6A Football: Way-too-early rankings
NMPreps will rank every team in each class and then each weekend during the season. The New Mexico high school football season schedule is to start in August but it's always time to start thinking rankings and predicting the season.
No. 1 Cleveland Storm (last season: 5-0 overall)
Heath Ridenour's team must replace a few key players from last season, but the Storm are once again the pick to win it all in 2021. The team suffered key losses on both sides of the ball, yet still figures to rank as the top team. Nic Trujillo (2023/WR-CB), Stratton Shufelt (2024/LB-TE), and Evan Wysong (2023/QB-CB) are the new leaders and makeup of what could be a tough two/three-year run. Making it through another season as the champs won't be easy, but Cleveland is NMPreps pick to hoist the New Mexico State Championship trophy again in November.
No. 2 Rio Rancho Rams (last season: 3-1 overall)
Gerry Pannoni's first full season at the helm in New Mexico begins with some hype and questions. The Rams return one of the top-ranked running backs in Zach Vigil (2022) and one of the top ten prospects in OL Cayden Romero (2022). The Rams will have to find a new quarterback and some depth at the receiver position. Chris Montoya (2023/LB), Fabiano Valdez (2022), and Lucas Lucero (2022/FS) anchor the defense charge entering the season.
No. 3 Cibola Cougars (last season: 2-0 overall)
Under the direction of head coach Roderick Williams, Cibola High School has been one of the more consistent programs. The Cougars went 2-0 with wins over Volcano Vista and Eldorado during the Spring and enter 2021 with their highest ranking all-time (NMPreps Team Rankings, 2006). The Cougars have plenty of reason with the number one ranked quarterback in the state in Aden Chavez (2023) who tossed for 522-yards and 7 touchdowns total for both games in the Spring. Look for him to go to targets Nathan Lopez (2022), Brayden Mummert (2023), and Branden Castillo (2023). On defense keep an eye on Peyton Harrison (LB) a rising junior that could be a breakout player along with junior Caden Lowery (LB).
No. 4 Volcano Vista Hawks (last season: 2-1 overall)
The Volcano Vista Hawks had an impressive Spring season and welcome back a very experienced senior-laden squad this Fall. Look for Chad Wallin and company to have things moving along nicely. Yes, they have some roles including quarterback but have plenty to like. Some must-see prospects on the radar are Kieran Cordova (RB/2022), Kaden Valdez (2022), and Acen Aguilar (2022). Cordova rushed for 206-yards and another 228 receiving yards. The Hawks open up the season against No. 8 Las Cruces in an early top-ten showdown.
No. 5 Clovis Wildcats (last season: 3-2 overall)
After a slow start to the Spring season, the Wildcats rebounded with a 3-2 overall record. The Wildcats return this season with plenty of new faces as they were hit by the graduation of some of the top players in the state a year ago. The Wildcats return Mile Acosta (2022) who threw for 667-yards last season after being moved into the QB-1 role. Manny Bustillos (2022), Jared Nigreville (2022), and Gage Angeles (2022) return for the Wildcats on defense. The Wildcats open the season against rival Hobbs followed by a pair of Texas games - El Paso-Ysleta (TX), and Wolfforth-Frenship (TX).
No. 6 La Cueva Bears (last season: 0-3 overall)
The only way is up from here for the La Cueva Bears and although it may shock many of you that the 0-3 squad from the Spring is ranked high and at No. 6 (NMPreps Weekly Team Rankings), we believe the Bears have the makings to do well this season. Also, yes they lose Ja'Shown Lowery who nows plays for Division I New Mexico but the Bears had a very inexperienced roster with some serious 2023/2024 talent that could turn heads and likely elevate them back into title contention. They also feature UNM recruit Hunter Haemker (2022) a top linebacker in the state. Keep a close eye on these prospects this coming season as they could catapult the Bears into a possible DC. Those players are Colt Mangino (2023), Aidan Armenta (2023), and Exodus Ayers (2023) among several others.
No. 7 Eldorado Eagles (last season: 1-2 overall)
The Eldorado Eagles may have some of the most hype for a squad that went 1-2 during the Spring football schedule. The Eagles have some youth and depth that could make them one of the surprise teams of the season, hence the number seven ranking in the top-10. They have a couple of returning quarterbacks that gained some experience during the spring and yes although they will be replacing key positions like QB, RB, and WR roles the Eagles have a chance to make a run at a DC this season many believe. Also, looking at their three-game schedule during the Spring they lost by a combined score of 72-76 to three teams that will be ranked higher in this preseason preview. Players to watch Elias Franco (2022), Zach Petty (2024), and Nathan Velez (2023).
No. 8 Las Cruces Bulldawgs (last season: 3-1 overall)
This could be the lowest preseason ranking we've ever had for the Bulldawgs as we enter the 2021 season. This coming after a season after they played for the 6A Elite Bowl game. Well, the roster has taken a hit the last two football seasons with graduation and their go-to talents including a three-year QB in Marcos Lopez. Although some argue that the Bulldawgs could be in for a surprising season with talents like Dallas Boyd (LB-WR/2022), Matthew Franco (G-LB/2022), and Dillon Hein (C-DE/2022). We wouldn't be surprised if they have another run at a state title but we are keeping the expectations low for now.
No. 9 Carlsbad Cavemen (last season: 2-2 overall)
Turning Carlsbad back into a consistent playoff-bound team hasn't been easy but the feeling is the Cavemen are on the brink. The Cavemen finished 2-2 last season and this could be the season many in blue and white have been waiting for since coach Bradley's hiring. Yes, we still have skeptics when we had them to be released at nine but I really like the make-up of the Cavemen roster. They return quarterbacks Dane Naylor (2023) and Jalen Macareno (2022) both played well at moments last season. Also, two names to know that are returning are Amorian Barnes (2022) and highly-ranked OL, Ramon Loya (2022). I am buying big on the Cavemen this preseason.
No. 10 Centennial Hawks (last season: 1-2 overall)
The Hawks have been a consistent top-10 team since joining 6A football and nearly since the start of their brief history. Head coach Aaron Ocampo continues to produce a top-level program. Well, this could be the year that they have to step back in the wins column but we've said that before and it turned into an undefeated season. The Hawks although coming in under the radar this season could have its spark in a quarterback with experience in
Ian Lopez (2022) who tossed the ball well last season sharing time with now graduated, the versatile Kersten Ruckner. He has some options at receiver with newcomer names like Isaiah Abeyta (2023), and Nathan Lara (2023).
No. 11 Hobbs Eagles (last season: 2-3 overall)
After starting the season going 0-3 the Hobbs Eagles saved the season winning the final two games, one over Artesia, and then topping it off with a Bowl win over Onate (now Organ Mountain) High School. The bright spot and name we all know heading into the 2021 season, Colton Graham (2021) the top-ranked quarterback this season. Graham threw for 649-yards and rushed for another 216-yards last season, playing a quality schedule. More good news for Eagle faithful is that this will technically only be year two under head coach Ken Stevens and although the start is 4-11 at the helm the best days are ahead. Another name to know is Corbin Thompson (2021) at running back along with Kaden Trevino (2022) at receiver. A little mentioned but, a sneaky good, name you should know is Josh Miller (2021) a linebacker that will move this team forward.
No. 12 West Mesa Mustangs (3-0 overall)
What a season. The Mustangs went a perfect 3-0 and the Spring 2021 season was an attention-grabbing season. Coach Ansotigue welcomes back a top-ranked quarterback in Daniel Ayala (2022) in hopes of keeping this development of the Mustangs program moving forward. The Mustangs lose a couple of true key pieces and filling those gaps could be the difference-maker in getting to five wins or making the playoffs. The tough part? They have a very tough schedule to start with Centennial, then Los Lunas and then they go with Sandia - a team that they upset last season.
No. 13 Sandia Matadors (1-1 overall)
The Matadors didn't get to finish their complete season this Spring but a 1-1 record has them looking forward to a full season. Perhaps the biggest anticipation will be seeing one of the top running backs for the 2023 class returning in Malachi Thymes. Thymes played well as a sophomore in a short season and a full season could highlight the skill set of this back. Jacob Miranda (QB) had a few snaps at quarterback as a backup last season and could add some stability. The Matadors have a chance to climb early this season and could be in the hunt for a playoff bid.
No. 14 Santa Fe Demons (1-1 overall)
The Demons continue to trend in the right direction under head coach Andrew Martinez. The program went 4-6 overall in 2019 and 1-1 last season and the best year could be in 2021. Head coach Martinez returns top prospects Luc Jaramilillo (2021/QB), Martell Mora (2021/RB), and Ben White (2021/DT) this season. This trio is just the start of a talented bunch returning for the Demons this coming season. Martinez took on a monster task trying to build this program up after sitting on a record-like losing streak. Now, that's in the past, and the Demons are looking to fight for a playoff spot this season and it wouldn't surprise us if it happens.
No. 15 Albuquerque Bulldogs (2-1 overall)
The Bulldogs finished 2-1 and although it was a short season the above .500 mark will provide some excitement to the football program. More excitement is in the form of running back Andres Aguirre (2023) which provided a needed offensive punch for the Dogs. Also, returning is a next-level prospect in Landon Williams a 6-foot-4 threat on defense. Yes, they have holes to fill from departed seniors off the 2020 season but the Bulldogs could be in a position to start challenging for that 12th slot. Head coach Timothy Johnson continues to do an excellent job at a school that hasn't really been known as being a football school. However, he has gone an impressive 20-23 over the five-year span at the helm.
No. 16 Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (1-1 overall)
The Jaguars are hoping for a breakthrough in coach Howard Knezevich's second year at the helm. The Jaguars shocked us this Spring starting out the season with a 53-8 win over Manzano High School. Myles Lane (2023) returns under center for the Jaguars after throwing for 129 yards and 3 touchdowns in his sophomore season (2 games); Lane also rushed for another 62 yards. The Jaguars will need to replace two obvious players in Christopher Rios (LB) and Jaden Crowley (RB), both of which played a huge role in the rebuild project. Seniors Joseph Marquez (RB) and Sebastian Gonzalez (RB) will look to fill the void at running back both totaled for 93-yards on 17 carries last season, split between the two of them. The early prediction for the Jaguars, without looking at the schedule, is a 3-5 win range.
No. 17 Organ Mountain Knights (0-4 overall)
The rebuilding effort at Organ Mountain High School is set to continue into the 2021 season. The Knights finished 0-4 in Steve Castille's second season (well 1.5 seasons) and have a 1-13 overall record. Closing the gap and showing improvement overall rests on both sides of the ball moving forward to this fall. Moving 'up' to 17 in our preseason rankings the Knights are expected to show an improvement and we are eager to see the progression moving forward in 2021. The excitement and expectations will lay on the shoulders of returners who have some hype on them including top-50 players Austin Mace (2022/LB) and Seth Johnson (2023/LB). Also, look for prospects Aiden Rosser (2023/LB), Matthew Saenz (2022/QB), and Beto Garcia (2023/WR) to name a few. The early prediction is 4 wins and a shot at the playoffs; they could be ranked 12-10 by the end of the season.
No. 18 Manzano Monarchs (0-3 overall)
Phillip Martinez was the good hire back in 2018, but the former Monarch assistant coach may need a year or two to rebuild the program back into contention. What I like here is that the Monarchs are giving him time to get his feet wet and build the program in his way and I've said time and time again it takes time for an assistant to take over into the lead role. Now the honesty is the Monarchs looked rough last season going 0-3 and that comes with having a new QB, RB, WR, and roster overturn after years of talent through the door. The good news heading into the fall is they will have quarterback Jared Melfi (2022) back after a sound showing this Spring. Minus losing Jaxon Powell (UNM) the OL should be back as well and could be an x-factor. The early prediction is 2-8/3-7.
No. 19 Gadsden Panthers (0-3 overall) **Will play an independent schedule in 2021
Skinny: The future is bright for the Panthers, it may just take a little more time. Head coach Dino Facio Jr. is doing a fine job building the right culture and atmosphere at Gadsden and the next thing will be earning some wins on the scoreboard. They are about to turn the corner and they have some pieces to be excited about returning including 2023 running back
Tomas Herrera who rushed for 353-yards and 5-touchdowns (117.7 yards per game) in three games last season. The early prediction is 2-wins and maybe more pending the final view of their schedule.
*Rio Grande Ravens Independent (not ranked)
Related
Link: NMPreps Power-20 Rankings (all classes)
Link: 5A Rankings
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Feel free to share your early rankings.
