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Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Tohatchi Cougars

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 2 100.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

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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  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Hot Springs Tigers

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 2 100.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

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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Tuesday True or False

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
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Shiprock Chieftains

Do you agree with their rank?

  • About Right

  • Too High

  • Too Low


Results are only viewable after voting.

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.

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Wingate Bears

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 3 75.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 1 25.0%

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.

Continue
2024 Preseason Rankings

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Zuni Thunderbirds

Do you agree with their rank?

  • About Right

    Votes: 4 100.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

Zuni Thunderbirds 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #85


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: 2-8 overall, 0-3 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 90
Points Given Up: 306
Streak into 2024: 5-game losing streak

The Thunderbirds struggled throughout the 2023 season, posting only two wins over Hopi, Arizona (18-14), and Shiprock (20-6) in consecutive weeks (Week 4 and Week 5) after a 0-3 start. However, these were the bright spots in an otherwise challenging season that ended with five straight losses. The Thunderbirds struggled in district play, going 0-3 and being outscored 121-20 by Navajo Prep, Newcomb, and Tohatchi.

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  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 New Mexico High School Football Preseason Rankings: Capitan Tigers

Do you agree with their rank?

  • About Right

    Votes: 2 50.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 1 25.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 1 25.0%

Capitan Tigers 2024 Season Preview​

NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #87

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
  • 2023 Record: 1-9 overall, 0-3 District
  • Points Scored: 92
  • Points Given Up: 472
  • Streak: 7-game losing streak
The Capitan Tigers faced a challenging 2023 season, ending with a 1-9 record and a seven-game losing streak. Their lone victory came against Hozho Academy with a decisive 54-6 win in September. However, the team struggled significantly on both ends of the ball. They were shut out in five of their ten games and managed to score in double digits only three times, including a 31-14 loss to a JV team and a 62-12 defeat against Estancia in their final game. Defensively, the Tigers allowed over 31 points in each of their nine losses, with opponents scoring 48, 47, 47, 52, 62, 31, 60, 47, and 36 points respectively.

2024 Offense Overview​

The Capitan Tigers are set to face another challenging season, particularly due to the graduation of a senior-heavy class that led the team in multiple areas. The team will have to rebuild its offense with new key players, including a new quarterback, running back, and receivers. Among the returning players, 2027 receiver DJ Robinson, 2027 running back Luke Brown, and 2026 athlete Isaac Kern offer some experience, though it is limited. Robinson recorded 92 receiving yards on four receptions last season. Kern, who had 15 passing attempts for 33 yards, is a candidate for the new QB-1 role.

2024 Defense Overview​

Defensively, the Tigers will rely on 2025 Tatum Gibson, who played a key role last season and recorded 24 total tackles. Isaac Kern and 2025 Curtis Wales also add some experience to the defense. Despite their efforts, the defense will need significant improvement to compete effectively in the upcoming season.

Realistic Expectations​

The odds are heavily stacked against the Capitan Tigers for the 2024 season. While their schedule has not yet been released, expectations remain low, with a predicted record of 1-9 once again. The team faces a tough challenge in the newly formed District 2-2A, which includes strong competitors like Estancia, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, Legacy Academy (up from 8-man), and Raton (down from 3A). With a lack of returning key players and significant losses to graduation, the Tigers are projected to struggle. An over/under win total of around 0.5 is one of the lowest marks in recent years.

NMPreps 89-Team Rankings for the 2024 Season
#88 -
Laguna-Acoma Hawks - Preview
#89 - Hozho Academy - Preview

Update

Hey guys,

Sorry for the delays in stories just took some time with family and friends in town before hitting the grind again. This summer Rivals and Yahoo! Sports will be releasing some new features, the camps will be top notch, plenty of positives happening. I’ll get to go out and meet them at the main Elite camp in Florida this June at the Jacksonville Jaguars facilities. I’ll be back tomorrow releasing summer content and will be out at 7-7 and visiting schools that’s will have me!

Take care!
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