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Grine's Preseason to Championship: What’s Changed?​

What a Season!
The 2024 New Mexico high school football season, a journey that began with preseason rankings and bold predictions in January, has reached its crescendo. Over 11 months of analysis, games, and surprises, our NMPreps preseason rankings set the stage. Now, as we approach the state championships, it’s time to reflect: What has changed?

Preseason Top-5 Review​

Our preseason Top-5 teams across classifications had their highs, lows, and surprises. Let’s review:

Class 6A​

1. La Cueva Bears
   • Preseason Rank: #1
   • Current Status: 12-0, playing for the 6A state championship.
   • Verdict: Right on the money! The Bears have met expectations, steamrolling through the season.
2. Las Cruces Bulldawgs
   • Preseason Rank: #2
   • Current Status: Semifinalists, fell to La Cueva.
   • Verdict: A strong season but slightly underwhelmed compared to lofty preseason expectations.
3. Cleveland Storm
   • Preseason Rank: #3
   • Current Status: 6A Championship-bound after upsetting Centennial in the semifinals.
   • Verdict: A solid prediction. Cleveland held their ground and exceeded expectations late in the season.
4. Centennial Hawks
   • Preseason Rank: #4
   • Current Status: Semifinalists, dominant regular season but stumbled in the playoffs.
   • Verdict: Close to expectations, but playoff struggles cost them.
5. Artesia Bulldogs (5A)
   • Preseason Rank: #5 (5A)
   • Current Status: 5A Championship-bound, seeking a three-peat.
   • Verdict: Living up to their legacy, Artesia continues to dominate 5A football.

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Preseason to Week 1 Rankings Comparison​

In Week 1, we predicted where each team would fall across all classifications. Let’s evaluate.

Class 6A: Final Thoughts​

• Biggest Risers: Organ Mountain—significantly exceeded expectations.
• Biggest Fall: Clovis—dropped heavily compared to preseason rankings.
• Grade: A solid A for our preseason rankings in 6A.

Class 5A: Final Thoughts​

• Key Notes: Artesia and Roswell have dominated as predicted. However, teams like Goddard and Valley fell short.
• Grade: A respectable A-.

Class 4A: Final Thoughts​

• Surprises: Espanola Valley emerged as a semifinalist, while Aztec and Portales underperformed.
• Grade: A disappointing D+, as predictions didn’t align well with results. See below why.

Class 3A: Final Thoughts​

• Biggest Miss: Dexter should have been ranked higher. In my defense I was out voted, I had Dexter at No. 5 but WE (NMPreps didn't)
• Grade: A self-imposed B-, though we nailed St. Mikes, Robertson fell, Dexter was high, WLV somewhat underperformed.

Class 2A: Final Thoughts​

• Surprises: Texico remained strong, and Santa Rosa’s rise was noteworthy.
• Grade: A confident B+, showing strong foresight.

Week 1 Classification Rankings Recap​

6A Football​

1. La Cueva
2. Las Cruces
3. Cleveland
4. Centennial
5. Rio Rancho
6. Hobbs
7. Volcano Vista
8. Sandia
9. Eldorado
10. Los Lunas
11. West Mesa
12. Clovis
13. Alamogordo
14. Piedra Vista
15. Farmington
16. Carlsbad
17. Atrisco Heritage
18. Albuquerque High
19. Cibola
20. Santa Fe
21. Organ Mountain

Final Thoughts for 6A​

• High on Hobbs: Perhaps a bit too optimistic.
• Organ Mountain: A big riser.
• Clovis: The biggest faller.

5A Football​

1. Artesia
2. Roswell
3. Deming
4. Mayfield
5. Goddard
6. Lovington
7. Valley
8. Gadsden
9. Los Alamos
10. Highland
11. Belen
12. Capital
13. Santa Teresa
14. Miyamura
15. Rio Grande
16. Del Norte

Final Thoughts for 5A​

• Goddard: Hurt our grade, as did Valley.
• Artesia and Roswell: Still strong contenders.

4A Football​

1. Portales
2. Bloomfield
3. Silver
4. Albuquerque Academy
5. St. Pius X
6. Bernalillo
7. Grants
8. Manzano
9. Valencia
10. Taos
11. Aztec
12. Espanola Valley
13. Moriarty
14. Kirtland Central
15. Chaparral

Final Thoughts for 4A​

• Portales: Losing Culpepper hurt.
• Silver and Albuquerque Academy: Hurt our grade!
• Bernalillo and Espanola Valley: Exceeded expectations.

3A Football​

1. St. Michael's
2. Robertson
3. West Las Vegas
4. New Mexico Military
5. Socorro
6. Hope Christian
7. Cobre
8. Dexter
9. Pojoaque Valley
10. Ruidoso
11. Hatch Valley
12. Gallup
13. Thoreau
14. Crownpoint
15. Tohatchi
16. Hot Springs
17. Santa Fe Indian
18. Wingate
19. Zuni
20. Shiprock

Final Thoughts for 3A​

• Dexter: Should have been ranked higher.

2A Football​

1. Eunice
2. Texico
3. Raton
4. Santa Rosa
5. Tularosa
6. Loving
7. Jal
8. Estancia
9. Legacy Academy
10. Tucumcari
11. Cuba
12. McCurdy
13. Navajo Prep
14. Newcomb
15. Capitan
16. Laguna-Acoma
17. Hozho Academy

Final Thoughts for 2A​

• Eunice: A bit too high.
• Santa Rosa: The program is back in the title game.

We give ourselves a B+.

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Championship Games: The Final Showdown​

Here’s the lineup for the November 30, 2024 State Championship games:

• 6A: #1 La Cueva vs. #3 Cleveland
• 5A: #1 Roswell vs. #2 Artesia
• 4A: #1 Bloomfield vs. #2 St. Pius X
• 3A: #1 St. Michael's vs. #2 Dexter
• 2A: #1 Texico vs. #2 Santa Rosa

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Reflections on the Journey​

The preseason rankings captured much of the drama that would unfold. From La Cueva’s dominance to Artesia’s march toward a three-peat, we got a lot right. Yet, surprises like Espanola Valley’s 4A semifinal run remind us of the unpredictability that makes New Mexico high school football so thrilling.

As we close the book on 2024, NMPreps is proud to have been your companion for the ride. Here’s to the teams that proved us right, those that defied expectations, and the memories we’ve made this season. Have fun Saturday!

Did anyone read the artical today in the New Mexican ? It talks about the St. Mikes coach going to Santa Fe. That probaly won't happen.
What I want to talk about is the idea of to build a team you need to drop a classifaction and schedule non competive teams, Does that
really work that seems to be what teams in the north do and the south just builds teams. IDK thoughts on this

*****PICK 'EM CHALLENGE******

You pick the winners, we track the points! Who among you is the best at predicting the outcomes of New Mexico high school football games each week? It’s simple: we select five games weekly, assign points for choosing favorites or upsets, and you submit your picks for each game. We’ll maintain a leaderboard throughout the season to see who comes out on top!

Texico AT Eunice, +14,000 (Eunice is the upset +18,000)
Dexter AT Robertson, +14,000 (Robertson is the upset +18,000)
Cleveland AT Centennial, +14,000 (Cleveland is the upset +18,000)
Bernalillo AT Bloomfield, +14,000 (Bernalillo is the upset +18,000)
Melrose vs Mesilla Valley, +14,000 (Mesilla is the upset +18,000)

What if Portales had not lost their QB at the beginning of the season?

What if Lovington was in 4A like last year?

What if Artesia was playing 6A?

What games are you at this week?

What do you have?

Post here

*****2024 NMAA NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE PLAYOFFS*****

CHAMPIONSHIPS

6A FOOTBALL - NOV 30
#1 La Cueva vs #3 Cleveland - 1pm

5A FOOTBALL - NOV 30
#1 Roswell vs #2 Artesia - 1pm

4A FOOTBALL - NOV 30
#1 Bloomfield vs #2 St. Pius X - 1pm

3A FOOBALL - NOV 30
#1 St. Michael's vs #2 Dexter - 1pm

2A FOOTBALL - NOV 30
#1 Texico vs #2 Santa Rosa - 1pm

SEMIFINALS

6A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 La Cueva 47, #5 Las Cruces 19 - F
#3 Cleveland 56, #2 Centennial 20 - F

5A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 Roswell 49, #4 Gadsden 21 - F
#2 Artesia 50, #6 Mayfield 14 - F

4A FOOTBALL - NOV 23
#1 Bloomfield 65, #4 Bernalillo 14 - F
#2 St. Pius X 31, #6 Espanola Valley 22 - F

3A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 St. Michael's 46, #5 New Mexico Military 7 - F
#2 Dexter 27, #3 Robertson 24 - F

2A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 Texico 36, Eunice 27 - F
#2 Santa Rosa 47, #6 Loving 13 - F

8-MAN FOOTBALL - NOV 23
#1 Melrose 62, #3 Mesilla Valley 12 - F

QUARTERFINALS

6A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 La Cueva 57, #9 Hobbs 6 - F
#2 Centennial 43, #7 Rio Rancho 17 - F
#3 Cleveland 57 vs #6 Los Lunas 7 - F
#5 Las Cruces 17 vs #4 Volcano Vista 3 - F

5A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 Roswell 42, #9 Highland 0 - F
#2 Artesia 45, #7 Lovington 7
#6 Mayfield 21 vs #3 Deming 7 - F
#4 Gadsden 43, #5 Los Alamos 14 - F

4A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 Bloomfield 50, #8 Valencia (0 - F
#2 St. Pius X 46, #7 Grants 14 - F
#6 Espanola Valley 28 vs #3 Taos 0 - F
#4 Bernalillo 37 vs #12 Chaparral 6 - F

3A - Quarterfinals - Nov 15/16
#1 St. Michael's 55, #9 Thoreau 0 - F
#2 Dexter 53 vs #7 Hatch Valley 0 - F
#3 Robertson 38, #6 West Las Vegas 15 - F
#5 NMMI 29 vs #4 Socorro 24 - F

2A - Quarterfinals - Nov 16
#1 Texico 52, #8 Navajo Prep 0 - F
#2 Santa Rosa 14, #7 Raton 12 - F
#5 Eunice 27, #4 Tularosa 6 - F
#6 Loving 42, #3 Legacy Academy 20 - F

8-Man - Semifinals - Nov 16
#1 Melrose 58, #4 Gateway Christian 6 - F
#3 Mesilla Valley 28, #2 Fort Sumner/House 22 - F

6-Man - State Championship - Nov 15
#1 Logan 54 vs #2 Grady 14 - F

FIRST ROUND

6A - First Round - Nov 8/9
#5 Las Cruces 49, #12 West Mesa 7 - F
#6 Los Lunas 28, #11 Piedra Vista 27 - F
#7 Rio Rancho 47, #10 Sandia 17 - F
#9 Hobbs 35, #8 Eldorado 14 - F

5A - First Round - Nov 8/9
#5 Los Alamos 49, #12 Valley 28 - F
#6 Mayfield 53, #11 Belen 7 - F
#7 Lovington 55, #10 Goddard 21 - F
#9 Highland 20, #8 Miyamura 12 - F

4A - First Round - Nov 8/9
#6 Espanola Valley 14, #11 Manzano 6 - F
#7 Grants 22, #10 Silver, Saturday 16 - F
#8 Valencia 35, #9 Moriarty 34 - F
#12 Chaparral 10, #5 Portales 0 - F

3A - First Round - Nov 8/9
#5 NMMI 35, #12 Hot Springs 6 - F
#6 West Las Vegas 26, #11 Ruidoso 0 - F
#7 Hatch Valley 28, #10 Pojoaque Valley 20 - F
#9 Thoreau 22, #8 Hope Christian 20. F

2A - First Round - Nov 8/9
#5 Eunice 56, #12 Laguna-Acoma 6 - F
#6 Loving 47, #11 Cuba 0 - F
#7 Raton 41, #10 Jal 12 - F
#8 Navajo Prep 54, #9 McCurdy 30 - F

8-MAN/6-MAN STATE PLAYOFFS

8-Man - Semifinals - Nov 16
#1 Melrose (11-0) vs #4 Gateway Christian (7-2), 1pm
#2 Fort Sumner (9-0) vs #3 Mesilla Valley Christian (9-1), 1pm

8-Man - Quarterfinals - Nov 8/9
#1 Melrose 58, #9 Lordsburg 6 - F
#2 Fort Sumner 58, #10 Escalante 6 - F
#3 Mesilla Valley Christian 36, #6 Tatum 22 - F
#4 Gateway Christian 69, #5 Clayton 18 - F

8-Man - First Round - Nov 1/2
#5 Clayton 56, #12 Questa 6 - Final
#6 Tatum 58, #11 Dulce 6 - Final
#9 Lordsburg 60, #8 Mescalero Apache 6 - Final
#10 Escalante 38, #7 Menaul 14 - Final

6-Man - State Championship - Nov 15
#1 Logan (11-0) vs #2 Grady (10-1), 7:30pm

6-Man - Semifinals - Nov 8/9
#1 Logan 48, #4 Elida 2 - F
#2 Grady 36, #3 Mountainair 18 - F

6-Man - Quarterfinals - Nov 1/2
#1 Logan 62, #8 New Mexico School for the Deaf 7 - Final
#2 Grady 42, #7 Magdalena 26 - Final
#3 Mountainair 62, #6 Dora 7 - Final
#4 Elida 52, #5 Roy/Mosquero 31 - Final

***Official Scoreboard Tracker***

Feature: 2024 State Playoffs Bracket Breakdown

Preview: 5A Football Preview & Predictions

Preview: 4A Football Preview & Predictions

Preview: 2A Football Preview & Predictions

Player Rankings: Top 25 Quarterbacks this Season

Player Rankings: Top 2027 Quarterbacks

Player Rankings: Top Running Backs this Season

More: The First 1-Seed That Will Fall This Post Season

Player Rankings: Top 50 Senior Defensive Players

Thread: Top 50 Division I Recruits Since 2006

4A Basketball: 2024/2025 Preseason New Mexico High School Basketball Rankings

The stage is set for another thrilling season of New Mexico high school basketball as NMPreps unveils the 2024/2025 preseason rankings and top players to watch. With powerhouse programs continuing their dominance and a fresh wave of talent ready to make their mark, this season promises to be one for the books.

4A Basketball​

The Highland Hornets went 26-6 last season, capturing the 4A state championship with a thrilling one-point win over Valley. Although they face the challenge of replacing star graduate Raul Stanford, the Hornets remain title contenders if a healthy Jesus Licon (2025) returns. Licon, one of New Mexico’s top 10 players, averaged an astounding 28.8 PPG, 5 RPG, and 2.5 APG. Alongside Isai Herrera (2025) and Sebastian Hernandez (2025), the Hornets have the depth and experience to stay atop 4A basketball. Head coach Justin Woody continues to build on his program’s dominance, positioning Highland as a Final Four team yet again.

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Chaparral 10
Portales 0

Final

Who is scrimmaging this season? Where?

Post details here.

Who are the candidates?

I’ve had a few and I’ve decided…Berny is winning 4a! Ball inside the 20 4 times with no scores in a close 20-7 game. Cobos will have them locked in and gonna pull it off

*****2024 NMAA NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE PLAYOFFS*****

SEMIFINALS

6A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 La Cueva vs #5 Las Cruces - Field of Dreams (Las Cruces), Sat, 1pm
#2 Centennial vs #3 Cleveland - Field of Dreams (Las Cruces), Fri, 7pm

5A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 Roswell vs #4 Gadsden - Wool Bowl (Roswell), Sat, 1pm
#2 Artesia vs #6 Mayfield - Bulldog Bowl (Artesia), Sat, 1pm

4A FOOTBALL - NOV 23
#1 Bloomfield vs #4 Bernalillo - Bloomfield HS, Sat, 1pm
#2 St. Pius X vs #6 Espanola Valley - Community Stadium (ABQ), Sat 1pm

3A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 St. Michael's vs #5 New Mexico Military - NMMI (Roswell), Fri, 7pm
#2 Dexter vs #3 Robertson - Robertson HS, Sat, 1pm

2A FOOTBALL - NOV 22/23
#1 Texico vs #5 Eunice - Eunice HS, Sat, 1pm
#2 Santa Rosa vs #6 Loving - Santa Rosa HS, Fri, 7pm

8-MAN FOOTBALL - NOV 23
#1 Melrose vs #3 Mesilla Valley - Melrose HS, Sat, 1pm

Post scrimmage details please and any outcomes.

Rank em.

2024 New Mexico High School Football Playoffs: 3A Semifinal Preview​

By Joshua Grine, NMPreps Publisher

The 2024 3A semifinals feature a thrilling matchup as the undefeated #1 St. Michael’s Horsemen (11-0) travel to Roswell to take on the surging #5 New Mexico Military Institute Colts (9-3). The game kicks off at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 22, at NMMI's historic field.

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Game Details​

• Matchup: #1 St. Michael’s Horsemen (11-0) vs. #5 NMMI Colts (9-3)
• Date/Time: Friday, November 22, 7:00 PM
• Location: New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM

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Path to the Semifinals​

St. Michael’s Horsemen​

The Horsemen continue their march of dominance through the 2024 season. After a flawless 10-0 regular season, they dispatched #9 Thoreau in the quarterfinals with a commanding 52-0 victory. St. Michael’s has been nearly impenetrable, outscoring opponents 481-59 this season, and boasts one of the most balanced rosters in 3A.

NMMI Colts​

NMMI has been a postseason surprise, demonstrating resilience and grit. After a 7-3 campaign, they pulled off a road upset against #4 Socorro in the quarterfinals, winning 29-24 this after beating 12-seed Hot Springs 35-6 in the opening round. The Colts rely on a bruising ground attack, averaging 281.7 rushing yards per game, and their ability to control the tempo will be crucial in this semifinal clash.

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Grine: What It Will Take for an All-Las Cruces 6A Championship​

The 2024 Class 6A semifinals hold a tantalizing possibility: an all-Las Cruces state championship for the first time in over a decade. No. 2 Centennial and No. 5 Las Cruces High both face formidable challenges against perennial powerhouses No. 3 Cleveland and No. 1 La Cueva, respectively. Here’s what needs to happen for Las Cruces to defend its turf and deliver a southern showdown for the blue trophy.

Centennial Must Prove Its Perfect Season Is No Fluke​

Centennial, one of two undefeated teams left in Class 6A, has steamrolled opponents with its potent offense, averaging 48.4 points per game. Quarterback Zaiden Davis has been the engine of this attack, contributing both through the air and on the ground, while wide receiver Jordan Lucas has been a reliable target. Their offensive line has consistently paved the way for a dominant rushing game (320.8 yards/game).

Their opponent, Cleveland, is no stranger to big games. Cleveland boasts a disciplined defense, allowing just 116 points this season. Centennial will need to replicate the balance that secured a 35-28 victory over Cleveland earlier this year. Davis must continue to spread the field with precision passing while using his legs to extend drives. Key plays from RB Rudy Rios (939 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and Lucas and other skill players could tip the scales.

Defensively, Centennial has already beaten Cleveland once this season—a 35-28 thriller in August. That game showcased Centennial's ability to adjust late, as they shut out Cleveland in the fourth quarter. Replicating that performance requires containing Cleveland's versatile QB Jordan Hatch (179.5 passing yards/game) and leading rusher Juan Munoz (73.1 rushing yards/game). Forcing Cleveland into third-and-long situations will be key. Joseph Bitar (2026) has been a key player on the Hawks defense with 81 total tackles on the season.

Las Cruces Needs to Slow Down the La Cueva Machine​

Las Cruces High faces the monumental task of dethroning the top-seeded La Cueva Bears, a team averaging 47.1 points per game and boasting one of the best defenses in the state. The Bears’ defensive front, led by Mason Posa and Nick Mertz, will be looking to stifle the Bulldawgs’ offense early and often.

The formula for a Las Cruces upset starts with ball control. Running back Daniel Amaro (120.1 rushing yards/game) must have a career day. Sustained drives not only wear down La Cueva’s defense but also keep their explosive offense off the field. Quarterback Gunnar Guardiola will need to pick his moments to attack downfield, targeting reliable receiver Nate Libby (65.8 receiving yards/game) while avoiding La Cueva’s opportunistic secondary.

Defensively, Las Cruces must disrupt La Cueva’s rhythm. That means generating pressure on QB Cameron Dyer, who has thrived behind one of the state’s best offensive lines. Can Las Cruces make any resembles to last weekends game only allowing a field goal from 4-seed Volcano Vista in the quarterfinals.

Keys to an All-Las Cruces Championship​

1. Limit Mistakes: Both Centennial and Las Cruces must win the turnover battle. Cleveland and La Cueva thrive on capitalizing on miscues, so ball security is paramount.
2. Control the Clock: A heavy dose of Amaro and Davis will keep the high-powered northern offenses on the sidelines.
3. Special Teams Play: Field position could be the difference. Big returns, clean punts, and clutch field goals will be critical.
4. Home-Field Advantage: Las Cruces fans have the chance to pack Field of Dreams and turn it into a true fortress. The energy from the crowd can provide the boost needed to topple the favorites. Just imagine if New Mexico took a step forward and hosted a doubleheader at New Mexico State University—imagine the crowd and the atmosphere it would create! Unfortunately, proactive thinking like this seems to be in short supply in New Mexico athletics and its too much work. Soapbox over.

The Dream Scenario​

Imagine it: The final whistle blows, and both Centennial and Las Cruces celebrate monumental victories. The city of Las Cruces hosting the first all-southern championship since 2013 (Las Cruces vs Mayfield). It’s a tall order, but if any teams are capable of upsetting the northern powers, it’s these two.

2024 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs: 2A Semifinal Preview​

By Joshua Grine, NMPreps Publisher

NMPreps dives into the first 2A semifinal matchup on Friday night, as the #2 Santa Rosa Lions host the #6 Loving Falcons. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM in Santa Rosa, with a trip to the 2A state championship game on the line.

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Game Details​

• Matchup: #2 Santa Rosa Lions (8-3) vs. #6 Loving Falcons (8-4)
• Date/Time: Friday, November 22, 7:00 PM
• Location: Santa Rosa High School
• 
  
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Who are they?

What games are you at this week?

What wall poster did you have on your childhood wall (or now man caves)?

What was your high school jersey number and why?

6A Semifinal Preview: Centennial and Cleveland Clash Again in 6A Semifinal Showdown​

By Joshua Grine, NMPreps Publisher

One of three semifinal games taking place this Friday night, the 6A showdown between the undefeated #2 Centennial Hawks (11-0) and the #3 Cleveland Storm (10-1) promises to be a marquee matchup. These two teams previously met in a thrilling season opener, with Centennial securing a narrow 35-28 victory on a rainy night in Rio Rancho. Now, they meet again with a trip to the state championship on the line.

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Game Details​

• Matchup: #2 Centennial Hawks (11-0) vs. #3 Cleveland Storm (10-1)
• Date/Time: Friday, November 22, 7:00 PM
• Location: Field of Dreams, Las Cruces, NM

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Path to the Semifinals​

Centennial Hawks​

The Hawks have been nothing short of dominant this season, finishing the regular season undefeated and outscoring opponents 532-236. Led by dual-threat quarterback Zaiden Davis, Centennial rolled into the semifinals after a commanding 43-17 victory over #7 Rio Rancho in the quarterfinals. Their high-powered rushing attack and disciplined defense have been the cornerstones of their success.

Cleveland Storm​

The Storm enter this matchup with only one blemish on their record — their Week 1 loss to Centennial. Since then, Cleveland has rattled off 10 straight wins, including a 57-7 dismantling of #6 Los Lunas in the quarterfinals. Known for their balanced offense and stingy defense, Cleveladn has scored 515 points this season while allowing just 116.

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Team Comparisons​

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Key Players to Watch​

Centennial Hawks​

• QB Zaiden Davis: The heart of the Hawks’ offense, Davis averages 138.9 rushing yards and 104.8 passing yards per game, with a total of 37 touchdowns this season.
• WR Jordan Lucas: A reliable target with 600 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, Lucas can stretch the field when needed.
• LB Joseph Bitar: Leads the Hawks' defense with 7.4 tackles and 0.6 sacks per game, anchoring a unit that thrives on physicality.

Cleveland Storm​

• QB Jordan Hatch: A steady hand under center, Hatch averages 179.5 passing yards per game with 24 passing touchdowns.
• RB Juan Munoz: A dynamic runner who averages 73.1 yards per game and leads the team with 10.2 points per game.
• WR Jacob Maldonado: The top receiver for Cleveland, averaging 71 yards per game and a significant red-zone threat.

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Game Outlook​

This rematch promises to be another close contest. Centennial's strength lies in their relentless rushing attack, which will look to wear down Cleveland’s front seven. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s balanced offense and ability to strike through the air make them a formidable foe.

The key to the game will be execution in critical moments. Centennial will need to limit turnovers and control the clock, while Cleveland must find a way to slow down Zaiden Davis and the Hawks' rushing attack. Special teams and red-zone efficiency could also play pivotal roles in deciding the outcome.

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Prediction​

This game has all the makings of a classic. Cleveland’s defense has been dominant all season, but Centennial’s ability to grind out long drives and make explosive plays gives them a slight edge. Expect another tightly contested battle, with Centennial pulling away late.

• NMPreps Predicted Score: Centennial 38, Cleveland 31
• Favorite: Centennial (-6.5)
• Over/Under: 66.5
• Grine’s Pick: Cleveland