Week 13: Statewide High school Football Playoff Preview
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com
No. 10 Hobbs @ No. 2 Eldorado - Saturday, 11/20 @ 1PM (Wilson)
Preview: Last Saturday under a beautiful crisp fall day in Albuquerque, New Mexico the Hobbs Eagles upset Volcano Vista 43-21. The offense posted over 400-yards and the Hobbs defense forced 7 turnovers in a game that was the talk of the State for the next few days. Fast forward 7-days later the No. 10 Hobbs Eagles now 7-4 on the season will have a chance to pull off an even bigger upset taking on the 8-2 Eldorado Eagles at Wilson Stadium. Eldorado, the best team from Albuquerque will be no easy task to beat, in-fact even No. 1 ranked Cleveland had to come from behind to beat Eldorado in a 41-34 shootout.
On the season Hobbs has impressive number across the board. Newly NMPreps.com Mr. Football Candidate Isaac Amaya has thrown for 3,641-yards and 39 touchdowns, his key targets include: Devin Beard a senior that has caught for 1,474-yards off 81 receptions, Cason Clay a very talented junior who has hauled in over 500-yards, and running back Jeremy Padilla who has rushed for 1,237-yards and caught for another 542-yards with 22 touchdowns on the year. On defense Caleb Beaird a junior has 120 total tackles, Jared Reber another linebacker has 118 tackles, Chris Kuykendall has 101 tackles, and Andre Gomez leads the team in interceptions with 5.
“I’ve had the opportunity to coach against some great ones in New Mexico: Roanhaus, Henderson, Bradley, etc. Coach Charlie Dotson has had a ton of success over the last several years and it’s exciting for us to play in a big game against a team like Eldorado. Our kids, our school, and our community are all excited to be playing football in November,” Said Head Hobbs Eagle Football Coach Charles Gleghorn about the match up this weekend.
What about Eldorado? What has made this program one of the Elite in Albuquerque over the last few years. Last year the Eagles were 10-2, this year 8-2 and the No. 2 overall seed in the Class 6A Tournament Bracket.
Well for starters their 2014 and 2015 senior class have been led by leaders and superior athletes. This year Quarterback Jayce Jackson who is a 4-year starter (at several different positions) at Eldorado has thrown for over 1,600-yards, Noah Sweitzer a 210 pound running back and linebacker has rushed for over 500-yards and recorded a state leading 181 tackles, Senior David Inman has over 600-yards receiving and over 70 tackles, Inman is one of the best players in New Mexico that you don’t know about. Charles Sooley is a 6-foot-2, 215 pound defensive end that has had a wonderful senior year chasing down quarterbacks and then there are the juniors.
Elijah Gudelj-Cox is a special teams threat who can take any kick to the house. Dominic Sandoval is a speedster and a key two-way player who ripped off some major touchdown runs against Rio Rancho last year around this time of year. Elias Baker is their 260 pound fullback/linebacker, yes he really carries the football from time to time and is outstanding when going downhill. Last, but not least there is Adam Clark is a 6-foot-3, 255 pound offensive linemen to watch.
Henderson’s Take: I knew Hobbs would be a tough draw for Volcano Vista in the first round and picked them to beat Hawks and while I picked them to beat Eldorado in the quarterfinals, this upset pick is much more far-fetched. The Eldorado Eagles are a team that can pound the rock and for the last few years, teams that can run the football and control the clock give Hobbs nightmares. If Coach Dotson dictates this game in shootout fashion, I’ll be surprised because that will fall into Hobbs’ game plan. Hobbs cannot turnover the football, Eldorado cannot leave Issac Amaya time to throw. This game is going to feature big plays and be something to talk about on Sunday.
No. 5 Mayfield @ No 4 Clovis - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Preview: The two teams are stories programs, led by some of the most respected coaches in the game, and this Friday Night’s match up will be the 21st time the two have played with Mayfield leading the series 15-5. Mayfield (8-3) and Clovis (7-3) have some recent playoff history: They met in last year’s quarterfinals with Mayfield winning 35-21, they also met in the 2009 semifinals with the Trojans again winning 38-0, and they met in the 2007 state title game with the Trojans winning in overtime 49-48. While the Trojans have had the upper hand in the series it was Clovis that was granted two weeks to prepare for Mayfield landing the No. 4 spot in the 6A playoff bracket.
The Wildcats are led by quite a few players that will be playing college football next year: Quarterback Daulton Hatley committed this week to play for Southeastern Oklahoma and a few weeks ago Roland Chavez their 6-foot-4, 200 pound Tight End committed to Northern Arizona.
As you would expect the most winningest coach in New Mexico High School Football Eric Roanhaus (over 320 career wins) loves to keep the rock on the ground. Junior Running Back Micah Gray is their featured back with 1,057-yards rushing this year (yes he’s healthy and playing) and Sophomore Seth Lopez has impressed with 759-yards and 10 touchdowns. Their defense is allowing 19.0 per game, season losses come against Rio Rancho, Frenship TX, and Cleveland.
The Mayfield Trojans have scored an unreal 236 points in their last 4 games if you can believe that. Two weeks ago they beat Las Cruces 56-27 and last week defeated the Atrisco Heritage Jaguars in the opening round 72-22. The offense has scored over 40 points seven times, over 50 five times, and over 60 twice this year. The Trojans have been dealt with some key injuries this season, but enter week 13 healthy and considering they have reached the state title in each of the last two-years, their is cause for concern when hosting the Green Machine.
Mayfield Quarterback JoeRay Valencia has thrown for 2,058-yards, Running Back Isaac Vance has rushed for 1,587-yards, Gavin Swinson has hauled in 835-yards, and on defense sophomore Torri Locklin has 4 interceptions.
Henderson’s Take: At times I felt as though Clovis should not of received a top 4 spot, then I looked at their body of work and paired that up with the talent, coaching, program prestige, etc. and they have had a tremendous season, one of their best seasons since I’ve been around. To me, Leon Williams will always a tough place to play, but with that said I think Mayfield is peaking at the right time and comes in with something to prove. I have no idea what the score will be, but think there could be a ton of points with a lot of excitement. While I am confident in my pick, the Beast from the East is bound to wake up at some point right?
Last Few Meetings
2014 - Mayfield 35, Clovis 21 *Quarterfinals
2009 - Mayfield 38, Clovis 0 *Semifinals
2007 - Mayfield 49, Clovis 48 * State Title Game OT
2007 - Mayfield 38, Clovis 20
2006 - Mayfield 21, Clovis 13
2005 - Mayfield 17, Clovis 7 *State Title Game
2005 - Mayfield 7, Clovis 0
2004 - Clovis 15, Mayfield 7 *Quarterfinals
2004 - Mayfield 35, Clovis 0
*Mayfield leads all-time series against Clovis 15-5
No. 6 Las Cruces @ No. 3 Rio Rancho, 11/20 @ 7PM
Preview: The two top level New Mexico Programs have played each other 6 times since the 2011 season with Rio Rancho winning 4 out of the 6 games. This will be the second time this season the two teams have played, earlier this year Las Cruces won a thriller at the Field of Dreams 34-31. The two teams also met in last year's 6A quarterfinals with Rio Rancho winning 41-23. Round two of this year presents another interesting match up: The story line is can a young Las Cruces team win on the road against a Rio Rancho team which has dealt with some major adversity over the last month losing three marquee players. Junior Running Back Josh Foley broke his tibia against Cibola, Steve Bailey their quarterback was suspended for breaking team rules, and Iowa State Tackle Grant Hermanns is done for the year after suffering growth plate issues. On top of that, the Rams are coming off a loss to the Cleveland Storm losing 44-14.
"We respect the impressive history of Las Cruces and we are excited to play Friday Night. We have had some epic battles in the past with them and we look forward to another one," said Rio Rancho Head Football Coach David Hows.
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs are an impressive 8-3 coming off a 56-27 loss to Mayfield and a 38-0 win over Cibola in the opening round.
"Rio Rancho is a very good football team and the reining state champion. Both teams are familiar with one another and it very easily could come down to who's defense plays better. Turnovers are always huge in games like this, so we need to take care of the football. We are plus 14 on the year and we to continue that. Should be a great game,"
Last 6 Meetings
2015 - Las Cruces 34, Rio Rancho 31
2014 - Rio Rancho 41, Las Cruces 23 *Quarterfinals
2014 - Rio Rancho 30, Las Cruces 22
2013 - Las Cruces 42, Rio Rancho 6
2012 - Rio Rancho 42, Las Cruces 21
2011 - Rio Rancho 48, Las Cruces 41 *Quarterfinals OT
Henderson's Take: Two of the elite programs in New Mexico playing another do or die match up. Be there if you're a fan of either team or just a high school football fan in generally. I have not been very good at picking games this year, but I am thinking that Las Cruces is able to pull out the "W" because of Kameron Miller. Miller will be the best player on the field Friday Night and has enough playoff game experience to put the Dawgs on his back to win what I feel will be a down to the wire/nail bitter type game.
Stat Leaders
Kameron Miller - Las Cruces - Quarterback - Thrown for 1,960-yards, ran for 1,375-yards, and scored 36 touchdowns.
Braon Baeza - Las Cruces - Receiver - 60 receptions for 1,060-yards and 12 touchdowns
Payton Ball - Las Cruces - Running Back - 599 yards rushing with 16 touchdowns
Steve Bailey - Rio Rancho - Quarterback - 2,137-yards and 17 touchdowns (Not sure if he is playing or not Friday Night)
Josh Foley - Rio Rancho - Running Back - 1,081-yards and 15 touchdowns (done for season with leg injury)
Brian Drake - Rio Rancho - Receiver - Caught for 657-yards and 7 touchdowns
Vincent Palmeri - Rio Rancho - Linebacker - 88 tackles this year
Trey Parnell - Rio Rancho - Linebacker - 76 tackles this year
No. 8 Manzano @. No. 1 Cleveland - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Preview: The first time these two played was back on August 28th in week 1 with Cleveland winning 53-0. In-fact the game was over at the half and Manzano left with less than 50-yards of total offense. Fast forward 12 weeks later, Manzano is still the 3 touchdown underdog, Cleveland still the clear favorite to win the whole thing, but this young Manzano team has grown up late in the year winning their last 5 out of 6 games. The Monarhcs advanced to the quarterfinals after trouncing the Sandia Matadors last week 41-13: Orlando Perez, Andrew Erickson, and Jordan Byrd all scored two touchdowns a piece. As for Cleveland, well what else is there really to say? At 10-0 and now with three D-1 committed prospects after both Gabe Ortega and Marcus Williams committed to the Lobos on Monday, the Storm has outscored the opposition 484-137 this season.
Though the Storm are the heavy favorite, there is reason for concern about playing a dangerous second round opponent according to Cleveland Head Football Coach Heath Ridenour, "Manzano is arguably the most improved team since week 1. They are playing with so much confidence right now. They have some new faces making a name for themselves since the last time we faced them. They are finding their rhythm offensively and have the potential to score a lot of points. Defensively they play hard and tackle well, Coach Adcox has done a fantastic job of developing this young group throughout the season."
Henderson’s Take: Really glad for Coach Chad Adcox and the Manzano Monarchs, young coach that hasn’t quit working hard and it’s paid off and to be honest I am really surprised they have beaten Mayfield this year and Sandia twice on the season because they are so young. With that said, Coach Heath Ridenour’s Storm has superior talent on both sides of the football and though the game is likely to go 4 quarters this time around, Cleveland is still my pick with great confidence. Cleveland 44, Manzano 12 is my pick
Stat Leaders
Orlando Perez - Manzano - Has thrown for 668-yards, rushed for 765-yards
Jordan Byrd - Manzano - Has scored 10 touchdowns this season
Bryce Watts - Manzano - Leads team in tackles with 78
Gabe Ortega - Cleveland - Has thrown for 1,897-yards, rushed for 496-yards, 26 touchdowns
Shawn Nieto - Cleveland - Has rushed for 698-yards and 11 touchdowns
Landry Hays - Cleveland - Has scored 11 touchdowns this year
Marcus Williams - Cleveland - Has caught for 717-yards and 10 touchdowns
Sean Davis - Cleveland - Leads team in tackles with 56
5A Quarterfinals
No. 8 Goddard @ No. 1 Centennial - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Centennial is 10-0
Goddard is 6-5, defeated Capital 28-27 to reach quarterfinals
Two teams have never met
Hendo’s Take: Easy to like Centennial here, especially at the Field of Dreams, but never seen Goddard be an easy out in the playoffs.
Players To Watch
Dante Lopez - Centennial - QB
Junior Pena - Centennial - WR
George Nino - Centennial - OL
Cameron Stevenson - Goddard - QB
Lukas Gutierrez - Goddard - RB
Ethan Featherstone - Goddard - LB
No. 12 Farmington @ No. 4 Moriarty - Friday, 11/20 @ 6PM
Moriarty 8-2
Farmington is 8-3, defeated Espanola 48-20 to advance to quarterfinals
Scorpions have won three in a row
Pintos have won 6 in a row, have not played since Oct. 30th
Hendo’s Take: Jeff Dalton has kept the Scorpions in the mix following Gary Bradley, Joey Anaya is up for the Coach of the Year Award going 8-2, should be a hard hitting close game.
Players To Watch
Allen Michel - Moriarty - RB
Sal Mora - Moriarty - LB
Kody Becenti - Farmington - QB
Axel Fowler - Farmington - RB
No. 6 Roswell @ No. 3 Piedra Vista - Saturday, 11/21 @ 1PM
Piedra Vista is 8-2
Roswell is 7-4, defeated Aztec 52-14 in quarterfinals
Roswell beat Piedra Vista earlier this year 19-10
Hendo’s Take: Love this match up and I think most are picking Roswell with an upset here, I can definitely see that, but Piedra Vista is well coached and has home field advantage.
Players To Watch
Isaac Gamboa - Piedra Vista - ATH
Matt Gonzales - Piedra Vista - ATH
Dominic Anaya - Roswell - QB
Jacob Miley - Roswell - WR/LB
No. 7 St. Pius @ No. 2 Artesia - Saturday, 11/21 @ 1PM
Artesia is 9-1
St. Pius X is 10-1, defeated Los Lunas 35-19 in Quarterfinals
Two teams have a combined record of 19-2
Artesia is 21-2 over the last two seasons
Hendo’s Take: Not sure why St. Pius X has been the least talked about 10 win team of all-time, but they can prove themselves with an upset win in the Bulldog Bowl. I rarely pick against the Dogs and home and won’t here. This game features two excellent quarterbacks.
Players To Watch
Drew Ortiz - St. Pius X - Quarterback
Miles Hilton - St. Pius X - Receiver
Alex Sais - St. Pius X - Defensive Linemen
Justin Houghtaling - Artesia - Quarterback
Ethan Duff - Artesia - Running Back/Receiver
Carlos Carrasco - Artesia - Defensive Back
Codey Scott - Artesia - Defensive Linemen
4A Quarterfinals
No. 8 St. Mikes @ No. 1 Portales - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Portales is 10-0
St. Mike’s is 6-5, defeated Silver 21-0 in quarterfinals
Portales beat St. Mike’s 28-13 on October 31st
Hendo’s Take: Think the Horsemen are a tough draw for anyone, but feel their youth catches up with them against a team filled with playmakers at Black Water Draw.
Players To Watch
Bronte Staaguard - Portales - Running Back
Jamie Ramirez - Portales - Quarterback
Darion Intiveros - Portales - Athlete
Xavier Vigil - St. Mike’s - Linebacker
Chross Jaramillo - St. Mike’s - Athlete
Brandon McAllister - St. Mike’s - Athlete
No. 5 Bloomfield @ no. 4 Robertson - Saturday, 11/21 @ 1:30PM
Robertson is 8-2
Bloomfield is 10-1, defeated Taos 41-7 in quarterfinals
Cardinals defense is allowing 14.8 ppg
Bobcat’s offense is scoring 39.0 ppg
Players To Watch
Brendon Charley - Bloomfield - Quarterback
JD Robinson - Bloomfield - Running Back
Francisco Arguello - Robertson - Linebacker
Arjay Ortiz - Robertson - Athlete
John Paul Griego - Robertson - Running Back
No. 6 Ruidoso @ No. 3 Cobre - Saturday, 11/21 @ 1PM
Cobre is 7-3
Ruidoso is 5-6, defeated Hot Springs 41-18 in the quarterfinals
Rematch of the 4A state title with Ruidoso winning 35-28
Ruidoso has won last three out of four games
Cobre has won their last six out of seven games
Hendo’s Take: Great, great match up, think an upset is possible, but I am taking Cobre here. Watch for their spread attack to cause lots of problems for Ruidoso.
Players To Watch
Andru Sanchez - Cobre - Quarterback
Robertson Rodriguez - Cobre - Receiver
Cisco Mayville - Ruidoso - Running Back
Kyler Woodul - Ruidoso - Quarterback
No. 7 Hope @ No. 2 Hatch Valley - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Hatch is 10-0
Hope is 8-3, defeated NMMI in the quarterfinals 27-0
Huskies have won last three games
Hatch’s offense is scoring 46.1 ppg
Hatch’s defense is allowing just 9.2 ppg
Hendo’s Take: Hatch is very dangerous and this is a tough road trip for the Huskies on a Friday Night. If Hope stays composed in a hostile environment, they should be ok, turnovers early could make this a route in favor of Hatch.
Players To Watch
Jared Garay - Hatch - Quarterback
Adrien Grajeda - Hatch - Running Back
Austin Franzoy - Hatch - Linebacker
Caleb Meyer Hagen - Hope - Quarterback
Jordan Leake - Hope - Receiver
3A Quarterfinals
No. 8 Texico @ No. 1 Estancia - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Estancia is 10-0
Texico is 4-7, defeated Tucumcari 34-7 in the quarterfinals
Estancia is scoring 47.0 ppg on offense
Estancia is allowing 7.9 on defense
Hendo’s Take: Estancia has all the components to just run the table and on paper are leaps and bounds better than the competition, but they have not won anything this year yet. Overlook Texico and they could be in trouble.
Players To Watch
Adam Lugan - Estancia - Running Back
Ezekiel Tapia - Estancia - Running Back
Caleb Ortiz - Estancia - Defensive End
Trevor Noblitt - Estancia - Offensive Linemen
Mason Golden - Texico - Running Back
No. 5 Lordsburg @ No. 4 Dexter - Saturday, 11/21 @ 1PM
Dexter is 7-3
Lordsburg is 8-3, defeated Tohatchi 54-0 in quarterfinals
Demons have won their last 4 out of 5 games
Demons are led by 1st year Coach Kevin Graham
Lordsburg is scoring 47.3 ppg
Lordsburg is led Louie Baisa who has coached for over 20-years
Hendo’s Take: Pound for pound, this is one of the best match ups regardless of Class this weekend. I picked Lordsburg because they have more play-makers IMO, but Dexter has proven to rise to the occasion this year and the Demons have quite the quarterback in Dominic Lomeli.
Players To Watch
Dominc Lomeli - Dexter - Quarterback
Gabino Rodrigez - Dexter - Running Back
Johnny Plowman - Lordsburg - Quarterback
Jacob Esquivel - Lordsburg - Athlete
No. 7 Santa Rosa @ No. 2 Clayton - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Clayton is 5-5
Santa Rosa is 5-6, defeated Navajo Prep 30-22 in the quarterfinals
Clayton beat Santa Rosa earlier this year 38-8
Hendo’s Take: This rivalry that was once controlled by Santa Rosa is now all Clayton and the Yellowjackets can again avenge years of losing to the Lions with another victory in the quarterfinals over the Lions. Two strong running games going head to head.
Players To Watch
Joaquin Lopez - Santa Rosa - Running Back
Justin Taylor - Clayton - Running Back
Tucker Poling - Clayton - Defensive Linemen
Seth Martienz - Clayton - Linebacker
No. 6 Capitan @ Eunice - Friday, 11/20 @ 7PM
Eunice 6-3
Capitan is 7-4, defeated Laguna 45-21 in the quarterfinals
Eunice is led by first year head coach Ken Stevens
Capitan is led by first year head coach James Weems
Hendo’s Take: Good to see Capitan back in the mix, there has been unusually down years for the Tigers, but Weems has done a good job. Eunice is still in the playoff mix under Ken Stevens, good 3A match up.
Players To Watch
Price Bowen - Capitan - Linebacker
Blane Ferbrache - Eunice - Running Back
Aaron Madrid - Eunice - Linebacker
8Man Championship Game
8Man Title Game
No. 2 Gateway @ No. 1 Melrose - Saturday, 11/21 @2PM
Melrose is 12-0
Gateway is 10-1
Melrose beat Gateway earlier this year 56-6
Hendo’s Take: Melrose has had some pretty good teams lately, but this team could likely make a run at the 2A title this year. They have outscored the comp: 703-90 this year, their closest game was a win over Boise City, Oklahoma where they won by 40. Gatway is also potent and has scored an incredible 256 points in their last 4 games hitting 70 twice.
Players To Watch
Cade Banard - Melrose - Athlete
Wyatt Williams - Melrose - Athlete
Rowdy Allen - Melrose - Athlete
More previews to follow - This will be an ongoing story leading up to Friday!!!! Feedback wanted!!!
