Former La Cueva and UTSA student-athlete Tyler Straub has signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals. Congrats to Tyler and his family!

Devin Woolsey, Ben Bertram and Jacob Barnhill from Sandia High School at SDSU prospect camp with Head Coach Rocky Long.

Within the nm high school ranks?

Let's honor Dad

Best memory of you and pops growing up was

Go

Which Team is considered a boom or bust team?

This year?

Is this what it looks like for Class 6A?

District 1-6A

Cibola - Gannon Chavez

Cleveland - Angelo Trujillo

Pierre Vista - Alex Shay (Not sure on this one)

Rio Rancho - Nic Little or Logan Bruere

Volcano Vista - Not sure

District 2-6A

Clovis - Not sure

Eldorado - Matt Denis

La Cueva - Chris Campbell

Manzano - Dakota Powell?

Sandia - Jacob Archibeque

Santa Fe - Adrian Blea

District 3-6A

Carlsbad - Nate Arrington or Jonah Leyva

Centennial - Dante Lopez

Gadsden - Not sure

Hobbs - Blake Moore or Gavin Hardison

Las Cruces - Payton Ball

Mayfield - Torri Locklin

Onate - Not sure

District 4-6A

Albuquerque - Not sure

Atrisco - Not sure

Highland - Not Sure

Rio Grande - Not Sure

Valley - Not Sure

West Mesa - Dominic Fischer

Cleveland TE Adam Cook just received his first offer from Eastern New Mexico. Cook is a 6-3, 240 pound tight end that was all state as a junior during the 2015 season.

"I've talked to UNM, NAU, Rice has shown interest, Abeline Christian shown interest and headed to West Texas A&M for a camp this Saturday," said Cook.

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More to follow.

Running Backs Who Could Win NMPreps.com Mr. Football
Grine of NMPreps.com


Chris Streetz from Volcano Vista is due for a breakout year in 2016

Today, on NMPreps.com we take a look at the top returning running backs in the state of New Mexico. This could be the Year of the Back.

Yes, too many variables to predict the winner for the state championship or top individual award in the state in the Mr. Football despite the uncertainty we name the top candidates from the running back cores.

1. Isaac Vance, Sr, RB, Mayfield HS (Las Cruces, NM). From the get-go last season we rushed to highlight the name of Isaac Vance who ran for 361-yards with four touchdowns during week one. He followed that up with a week two performance of 247-yards and 5-touchdowns. Well, that story continued for a season of 2,200 yards and 30 touchdowns. Vance and the Trojans are an early favorite to win the 6A title this season which will create for him to be heavy favorite. The better a team does combined with individual numbers only help the case.

2. O'Maury Samuels, Sr, RB, Los Lunas HS (Los Lunas, NM). Samuels became a star this summer after making headlines across the nation at a combine. Samuels also committed to the University of Michigan. However, the state of New Mexico was well aware of the back before national news after running for 1,468 yards and 21 touchdowns. The task will be all the more difficult this season but if Samuels has a season that has a stat line like last season he could be in place himself among the finalist.

3. Josh Foley, Sr, RB, Rio Rancho HS (Rio Rancho, NM). The City of Rio Rancho is quickly rising as one of New Mexico's top cities for high school football with the likes of Artesia and Las Cruces. Josh Foley rushed for 1,081-yards and 20 touchdowns last season and will only see those numbers improve. Like many projections on this list the variables will vary but the Rams could be the number one favorite to win the title this creating a big push for a great running back.

4. Micah Gray, Sr, RB, Clovis HS (Clovis, NM). Continuing the list of sensational running backs Micah Gray tops the candidates list after a 1,057 yard season with 13 touchdowns. Gray becomes a centerpiece to a 6A power in football and frontrunner in their district. Gray, could run wild during the district race and you can expect huge numbers from the young man. Gray is a pick that you could see taking home the award somewhat under the radar even if the Wildcats don't make it far into November...but I predict they will and that only helps his case.

5. Kayzan Martin, Sr, RB, Cibola HS (Albuquerque, NM). Easily one of the best returning prospects on the Cibola Cougars offense. Martin rushed for 800-yards last season and had a few weeks of making the All-NMPreps Team. Martin should get plenty of love during the season and the Cougars success will rely heavy on what they do this season.

6. Ezekiel Tapia, Sr, FB, Estancia HS. The running game is the centerpiece of the Bears offense and now they turn to Tapia who at 1,323 was not the leading rusher on this roster. You have to imagine this number climbs and his stock will rise. The Bears are back-to-back state champions in 3A and once again will be a favorite.

7. Jesus Vargas, Sr, RB, Capital HS (Santa Fe, NM). Vargas, was mentioned this week of attending the Boise St. football camp as the back will be one of the names to know in 5A football. Vargas, rushed for 1,215 yards last season and that number, with the teams loss of Auguie Larranaga will only help his touches and numbers.

8. Shawn Nieto, Sr, RB, Cleveland HS (Rio Rancho, NM). We can't truly say that Nieto is underrated but he's been underrated. We know the studs Cleveland had last season and returning this season off their state championship year. Well, Neito should be among the list of backs we know, he could be the one in store for one of the biggest breakout years. He ran for 931-yards last season with 18-touchdowns. You can expect those numbers to improve.

9. Axel Fowler, Jr, RB, Farmington HS (Farmington, NM). The Scorpions have become a football program to reckon with and they could be in store for another top season. I could predict another 8-10 win season and Fowler only a sophomore last season rushed for 908-yards and 13-touchdowns. The better they do, the more touches he gets the bigger the Fowler name.

10. Chris Streetz, Sr, RB, Volcano Vista HS (Albuquerque, NM). Streetz checks a lot of boxes for this award and one is the name - STREETZ. I wouldn't mind typing that name in 2016 and it is likely that I might as he ran for 750-yards, 9 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns for team that had a great QB and WR game.

10 More to Come in the Conversation

Jonathan Stroman (La Cueva)
Xavier Vigil (St. Mikes)
Cisco Mayville (Ruidoso)
Josiah Fielder (Onate)
Ryan Beltran (Las Cruces)
Thomas Bui (La Cueva)
Luis Mendoza (Roswell)
Tommy Trujillo (Espanola Valley)
Gabe Kline (Valencia)
Joseph Griego (Robertson)

NORTH 13, SOUTH 12 - FINAL
Rio Rancho, NM



NORTH WITH THE WIN

Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho was home to this years 3A/4A All-Star game. The ground and pound North team held strong in the second half scoring the only touchdown of the second half to win the game 13-12. Caleb Ortiz from the Estancia Bears, the two-time 3A state champs, had the go-ahead touchdown to win the game for the North.



SCORES

1st Q (NORTH) - Brennen Ramsey of Kirtland Central took a handoff to the house for the first touchdown in the game. North 7, South 0
2nd Q (SOUTH) - Jeremiah Burke of Silver High School took a 50 plus yard pass to the house for the south. Extra point was missed. North 7, South 6.
2nd Q (SOUTH) - With the catch of the day Damon Rivera had a one hand catch for the lead and top play on the day. South 12, North 7.
3rd Q (NORTH) - Caleb Ortiz scored what would end up being the winning touchdown for the North.

District 4-6A 2016 Predictions
Grine of NMPreps.com

A majority of us look at this district and automatically see Valley as the favorite with their recent success in the state. However, other programs have steadily improved or have been there the entire time like Atrisco Heritage Academy who return several key players. West Mesa though might have the best returning core next season with 21-returning players who started last season including a Top prospect in the state of New Mexico.

Most of the preseason attention will be focused on West Mesa and defending champion Atrisco Heritage Academy but Highland is the team that could be the dark horse who shouldn't be overlooked. The Hornets return a quality mix of prospects that could take them to the next step in 4-6A.

It is likely that Rio Grande and Albuquerque will be in the cellar this season, Albuquerque could be in for a dip this season after recent success.

Trips Right: Three Questions That Will Dictate The District

1. West Mesa or Atrisco? The two teams finished 1-2 last season with Atrisco taking the District and earning the bid. West Mesa, however returns a core that can't be overlooked. As mentioned in their preview they have several returning starters including ATH Dominic Fischer who will be taking snaps at QB this season. We give the edge to West Mesa because of the core returning while Atrisco has some holes to fill.

2. Is Highland Ready To Make The Jump? The love this preseason will not be or has not been to this point in favor of the Hornets. However, they have some dark horse returning players and maybe a highlight reel in Daniel Horton who is non-stop making huge plays. Could be in talks for player of the year for District 4-6A.

3. New Coach: Will Judge Chavez Have A Quick Impact? Yes, he will have the Vikings ready but the dip they took last season could mirror this season for their District finish. The coach is fired up and a veteran that will have them on the rise in a short few years again but the roster depth might have them at 2-wins.

District 4-6A Early Outlook

Albuquerque Bulldogs (Coming Soon)
Atrisco Heritage Academy Jaguars (Coming Soon)
Highland Hornets (NMPreps.com Top 50: Not Ranked)
Rio Grande Ravens (NMPreps.com Top 50: Not Ranked)
Valley Vikings (NMPreps.com Top 50: #24)
West Mesa Mustangs (NMPreps.com Top 50: #33)

Predicted Finish

West Mesa 5-0
Atrisco Heritage Academy 4-1
Highland 3-2
Valley 2-3
Albuquerque 1-4
Rio Grande 0-5

Explanation: I go outside their early outlook as I bank on West Mesa. Maybe, my biggest buy low team to reach the state tournament at this point.

District Awards

Player of the Year Nominations: Dominic Fischer (West Mesa), Daniel Horton (Highland), Isaiah Chavez (Valley)
QB of the Year: Isaiah Chavez (Valley)
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Garduno (West Mesa)
Coach of the Year: Stacey Washington (Highland) or Ron McMath (West Mesa)

Metro Passing League - Week Two

Tuesday night at Highland High School in Albuquerque we entered week two of the MPL.

After being absent during week one it was Cleveland with a few long bombs by the top play of quarterback Angelo Trujillo, who was spectacular on the day.

It was the day of the quarterback as Volcano Vista's QB was also top notch connecting with all of his receivers. Eldorado has a top QB on the rise and will be a solid replacement moving forward as state runner ups.

Dylan Gassoway of Volcano Vista, hugely underrated will be a name to know moving forward.

Not stopping there La Cueva, running the spread looked great under Chris Campbell a strong armed QB who connected consistently throughout the opening game.

Angelo Trujillo - QB - Cleveland HS

Dylan Gassoway - QB - Volcano Vista

Matt Denis - QB - Eldorado

Chris Campbell - QB - La Cueva

HIGHLIGHTS

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TUESDAY - 6/14/2016

All games held at Highland High School

5:30
Volcano Vista vs La Cueva (East Field)
Del Norte vs Eldorado (West Field)

6:30
Highland vs West Mesa (East Field)
Cleveland vs Sandia (West Field)

7:30
HHS vs. VVHS
DNHS vs. LCHS

8:30
Clev vs. WMHS
EHS vs. SHS

What players have stood out this summer?

What teams are looking good this summer?

Hayden Wilson - Cleveland - OT

Daimon Altamirano - Cleveland - OT

each received offers from Eastern New Mexico today

More on Hayden Wilson
- 6-foot-5, 255 pound offensive linemen out of the Class of 2017 has will be attending the May 22, 2016 Nike+ Regional Camp in Oakland, California. Wilson was also invited to attend the New Mexico Lobo’s Spring Game, invited to West Texas A&M’s Spring Game, and is planning on attending various camps this summer. Wilson has been clocked recently running a 5.09 40-time, a 4.75 shuttle, and is a member of the Cleveland Storm 1,000 pound club.

More on Daimon Altamirano
Daimon Altamirano - Cleveland - 6-foot-5, 285 pound offensive linemen is hearing from New Mexico, Northern Arizona, and will attend the Nike+ Opening in Oakland. He has been in Cleveland's 1,000 pound club since freshmen year and currently benches 350 pounds. As of late New Mexico State, Colorado Mesa, and Western Colorado have been in contact.

Goddard
8/26/2016 @Capital
9/2/2016 Piedra Vista
9/9/2016 @Carlsbad
9/16/2016 Clovis
9/23/2016 @Santa Fe
9/30/2016 Alamogordo
10/7/2016 @Deming
10/21/2016 Lovington
10/28/2016 Artesia
11/4/2016 Roswell

Scores from Thursday Night

CHS equals Cibola

2 Coaching Positions/Teaching Positions OPEN At Cleveland

Email Coach Heath Ridenour at heath.ridenour@rrps.net

As most of you know the NMAA (North/Metro Athletic Alliance) will be making some changes. One of those changes is that they will no longer recognize Rodeo as a sport in NM. Which will not be a problem for some schools because Texas recognizes NM rodeo contestants that live closely to the Texas border. As for Hobbs they routinely participate in the Texas high school rodeo format and the state finals were held this past June 11th in Abilene. Hobbs had a contestant win an individual Texas championship. Kenna Hayes McNeill clinched the Lone Star State Title beating out more Texans that you can shake a stick at. She now advances to the national finals in Wyoming. Congratulations to her and good luck in Wyoming. Bring a national championship home to Hobbs!

Who Will Be Next To Get A D1 Offer?

Where???

Sandia Linebacker Ben Bertram has been offered by New Mexico Highlands. Adams State has also offered.

Who's Attending?

5 Wild Card Teams in 2016
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com

Today, we look at those "mystery" teams heading into the 2016 season. We know the favorites, mostly the powers, and we have an idea of some contenders. However, some teams are just hard to read and could be in the conversation of boom or bust.

CIBOLA COUGARS

Rod Williams was the talk last season as a dark horse that excelled expectations for the most part. Under WIlliams the Cougars have finished over .500 in each of his three seasons and avoid losses to graduation filling the holes automatically. Wild Card team because the District gets tougher, maybe three bids to state, but they return serious experience from Gannon Chavez who threw for 1,321-passing yards and a 907-rushing Running back in Kazyan Martin. Just how high can they go?

PIEDRA VISTA PANTHERS

Staying in 1-6A we look at the new member to the classification in the Panthers. The move UP is rarely an easy task however a playoff team (semi-finals) in 5A the Panthers also display some serious talent to compete early. They have the Texas Tech commit in 6-foot-6, 280 pound Dylan Weaver along with a talented running Quarterback by the name of Elijah Gamboa. However, only three - maybe four, go to state from 1-6A can they break the mold that soon?

RUIDOSO WARRIORS

On paper, Ruidoso has the roster and coaching staff to be back in the conversation to win it all. They return a QB who passed for 1,916-yards in Kyler Woodul, a running back who rushed for 1,317-yards in Cisco Mayville, and junior receiver who caught for 749-yards! That my NMPNation is more than enough to BUY on them. Now why would I have them as a Wild Card? Other programs are still good with the likes of Hatch Valley, Cobre, and Robertson along with District rival Portales.

DEL NORTE KNIGHTS

The Knights had their share of bad luck losing their top next level prospect at running back. They finished 2016 under .500 behind a difficult schedule but ended on a high note with a 42-0 win over Los Alamos and bear upset of Capital (22-15). You have to like that about the seasoning moving forward along with adding the play of 210 pound running back Avery See, but do they have to replace to many holes?

LOVINGTON WILDCATS

The drought in Wildcat country is alive after a 1-9 season and missing State since 2012. A new era begins at Lovington this fall, as Anthony Gonzlaes replaces longtime coach Jaime Quinones. The good news is the QB was only a junior and showed big signs of being a stud. The schedule is set up to allow for some success and, even in year one, the ceiling is always high in football country.