District 1-6A Predictions for 2016
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com
Today, we take a look at District 2-6A and give our predictions for what the 2016 season could bring us. We tackle some questions, ask some at the same time and decide how the district will shape up.
More: District 2-6A | District 3-6A | District 4-6A Predictions
Three Questions That Will Shape The District
1. Two-way race at the top? Rio Rancho High School is ranked number one in the state this preseason, Cleveland the defending champion is ranked second. It is without question that these two teams are going to be good, they both have some serious talent along with depth. Volcano Vista (
No. 12 NMPreps.com Top-50) is a team considered a dark horse right now, but this could be the year that they get over the hump as a serious Final Four contender. The question we have with Volcano in this battle is the ability to stop the amount of depth the Rams and Storm have at each position.
2. How many bids in 1-6A? Four districts, twelve bids so like previously we could say one auto bid from each district and two at-large bids. Likely two extra at large bids will float out there as 4-6A will likely be a one bid league. The possibility of 2 extra at-large bids could be floating out there for (prediction) Cibola and Piedra Vista to fight for. Cibola has a few bubble games like opening day vs La Cueva who is in the same mix, along with against Manzano and Carlsbad that could be considered bubble games. Piedra Vista has an easier schedule but doesn't help in this case and likely the one bubble game is against Manzano and possibly West Mesa.
3. Who wins player of the year? The district is known for having some D-1 players and this season is no different. The list will continue as one player has already made the commitment. Piedra Vista's Dylan Weaver has made a commitment to Texas Tech. David Cormier from Volcano Vista has offers from UNM and NMSU with a visit to Wake Forest. Rio Rancho's Logan Hertz has an offer from Montana along with some D2 offers. There is a handful of talent in this district and some players to watch Josh Foley (Rio Rancho), Adam Cook (Cleveland) and Kazyan Martin (Cibola) just to name a few players.
Grine Predicted Finish
1. #1 Rio Rancho
2. #2 Cleveland
3. #12 Volcano Vista
4. #17 Cibola
5. #18 Piedra Vista
Explain: For the first time I stay on course with our NMPreps.com Team Rankings. This district is loaded and the only one with all teams ranked in the Top-50 and better yet Top-25. So we all know top to bottom it is loaded with talent. Rio Rancho has depth, they will have a new QB but he is solid. Cleveland is in the same boat but their QB is already being considered one of the best in the state. Both Rio Rancho teams have OL that can defend new QB's as well with weapons to get the ball to. Volcano Vista also has a new QB but an under radar QB. Which one will develop throughout the season will be the one who get his team deep into the playoffs. Cibola and PV return talent at QB and will start off looking to play spoiler each night.
25 Studs to Watch
David Cormier, Sr, WR, Volcano Vista
Dylan Weaver, Sr, OL, Piedra Vista
Adam Cook, Sr, TE, Cleveland
Logan Hertz, Sr, OL, Rio Rancho
Josh Foley, Sr, RB, Rio Rancho
Angelo Trujillo, Jr, QB, Cleveland
Nic Little, Sr, QB, Rio Rancho
Dillon Gassoway, Sr, QB, Volcano Vista
Kazyan Martin, Sr, RB, Cibola
Shawn Nieto, Sr, RB, Cleveland
Damion Altamirano, Sr, OL, Cleveland
Dakota Carrasco, SR, WR, Rio Rancho
Chris Streetz, Sr, RB, Volcano Vista
Elijah Gamboa, Sr, QB, Piedra Vista
Haven Corsey, Sr, DB, Rio Rancho
Julian Gallegos, Sr, WR, Volcano Vista
Joren Dickey, Jr, WR, Volcano Vista
Hayden Wilson, Sr, OL, Cleveland
Gannon Chavez, Sr, QB, Cibola
Elijah Goodwin, Sr, DL, Rio Rancho
Alex Shay, Sr, ATH, Piedra Vista
Sean Davis, Sr, Cleveland
Brendon Armstead, Sr, Cleveland
Isaac Martinez, Sr, OLB/DE, Volcano Vista
Joaquin Espitia-Candelaria, Sr, ATH, Cibola
