What do you have this week?

*****WEEK FIVE SCOREBOARD (SEPT 19-21)*****

Thursday, 9/19
Centennial 35, Carlsbad 13 - F
Cibola 36, Clovis 12 - F
Floyd 33, Carrizozo 26 - F
Sandia 51, Santa Fe 6 - F

Friday, 9/20
Albuquerque High 14, Atrisco Heritage 12 - F
Artesia 57, Gadsden 34 - F
Belen 50, Del Norte 0 - F
Bloomfield 53, Aztec 0 - F
Chaparral 44, Albuquerque Academy 20 - F
Cleveland 42, Pebble Hills (TX) 27 - F
Crownpoint 28, Wingate 12 - F
Dexter 51, Cobre 0 - F
Espanola Valley 27, Moriarty 7 - F
Grady 28, Roy/Mosquero 16 - F
Grants 28, Kirtland Central 19 - F
Highland 42, Rio Grande 13 - F
Hope Christian 62, Estancia 12 - F
Jal 47, Centennial JV 28 - F
La Cueva 45, Farmington 13 - F
Las Cruces 44, Hobbs 14 - F
Legacy Academy 54, McCurdy 0 - F
Logan 50, Elida 0 - F
Los Alamos 50, Capital 0 - F
Los Lunas 54, West Mesa 21 - F
Lovington 46, Goddard 6 - F
Magdalena 51, Alamo Navajo 0 - F
Mayfield 52, Santa Teresa 6 - F
Melrose 52, Escalante 0 - F
Mescalero Apache 44, Hagerman 2 - F
Mesilla Valley 50, Gateway Christian 48 - F
Navajo Prep 36, Santa Fe Indian 20 - F
NMMI 42, Hatch Valley 0 - F
Organ Mountain 18, Alamogordo 10 - F
Pojoaque Valley 54, Hozho Academy 0 - F
Rio Rancho 26, EastLake (TX) 21 - F
Robertson 49, Raton 7 - F
Roswell 51, Deming 20 - F
Socorro 35, Hot Springs 0 - F
St. Michael's, 40 Euince 8 - F
Tatum 36, Lordsburg 26 - F
Thoreau 47, Shiprock 8 - F
Tohatchi 54, Gallup 12 - F
Tularosa 50, Capitan 0 - F
Valencia 17, Silver 6 - F
West Las Vegas 42, Santa Rosa 0 - F

Chesterton Academy at Mountainair - Missing score
Navajo Pine at Monument Valley (AZ) - Missing score

Saturday, 9/21
Hondo Valley 52, Animas 6 - F
Loving 45, Newcomb 6 - F
Manzano 40, Portales 20 - F
NM SD 46, Kansas SD 0 - F
Valley 13, Miyamura 6 - F
Volcano Vista 28, Eldorado 8 - F
Dulce vs Cloudcroft - Missing score
Questa vs Ramah - Missing score
Menaul vs Pine Hill - Missing score

Attending any games? How are our state teams doing?

Any other big games that have your interest?

One out of state trip over fifteen hundred miles. Several trips of nine hundred miles, And those trips are just two new mexico teams playing.
All trips round trip and lots of missed school, but lots of learning.

10. Escalante vs Melrose 566 miles
9. Animas vs Hondo. 592 miles
8. Cobre vs Dexter. 602 miles
7. Cleveland vs El Paso Pebble Hills 603 miles
6. El Paso Easlake vs Rio Rancho. 603 miles
5. St Mike's vs Eunice. 660 miles
4. TAtum vs Lordsburg 764 miles
3. Cloudcroft at Dulce 780 miles
2. Loving vs Newcomb. 965 miles
1 N M School for Deaf at Kansas Scool fo Deaf. 1501 miles

Thoughts?

Hobbs came in second for most likely to pull the upset in our poll this week, but the Dawgs were having none of that and rolled the Eagles.

***WEEK 5 PICK EM CHALLENGE***

You pick the winners, we track the points! Who among you is the best at predicting the outcomes of New Mexico high school football games each week? It’s simple: we select five games weekly, assign points for choosing favorites or upsets, and you submit your picks for each game. We’ll maintain a leaderboard throughout the season to see who comes out on top!

WEEK 5
Gadsden at Artesia, +500 (Gadsden is the upset +600)
Lovington at Goddard, +500 (Goddard is the upset +600)
Las Cruces at Hobbs, +500 (Hobbs is the upset +600)
Roswell at Deming, +500 (Deming is the upset +600)
West Mesa at Los Lunas, +550 either way
Bonus: St. Michael's at Eunice, +600 either way

Top Quarterbacks from the 2024 Season: Four-Week Review

As we approach the midpoint of the 2024 high school football season, it's time to highlight the top players at each position. In this three-part series, we’ll spotlight 30 of the most outstanding quarterbacks in New Mexico. This year’s crop of dual-threat quarterbacks is one of the strongest in recent memory, with two already committed to Division I programs and others showing clear next-level talent.

Cameron Dyer, 2025, La Cueva High School​

The top-ranked quarterback in New Mexico continues to impress, coming off a 300-yard passing performance in a 42-19 win over Sandia during Week 4. La Cueva, the No. 1 ranked team in the state, is 3-0, largely thanks to Dyer’s playmaking abilities. In Week 2, Dyer made a strong case for New Mexico's Mr. Football, tallying 348 total yards and four touchdowns in a win over Pinnacle High School (AZ).
Position Rank: #1

Zaiden Davis, 2025, Centennial High School​

Both of the top two quarterbacks in New Mexico are Division I commits, though each is projected to play a different position in college. The New Mexico State commit runs Centennial's potent read-option offense, racking up over 340 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a recent victory. Davis’ versatility was on full display in the team’s Week 2 win over Cleveland, where he threw a 60-yard pass in the rain.
Position Rank: #2

Izac Cazares, 2025, Artesia High School​

The senior quarterback has seized his opportunity in 2024, leading the Artesia Bulldogs to a 2-2 start. Cazares has thrown for 1,018 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. In a Week 3 matchup against 6A powerhouse Centennial, Cazares racked up 476 passing yards and five touchdowns. He also showcased his dual-threat ability in Week 2, totaling 233 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns.

Brock Beaty, 2025, Hobbs High School​

Beaty has shown consistent improvement week after week and recently had one of his best performances yet, throwing for 290 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-37 win over El Paso-Parkland in Week 4. The Eagles are 2-2, with Beaty accumulating 896 passing yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.

JJ Arellano, 2025, Rio Rancho High School​

Arellano has shown plenty of grit as the Rams’ starting quarterback, embracing his role as QB-1. In Week 3, Arellano threw for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and added 44 rushing yards with a rushing score. So far, he has compiled 768 passing yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.

Gunnar Guardiola, 2026, Las Cruces High School​

Standing at 6-foot-2, Guardiola is a promising young talent leading the Las Cruces Bulldawgs to a 2-2 record. The team, currently ranked 5th in the state, has relied on Guardiola's arm, with a notable performance of 215 passing yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 50-7 win over Mayfield.

Matthew Prudencio, 2025, Lovington High School​

Lovington has developed a reputation for producing elite quarterbacks, and Prudencio is the latest in the line. The 5-foot-9 senior has passed for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns, guiding the Wildcats to a No. 7 ranking (highest rank) in New Mexico and a 4-0 start. In Week 3, he threw for 347 yards and six touchdowns in a thrilling 47-44 win over 6A Carlsbad.

Uriel Castro, 2025, Bernalillo High School​

Castro has been the driving force behind Bernalillo's perfect 4-0 start, as the Spartans are on the verge of cracking the top 25 rankings in New Mexico. Castro has tallied 735 passing yards so far, with his most recent performance helping his team to a 42-0 victory over Moriarty.

Isaiah Ocampo, 2025, Socorro High School​

Ocampo is a true dual-threat quarterback, especially at the 3A level. He has thrown for 958 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 459 yards. His all-around play has Socorro at 3-1 and positioned as the favorites in District 3-3A, with hopes of making a deep playoff run.

CJ Perea, 2025, West Las Vegas High School​

Perea, a four-year starter for the Dons, has quietly put together a solid season with 774 passing yards and six touchdowns. The senior QB, who had a breakout year in 2023, may have his best football ahead of him as West Las Vegas looks to hit its stride.

William Braun, 2027, Albuquerque Academy​

One of the newest names to emerge this season is sophomore quarterback William Braun from Albuquerque Academy. The 6-foot-2 quarterback leads the state with 1,142 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite the Chargers’ 2-2 record, Braun’s potential is evident as he continues to develop in his second varsity season.

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Post nominations below.

GRINE'S FANTASTIC FOUR MUST WATCH GAMES FRIDAY NIGHTS

St. Michael's (4-0) vs Eunice (4-0): Preview Linked Here

No. 5 Las Cruces (2-2) at No. 10 Hobbs (2-2), 7 PM

We stay in the southeast corner for another must-see game tonight as two 6A powerhouses collide in a District 3-6A battle. Las Cruces, a preseason favorite to contend for the 6A title, has had moments this season that justify their high ranking. A key factor has been standout running back Daniel Amaro, who has emerged as a legitimate New Mexico Mr. Football candidate. His ability to break through defenses makes the Bulldawgs' offense a threat every time they take the field.

For Hobbs, the Eagles have been a sound offensive unit, averaging nearly 40 points per game over their last three outings. Quarterback Brock Beaty and his receiving corps have clicked, making the Eagles a tough challenge for any defense they face. Tonight’s matchup will determine who stays in contention for the district title, along with Centennial.

Prediction: Las Cruces 35, Hobbs 34.
Grine's Pick: This one was tough to call, and I went back and forth before settling on Hobbs pulling out a close win at Watson Stadium. Las Cruces' defense is the X-factor. If they can limit Hobbs, which they've proven they can in previous games, the Bulldawgs could win a tight one in the 20s. Still, I'm giving the edge to Hobbs in their home stadium.

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No. 14 Deming (3-1) vs. No. 8 Roswell (2-1), 7 PM

This game might just be the best showdown no one’s talking about. However, it deserves attention with major playoff implications on the line. Deming comes into this game with several standout players, led by Mr. Football candidate Ryan Alfaro. Supporting him are talents like Isaiah Pizarro and Sebastian Acuña, who have helped the Wildcats to a strong start.

Roswell, despite a setback last weekend against Lovington, is still considered a 5A state title contender. The Coyotes boast a wealth of talent across the board, and a win tonight could reaffirm their status as one of the top teams in the class. Both teams are in the hunt for a top-four playoff seed, with three of those seeds likely coming from this highly competitive district.

Prediction: Roswell 28, Deming 15.
Grine's Pick: Deming is a solid team, but Roswell is just a bit better. Both teams are capable of making deep playoff runs, but I give the edge to Roswell here. Look for them to come out on top in what will be a crucial district game.

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No. 25 Gadsden (4-0) at No. 11 Artesia (3-1), 7 PM

It’s homecoming night in the legendary Bulldog Bowl, and this rare matchup has plenty of intrigue. Gadsden comes into the game ranked and undefeated—something you don’t often see from the Panthers. This new district matchup will be one to follow closely, as Gadsden looks to prove they belong among the state’s elite.

However, standing in their way is the Artesia Bulldogs, one of the most storied programs in New Mexico high school football. Quarterback Izac Cazares has been making a name for himself, leading a potent Artesia offense. Gadsden counters with running back Alfredo Andrade, but the difference in this game may lie on defense. Gadsden’s Daan Cano and Artesia’s Miguel Soto are both playmakers who could turn the tide for their respective teams.

Prediction: Artesia 44, Gadsden 17.
Grine's Pick: I'd love to predict a closer game, but Artesia is, well, Artesia. Gadsden scores first and gives an early scare, but ultimately, the Bulldogs will take control and cruise to a victory in front of a raucous homecoming crowd.

6A New Mexico High School Football Preview: Friday Night Rapid Fire​

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Chili or Chile – New Mexico vs. Texas

The debate over "chili" or "chile" spills onto the football field as No. 3 Cleveland (3-1) heads south to take on El Paso Pebble Hills (TX) (1-2). Cleveland has been an offensive powerhouse this season, averaging over 43 points per game. Can the Storm continue their dominance against a Pebble Hills squad that got off to a slow start but exploded for 63 points last weekend against El Paso Americas (TX)?

Meanwhile, No. 6 Rio Rancho (2-2) will host another El Paso school, Eastlake High (TX), who sits at 1-2 on the season. Eastlake’s defense has been shaky, allowing an average of 50 points per game, but their offense hasn’t been far behind, scoring nearly 40 points per game. Keep an eye on Rio Rancho’s sophomore running back, Micah Takahashi, who has posted three 100-yard games, including a 100-yard, one-touchdown effort last weekend against No. 2 Centennial.

Predictions:
Cleveland wins 42-21.
Eastlake wins 35-32.

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Raining Cats and Dogs: Proving Our Worth

Albuquerque High (3-1), the Bulldogs, take on the Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (1-2), in a game that could change both teams' seasons. Atrisco Heritage opened the year with two tough losses to top-ranked teams—No. 6 Rio Rancho and No. 2 Centennial—but their offense showed resilience. Albuquerque, on the other hand, hasn’t faced the same caliber of competition but did square off against ranked teams in Cibola and Alamogordo. Their only loss came in overtime to Cibola, 20-17, in the season opener.

Both teams are looking to prove they belong in the upper tier of the district standings, but who makes a stronger case?

Prediction:
Atrisco Heritage wins 28-21.

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In-N-Out: No, Not Burgers
No. 9 West Mesa (2-1) and No. 13 Los Lunas (2-1) face off in what could have major playoff implications. Both teams are looking for a crucial win that could give them momentum heading into district play. The winner will inch closer to securing a playoff spot, while the loser could be on the bubble come November.

Down south, Alamogordo (1-3) and Organ Mountain (1-3) meet in a similar scenario. Both teams are in dire need of a win to keep playoff hopes alive, and a loss could leave them on the outside looking in.

Predictions:
Los Lunas wins 31-28.
Alamogordo wins 24-20.

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Morning BearClaw: Who Doesn’t Love a Bearclaw on a Saturday Morning?

The No. 1 ranked La Cueva Bears (3-0) will host Farmington (3-1) tonight in a game that looks lopsided on paper but could surprise. La Cueva has been dominant and should cruise past the Scorpions, but Farmington has a sting that can’t be overlooked. If Farmington is to pull off an upset, they’ll need to play a flawless game on both sides of the ball. La Cueva, however, has the firepower and depth to control this one.

Prediction:
La Cueva wins 45-14.

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Final Predictions for the Night:

• Cleveland wins 42-21.
• Eastlake (TX) wins 35-32.
• Atrisco Heritage wins 28-21.
• Los Lunas wins 31-28.
• Alamogordo wins 24-20.
• La Cueva wins 45-14.

La Cueva over Volcano Vista, 3-0
Albuquerque key win over Academy, 3-2
Eldorado marquee win over Hope Christian, 3-1
Roswell over Goddard, 3-0

How is your fantasy team doing?

What games have your interest this week?

List the game that you will be watching

What do you have?

The Connie Mack World Series will no longer provide an automatic berth to a team from Farmington. Instead, a tournament at Ricketts Park of New Mexico-based teams will be held about a month before the series. It will be similar to several qualifying tournaments held across the country, and the winners will earn the right to compete in the CWMS. The team that wins the qualifying tournament will be required to put at least six Farmington area-based players on their roster for CMWS play.

The NMAA wants high school campuses that have a football facility to have the appropriate amenities. The organization has informed athletic directors that their schools must:

• have adequate spectator facilities, which includes seating areas, restrooms, concessions and crowd control;
• have adequate locker rooms, including location and access to utilities such as showers and restrooms;
• have adequate field conditions, whether turf or grass, that “will not take away from game play” with the caveat that poor weather may interfere with the field from time to time;
• have adequate press box areas for coaches, media and event staff;
• have other adequate infrastructure, which includes things like parking.

Abqjournal article

Poll: Most Likely to Upset in Week 5?

Who are you buying as true title contending teams? Who makes the championship game.

List them here!

New Mexico High School Football Thursday Preview & Predictions

These Thursday night matchups will set the tone for Week 5, with Centennial looking to stay perfect, Sandia and Santa Fe battling for playoff hopes, and Cibola poised for a confidence-boosting win over struggling Clovis. #nmpreps

No. 2 Centennial (4-0) vs. No. 18 Carlsbad (2-2)
7 PM, Field of Dreams, Las Cruces

The Centennial Hawks have been the talk of the season, rolling through their first four games with an unblemished 4-0 record. Not only have they beaten all four opponents, but they've defeated three teams ranked in the NMPreps Top-10. The Hawks are also putting up an impressive50.5 points per game, fueled by star QB/LB Zaiden Davis, a true dual-threat and leader on both sides of the ball. He's backed by a talented supporting cast, including WR Jordan Lucas (2025), RB Rudy Rios (2025), and sophomore sensation RB Dailen Ramirez (2027).

Carlsbad, on the other hand, has had a rollercoaster start to the season. After a slow start, the Cavemen have found some offensive momentum, scoring 44 and 35 points in their last two outings. QB Kason Perez (2025) has been stellar, racking up 13 total touchdowns (12 passing) and over 900 total yards (816 passing). Despite their improvement, taking down a powerhouse like Centennial on the road is a tall order.

NMPreps Prediction: Centennial 42, Carlsbad 26
Grine's Pick: Centennial. The Hawks have too much firepower, and with home-field advantage, they'll keep rolling. Carlsbad is no longer a bottom-tier team though and could be a playoff hopeful, but they’ll face an uphill battle in this matchup.

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No. 22 Sandia (1-3) vs. Santa Fe (2-2)
7 PM, Wilson Stadium, Albuquerque

Both teams enter this contest on the outside of the playoff picture, making this a crucial game. Sandia (1-3 overall, 0-1 district), coming off back-to-back losses to No. 1 La Cueva and No. 4 Volcano Vista, has been tested against top-tier competition. The Matadors are a young squad and could use a confidence-boosting win here to ignite a mid-season turnaround.

Santa Fe (2-2 overall, 0-1 district) started the season hot at 2-0 but has since cooled down, losing to St. Michael's (42-3) and Albuquerque High (50-21). Defensive concerns have arisen, especially after surrendering 50 points last week. While Sandia’s offense hasn’t been explosive, averaging 17.3 points per game, they’ve faced a much tougher schedule than Santa Fe, giving them the edge.

NMPreps Prediction: Sandia 33, Santa Fe 21
Grine's Pick: Sandia. It won’t be pretty, but Sandia’s tough schedule has prepared them for this kind of game. Santa Fe’s defense has struggled, and Sandia should take advantage, even if it’s a low-scoring affair.

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No. 23 Cibola (1-3) vs. Clovis (0-3)
7 PM, Community Stadium, Albuquerque

Cibola finds itself as the heavy favorite for the first time this season against a winless Clovis team. After an upset victory over Albuquerque High (20-17 OT) to start the season, Cibola has dropped three straight games, all against top-25 opponents (Sandia, Eldorado, and Carlsbad). Still, they’ve shown flashes of potential, and this is a prime opportunity to get back on track.

Clovis, on the other hand, is on the brink of what could be an 0-10 season. They’ve been shut out in their last two games, losing 50-0 to No. 6 Rio Rancho and 54-0 to No .3 Cleveland, both top-10 teams. After a much-needed bye week, Clovis will hope to find some answers, but the outlook remains grim.

NMPreps Prediction: Cibola 44, Clovis 6
Grine's Pick: Cibola. The Cougars should have no problem rolling past Clovis. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, this looks like another long night on the field.

NMMI will again host a fall high school aged prospect showcase. The date is set for Saturday, October 5th, at the NMMI Ballpark in Roswell, NM.

Check-In will begin at 7:30am (for hitters), Pitcher Only registration begins at 12:30pm.
Hitter Only: $75
Pitcher Only: $75
Dual: Hitter and Pitcher: $125
*Waiver forms are mandatory

All area/regional 4-year programs have been invited to attend. We expect 5-6 different four-year colleges to be in attendance at the showcase.

Information and registration available at: www.nmmibaseball.com or www.nmmibaseball.com/prospect-showcase.cfm.
Payment can be made online or at registration (https://www.nmmibaseball.com/2024/24_Prospect_Camp_Flyer_copy.pdf).

Contact Scott Barnum with any questions: barnum@nmmi.edu

NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 5 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

6A FOOTBALL



#1 La Cueva (3-0)
#2 Centennial (4-0)
#3 Cleveland (3-1)
#4 Volcano Vista (3-1)
#5 Las Cruces (2-2)
#6 Rio Rancho (2-2)
#7 Hobbs (2-2)
#8 Los Lunas (2-1)
#9 West Mesa (2-1)
#10 Albuquerque (3-1)
#11 Carlsbad (2-2)
#12 Alamogordo (1-3)

Bubble: Eldorado (2-1), Atrisco Heritage (1-2), Piedra Vista (1-3), Sandia (1-3), Cibola (1-3)

First Round Match Up
#5 Las Cruces vs #12 Alamogordo
#6 Rio Rancho vs #11 Carlsbad
#7 Hobbs vs #10 Albuquerque
#8 Los Lunas vs #9 West Mesa

5A FOOTBALL



#1 Lovington (4-0)
#2 Artesia (2-2)
#3 Roswell (2-1)
#4 Belen (1-2)
#5 Deming (3-1)
#6 Gadsden (4-0)
#7 Capital (1-3)
#8 Goddard (2-2)
#9 Los Alamos (1-3)
#10 Mayfield (1-3)
#11 Valley (0-3)
#12 Miyamura (2-2)

Bubble: #12 Santa Teresa (1-3)

1st Round
#5 Deming vs #12 Miyamura
#6 Gadsden vs #11 Valley
#7 Capital vs #10 Mayfield
#8 Goddard vs #9 Los Alamos

4A FOOTBALL



#1 Bloomfield (3-0)
#2 Bernalillo (4-0)
#3 Portales (2-2)
#4 St. Pius X (2-2)
#5 Taos (3-1)
#6 Albuquerque Academy (2-2)
#7 Espanola Valley (4-0)
#8 Manzano (3-1)
#9 Valencia (3-1)
#10 Moriarty (2-2)
#11 Grants (1-3)
#12 Kirtland Central (1-3)

Bubble: Chaparral (1-3), Silver

3A FOOTBALL


#1 St. Michael's
#2 Dexter
#3 Robertson
#4 NMMI
#5 Socorro
#6 West Las Vegas
#7 Hatch Valley
#8 Pojoaque Valley
#9 Hope Christian
#10 Hot Springs
#11 Thoreau
#12 Cobre

Bubble: Tohatchi, Crownpoint, Ruidoso

2A FOOTBALL



#1 Eunice
#2 Texico
#3 Raton
#4 Santa Rosa
#5 Newcomb
#6 Legacy Academy
#7 Loving
#8 McCurdy
#9 Tularosa
#10 Jal
#11 Estancia
#12 Navajo Prep

Bubble: Hozho Academy, Cuba, Laguna Acoma

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How would you seed the teams after week 4?

Who was it?

The rankings will start to differentiate more clearly as the season progresses, and you might notice that a team remains ranked below another team they’ve already beaten. Our rankings are evaluated on a four-week basis, reflecting each team's progress or decline as the season unfolds, with a focus on recent performance—'what have you done for me lately.' These rankings differ from our bracket predictions, which consider the entire season’s resume and criteria. The rankings are more about how a team is performing at the moment. Some teams improve, others stay healthier, and some decline as the season goes on.

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