Take 5: Predictions for the 2016 Season

Today, we gaze into our crystal ball and give predictions on the awards along with match-up in the 2016 State Championship.

Who plays for the State Championship:

6A: Rio Rancho vs Cleveland: Mayfield is the choice by many, I wanted to as well, but I think this could be the year we official give Rio Rancho the nod as the hottest football town. Both return athletes and are very deep. Rio Rancho is the 2014 champs, Cleveland the defending champs this would make for the trifecta for Rio Rancho.

Who wins the Top Overall QB Award:

6A: Dante Lopez, Centennial: Might be an underrated quarterback for the most part as he came in as the 5th ranked QB returning this season in 6A. However, he has a top notch head coach, this team is a serious threat in their first year in 6A, and Lopez will do both on the ground and air better than most. Yards will be high and the dark horse in this race could go to Lopez.

Who wins the Top RB Award:

6A: Isaac Vance, Mayfield: Vance signed with Kent State yesterday and it's hard to not like Vance in this race unless he doesn't play a full season. He puts up yards, especially earned yards after contact with runs of 30 plus to 40 plus. He scores touchdowns and Mayfield is a heavy favorite to play for a title. He is ranked as the top running back in New Mexico right now leading into the 2016 season.

Who wins the Top WR Award:

6A: David Cormier, Volcano Vista: Yes, he is ranked number one on our list of returning WR's this season but Cormier will only improve his numbers. The young man was showtime during 7-on-7's this summer and has the confidence in his game that you can see already to go for a huge 2016 season. I really like his QB and with weapons in the backfield the Hawks will find ways to get him the ball.

Who Wins the Top OL Award:

6A: Logan Hertz, Rio Rancho: What's not to like about the 6-6 OL for the Rio Rancho Rams? The young man will lead a talented Rams team and already getting looks from all levels including D-1 Hertz is a big favorite. The OL is a talented bunch in New Mexico with several already having looks but Hertz plays on a team that has a chance to play deep into November/December and that will only help his chances. View the rest in the state of New Mexico here.

Top 25 Players: District 2-6A

Today, we look at the Top-25 Player Rankings for District 2-6A. The district features teams from Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Clovis.

For The Full Story and Rankings, click this link below
https://nmpreps.rivals.com/news/top-players-district-2-6a

A thread posted earlier questioning the difference between southern and northern NM high school football has me scratching my head. I read the answers that have been posted so far, all of whom are seemingly southern leaning posters, and the answers seem to all be similar. $$$, community support, facilities (goes back to $$$) and so on. Pondering this question and the answers given has provoked me to go down a path that may be the wrong one to go down in today's political climate, but I shall go the route anyway.

My first response, and I did post in that thread, was that the biggest difference between northern and southern NM high school football may be the political leanings of the regions. I have always had a feeling that the more conservative the person, the more likely that same person likes football and the more liberal leaning the person the less likely that person likes football. I have also had the feeling that the further north one travels in our great state the more liberal the area seems to be. This has always been just my own perception (although voting records indicate it as well) and perception becomes folks reality so that is where I have been. Having thought more about it, I decided to take a look around the web and see what I could find. I found a blog saying that republicans leaned more toward sports in general than democrats, but that ideology didn't necessarily matter. In this blog however, the writer quoted a story written by the Post Game Staff ( http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201303/how-politics-correlate-sports-interests) titled "Which sport has most politically liberal fans?" The article also had a chart that showed where liberals and conservatives put there vote when it comes to sports. It turns out that the top sports watched by liberals is the WNBA (by far the most), followed by women's tennis, then men's tennis, and finally horse racing. These were the top of the liberals sports and the ones they had the highest turnout for. Liberal viewers also watch the NBA (actually second to the WNBA but less turnout for), Major league soccer and European soccer but have lower turnout for these. On the conservative side, the PGA & LPGA golf, college football, NASCAR, the NFL, NHL, and high school sports were the highest. MLB, college basketball, and the Olympics were also high. Some other conservative sports, albeit with less turnout, include the PRCA, Pro Bull Riding, and NHRA drag racing. After reading this article it seems that my speculation and perception over the years seems to be propped up by the writers of this article.

So, where do you stand on this? Is the main difference between NM football in the north versus football in the south have to do with how one stands politically?

The following are returning players who were first-team or second-team all-state last season, which seemed like a good way to start this discussion. Please pick your favorites from this list or add other suggestions.

6A:
Jake Sanchez, D, La Cueva
Clint Smith, D, Sandia
David Armendariz, MF, Atrisco Heritage
Justin Farello, MF, Rio Rancho
Victor Flores, MF, Atrisco Heritage
Shamach Broussard, F, Sandia

5A:
Alex Touche, M, Academy
Seth Hailey, GK, Los Alamos
Nick Williams, D, Academy
Charles Touche, M, Academy
Diego Flores, F, Los Lunas
Victor Lozoya, F, Capital
Adam Aragon, D, Valencia
Aaron Hill, D, Academy
Luis Melendez, D, Capital
Chris Mesquita, M, Roswell
George Steinkamp, M, Los Alamos
Francisco Aragon, F, Valencia
Andres Torres, F, St. Pius

4A:
Tyrone Green, D, Taos
Aidan Swayne, M, Taos
Tyron Thomas, GK, Taos
Ryan Botko, M, Socorro
Patrick Boyd, F, Santa Fe Prep
Esteban Quintero, F, Monte del Sol

Does NM have a limit on 9th grade and JV games played. Most schedules show just 7 games.

NMPreps.com's Top 100 Greatest Teams of All-Time

Link
https://nmpreps.rivals.com/news/top-100-greatest-new-mexico-high-school-football-teams

Pic: 1975 NM State Title Game - Posted by our friend Mike Walla
Kyle I had to post this old photo from the 1975 NM State Title Game. Cruces won that game but this photo is one of the best shots ever and my goal here is to symbolize what will happen when my alma mater Eagles meet LC in the championship this season. This is how you make a football tackle boys and girls (lesson courtesy of T. Hartshorn) Las Cruces would go to finish out 13-0.

NM HIGH SCHOOLS THAT HAVE NO "S" AT THE END OF THE MASCOT NAME.


I came up with three.
Carlsbad Cavemen or Cave women
Cleveland Storm
St Micheals Horsemen

Let's make this a thread with articles relating to game recap articles..... similar to the thread about season previews.

Alamo v Mayfield Boys
http://www.alamogordonews.com/story...ordo-boys-soccer-draws-1-1-mayfield/88917568/

http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/spo...ld-boys-draw-alamogordo-open-season/88871328/

Silver v Deming Boys
http://www.scsun-news.com/story/spo...eams-sweep-deming-high-pair-matches/88908778/

For those young scholars and athletes looking to go to college here are the dates for exams:

ACT
• October 22, 2016 – Registration deadline September 16, 2016
• December 10, 2016 – Registration deadline November 4, 2016
• February 11, 2017 – Registration deadline January 13, 2017
• April 8, 2017 – Registration deadline March 3, 2017
• June 10, 2017 – Registration deadline May 5, 2017

SAT
• January 23, 2016 – Register by December 28, 2016
• March 5, 2016 – Register by February 5, 2016
• May 7, 2016 – Register by April 8, 2016
• June 4, 2016 – Register by May 5, 2016

Today, we release 5A team previews and highlight each team as we head into the 2016 schedule.

Early Outlook

The Coyotes pulled a nice surge during the third season under coach Jeff Lynn running towards 7-wins and a state tournament playoff, winning the opening round game 52-14 over Aztec. Will this over .500 type of season continue into 2016 or will there be a small drop off?

Rest of the feature linked here

My boy on the front left. Had to chuckle the other day when he was telling me about the weight room. Was proud he benched 325 and then the starting left guard put up 505. Was proud of his 450 squat and then the starting center put up 765. Told me "Dad you can't believe how strong many of these guys are. I have a lot of work to do to get on the field."

Reported that Eldorado has let go of their head coach

Anyone know what day the Lobos are going to have walk-on tryouts and if they are open to the public?

Small School Division Football - 8-Man/6-Man
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com

With 6-Man the focus comes in the form of the two-time defending champions and possible dynasty if they can make this three in a row. The same story line can be said for Melrose as their dynasty is almost written in stone as they return as a favorite without question.

Today, we attempt to give our expert opinion on a pair of classifications that have two strong programs, one that even made the NMPreps.com Top 50 Rankings with the Buffaloes of Melrose, an impressive achievement in its own.

5 Key Questions About Small School Division Football

1. 3 and then 4 next season for Melrose? No, we don't hand out State Tournament trophies in July but Melrose the back-to-back state champions have one of the top overall athletes in the state of New Mexico returning giving Buffalo nation something to be excited about. Melrose in two years have a record of 24-1 (13-0 in 2016) and looking to only be getting better. We will spend more time talking about the young man by the name of Cade Barnard, who will play past High School football, as the QB/LB at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds had over 20 touchdowns last season and could only be getting better. Only a junior Cade is excelling both on the grass field and hardwood.

2. Hondo Valley Continuing It's Own Dominance? 9-teams, being better than 8, wins you a state championship in 6-man football. Hondo Valley is the team that has to be the likely favorite as a two-time defending champion to make it a triple behind the athleticism of Antonio Vasquez who threw for 201-yards and rushed for 156-yards for 5 touchdowns in the 2015 state championship. I guess the question should be, can any team slow down the speedy athlete? Floyd could be the likely suitor to play spoiler as they have some athletes of their own returning. However, if I was a betting man (I am), I go with the dominance continues.

3. Is There a Dark Horse? 8-man football could have a team that fits the description as another prospect out there has us with clear eyes looking at Jorrell Mirabal who plays for Magdalena. Mirabal, a talented prospect on the field and basketball court like Barnard, also from the 2018 graduating class, had an impressive 1,500 all purpose yards and 20 touchdowns last season. The Steers will need some surrounding players to overcome the depth of Melrose athletes but that's why we love the term Dark Horse. The other team that we need to use loosely as a dark horse is the team that fell in the state championship last season the Gateway Christian Warriors who lost a key player to graduation but return a few that we will keep a close eye on. Quarterback Justin Reynolds who played well as a sophomore last season and had a great showing in the state championship.

4. What Newcomers Do We Need To Keep An Eye On? Do we need to give more love and attention to small school football, probably. Do we need more updates on Small School football, yes. However, we do hope to see some of these prospects show there worth at the NMPreps.com combine next week. In short here is a quick few view of players we have on our board. Brian Garcia, another 2018 prospect, plays QB for Animas. He three for 355-yards last season but the program could be trending in the right direction. Garcia, played well in two contest against good opponents, 118-yards in a win over Floyd (42-30) and 91-yards un a loss to Hondo Valley (42-26). The other prospect on our board is Austin Buurma, a senior running back, who ran for 1,383-yards last season with 8 touchdowns. He also passed for 255-yards on the season.

5. How Good Will Mesilla Valley Christian Be? The Son Blazers drop down in classification during this realignment. What does that mean? A challenger from the start. I won't stop there as this team has some serious swagger entering 8-man football with a handful of returning talent. They have changed head coaches, out is Michael Draper and in enters Juan Salas. Why so high on the Son Blazers, Grine? Well, if they return some prospect they could be ready to make an early impact on the classification. They had a freshman QB last season pass for 1,572-yards with 7-touchdown passes in Josh Castillo. He does lose he number one target but returns senior Jarret Coyle (259-yards) and junior Brock Maddox (139-yards). The juicy part is the defense where they return Tyler Franzoy who had 94-total sacks, Brock Maddox had 91-total tackles and Tate Wassner who had 81-total tackles. So is it too early to say Melrose, here is your contender. Will any other team emerge to make them a pretender? Add in Joshua Mitchell who was reported to have an offer from Western New Mexico, the 6'5'' OT/NG will be a monster in 8-man this season.

Projected 8-Man State Tournament Bids for 2016

1. Melrose
8. Tse' Yi' Gai'

4. Magdalena
5. Dora

3. Gateway Christian
6. Cloudcroft

2. Melilla Valley
7. Logan

Bubble
Carrizozo
Mescalero Apache

20 Players To Watch in Small School Football

Cade Barnard, QB/Jr, Melrose
Tyler Franzoy, D/Sr, Mesilla Valley Christian
Jorrell Mirabal, QB/Jr, Magdalena
Antonio Vasquez, QB, Hondo Valley
Joshua Mitchell, NG, Mesilla Valley Christian
Justin Reynolds, QB/Jr, Gateway Christian
Carson Fraze, RB/Jr, Melrose
Austin Buurma, RB/Sr, Mescalero Apache
Blaine Arnold, RB/Sr, Gateway Christian
Brock Maddox, D/Jr, Mesilla Valley Christian
Kaull Burton, Jr, Dora
Garrison Ventura, LB, Carrizozo
Brian Garcia, QB/Jr, Animas
Nathan Toddy, RB/So, Cloudcroft
Jesse Garcia, RB/Sr, Animas
Dylan Roberts, Sr, Dora
Adrian Alvarez, DE/Sr, Floyd
Anfernee Fragua, RB/Sr, Jemez Valley
Joseph Benavidez, Sr, Grady
Rayce Wagley, SS/Jr, Animas
Josh McDonald, OL/DL/Sr, Floyd
Jacob Thurman, Jr, Grady
Hunter Sorgen, DL/Jr, Melrose
Hayden Skinner, RB, Dora

Congrats to FHS New Head Girls Basketball Coach Brady Rivers!

When it comes to talent District 3-6A is the place to look in 6A football. The District is bigger and stronger this season as the realignment has placed all southern teams into one district.

Today, we look at the Top-25 Player Rankings for the district.

For The Full Story and Rankings, click this link below
https://nmpreps.rivals.com/news/top-25-players-district-3-6a

dodge City is looking for a couple of pitchers to enroll this fall and they have money.

Ok, I want to drive down to the Bulldog Bowl to experience a game there this year.

From you Artesia fans out there, which games would be your recommendations?

And second question places to stay and eat?

We are looking for 2 more 6A or 5A teams to play in our 3rd Annual VHS Jaguar Invite March 2-4. Please email Carlos Carrasco at ccarrasco@llschools.net

Who Will Be Next To Grab A D1 Scholarship Offer?

We are all fired up with the start of high school football season less than 2 weeks away.

My question is are you more excited for college football to start or the NFL?

WOW!

Are there any schools bigger than Rio Rancho in New Mexico?

El Muchacho???

Mayfield Running Back Isaac Vance is headed to Kent State!!

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