McCurdy Bobcats 2024 Season Preview​

NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #77

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 6-3 overall, 1-2 district
Playoffs: Missed the Playoffs
Points Scored: 368
Points Given Up: 258
Streak into 2024: 1-game winning streak

The McCurdy Bobcats had a strong 2023 season, showcasing their ability to win games they were expected to win. They kicked off the season with a tough loss to 4A Hope Christian (42-20), but quickly bounced back with five consecutive victories. They triumphed over Hozho Academy (52-6), 3A Thoreau (62-18), 3A Santa Fe Indian (44-15), 3A Navajo Prep (70-40), and Cuba (26-7). Despite their strong start, the Bobcats stumbled in district play, losing to Santa Rosa (62-12) and Escalante (46-18) before closing the season with a decisive win over Laguna-Acoma (64-14).

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Most likely to repeat (Pick 1): La Cueva, Artesia, Lovington

Most likely to win the 1-4A district championship: Aztec, Bloomfield, Grants or Bernalillo

Most likely to make the 5A playoffs: Belen, Capital, Miyamura or Gadsden

Navajo Prep Eagles 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #78

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 5-6 overall, 3-0 district
Playoffs: 1st Round (Lost, NMMI 48-8)
Points Scored: 302
Points Given Up: 423
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

"From the ashes we rise" could be the motto for the Navajo Prep EAgles, who clawed their way to a playoff berth and district championship in a rollercoaster 2023 season.

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NMPreps: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season​

NMPreps continues our fan-favorite annual feature as we review all of the schedules in New Mexico high school football with our Best & Worst Case Scenario for the 2024 season.

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Best/Worst Case Scenario: Pojoaque Valley Elks​

Today, NMPreps releases out best and worst case scenario for every team leading up to the 2024 New Mexico high school football season.

2024 SCHEDULE

Best Case Scenario (5-5 overall, 0-4 district)​

The Pojoaque Valley Elks kick off their season with a favorable schedule, starting with three home games. The first two matches against Crownpoint and Hot Springs, labeled as "Green" games, present opportunities for decisive victories. These wins would build early momentum and confidence for the team. Additionally, the Elks face Hozho Academy and Santa Fe Indian, teams ranked 89th and 84th respectively in NMPreps' 2024 preseason rankings. Success in these games could set a positive tone for the season.

In the best case scenario, the Elks leverage their returning talent and high participation numbers to outperform expectations. They secure victories in their green games, navigate their "Christmas Game" against Dexter Demons with a hard-fought win on the road, and they could reach .500. This could lead to a strong regular season record, potentially earning them a 10-12 seed in the playoffs. With the right momentum and team cohesion, they might even advance past the first round.

Worst Case Scenario (4-6 overall, 0-4 district)​

On the other hand, the worst case scenario for the Pojoaque Valley Elks involves struggles in their tougher matchups. Despite the optimism, the team might face challenges transitioning to 3A football. The non-district game against Los Alamos, marked as a "Red" game, could see their first setback of the season.

The Elks' entry into the highly competitive District 2-3A presents significant hurdles. Defending state champion St. Michael's Horsemen, state runner-up Robertson Cardinals, and strong teams like West Las Vegas and Hope Christian (also transitioning from 4A) make the district slate incredibly challenging. If the Elks go 0-4 in district play as predicted, their confidence might take a hit.

Even with high participation and returning talent, the Elks could face a scenario where they miss the playoffs, the Dexter game is important.

Final Thoughts (Over/Under 4.5 wins)​

The Pojoaque Valley Elks are poised for a season of growth and potential breakthroughs. With a mix of favorable and challenging games, their performance in the 2024 season will hinge on how well they capitalize on early opportunities and handle the pressure of a tough district. Whether they achieve their best case scenario or face the struggles of their worst case, the Elks are set to make significant strides as they navigate the transition from 4A to 3A football.

Please submit your schedule here: 2024 Schedule Release

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Crownpoint Eagles 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #79

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 6-4 overall, 1-2 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 166
Points Given Up: 211
Streak into 2024: 2-game losing streak

"Close, but no cigar." This saying aptly sums up the Crownpoint Eagles' 2023 season, marked by moments of promise that ultimately fell just short of their playoff aspirations. The Eagles soared out of the gate last season with an impressive 3-0 start, claiming victories over Valley (AZ) (14-6), Shiprock (28-21), and Zuni (22-12). Their momentum was halted in a close battle with Navajo Prep, which ended in a narrow 28-26 loss, marking their first defeat of the season. They quickly rebounded with a solid win over Tohatchi (26-12) before hitting a rough patch, losing to Hot Springs (42-6) and finishing their non-district slate at 5-2.

District play began with promise as they secured a thrilling 26-20 double-overtime win over Wingate. However, the season took a downturn with a mercy rule loss to Thoreau (50-0) and a season-ending 14-6 defeat to Cuba, which kept the Eagles out of the playoffs. Despite their strong start, the Eagles' inability to maintain their early-season form ultimately led to a disappointing finish.

Offensive/Defensive Outlook​

Looking forward, the EAgles have some significant voids to fill, particularly with the graduation of leading rusher Tydon Tsosie, who amassed 695 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 8 games. Quarterback Jonathon Antonio, the team's leading passer, also graduated this spring.

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Newcomb Skyhawks 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #80

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 4-6 overall, 2-1 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 212
Points Given Up: 235
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

The Newcomb Skyhawks experienced a season of highs and lows in 2023. The beginning of the season looked bleak, as they started 0-4 with heavy losses to Laguna-Acoma (40-6), Moriarty (54-0), Cuba (28-6), and Crownpoint (12-6). Early challenges, possibly due to missing key players, made it seem like the season might be a wash.

However, the Skyhawks turned a corner midseason, winning four of their next five games. They snapped their four-game losing streak with a dominant 40-0 win over Shiprock, followed by a 60-6 victory against Wingate. Despite suffering a 37-0 loss to Thoreau, the team showed resilience as they entered district play.

In District 1-3A action, Newcomb secured consecutive wins against Tohatchi (18-14) and Zuni (40-6), positioning themselves for a potential playoff run. Unfortunately, their season ended on a heartbreaking note with a 38-36 overtime loss to Navajo Prep, which dashed their playoff hopes and cost them the district championship.

Offensive/Defensive Outlook​

For the Skyhawks in 2023, it was no secret that their offensive strategy centered around a strong ground game. Senior quarterback LaDanian John had a limited role in the passing attack, with only 32 attempts for 106 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. Instead, Newcomb leaned heavily on their rushing game, accumulating over 2,000 yards on the ground. However, with nearly 1,500 of those yards produced by now-graduated seniors, the team faces a significant challenge in replacing that production.

2026 RBs Colt Yazzie and Landon Noble, who combined for 300 yards last season, will be crucial in stepping up to fill the void in the backfield. Noble also found the end zone, showing promise for the upcoming season. Kinjii Natonabah (2025) adds another dimension to the running game, having averaged an impressive 7.3 yards per carry on 12 attempts, totaling 87 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Natonabah will be a key player, teaming up with Darium Peshlakai (2026), Zakkius Negale (2025), and Michael Fasthorse (2025). Natonabah led the team in tackles with 69 total, including 54 solo tackles, showcasing his ability to anchor the defense. Negale was a disruptive force on the line, recording 5 sacks and 8 hurries, and will be counted on to apply pressure in the backfield once again.

The Skyhawks' defensive unit will need to build on their individual successes to create a cohesive and formidable front, capable of keeping the team competitive in a tough district. With returning talent on both sides of the ball, Newcomb has the potential to leverage their experience and physicality to make a significant impact in the 2024 season

Realistic Expectations​

"Turn the page," as Bob Seger famously sang, and that's precisely what the Newcomb Skyhawks will aim to do in the 2024 season as they transition from 3A to 2A football. This move presents new challenges and opportunities, with the Skyhawks looking to capitalize on a mix of returning talent and a fresh start in a new district.

With a 4-6 record last season, the Skyhawks showed resilience after a tough start, and their ability to bounce back mid-season is a positive sign. The 2024 schedule sets the stage for a promising start, with the Skyhawks hosting Wingate (ranked 84th in NMPreps 2024 preseason rankings) and Santa Fe Indian (83rd), followed by games against Gallup, Tohatchi (81st), and Loving in non-district play.

Their new District 1-2A includes Cuba, Hozho Academy (ranked 89th), Laguna-Acoma (88th), McCurdy, and Navajo Prep, offering a mix of competition that the Skyhawks can navigate with their ground-heavy offensive strategy and solid defensive returners.

While replacing nearly 1,500 rushing yards from graduated seniors is a tall order, the promising performances of Colt Yazzie, Landon Noble, and Kinjii Natonabah in limited roles last season suggest that the running game can remain a strength. On defense, Natonabah, along with Peshlakai, Negale, and Fasthorse, forms a solid core that can anchor the team.

Realistically, the Skyhawks have the potential to be competitive in their new district and the need to integrate new starters into key roles may present challenges. Our very early prediction is a 4-6 overall record, similar to last season, with the possibility of missing the playoffs. However, if they can hit the ground running and build momentum early, particularly with their favorable opening matchups, they might just surprise a few teams and exceed expectations.

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2024 Preseason Rankings

Who is hosting this summer?

Draft the best 90's song

Offers: NMSU, Texas Tech, Nevada, Louisiana-Monroe, UNM, UTEP, Utah State

Tohatchi Cougars 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #81

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 4-6 overall, 1-2 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 199
Points Given Up: 232
Streak into 2024: 1-game win streak

The Cougars enter the 2024 season on a one-game win streak, a rare occurrence outside of state champions finishing their seasons on a high note. The Cougars finished the 2023 season with a 4-6 overall record and a 1-2 mark in district play. Despite a strong start, they missed the playoffs after finishing third in their district behind Newcomb and Navajo Prep.

The season began with an impressive 50-6 victory, followed by a loss to Escalante in week two. The Cougars then secured wins against Wingate and Laguna-Acoma, bringing their record to 3-1. However, the momentum faltered as they lost the next five games, including non-district matches against Cuba, Crownpoint, and Thoreau. Their district play saw further setbacks with losses to Newcomb (18-14) and Navajo Prep (32-20). They managed to snap their losing streak with a final district win over Zuni (35-14), ending their season on a positive note.

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Congratulations to Braiden Reynolds of La Cueva, 2024 New Mexico Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year!

Football job now open

Hot Springs Tigers 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #82

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 3-7 overall, 0-3 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 128
Points Given Up: 391
Streak into 2024: 3-game losing streak

The Tigers had a tumultuous 2023 season, starting with a new head coach and now seeking another for the upcoming season. Their campaign began with a heavy 54-0 loss to Tularosa, followed by a rebound victory over 2A Capitan, 47-0. However, a three-game losing streak ensued, with losses to Anthony, TX (62-7), Eunice (54-0), and NMMI (41-8). Mid-season, they found some success against Crownpoint (42-6) and Mescalero Apache (24-18) but ended on a low note, losing their final three district games to Hatch Valley (48-0), Cobre (53-0), and Socorro (55-0), failing to score in any district matchups.

Offensive/Defensive Outlook​

On offense, the Tigers need to fill the void left by quarterback Kaidyn Lanham, who passed for 923 yards last season. Tristan Polanco (2026), a talented athlete, returns

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Today's True or False: Do you agree with the following ranking of the top high school football programs in New Mexico?

We are looking at overall recent success regardless of classification (6A-2A). Time for debate—how would you rearrange the rankings? Do you agree or disagree?

Newcomers, feel free to reply. Responses help the boards with healthy debates (it's okay to disagree).

Current Rankings:

1. Artesia
   
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Poll: Should the top seed host throughout the playoffs?

Any updates?

Braiden Reynolds, La Cueva (Albuquerque)
1st Base/Pitcher | Class of 2025
The two-way player finished the season as the national leader in RBI with 69, which also set a new state record. Reynolds batted .551 (54 for 98) with 28 runs scored, 17 doubles, two triples and nine home runs. On the mound, Reynolds went 10-1 with a 61 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched.

Shiprock Chieftains 2024 Season Preview​

NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #86

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 1-9 overall, 0-0 district (independent)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 117
Points Given Up: 333
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

The Chieftains faced significant challenges in 2023, starting the season with a seven-game losing streak before securing their lone win against the new Gallup school, Hozho Academy, with an 18-0 victory. Despite a tough season, the Chieftains showed resilience, narrowly losing to Albuquerque-Rio Grande 22-13 and competing closely with Mountain View (Arizona) in a 48-41 defeat and Crownpoint in a 28-21 loss.

Offensive and Defensive Outlook​

Shiprock will see several key players return for the 2024 season, including two-way starter Elijah Shorthair (2026), who played both quarterback and linebacker as a sophomore. Antonio James, a standout linebacker from the class of 2025, will be crucial in bolstering the defense and providing stability for new head coach Jeremy Wooten. James also began last season as the starting quarterback. Another essential player will be OL/DL Ashten Shirley, a senior who will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. The team will need to replace key graduates Austin King, Alexavier Yazzie, and Keenan Jim.

Realistic Expectations​

The Chieftains haven't had a winning season since 2017 but have renewed optimism under new leadership. They scored a significant off-season victory by hiring former Newcomb head coach Jeremy Wooten. Wooten, a Texas native, led Newcomb to a District 1-3A title in 2022 with an 8-3 overall record, a 3-0 mark in district play, and a playoff appearance. The Chieftains hope that Wooten's quick success at Newcomb will translate to a turnaround at Shiprock as they join the newly formed District 1-3A. While challenges remain, there is a renewed sense of hope and potential for improvement in the 2024 season. Our early preseason prediction is 1-9 for the Chieftains, again depends on their schedule.

Gonzales to Snyder from what I hear

Wingate Bears 2024 Season Preview​

NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #84

NMPreps continues to release our very early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 3-7 overall, 0-3 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 162
Points Given Up: 319
Streak into 2024: 3-game losing streak

The Wingate Bears started the 2023 season with promise, winning their first two games. However, they only managed one more win throughout the season, finishing with a 3-7 record. Despite a competitive showing in their first district game, losing 26-20 in overtime to Crownpoint, the Bears struggled, dropping their next two district games 30-6 to Cuba and 50-0 to Thoreau. They would ultimately miss out on the 2023 playoffs.

Offensive/Defensive Outlook​

The Bears enter the 2024 season needing to replace several key players, including quarterback Dylan Clark and standout players Darrius Begay and Titus Moran. LaDanion Begay, who earned some snaps at quarterback last season, is likely the favorite to take over under center. Eric Woodman showed promise at both running back and linebacker, while Alex Lee will return to add depth on defense at the linebacker position. Senior Arwin Thompson will provide experience in the secondary, positioning the defense as a potential strength for the Bears. The offensive and defensive lines will need to fill the void left by Austin Gordo, but Hezekiah Kazhe (2027), along with seniors Cassius Holiday and Isaac Sandoval, are expected to be instrumental.

Realistic Expectations​

While the full 2024 schedule is not yet available, we do know the Bears will play in the newly formed District 1-3A, which includes Crownpoint, Gallup, Shiprock, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Wingate, and Zuni. If the Bears can mesh well, they have a shot at finishing in the middle of the pack with a 3-3 district record. Earning a couple of non-district wins could see them finish the season at .500, with a 5-5 overall record, marking significant improvement. However, without knowing the full schedule, our realistic expectation for the Bears is another 3-7 season, though this could change once the complete schedule is revealed.

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2024 Preseason Rankings

Coach has confirmed that he has resigned to focus on other things in life.