mexico HS Football Bracket Breakdown

The 2021 New Mexico high school football playoffs are here and we take a look at each bracket and give our predictions. #nmpreps

3A Bracket
#1 Raton
#2 Socorro
#3 Robertson
#4 St. Michael's
#5 NMMI (7-2) vs #12 Thoreau (6-3), Sat. 11am
#6 West Las Vegas (7-3) vs #11 Cobre (3-7), Sat. 1pm
#7 Cuba (7-2) vs #10 Dexter (4-5), Sat. 2pm
#8 Hope Christian (6-4) vs #9 Navajo Prep (5-5), Fri. 7pm

Most Likely to Upset
Dexter (-10.5). The Demons will be considered an upset but the line favors the Demons at -10.5. So, yes, an upset in terms of seed placement. A favorite in terms of our weekly lines. Cuba has played well with the district and schedule that they are given but Dexter will be tough squad to beat.

Ranking the 1st Round Games to Watch
1) West Las Vegas vs Cobre. The options are thin on picking the 'best' games to watch this week. Cobre fell to the other Las Vegas team 46-0 earlier this season. The Dons (WLV) enters the contest losing the final two games. It's an extra opportunity to watch stud freshman CJ Perea (QB) and in his first of many playoff games.

2) Hope Christian vs Navajo Prep. Yes, the Huskies should win this contest but the Eagles will provide some punch behind an offense averaging 35 points per game. Perhaps one of the top players in the class, James Jenkins (2022/ATH) could have a big showing for the Huskies.

3) Cuba vs Dexter. This contest has the closest line that we will offer this week in 3A but the Demons could roll along with ease. Look for Juan Fuentes (2022/ATH) to run wild in this contest.

4) NMMI vs Thoreau. The Hawks are in the playoffs and coming off one of their best regular seasons. The have a very tough RB in Dillon Butler (2022) who is strong but will need the line to help him out if they want to upset NMMI. Juan Badillo (2023) is has played solid for the Colts this season and will be handful for any team in the playoffs.

Lines
#5 NMMI -18.5
#6 West Las Vegas -15.5
#7 Cuba +10.5
#8 Hope Christian -21.5

5-8 Seed That Could Reach the Semi-Finals
West Las Vegas. The 6-seed Dons will have their hands full in both weekends but a rivalry game against No. 3 Robertson in the playoffs should provide some fireworks. I do like NMMI at 5-seed but St. Michael's (No. 4) is going to be a major threat to win it all.

Predictions
NMMI 38, Thoreau 8
West Las Vegas 35, Cobre 18
Dexter 27, Cuba 13
Hope Christian 44, Navajo Prep 21

Ranking the Teams Most Likely to Win State
1) Socorro
2) Raton
3) St. Michael's
4) Robertson
5) West Las Vegas
6) NMMI
7) Dexter
8) Hope Christian
9) Cobre
10) Navajo Prep
11) Cuba
12) Thoreau

Regular Season Champ is @bwysong1

Friday, Nov. 12
Albuquerque Academy (-1.5) at Moriarty
Cibola at Rio Rancho (-18.5)
Dexter at Socorro (-16.5)
Goddard at Roswell (-1.5)
Las Cruces at Centennial (-4.5)
Melrose at Tatum (-6.5)
Santa Teresa at Farmington (-21)
Texico at Jal (-19.5)
Valencia at Bloomfield (-3.5)
Volcano Vista at La Cueva (-5.5)

Top Players Returning from the Class of 2024

We will start to publish names. Feel free to post add or post nominations.