Week 4: Friday Night Preview & Predictions
- By J Grine
- New Mexico High School Football
- 0 Replies
Week 4: Friday Night Preview & Predictions
Grine NMPreps.com
Weekly preview and predictions for Friday Night in New Mexico High School Football.
TOP-25 PREVIEW
No. 1 Volcano Vista (3-0) vs No. 16 Manzano (1-2): The Volcano Vista Hawks are off to a solid start and now face another top-25 opponent in Manzano (No. 16). The Hawks have been without star quarterback Diego Pavia but have played well in his absence. Running back duo Jimmy Gallegos (2020) and Isaac Chavez (2020) are both over 200-yards rushing this season and averaging around 10 yards per carry. Manzano will lean on their 1-2 punch in Jace Melfi (2020/QB) and Austin Erickson (2020/WR), the combination is averaging 118 yards and 1 touchdown per game (355 total yards/4 TDs). Prediction: Volcano Vista 35, Manzano 20.
No. 2 Cleveland (2-1) vs No. 8 Mayfield (2-0): One of the must-see games of Friday night features the Cleveland Storm, ranked second in the state, taking on the eighth ranked Mayfield Trojans. Last season the Storm moved along with ease in Las Cruces with a 41-6 win. Cleveland still features a high powered offense but the Trojans will rely on a more experienced defense. The offense also features some key returning prospects that have helped guide them to a 2-0 start to the season. Prediction: Cleveland 44, Mayfield 28.
No. 7 Roswell (3-0) vs No. 10 Los Lunas (2-1): It seems like the Los Lunas Tigers, ranked high (No. 10 NMPreps Top-25/No. 2 in 5A) continue to play in the must-see games for 5A teams. This time it's a rematch of the 2018 State Championship and back in Roswell where the thrashing happened (42-6 Roswell win). Roswell has shown no signs of slowing down with a 50 point per game average and 3-0 start. Los Lunas at 2-1 will face their second top-10 opponent of the season and looking for one of their bigger wins under Jeremy Maupin who is now in his third season. This could be a game won on the defensive side of the ball, although both feature top offensive threats. Prediction: Roswell 37, Los Lunas 35
No. 9 Clovis (2-1) vs Lubbock-Monterey, TX (2-0): After a tough first loss of the season the Clovis Wildcats now must face an undefeated Lubbock-Montery, Texas team that features Coreon Bailey who has passed for 650 yards and 8 touchdowns in two games. The Clovis Wildcats suffered their first loss but look to compete again, they fell 34-21 last season, behind their trio in Chance Harris (2021/QB), Jeston Webskowski (2021/RB), and Malik Phillips (2020/WR). Prediction: Lubbock-Monterey 30, Clovis 21
No. 11 Goddard (3-0) vs No. 17 Portales (3-0): A true "who are you" contest between a 5A power taking on a 4A power. Goddard is looking to keep the title in southeastern New Mexico but now at the home of the Rockets, a year after seeing crosstown rival Roswell win. Portales is good, but how good? They have the division one prospect in Philip Blidi but let's not forget the other next level prospects in Baylor Diaz (QB) and Romeo Gbassagee (RB). Both have stout defenses - Goddard has only allowed 6 total points and Portales only allowing 8 points per contest - but which will be able to come out ahead? Prediction: Goddard 25, Portales 12.
No. 12 Carlsbad (2-1) vs El Paso-Coronado, TX (1-1): The Cavemen could be off to one of their best starts under head coach Gary Bradley with a win tonight. The Cavemen at 2-1 are coming off a 45-7 win over Atrisco Heritage. El-Paso-Coronado is coming off a win as well and will looked to bring their balanced attack of Ben Carney (QB) and Charlie Samaniego (RB) into Carlsbad. The Cavemen feature Kaden Smith (QB) and rising prospect Nate Najar (RB) that could spark the Cavemen to a 3-1 start to the season. Prediction: Carlsbad 27, EP-Coronado 24.
No. 13 Eldorado (1-2) vs Atrisco Heritage (0-3): This one favors the ranked Eldorado Eagles as the Atrisco Heritage Jaguars must, once again, face a top ranked team in the state. You should expect a big first quarter/half by running backs Elijah Goree (2021) and Ben West (2020). The Eagles should move along easily this week after back-to-back defeats. Prediction: Eldorado 40, Atrisco Heritage 6
No. 14 Artesia (2-1) vs No. 25 Deming (2-1): The Deming Wildcats got a taste of SE football last week and is coming off a 55-0 loss to Goddard. Artesia is coming off back-to-back wins and fans could expect a big night between Clay Houghtaling (QB) and Braxton McDonald (WR). The pair is averaging 135 yards per game (404 total) and 2 touchdowns per contest. Houghtaling, already has 850 yards and could go over 1,000 yards by halftime. Prediction: Artesia 56, Deming 6.
No. 15 Piedra Vista (2-1) vs Kirtland Central (1-2): Kirtland Central had an offensive let down last week in a loss to ranked St. Pius X and could struggle again here against Piedra Vista. The Panthers at 2-1 on the season have won the last two games entering this contest. The common opponent for the two teams would be St. Pius X in consecutive weeks - PV winning in week 2, 21-12 and KC losing last week 33-11. Looking for Piedra Vista rushing game to play into this one and could be a highlight weekend for Cameron Swarts. Prediction: Piedra Vista 35, Kirtland Central 10
No. 19 Farmington (3-0) vs Aztec (3-0): If you are in the northwest region of the state this would be the game to see. Aztec at 3-0 is off to an impressive start, and not just because they are 3-0 but they have looked solid on both ends of the ball (only have allowed 7 points this season). Farmington, provides a tough test as a bigger 5A program with more weapons; weapons that include junior quarterback Calen Carrillo (2021) who has tossed for 1,000 yards in three games (12 touchdowns). Prediction: Farmington 40, Aztec 27
No. 20 Hobbs (0-3) vs Lovington (3-0): Can the Hobbs Eagles get their first win under head coach Ken Stevens? The Eagles have been outscored 73-140 in the opening three games and welcome a Lovington team that is averaging nearly 50-points per game. It has been seven years since the Wildcats have upset the Hobbs Eagles but if it is going to happen, this would be the season. Watch for Lovington Casey Perez (2020) to hit his trio of targets in Adam Aguilera (2022), Ayden Garcia (2020), and Isaac Hinson (2022) early and often. The Hobbs Eagles appeared to put things together more last week against seventh ranked Roswell; Junior quarterback Jarren Lewis has totaled 741-passing yards and 9 passing touchdowns so far and looking to spark the Eagles. Prediction: Hobbs 34, Lovington 33
No. 22 Bloomfield vs Los Alamos (2-1): The Bobcats reached the 4A state championship last season and still failed to garner any preseason hype. Well, a 3-0 start and they are ranked in the top-25 for the first time (ever, I believe), two claps for head coach Bob Allcorn. We projected a let-down season but running back Kenyon Mosley (2020) has us talking about the Bobcats again; Mosely has rushed for 181-yards on 8 carries this season (60 yards per game/22.6 yards per carry). Also, we should note that quarterback Vincent Marquez (2020) has passed for 457-total yards and 10 touchdowns in three games. Prediction: Bloomfield 38, Los Alamos 15
No. 24 Eunice (3-0) at Tularosa (3-0): 28 (wins) and counting for the top ranked team in 2A football. The Eunice Cardinals will look to take on the surprise team of the young season in the Tularosa Wildcats which earned a quality win in week 2. Can they do it again? This time they will have to contain (not stop) Mason Caperton (2020/QB) and company. The Cardinals feature two receivers with over 400 yards in Avante Stevens (2020) and newcomer Hayden Dean (2021). In the backfield they also have Felix Gonzales (2020), 189 rushing yards, and TJ Martinez (2021). Prediction: Eunice 38, Tularosa 18.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
Grine NMPreps.com
Weekly preview and predictions for Friday Night in New Mexico High School Football.
TOP-25 PREVIEW
No. 1 Volcano Vista (3-0) vs No. 16 Manzano (1-2): The Volcano Vista Hawks are off to a solid start and now face another top-25 opponent in Manzano (No. 16). The Hawks have been without star quarterback Diego Pavia but have played well in his absence. Running back duo Jimmy Gallegos (2020) and Isaac Chavez (2020) are both over 200-yards rushing this season and averaging around 10 yards per carry. Manzano will lean on their 1-2 punch in Jace Melfi (2020/QB) and Austin Erickson (2020/WR), the combination is averaging 118 yards and 1 touchdown per game (355 total yards/4 TDs). Prediction: Volcano Vista 35, Manzano 20.
No. 2 Cleveland (2-1) vs No. 8 Mayfield (2-0): One of the must-see games of Friday night features the Cleveland Storm, ranked second in the state, taking on the eighth ranked Mayfield Trojans. Last season the Storm moved along with ease in Las Cruces with a 41-6 win. Cleveland still features a high powered offense but the Trojans will rely on a more experienced defense. The offense also features some key returning prospects that have helped guide them to a 2-0 start to the season. Prediction: Cleveland 44, Mayfield 28.
No. 7 Roswell (3-0) vs No. 10 Los Lunas (2-1): It seems like the Los Lunas Tigers, ranked high (No. 10 NMPreps Top-25/No. 2 in 5A) continue to play in the must-see games for 5A teams. This time it's a rematch of the 2018 State Championship and back in Roswell where the thrashing happened (42-6 Roswell win). Roswell has shown no signs of slowing down with a 50 point per game average and 3-0 start. Los Lunas at 2-1 will face their second top-10 opponent of the season and looking for one of their bigger wins under Jeremy Maupin who is now in his third season. This could be a game won on the defensive side of the ball, although both feature top offensive threats. Prediction: Roswell 37, Los Lunas 35
No. 9 Clovis (2-1) vs Lubbock-Monterey, TX (2-0): After a tough first loss of the season the Clovis Wildcats now must face an undefeated Lubbock-Montery, Texas team that features Coreon Bailey who has passed for 650 yards and 8 touchdowns in two games. The Clovis Wildcats suffered their first loss but look to compete again, they fell 34-21 last season, behind their trio in Chance Harris (2021/QB), Jeston Webskowski (2021/RB), and Malik Phillips (2020/WR). Prediction: Lubbock-Monterey 30, Clovis 21
No. 11 Goddard (3-0) vs No. 17 Portales (3-0): A true "who are you" contest between a 5A power taking on a 4A power. Goddard is looking to keep the title in southeastern New Mexico but now at the home of the Rockets, a year after seeing crosstown rival Roswell win. Portales is good, but how good? They have the division one prospect in Philip Blidi but let's not forget the other next level prospects in Baylor Diaz (QB) and Romeo Gbassagee (RB). Both have stout defenses - Goddard has only allowed 6 total points and Portales only allowing 8 points per contest - but which will be able to come out ahead? Prediction: Goddard 25, Portales 12.
No. 12 Carlsbad (2-1) vs El Paso-Coronado, TX (1-1): The Cavemen could be off to one of their best starts under head coach Gary Bradley with a win tonight. The Cavemen at 2-1 are coming off a 45-7 win over Atrisco Heritage. El-Paso-Coronado is coming off a win as well and will looked to bring their balanced attack of Ben Carney (QB) and Charlie Samaniego (RB) into Carlsbad. The Cavemen feature Kaden Smith (QB) and rising prospect Nate Najar (RB) that could spark the Cavemen to a 3-1 start to the season. Prediction: Carlsbad 27, EP-Coronado 24.
No. 13 Eldorado (1-2) vs Atrisco Heritage (0-3): This one favors the ranked Eldorado Eagles as the Atrisco Heritage Jaguars must, once again, face a top ranked team in the state. You should expect a big first quarter/half by running backs Elijah Goree (2021) and Ben West (2020). The Eagles should move along easily this week after back-to-back defeats. Prediction: Eldorado 40, Atrisco Heritage 6
No. 14 Artesia (2-1) vs No. 25 Deming (2-1): The Deming Wildcats got a taste of SE football last week and is coming off a 55-0 loss to Goddard. Artesia is coming off back-to-back wins and fans could expect a big night between Clay Houghtaling (QB) and Braxton McDonald (WR). The pair is averaging 135 yards per game (404 total) and 2 touchdowns per contest. Houghtaling, already has 850 yards and could go over 1,000 yards by halftime. Prediction: Artesia 56, Deming 6.
No. 15 Piedra Vista (2-1) vs Kirtland Central (1-2): Kirtland Central had an offensive let down last week in a loss to ranked St. Pius X and could struggle again here against Piedra Vista. The Panthers at 2-1 on the season have won the last two games entering this contest. The common opponent for the two teams would be St. Pius X in consecutive weeks - PV winning in week 2, 21-12 and KC losing last week 33-11. Looking for Piedra Vista rushing game to play into this one and could be a highlight weekend for Cameron Swarts. Prediction: Piedra Vista 35, Kirtland Central 10
No. 19 Farmington (3-0) vs Aztec (3-0): If you are in the northwest region of the state this would be the game to see. Aztec at 3-0 is off to an impressive start, and not just because they are 3-0 but they have looked solid on both ends of the ball (only have allowed 7 points this season). Farmington, provides a tough test as a bigger 5A program with more weapons; weapons that include junior quarterback Calen Carrillo (2021) who has tossed for 1,000 yards in three games (12 touchdowns). Prediction: Farmington 40, Aztec 27
No. 20 Hobbs (0-3) vs Lovington (3-0): Can the Hobbs Eagles get their first win under head coach Ken Stevens? The Eagles have been outscored 73-140 in the opening three games and welcome a Lovington team that is averaging nearly 50-points per game. It has been seven years since the Wildcats have upset the Hobbs Eagles but if it is going to happen, this would be the season. Watch for Lovington Casey Perez (2020) to hit his trio of targets in Adam Aguilera (2022), Ayden Garcia (2020), and Isaac Hinson (2022) early and often. The Hobbs Eagles appeared to put things together more last week against seventh ranked Roswell; Junior quarterback Jarren Lewis has totaled 741-passing yards and 9 passing touchdowns so far and looking to spark the Eagles. Prediction: Hobbs 34, Lovington 33
No. 22 Bloomfield vs Los Alamos (2-1): The Bobcats reached the 4A state championship last season and still failed to garner any preseason hype. Well, a 3-0 start and they are ranked in the top-25 for the first time (ever, I believe), two claps for head coach Bob Allcorn. We projected a let-down season but running back Kenyon Mosley (2020) has us talking about the Bobcats again; Mosely has rushed for 181-yards on 8 carries this season (60 yards per game/22.6 yards per carry). Also, we should note that quarterback Vincent Marquez (2020) has passed for 457-total yards and 10 touchdowns in three games. Prediction: Bloomfield 38, Los Alamos 15
No. 24 Eunice (3-0) at Tularosa (3-0): 28 (wins) and counting for the top ranked team in 2A football. The Eunice Cardinals will look to take on the surprise team of the young season in the Tularosa Wildcats which earned a quality win in week 2. Can they do it again? This time they will have to contain (not stop) Mason Caperton (2020/QB) and company. The Cardinals feature two receivers with over 400 yards in Avante Stevens (2020) and newcomer Hayden Dean (2021). In the backfield they also have Felix Gonzales (2020), 189 rushing yards, and TJ Martinez (2021). Prediction: Eunice 38, Tularosa 18.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
- Albuquerque (2-0) at Del Norte (0-3): Independent Albuquerque is sitting nice at 2-0 over 5A teams, can they make it three in a row?
- El Paso-Americas (2-0) at Onate (0-2): Onate has shown signs of an offense in a week two loss to Cibola but now run into another tough challenge against EP-Americas.
- Gadsden (0-3) at Chaparral (0-3): First and only of the season?
- Cobre (2-1) at Silver (0-2): Silver on the winning side and ready to climb or is Cobre a little more real this season?
- Valencia (0-2) at Moriarty (0-3): Moriarty in the playoffs of 4A and is Valencia going through a renovation in 5A?
- Santa Fe (2-1) at Taos (2-1): Santa Fe at 3-1 or the 4A defending champs still too good?
- Robertson (3-0) at Ruidoso (1-2): Cardinals and Warriors had a classic championship game a few years ago, does this one become a classic? It could....
- Hagerman (2-1) at NMMI (3-0): How good is NMMI and are they a playoff plus two type of team?
- Dexter (3-0) at Hatch Valley (1-2): Possible playoff match plus we get a better picture of both teams.
- Hope Christian (2-1)at West Las Vegas (2-1): Another real or no deal game.
