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Most Intriguing Score From Friday - Week 3

Week 3: Five Questions Facing Top-25 Teams
Grine | NMPreps


Whose Offense, No. 2 Cleveland or No. 11 Eldorado, Rises to the Occasion?

The Eldorado Eagles are certainly a topic this week after their lackluster second quarter showing against No. 4 Las Cruces in a 48-14 loss. Eldorado typically can allow teams to score 40 points put have had an offense that could put up 41 points. Eldorado did allow Las Cruces to put up 42 points last season (48 this season); however, last season the offense put up 70 points in that game. I know there would be a a learning curve for the offense with a new OC with Stever Castille now the head coach at Onate High School. The Eagles do have weapons on offense but maybe those weapons are different from what they are familiar with as in the past the quarterback would be the focal point but this season they have some big backs that could adjust the way things are done after the snap.

The good news for Eldorado is the fact that Cleveland has also started off with concerns as well. This game will either be a rebound or allow for more questions...for both teams. The Cleveland Storm averaged 45 points per game last season, only once did they under 20 points, that game as the state championship (14 points). Last week against El Paso-Franklin, TX they only reached the end zone twice, missing an extra point, only scoring 13 points. Cleveland has played two games, two different quarterbacks, and as they slowly bring Dorian Lewis along they could only be a shade of the offense from last season.

Whose Defense, No. 4 Las Cruces or No. 3 La Cueva, Rises to the Occasion?

Las Cruces has played two top-25 teams already this season and put up a second best in 6A football 103 total points. The La Cueva Bears have averaged 34 points to this point but 'only' allowed 35 points to the number one ranked (Week 3) Volcano Vista Hawks. This one could have an over/under of 100 points - but which offense is better? The running of Las Cruces or can La Cueva get the ball in Connor O'Toole's hands more. Las Cruces likely to double O'Toole and the LC line, which is good, will need to be better than they were against Volcano Vista.

Does No. 9 Rio Rancho Have Enough to Stop an Early-Season Slide?

Rio Rancho has been a hot topic as of late after an 0-2 start to the season. Is there reason for concern? The loss last weekend to Pine Creek, Colorado does sting but was it the comeback by Centennial in the opener writing the story for the Rams. Losing like that, in a few cases, have dictated the season for some teams. Not all cases are the same but it definitely had to let some air out of the mattress. Here is the other part to the equation for the Rams is a loss to Clovis, which they have have beat 8-straight times, could cause a whirlwind and affect the rest of the season. It doesn't get any easier after this week with two away games at Las Cruces (No. 4) and La Cueva (No. 3). Looking forward, does Cibola get an opportunity to jump on a possible 0-5 Rio Rancho team?

How wide is the gap between the top four teams in 5A and the field?

The Goddard High School Rockets, No. 12 (No. 3 in 5A) will host the Deming High School Wildcats, No. 17 (No. 5 in 5A) this Friday night in an opportunity to see just how good the top teams are against what would be considered teams in the next tier The interesting note on this game is the fact that defense appears to be the strength of both teams. Goddard is big and has stopped the run on both Pius and Carlsbad, only allowing Carlsbad to get into the end zone. Deming, is 2-0 to start the season but earned a pair of close wins against unranked Gadsden (26-19) and Capital (22-14), both at home. How do they do against a bigger, tougher Goddard squad plus they will be on the road for the first time this season.

Is No. 21 West Las Vegas Dons Quarterback John Balizan a Mr. Football Candidate?

We've heard the name for a couple years now and this will be his biggest test at this point in the season with a top-25 ranked Portales Rams contest. Balizan has 638 total passing yards with 7 touchdowns. Something to look at this week is that he has been stopped behind the line and now faces a DL that could cause fits. Now is the time to rise and shine, this will be the best game in the argument for Balizan's candidacy. He won't face a defense or team better than Portales this season.

Post your questions for any teams this week.

What sticks out to you?

Thursday, September 5th
Cibola (2-0) at Highland (2-0), Cibola -15

Friday, September 6th
Albuquerque Academy (1-1) at Bernalillo (1-1), Academy -1
Artesia (1-1) at Belen (1-1), Artesia -23.5
Chaparral (0-1) at Cobre (0-1), Cobre -3.5
Clovis (2-0) at Rio Rancho (0-2), Clovis -5.5
Crownpoint (0-2) at Hot Springs (1-1), Hot Springs -49
Del Norte (0-2) at Farmington (2-0), Farmington -18
Deming (2-0) at Goddard (2-0), Goddard -16
Dexter (2-0) at Hagerman (2-0), Dexter -15
Eldorado (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1), Cleveland -17.5
Espanola Valley (0-2) at Santa Fe (1-1), Santa Fe -8
Estancia (0-2) at Escalante (1-1), Estancia -9.5
Fort Sumner (1-1) at Tucumcari (1-1), Fort Sumner -12.5
Grants (2-0) at Miyamura (0-2), Grants -16.5
Hatch Valley (1-1) at Eunice (2-0), Eunice -25.5
Hope Christian (1-1) at Moriarty (0-2), Hope Christian -15
La Cueva (1-1) at Las Cruces (2-0), La Cueva -2.5
Los Lunas (1-1) at Sandia (1-1), Los Lunas -11
Loving (0-2) at Cloudcroft (0-0), Cloudcroft -7
Lovington (1-1) at Capital (1-1), Lovington -10
=Piedra Vista (1-1) at Valley (0-2), Piedra Vista - 17
Raton (1-1) at Socorro (1-1), Socorro -14.5
Rio Grande (0-2) at Valencia (0-1), Valencia -7.5
Roswell (2-0) at Hobbs (0-2), Roswell -18.5
Ruidoso (1-1) at Alamogordo (0-0), Ruidoso -7.5
Santa Rosa (0-2) at Robertson (2-0), Robertson -16.5
Silver (0-1) at Mountain View, Texas (1-0), Silver -3.5
St. Pius X (0-2) at Kirtland Central (1-1), St. Pius X -3.5
Taos (2-0) at Aztec (2-0), Aztec -1
Texico (1-1) at NMMI (2-0), NMMI -6
Tularosa (2-0) at Lordsburg (1-1), Tularosa -8.5
West Las Vegas (2-0) at Portales (2-0), Portales, -1
West Mesa (0-2) at Mayfield (2-0), Mayfield -49

Sets the record for FG - 29. Hit tonight against Las cruces

What do you have this week?

What games?

Which 0-2 team could you see winning a state championship this season?

What 0-2 team is in trouble and will miss the playoffs?

Which 0-2 teams will make the playoffs?

Week 3: Most Likely to Upset This Week
Grine | NMPreps

No. 4 Las Cruces over No. 3 La Cueva (Line: La Cueva -1.5). Okay, I know that I am breaking my rule of the most likely by placing a game with teams ranked one slot away. In the conventional way this would still be considered an upset with La Cueva being the higher ranked team. Plus, outside of Las Cruces fans, are you willing to take the Bulldawgs in this near true pick'em game? It seems that people have really jumped off the La Cueva wagon because they lost to Volcano Vista in a close game.... a team that is a number one contender to win it all!

No. 22 Sandia over No. 10 Los Lunas (Line: Los Lunas -15). When looking at the line along with what both teams feature this would seem like a game that could get ugly. I think it is a contest that could go two ways though. It will either have the Los Lunas Tigers run away with it or they have a let down from the emotions of last week keeping this thing close.

No. 21 West Las Vegas over No. 18 Portales (Line: Portales -7.5). The line and the contest could have you jumping at the pick. I could see folks taking West to cover but also some thinking the Rams should overpower the Dons. I like the contest between a top, next level, quarterback taking on a prospect on the defense like Philip Blidi. Also, the Portales offense is getting an identity and looking more and more like the favorite to win it all.

Kirtland Central over No. 24 St. Pius X (Line: St. Pius X -3.5). Kirtland Central is underrated or Kirtland Central struggle in their first classification test. The KC Broncos played well against No. 23 Farmington in week one and now looking at the chance to get a big criteria win here, at home. The St. Pius Sartans are in a similar situation as last season, maybe better situation this season, starting 0-2 with losses to Goddard and Piedra Vista. The first win of the season came here against Kirtland Central 27-19. Turnovers hurt KC last season and field position, I think they clean that up this time around. Underrated, must-see game, that we will talk about in late October as we debate playoff teams/seeds.

Grine-ding it out on picks: Well, I hit my two game parlay last week with Goddard and Clovis. That was an easy one. Neither of those games made the list here and if I am looking at one on the list above, I would take the KC-SPX game. Reviewing Pick 'Ems I went 8-2 last week and now sit at 15-5 on the season.

El Paso Franklin beat the hell out of Odessa Permian tonight.....

I’m thinking Cleveland might have got beat by a pretty dang good team.

Week 3: Friday Night Preview & Predictions
Grine of NMPreps

TOP-25 PREVIEW

No. 1 Volcano Vista (2-0) at Onate (0-2)
(Sat. 7pm) Coming off a 54-0 win last week the Volcano Vista Hawks are coming into Las Cruces as the top ranked team in New Mexico. Keep an eye on the duo running back system for the Hawks in this contest, again. Jimmy Gallegos (2020) and Isaac Chavez (2020) have both carried the ball 15 times this season with both over 150 yards on the season (averaging around 11 yards per carry). Things are going well for Onate, yes we just said that about the program that is 0-2 but they showed well last week putting 26 points on the board. Only one game surpassed that total during last season. Prediction: Volcano Vista 51, Onate 0. My pick: Volcano Vista.

No. 2 Cleveland (1-1) vs No. 11 Eldorado (1-1)
(Fri. 7pm) The Storm are coming off a loss last week and looking to quickly rebound with a game against an Eldorado team off a big loss. Cleveland faced some other season adversity but things are looking to come into place, even after the loss to the top-ranked team from El Paso. Eldorado, also in a learning curve to the season, is another team that will only get better. This could be a true three week assessment to get a true picture on both teams moving forward. Prediction: Cleveland 37, Eldorado 33. My pick: Cleveland.

No. 3 La Cueva (1-1) at No. 4 Las Cruces (2-0)
(Fri. 7pm) The top teams in New Mexico will be in Las Cruces this weekend with the game of the week taking place between the defending champion La Cueva Bears and the fourth ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs. La Cueva had to make some adjustments losing a key player but still has the star power in Connor O'toole. Las Cruces can pressure the quarterback and could be the x-factor against La Cueva in this one. Prediction: La Cueva 37, Las Cruces 35. My pick: Las Cruces.

No. 5 Centennial (2-0) vs No. 15 Manzano (1-1)
(Sat. 1pm) The first part of the double header on Saturday in Las Cruces. Centennial, like Las Cruces, are really hot right now and have jumped out the gate. The Hawks are in a familiar position - underrated team that keeps winning. Aiden Trujillo's stock is high right now and in the ten for ten of early Rivals New Mexico Mr. Football conversation. Manzano also a team with talent that could make some noise later in the season. Second year head coach Phil Martinez gets his second go against the former Manzano head coach after losing 42-9 last season in Albuquerque. Prediction: Centennial 44, Manzano 27. My pick: Centennial

No. 6 Roswell (2-0) at No. 19 Hobbs (0-2)
(Fri. 7pm) The Roswell Coyotes are in championship form and look to seek revenge on the Hobbs Eagles. The Eagles were one of two teams to beat Roswell last season and did so in convincing fashion, 42-20 in Roswell. The Coyotes feature a sound team with plenty of experienced players that surely remember the beating from last season. Hobbs coming into the contest with new head coach Ken Stevens will continue to build in a what appears to be an overhaul. Prediction: Roswell 49, Hobbs 15. My pick: Roswell.

No. 7 Clovis (2-0) at No. 9 Rio Rancho (0-2)
(Fri. 7pm) Can this be the year? Rio Rancho has won the last 8 regular season meetings between the schools. Clovis featuring a talented 2021 class could feature a true breakout contest for the talented Chance Harris (2021/QB). Harris a next level quarterback will have time in the backfield to hit targets and display his arm. Rio Rancho limping into the contest can either rebound or may be in a whirlwind to what was going to be a promising 2019 season. Could they go back to back years under .500? Prediction: Clovis 37, Rio Rancho 36 (OT). My pick: Clovis

No. 8 Mayfield (1-0) vs West Mesa (0-2)
(Fri. 7pm) Mayfield is hosting the West Mesa Mustangs tonight in what will be an early outing for both teams. Mayfield is playing solid football right now and looking to build off a nice win over Del Valle, TX last week. West Mesa is young, very young, and are a couple years away from making waves. Head coach Anthony Ansotigue is a great hire but has his hands full in building a program. What I really like about Mayfield is the defensive line and could play huge later in the season. Watch out for Sebastian Renteria (DT/2020) who will live in the backfield tonight. Prediction: Mayfield 50, West Mesa 0. My pick: Mayfield.

OUTSIDE THE TOP-10

No. 10 Los Lunas (1-1) at No. 22 Sandia (1-1)
No. 12 Goddard (2-0) vs No. 17 Deming (2-0)
No. 14 Artesia (1-1) at Belen (1-1)
No. 16 Piedra Vista (1-1) at Valley (0-2)
No. 18 Portales (2-0 at No. 21 West Las Vegas (2-0)
No. 23 Farmington (2-0) at Del Norte (0-2)
No. 24 St. Pius X (0-2) at Kirtland Central (1-1)
No. 25 Eunice (2-0) vs Hatch Valley (1-1)

KEY GAMES OUTSIDE THE 25

6A/5A: Santa Teresa (1-0) vs Gadsden (0-2)
5A/4A: Grants (2-0) at Miyamura (0-2)
4A: Lovington (1-1) at Capital (1-1)
4A: Taos (2-0) at Aztec (2-0)
4A: Ruidoso (1-1) at Alamogordo (0-0)

Thurs:
Cibola @ Highland 150 pts (Highland is the upset 200 pts)

Fri:

Clovis @ Rio Rancho 150 pts (RR is the upset 200 pts)

Eldorado @ Cleveland 150 pts (Eldo is the upset 200 pts)

Artesia @ Belen 150 pts (Belen is the upset 200 pts)

West Las Vegas @ Portales 175 pts either way

Taos @ Aztec 175 pts either way

Tularosa @ Lordsburg 175 pts (ordsburg is the upset 225 pts)

Texico @ NMMI 150 pts (Texico is the upset 200 pts)

La Cueva @ Las Cruces 200 pts either way

St Pius X @ KIrtland Central 150 St Pius (KC is the upset 200 pts)

GRINE PICKS

Thurs:
Cibola @ Highland 150 pts (Highland is the upset 200 pts) - CIBOLA
Fri:
Clovis @ Rio Rancho 150 pts (RR is the upset 200 pts) - CLOVIS
Eldorado @ Cleveland 150 pts (Eldo is the upset 200 pts) - CLEVELAND
Artesia @ Belen 150 pts (Belen is the upset 200 pts) - ARTESIA
West Las Vegas @ Portales 175 pts either way - PORTALES
Taos @ Aztec 175 pts either way - AZTEC
Tularosa @ Lordsburg 175 pts (ordsburg is the upset 225 pts) - TULAROSA
Texico @ NMMI 150 pts (Texico is the upset 200 pts) - NMMI
La Cueva @ Las Cruces 200 pts either way - LAS CRUCES
St Pius X @ KIrtland Central 150 St Pius (KC is the upset 200 pts) - KIRTLAND

Week 3: Ranking the top games to watch this week
Grine | NMPreps

Each week we rank the must-see games to watch in New Mexico. The following games are for the week of September 5th - 7th.

1) #3 La Cueva (1-1) at #4 Las Cruces (2-0): We get our hands on another top five match-up this week with the third ranked La Cueva Bears traveling south to take on a hot Las Cruces Bulldawgs team, ranked fourth this week in the New Mexico Top 25. The south gets their shot at climbing into the top three conversation.

2) #7 Clovis (2-0) at #9 Rio Rancho (0-2): The Rio Rancho Rams have won the last eight regular season meetings between the two schools. The overall series (since 2004) is also in favor of the Rams (9-6 record) with the last Wildcat regular season win coming in 2010. They've had some recent epic battles that ended in overtime, three notable games are 2017 (34-31 OT), 2015 (37-34) and 2013 (62-59 OT). Every two years features an exciting one..... game of the night?

3) #21 West Las Vegas (2-0) at #18 Portales (2-0): This one could be a little high on the radar or right where you'd guess. This one features the top ranked 4A team in Portales (#18 NMPreps Top-25) and the top ranked 3A team in West Las Vegas (#21 NMPreps Top-25). West Las Vegas features a quarterback we will all talk about for years in John Balizan; Portales features a top three prospect in the state in Philip Blidi (committed to Texas Tech). This is the definition of must-see on a Friday night in eastern New Mexico football.

4) #2 Cleveland (1-1) vs #11 Eldorado (1-1): The contest lost a little steam as both teams are coming off losses last week. Cleveland had to travel and take on the top team from El Paso last week, dropping the game 36-13. Eldorado went quiet in the second quarter against Las Cruces last week falling big. Which team gets things back in order? Cleveland could be a double-digit favorite when the lines come out but if you know Eldorado they can rebound quick.

5) #15 Manzano (1-1) at #5 Centennial (2-0): Centennial, again, has had to prove themselves to the state and will have an opportunity to showcase that they are a top four team. They play well as the sleeper but a big win here could have more people buying the stock in the Hawks. Manzano features some solid talent and they may be one of those teams that we are talking about more and more as the season goes.

Best of the Rest

6) #20 Cibola (2-0) at Highland (2-0): Both teams have already outplayed their projections. Cibola could be a player again and head coach Rod Williams continues to have us talking about the Cougars. Highland is 2-0. Nobody predicted that and, oh yeah, they are ranked in the Power-12 this week! I don't remember the last time that happened.

7) Taos (2-0) at Aztec (2-0): Will the real slim.. I mean Tiger stand up. Aztec is playing the sleeper card in 4A football and might be a player come November. Taos, the defending champ, is having to make believers again, this game could help.

8) #17 Deming (2-0) at #12 Goddard (2-0): Not one that you will say, what is the score on the Goddard-Deming game. However, this possible low scoring affair could be interesting early. Expect the Rockets to win by double digits but don't tell the Deming Wildcats that.

9) #10 Los Lunas (1-1) at #22 Sandia (1-1): Los Lunas could be on the rebound after a close loss to Clovis. Do they respond like a top ten team or did they lose some steam? Sandia, well, they are under construction, but they could be in position to take out a Tiger team that lost a cat fight last week.

10) St. Pius X (0-2) at Kirtland Central (1-1): We get to see how good both teams are in this 4A game. St. Pius battled against two very good 5A opponents to open their season. Kirtland Central offense has something going, if they can win here, they will put the rest of the class on notice. Intrigued for sure, could also be in the other weekly features (we will see Tuesday).

Clearance Bin

Artesia (1-1) at Belen (1-1)

Roswell (2-0) at Hobbs (0-2)

Del Norte (0-2) at Farmington (2-0)

Hatch Valley (1-1) at Eunice (2-0)

Lovington (1-1) at Capital (1-1)

Ruidoso (1-1) at Alamogordo (0-0)

Redemption Asile

Bloomfield (2-0) at St. Michael's (0-2)

Specials

Espanola Valley (0-2) at Santa Fe (1-1)

Small School Must-See

Santa Rosa (0-2) at Robertson (2-0)

Fort Sumner (1-1) at Tucumcari (1-1)

Dexter (2-0) at Hagerman (2-0)

Texico (1-1) at New Mexico Military (2-0)

Raton (1-1) at Socorro (1-1)

Week 2 Review: Reactions, Dogs, & Races
Grine of NMPreps

Week two of the New Mexico High School football season has the full package of questions, too soon reactions, and early surprises.

BIG THREE FROM WEEK 2

Highland Hornets (5A)

The Hornets are off to a very hot, unexpected, 2-0 start after beating Valencia 24-7 on Friday night. The Hornets entered the season on our way too early rankings as the 18th (out of 18) ranked team in 5A football. The Hornets beating Valencia (No. 8 NMPreps Week 2 5A Rankings) is one of the bigger wins of this decade (I haven't done the homework but it's a huge win). The Hornets have Cibola next week that could end this excitement but if they show well, we could potentially have a playoff team. Then I say we have a party. (La Cueva didn't 'thank' me with a 26-shirt then, could I have an 18-shirt if you make the playoffs?)

Roswell (5A) and Lovington (4A) Total 130 Points

A scoring frenzy heard around the state of New Mexico. Roswell would go on to win this SE corner game, 76-54. A handful of players would enter the end zone in the contest with Joel Renteria getting a spotlight look with over 200-yards. Roswell reached the end zone at least twice each quarter with both teams scoring a end of game like 28-26 fourth quarter. The takeaway from the game is that Lovington could have shown up a year late to homecoming; last year being picked to win it all but went 6-6. Can the offense be good enough to guide them to a deep playoff run in 2019?

Dogs, Dawgs, & we mentioned Coyotes

Artesia (5A) opened up the offense against fellow southeastern team Hobbs High School winning, 62-28. The Bulldogs looked impressive and after a lackluster opening week loss to Carlsbad this was a perfect rebound. The Las Cruces Bulldawgs (6A) made back-to-back trips to Albuquerque, this time thumping a ranked Eldorado Eagles (No. 9 NMPreps Top-25) by a score of 48-14. We should also add that it was without week one star Johnny Terraras who was suspend for team rules (via abqjournal). We already talked about Roswell Coyotes above (a Coyote is a dog, right?). Other Saturday mentions are the Albuquerque High Bulldogs (who have been barking for respect) by beating a down Miyamura 27-0. Hope Christian Huskies also with a nice rebound win, 51-0, over a visiting Espanola Valley on Saturday.

RIVALS/NMPREPS NEW MEXICO MR. FOOTBALL RACE

Aiden Trujillo, Centennial High School (2020)

Aiden Trujillo moved back to quarterback this season and has the Hawks soaring high. Could still be some what of a carryover from the performance he set in week one but played well again against West Mesa in a 55-0 win. Trujillo, tossed for 225-yards, three touchdowns, and rushed for another two.

Avante Stevens, Eunice High School (2020)

Stevens won the overall player of the week honors in week one and followed it up this week with 186 yards receiving. He added three receiving touchdowns guiding the Cardinals to a 2-0 start and extending their win streak to 27-games. Stevens now has 475-yards receiving and nine touchdowns in two weeks.

Casey Perez, Lovington High School (2020)

Yes, the Wildcats (4A) fell to the 5A defending champion Roswell Coyotes but Casey Perez helped his case for the top award in New Mexico. Perez currently ranks second in both passing (279) and rushing yards (434) through two weeks. He leads the state in total points with 42 on the year. Despite the loss to Roswell, Perez had an impressive stat line: 19/27, 307 yards, 4 TDs, 25 carries, 208 yards, 3 TDs.

Jeston Webskowski, Clovis High School (2021)

It was our first view of the Clovis running back this week in their win over visiting Los Lunas, 30-15. From the get-go we were sold on the junior running back who would go on to finish with 126-yards rushing and the first touchdown for the Cats. He also had a 2-point conversation in the game. He currently leads the state in rushing yards with 297 rushing yards.

OVERREACTION: BUY, SELL, TRADE, HOLD

Buy: Las Cruces

No, I am not ready to bet the house on the Bulldawgs to win it all but I feel this squad has more studs that predicted. We thought the Bulldawgs were going to be a threat to get back into the 'top four or more' conversation and after a dominating second quarter they are back in the limelight. Definitely, a threat to return as district champs but the contest with 2018 DC Centennial could sell more tickets than that other rivalry in Cruces (kidding but could be packed). While we are at it give me a few in the Mayfield stock after a 14-13 win over Del Valle, Texas. Not to win it all but to have certainly returned - playoff win will happen this season. Imagine three Las Cruces teams in the quarterfinals and maybe two in the semifinals.

Sell: Hobbs

The Eagles have faced a pair of really good teams in Artesia and Clovis but it is safe to say that the Eagles will likely drop out of the NMPreps Power 12 Rankings on Monday morning. They could also be on the outside of the playoffs unless they somehow pull out some district wins, like four, but that would be a quick growth for a young Eagles team.

Trade: Clovis for Rio Rancho

The Clovis Wildcats took awhile to get going on Friday night against the visiting Los Lunas Tigers but eventually would score 22 points in the second half on their way to a win. Rio Rancho will still be a player and I think any team would have had the same result against Pine Creek, Colorado. Wildly a whoa, whoa, whoa to those saying they won't be a threat. Like those saying to slow down on other teams out to a slow start (Pius) should wait. I sound like I'm contradicting my trade here as well but I'm trading their ranking spot for now. I would still say Rio Rancho could very much be a playoff team with one (maybe two) wins.

Hold: Northwest Corner

Not a lot of love for this region in the state. Again, I am not saying one of them will win a state championship this season. However, Farmington earned a criteria win, Kirtland Central offense could be wildly underrated, and Aztec may be a sleeper. Piedra Vista beat Pius on Saturday.

Buy: Bloomfield, Ruidoso and 4A Football

It has been Portales and St. Pius, then all others in 4A football. Well, I think it's now Portales, small gap, Ruidoso, Bloomfield, and Pius now. Oh yeah don't forget we are also now considering Lovington who could be VERY high on the list but waiting on some wiggle room between Ruidoso on Bloomfield. The middle tier just got bigger and this could again be an interesting classification. I will say it again the NMAA did things right (for the most part) with the classification in football and we love it...(they massively shit the bed in basketball). 4A football, Portales is darn good, we all agree, however, we have parity with the entire top ten as a possible threat - Aztec, Taos (defending champ), Kirtland Central with Grants and Silver getting some consideration as teams that could get hot and win the entire thing this season. 10 teams!

Hold: SE New Mexico and Los Lunas in 5A

If it was these four (Roswell, Artesia, Goddard) and Los Lunas or the field for the state semifinal teams, I would go with those four over the field. The next best right now are Farmington, Deming and Piedra Vista. Right now I just see too big of a margin between those two tiers.

GRINE’S PICKS FROM LAST WEEK

Went 8-2 this week with my only losses being Cleveland falling to EP Franklin and Tularosa upsetting Socorro. Overall, one game better than last week! Overall record is now 15-5.

WEEK 2 (AUGUST 29th-31st)
Adam Aguilera, Lovington, WR ('22)- 5 rec, 158 yards, 2 TDs, 86 return yards
Aiden Trujillo, Centennial, 225-yards passing, three passing touchdowns, 2 rushing TDs.
Alex Harmon, Artesia, safety had an interception
Alex Tramel, Lovingtonl, DT ('21)- 4 asists, 1 TFL, 1 hurry, 1 blocked pat
Austin Erickson, Manzano, (WR/FS) continues to impress on both sides of the ball, but statistically standing out on offense: receiving 5-152 2 TD's, rushing 2-63 TD. That's 7 touches for 215 total. (Also returned a blocked FG att 40 yards)
Avante Stevens Eunice, 6 rec 186 yrds 3 tds, 475 receiving yards and 9 tds in 2 games
Ayden Garcia, Lovington, WR ('20)- 5 rec, 63 yards
Braxton McDonald, slot, 5 rec, 111 yards, 3 TDs
Brian Tapia, Lovington, TB ('20)- 14 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, 2 rec, 9 yards, 29 return yards
Casey Perez, Lovington, QB ('20)- 19/27, 307 yards, 4 TDs; 25 carries, 208 yards, 3 TDs
Christ Valdez, Manzano, (DE) - the enter DL really standing out.
Clay Houghtaling, Artesia, QB, 20 of 32, 278 yards 5 TDs, 9 carries, 52 yards
Cole Kincaid, Artesia, DL had a fumble recovery, had a few TFL as well as a sack
Darren Rodriguez, Centennial, 100 yards receiving, 2 TD catches.
Donathan Coates, Tularosa, 18 tackles 1 Forced Fumble
Eric Cueto, Artesia & Johntae Rodriguez, Artesia, KO returns for TDs
Gabriel Acosta, Centennial, 100-yards rushing and 2 TDS.
Garrett Thomas, Artesia, OL blocked well and 3 pancakes
Isaac Hinson, Lovington, WR ('22)- 3 rec, 60 yards, 2 TDs
Jace Melfi, Manzano, (QB) had another stellar dual-threat night: 9-14 passing, 189 yds 2 TD's, 64 rushing yards and TD
Jarren Lewis, Hobbs, QB, 2021, 329-yards passing, 4 touchdowns vs Artesia.
Jaxon Powel, Manzano (OT), OL getting it done in the trenches
Jayven Ortega, Artesia, corner, INT for TD
Jeston Webskowski, Clovis, RB, 2021, 126-yards rushing, 1 touchdown vs Los Lunas
Joel Renteria, Roswell, 200 yards rushing vs Lovington
Johntae Rodriguez, Artesia, slot, 4 rec, 63 yards, 1 TD
Kaleb Franco, Lovington, SS ('20)- 2 solo tackles, 6 assists, 2 TFL
Luke Padilla from Capital had 158 yards on 28 carries and 2 td’s against Deming.
Luke Wysong, Cleveland, 85-yard TD catch vs EP-Franklin
Marcus Rodriguez, Lovington, LB ('21)- 6 solo tackles, 5 assists
Robert Aragon, Goddard, two touchdowns in win vs Carlsbad.
Roe Forest, Hobbs, LB, 2021, 12 tackles, 2 sacks vs Artesia
Romeo Gbassagee, Portales, 5 Tds and well over 200 yards.
Stone Davis, Manzano, (MLB) is absolutely dominant in the defensive middle, close to 30 tackles in 2 games
Tayten Hilliard, Lovington, FS ('22)- 5 solo tackles, 10 assists, 1 TFL
Tres Arreola, Lovington, LB ('21)- 3 solo tackles, 6 assists, 1 TFL
Wes Knowlton, Artesia, DL several TFL



Post here or text to 505-414-4313

700 miles to play high school football. Gotta love the Land of Enchantment.

A 400 mile trip does not even make the list this week. All trips round mile and include stops at some great convenient stores and concession stands.


9 and 12 Las Cruces Schools and Albq. Schools La Cueva@las Cruces and West Mesa@Mayfield Manzano @ Centennial, Volcano Vista at Onate 446
8.. Clovis at Rio Rancho 468 Miles
7. Deming at Goddard 500 Miles6.
6. Crownpoint at Hot Springs 516 Mils
5. Springer at Lake Arthur 568 miles
4.. Lovington at Capitol 573 miles
3 Raton at Socorro 608 Miles
2. Hatch at Eunice 624 miles
1. Clayton at Mescalero 712 miles

Thats 71 trips from Ruidoso to Inn of the Mountain Gods Sports Book lol

Be safe out there

TOP-25 PREVIEW

#20 Cibola Cougars (2-0) vs Highland Hornets (2-0): Both teams are currently sitting in a position that outplayed their early prediction. For the Cibola Cougars it was set to be a rebuild year but have, again, played well with the next group. Cougar freshman quarterback Aden Chavez has received plenty of love but lets not forget about Slay Campos (2021) who has rushed for 231 yards in the two opening games. Add in two-year Letterman Klayton Whitezell (2020) who has been a leader on the defense. Hornets quarterback Andres Ortega (2021) has also played well under the radar at this point (until we start receiving more information). However, during the Valencia contest he showed some strength in his arm, made the right decisions, and also made some plays with his feet. This one could bring some early excitement as both teams are still rolling out their 2019 teams. Prediction: Cibola 33, Highland 24.

OUTSIDE THE 25

Shiprock (2-0) at Navajo Prep (1-1)
Vaughn (2-0) at Elida (2-0)

Really interesting article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/08/meritocracy-killing-high-school-sports/597121/

any upset picks?
Who are you watching?

What do you have?