Here in Carlsbad today and I've just been informed that Legendary Mayfield Football Coach Jim Bradley Sr. Is very ill and had a tough night. As you know he suffered a stroke a few years ago that took him away from the sidelines forever. He's someone many people including myself care deeply about. I'm sure the Bradley family will appreciate prayers and support now. Gary is obviously not in Carlsbad today, he's in Las Cruces where he should be. I'll keep you posted.

Worst memories came from

Mindset and work ethic propels Rockets
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

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Mike Whalen describes the program

”We’re small in numbers, we seldom have over 40 kids in our varsity program, but it is a year long thing in our program. Once they get into our program they are going to be a student first, they are going to be very loyal to our program, some of our kids even tell me it’s like boot camp.

We’ve got to have tough kids here at Goddard, because we are not big and we’re not fast. And when you play teams like Clovis, Carlsbad, Hobbs, and Artesia even the teams in our district are big, we don’t see many teams that are smaller than us, even Fabens, Texas was bigger than us last year. We have to put extra effort into weight training and conditioning and toughness, in the summer we get them conditioned and then we go into the football season with aspirations and hopes, but I tell the kids you better dream that you’re going to hold that blue trophy up against the sky.

One of the prerequisites when you join our program is you better be a good dreamer. We’ve got to have kids that are willing to work, stay longer, bear crawl 600-yards, pull 25 ties, and be out here ready to go again. It’s a mindset and it’s always been that way here at Goddard,” Said Mike Whalen who is now in his second year as Head Football Coach at Goddard.

Inside Goddard

Once again, my son Kaden and I showed up at another practice this time Goddard. In the 10-seasons publishing NMPreps.com it was the first time at a Goddard High School Football Practice (Former Goddard Coach the Legendary Sam Jernigan) usually held a closed practice which is fine, every coach is different.

I spoke with now second year coach Mike Whalen (who’s been on Goddard staff since the 80’s) earlier this summer and he invited me out to Roswell. The heat was as hot as it’s been, maybe over 100. The school grounds were polished, the practice football field was manicured nicely, and on the field lay maybe 35 to 40 Goddard Rockets. “This is all varsity,” I asked Coach Whalen. “Yes.”

After speaking with Coach Whalen and Coach White I learned that it’s always been this way at Goddard, they have just 9 seniors on the team, something Whalen was excited about. Whalen and I walked across the 50-yard railroad tie pull station and entered the field house, where they have a very clean but small weight room, a good sized coaching office (again nothing to write home about) a nice training room (No trainer on staff), and a A+ film room which was added a few years a go.

Nothing fancy, but the walls are filled with Goddard Rocket History of teams dating back to the 90’s to the present day Goddard Rocket elite football teams. Whalen knows each of the kids in the picture by name still, tells me the 91 team was the best and also tells me that 2012 Los Lunas Team was outstanding and that the 2012 State Championship Game was one of the best when the Rockets completed their perfect season of 13-0 beating the Tigers 13-0.

What to expect

The Rockets lose some talented offensive and defensive seniors: Most notably losing Cameron Neff and Dean McDaniel who were big time players. Filling in those roles will be Lukas Gutierrez at running back, quarterback, everywhere pretty much, the new quarterback is slated to be sophomore Cameron Steveson who is also a great baseball player, Devon Quiroz is a new name that will pack a punch and hit the hole hard and up front watch for guys like Sam Sartain, Misael Zaragoza, and Andres Villa to be some hard nose linemen.

On defense up from is 305 pound Jordan Sosa who looks like a hoss, we’re told Devon Qurioz could play some defensive end, their linebacker is Ethan Featherston at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds who looks like a next level prospect. In the secondary Lukas Gutierrez will be at safety and watch for guys like Diego Miranda and Kobe Ramage to also be secondary role players.

Key Returners

Lukas Gutierrez - Running Back/Defensive Back - Senior - 5-10, 180
Ethan Featherstone - Linebacker - Senior - 6-2, 215
Jordan Sosa - Offensive Tackle/Defensive Tackle - 6-2, 305
Diego Miranda - Receiver
Tony Salvarrey - Defensive Linemen/Offensive Linemen
Misael Zaragoza - Offensive Linemen
Sam Sartain - Offensive Linemen

New Names To Know

Cameron Stevenson - Quarterback - Sophomore - 6-2, 170
Devon Quiroz - Running Back/Defensive Linemen - Junior 5-7, 170
Kobe Ramage - Running Back - Sophomore
Hunter Johnson - Receiver - Sophomore
Andres Villa - Offensive Linemen

2015 Schedule

August 28th - @ Clovis
September 4th @ Piedra Vista
September 11th Los Lunas
September 18th Belen
September 25th Hobbs
October 2nd Fabens
October 9th @ Carlsbad
October 23rd @ Lovington
October 30th Roswell
November 6th @ Artesia

Senior Quote

We caught up with Goddard Rocket Seniors Lukas Gutierrez and Ethan Featherstone after practice, here is what they had to say. “It’s one of the best feelings to be a Goddard Rocket and to be coached by Coach Whalen, I love him. We work hard out here, we represent Roswell as best we can,” said Featherstone who will be one of the top linebackers in the district. “There is a lot of great tradition here at Goddard and we look up to those past players and want to be them. Those guys carried themselves well on and off the field and it’s really an honor to play here at Goddard,” Said Gutierrez.

Our Take

It really surprises you when you’re at a Goddard practice how few there are. It’s not a bad thing as Whalen spoke on it’s a small group which makes a tight knit bunch. It was really something special to be at Goddard and cruise through the halls looking at plaques and awards and pictures of some of the best New Mexico High School Football Teams ever. This year’s outlook is I guess what you expect from them every year. Hard nose blue collar team that hits hard, runs hard, and is coached well. Their schedule is right where it needs to be and they’ll have some challenging games in front of them just before district season. Talent is still there and the program is still running at full steam despite Jernigan’s departure more than a year ago. Sirens are going to in full force at the Wool Bowl.

Since 2006

2014 5A Semifinals Artesia 42, Goddard 41
2013 5A Title Game Farmington 7, Goddard 0
2012 4A Title Game Goddard 17, Los Lunas 14
2011 4A Title Game Aztec 28, Goddard 27
2010 4A Semifinals Artesia 38, Goddard 29
2009 4A Title Game Goddard 28, Belen 21
2008 4A Title Game Goddard 49, Aztec 45
2007 4A Title Game Artesia 58, Goddard 31
2006 4A Title Game Artesia 30, Goddard 23

6-foot-3, 285 pound Santos Taylor has landed two offers as of late: Western New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands have both offered the Cleveland two-year starter.

Adams State has offered Albuquerque Defensive Linemen Raymond Cole



Write up from the Combine

Raymond Cole - Albuquerque - 6-4, 302
Was interested to see how he would fair in the one-on-one’s, he did exceptional, like to see a bit more aggression, but he’ll come at you for sure

Will any NFL team pick up Ray Rice?

What will be the toughest District in 2016?

How would you seed the 2016 State Tournament?

FEATURES: Stories for the Week of Aug. 3rd
Don't miss any of the action as plenty of features are being released daily.

Monday, August 3rd

• Football: Clovis Wildcats Team Preview (Hendo)
• Football: Artesia Bulldogs Team Preview (Hendo)
• Volleyball: 2015 NMPreps.com's 6A Preseason Rankings (Grine)

Tuesday, August 4th

• Football: Hobbs Eagles Team Preview (Hendo)
• Football: Goddard Rockets Team Preview (Hendo)
• Volleyball: District 1-6A Preseason Preview (Grine)

Wednesday, August 5th

• Football: Carlsbad Team Preview (Hendo)
• Football: Alamogordo Team Preview (Hendo)
• Football: District 1-6A Best and Worst Case Scenarios for 2015 (Grine)

Link: For More Become a Member and Know Everything That Is Going on Around The State

Hot Topics: Message Boards Favs

• Football: Worst Memories with Poll
• Football: Scrimmages
• Basketball: Give Your Prediction
• Basketball: Alamogordo Names New Basketball Coach
• Girls Basketball: Top Returning 3-Pointer Shooters
• Girls Basketball: 75 Players to watch

DISTRICT 2-6A: SANDIA STILL A FAVORITE
Joshua J Grine

The Sandia Matadors completely dominated last season and will be the favorite again this coming season. This could be a 3 bid district for the 2015 State Tournament.

#1. SANDIA MATADORS (20-1, 8-0)
Last Season District Finish: 1st Place
Quick Hit: The Matadors ran through their schedule last year before an upset loss that none of us saw in the semi-finals of last seasons State Tournament. During the regular season they won sets 60 of their 68 sets played. They were unmatched throughout the season and will again be a favorite in the district and state. Junior, Abbey Willison is the name to know for the Matadors but three other players also lead this squad. Rachel Sloan, Raelynn Edge and Linnea Romero are going to look to finish the job this season.

The biggest question regarding the Matadors: They graduate 7 players but could this team be even better than the 20-1 team from a year ago?



#2. LA CUEVA BEARS (14-9, 6-2)
Last Season District Finish: 2nd Place
Quick Hit: The Bears have a lot to be excited about coming into this season, only graduating 3 players off last seasons State Tournament team (lost second round to Sandia). Abigail Stomp, is one of the best players in the state of New Mexico and this team has to tools to create a special season. Four of their nine losses came to the hands of Sandia but hope to make believers with a wealth of talent returning. Madison Harris, Sophia Masuda, and Celeste Carmignani team up with Stomp to create this dangerous team.

The biggest question regarding the Bears: Are they ready to answer the call as a top-4 team behind this talent or will they underachieve?



#3. ELDORADO EAGLES(12-9, 4-4)
Last Season District Finish: 3rd Place
Quick Hit: The Eagles had 7 losses of their 9 to district foes Sandia and La Cueva, another came to eventual champ Cibola. That alone proves how difficult this District is each season and some think maybe if the Eagles didn't have to face La Cueva in the first round of the state tournament they could have advanced a round. The Eagles only graduated 3 players off last seasons' team and will look to juniors Brigette Lowe and Hannah Warren to lead this team to a successful 2015 campaign.

The biggest question regarding the Eagles: Are they ready to make claim to their Preseason #5 ranking in the state and overcome La Cueva or Sandia during the district run?



#4. MANZANO MONARCHS (11-8, 2-6)
Last Season District Finish: 4th Place
Quick Hit: The Monarchs started the season 9-0 and didn't suffer their first loss of the season until district play (against Sandia). Seven of their eight losses came during district regular season play or the district tournament. Bad news they graduate 5 players but are looking to juniors Ameerah Smith and Nikole Bouma to lead the team in 2015.

The biggest question regarding the Monarchs: This team will need a win over the above three and stay perfect against Highland but Smith/Bouma will have to carry the load. Is that enough?



#5. HIGHLAND HORNETS (0-19, 0-8)
Last Season District Finish: 5th Place
Quick Hit: The Hornets and Highland High School in general have seen better days in the athletic department. More bad news they start year two in their new district which could be considered one of the best in terms of strength of teams. More bad news they graduate 7 players from last season and welcome back four players with experience, all are class of 2016.

The biggest question regarding the Hornets: Can they get a W?

2015 DISTRICT 2-6A ALL-DISTRICT TEAM
Abigail Stomp, La Cueva *Player of the Year Candidate
Abbey Willison, Sandia *Player of the Year Candidate
Rachel Sloan, Sandia
Linnea Romero, Sandia
Raelynn Edge, Sandia
Madison Harris, La Cueva
Sophia Masuda, La Cueva
Celeste Carmingani, La Cueva
Ameerah Smith, Manzano
Nikole Bouma, Manzano
Bridgette Lowe, Eldorado
Hannah Warren, Eldorado

More Stories:

• 2015 Volleyball Preseason Headquarters (Previews, Rankings, Etc)

New coach, new playing style coming to Carlsbad
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com



Lot of change in Carlsbad. Maybe that’s an overstatement, but after a 2-8 season maybe former Head Coach Ron Arrington who by the way did a solid job as head man for several years knew that their needed to be new life pumped into the program. Whatever the case, Gary Bradley the former head coach at Farmington and the former offensive coordinator for the Mayfield Trojans was the right hire for the job.

"In coaching, you develop strong relationships as part of the business. When my wife and I moved to Farmington from Las Cruces in 2008 it was very tough leaving family and now with us leaving Farmington to Carlsbad it's tough again to leave life long friends we've made. We did not come to Farmington to use it as a stepping stone, we came here to live. Our family is 100% in this next phase and we're diving right into this new challenge," Said Bradley in an earlier interview conducted back in February of 2015.

Bradley’s Record At Farmington

2014 7-6
2013 12-1 4A State Champs
2012 7-5
2011 10-3
2010 9-3
2009 7-5
2008 2-8

Challenges ahead in Carlsbad

The Carlsbad Cavemen went 2-8 during the 2014 season and just 6-5 during the 2013 season. The Cavemen have not been to a state football title game since 2000 (under Kirk Potter) and have not won a state football championship since 1962 under Ralph Bowyer.

"I've always had my eye on Carlsbad. It's a one-horse town, a small town and I've always liked Carlsbad form the Lake, River, and I love the fact that on Friday Night they close it down for Football. It's a sports town with a lot of athletes, great facilities, and great community support,"

The Cavemen return Jonah Leyva who saw playing time at quarterback as just a sophomore, but graduate big time names like Travis Kessler, Kaleb Stevens, Trevin Ramirez, and Elijah McCoy.
It will also be interesting to see if Bradley moves to Cavemen from a spread set to a option style offense which he ran as both the offensive coordinator while at Mayfield and as the Head Coach at Farmington. The last time Carlsbad won the District was in 2010 going 2-0.

2-8 in 2014

We’ve talked with Clovis, Artesia, Hobbs, and Goddard this week all said that Carlsbad was a very formidable opponent in 2014 despite winning just two games. They lost to Artesia 38-14, lost to Goddard 18-13, beat Hobbs 25-14, lost to Clovis 24-10, and beat Alamogordo 33-26.
A big reason for Carlsbad’s 2014 slide was because Kaleb Stevens their starting quarterback went down with a knee injury. In stepped Jonah Leyva who threw for 692-yards and 2 touchdowns, Jared Montanez also threw for 221-yards and 1 touchdown.

What To Expect

Carlsbad won’t be platooning anymore, expect the best to be on the field. The quarterback position is up for grabs right now: Jonah Leyva who will be a junior, Jared Montanez will be a senior, and even in the mix for quarterback is sophomore Nate Arrington the youngest of the three Arrington boys and as you would expect he is quite the athlete from what we hear.

Taking over at running back replacing Elijah McCoy will be a handful of very shifty running backs including” Cassius Rivers and Dominic Rodriguez. Outside is Daniel Miller who is a 6-foot-4, 175 pound possession receiver that is also another outstanding student athlete, his brother Josh who graduated a few years ago held a 4.6 GPA and speaking with Daniel afterwards, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

On defense watch for a trio of very good linebackers. Micahel Mireles is a 6-foot-2, 220 pound backer who looked like a absolute stud today and we’re told he also plays fullback on offense. Also watch for Carlos Gonzales and Colton Montano at the backer positions.

Names To Know In 2015

Jonah Leyva - Quarterback - Junior - 6-0, 170
Nate Arrington - Quarterback - Sophomore - 6-0, 185
Cassius Rivers - Running Back - Senior - 5-8, 155
Daniel Miller - Receiver - Senior - 6-4, 175
Dominic Rodriguez - Running Back - Junior
Michael Mireles - Fullback/Linebacker - Senior - 6-2, 220
Carlos Gonzales - Linebacker
Cotton Montano - Linebacker
Isaiah Perez - Defensive End

2015 Schedule

Aug. 14: at Lovington (6 p.m. scrimmage)
Aug. 28: at El Paso Americas (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 4: at Deming
Sept. 11 : Mayfield (home opener)
Sept. 18: El Paso Eastwood
Sept. 25: Artesia (Eddy County War)
Oct. 3: at Sandia (1 p.m.)
Oct. 9: Goddard (homecoming)
Oct 16: Bye week
Oct. 23: at Alamogordo *
Oct. 30: Hobbs (senior night) *
Nov. 6: at Clovis *

Senior Quotes

We caught up with Daniel Miller and Adrian Flacco after practice, here is what each had to say. “Obviously we have a rich history with a lot of great players, so players that have went on to play college, and some that have even gone to play in the pros. It’s a really close knit community and when we’re on the field its awesome because we have all that history and community support behind us,” said senior receiver Daniel Miller. “Like any new system, it took us some time to get used to having a new coach, but after the first month we really began to build a new bond and new trust with Coach Bradley. We’ve also kept a lot of our old coaching staff which has really helped with our transition,” Said Flacco.

Our take

It’s not like Carlsbad has been down in the dumps as a program, they have always had tons of talent in a one horse town and always been competitive in district. Though they had a disappointing season last year, expect Carlsbad to be back in the 6A fold or at least playoff mix in the next year or so. It’s going to take a while for Bradly to implement his system, but when things finally get into place Ralph Bowyer is going to be a fun atmosphere come Friday Night. Playoffs this year? We don’t know, but what we do know is that Bradley is a proven winner and isn’t using Carlsbad as a stepping stone, he’s looking to take his time and really build Carlsbad into a yearly power.

Sandia High School open

Hello High School Football Fans and NMPreps Nation!

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Behind The Scenes













Wednesday - Carlsbad AM, Alamogordo PM

Friday - August 7th - Mayfield 7AM

Friday - August 7th - Centennial 3:30PM

Saturday - August 8th - Las Cruces 8AM

I'll post a ton of coverage inside this thread. Stay tuned! This is the 10-season of NMPreps.com!

We are happy to announce that Josh Grine will be joining the NMPreps.com Team starting tomorrow August 3rd. Grine has been the Head Basketball Coach at East Mountain the last two years, but has since departed and is now back on our staff. Excited about what he brings to the table as a writer and a contributor and will help our staff on all fronts from: Football to Volleyball to Basketball to Baseball.

Good stuff!

http://www.newschannel10.com/story/28603897/isis-release-kill-list-seven-texas-cities-included

This is scary and why Farmington?

My wife and myself and about 40 family and friends helped us celebrate our 50th Anniversary in Santa Fe this weekend. We started in Ruidoso and then to Albuquerque and the last 3 days in Santa Fe. We stayed at Hotel Santa Fe and Spa and it was just fantastic. We ate at Blue Corn, Rancho De Chimayo, The Pink Adobe, Gabriel's for the big dinner and celebration and my body is screaming NO MORE CHILE.

Top 3-pointer Shooters returning?

Cibola guard Kavionna Brown (2017) commits to UNLV

Clovis will rely on Offensive Firepower In 2015
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

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CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO - It’s timeless when you step on the campus of the Clovis Wildcats. The Brick Buildings, the towering rafters of Leon Williams, and though they have a beaming new locker room, Clovis is just as it always has been. It’s a football town with great school pride, “we run this state, northing is stronger than a Wildcat” are spirit quotes painted in front of window panes and on school sidewalks.

For the Clovis Wildcats they are still considered a New Mexico High School Football Power although they have not brought home a state championship since the 2001 season. In 2014, the Wildcats went 6-6 on the season including a playoff win over Sandia before losing to Mayfield 35-21 in the 6A quarterfinals. The good news is that Clovis returns a loaded offensive set of skill position players, but they graduated their entire defense. We have the Wildcats ranked No. 11 out of 100 teams in New Mexico and after Monday, we felt good about that assessment.

“The attitude of this group is real good, our kids work real hard in the off-season. Attitude and leadership are usually problems we do not have here in Clovis, we’re a little undersized this year, we lost all 11 of our defensive starters, but we do return 6 starters on offense including our quarterback, running back, X, and our tight end. We got a lot of competitions for these positions, in-fact there are 17 positions open and that competition makes for good practice because no one has it made. Kids have to work everyday to earn a position and keep that position,” Said Legendary Clovis Head Football Coach Eric Roanhaus on Monday after the Wildcat’s first official practice of the season.

Returning Starters From

SR. Daulton Hatley 6'1 185 QB/Safety
Returning quarterback that threw for 1,255-yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. Holds offers from University of Central Oklahoma, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Eastern New Mexico. Has really worked on arm strength over the summer season, looks like one of the best quarterbacks Clovis has had since we’ve been around.

SR. Roland Chavez 6'4 210 TE/DE
The real deal. Seeing him up close today was quite impressive to be honest. Holds offers from New Mexico State, Eastern New Mexico, and NMMI. Besides having good strength and size, he has displayed the talent of having very strong hands.

SR. Tucker Dobbs 6'2 175 WR/Safety
Holds an offer from Eastern New Mexico and on Monday he continues to impress. Has great agility, moves well side to side and has strong hands. He’s going to make a ton of big plays for the Wildcats this year.

JR. Micah Gray 5'11 170 RB/Safety
As a sophomore in 2014 he ran for 1,148-yards and scored 18 touchdowns. Clovis as you know has had some amazing running backs, Gray is that next big time guy that is capable of breaking a game wide open.

New Names To Know

SR. Kurt Kelley 5'8 160 WR/Corner
JR. Fernando Acosta 5'11 180 DE
SR. Tyler Bonner 5'10 200 DE
SR. Jared Duncan 5'9 170 Linebacker/Safety
JR. Sebastian Roanhaus 6'2 180 QB/Safety
Soph. Seth Lopez 5'7 160 RB/Corner

2015 Schedule

“We start off with Goddard, Cibola, and Atrisco and then really get into the gauntlet with Cleveland, Rio Rancho, and Frenship, Texas. Last year Frenship had 6 D-1 players and from a personnel standpoint they’ll probably better personal than anyone we play, maybe not better than Cleveland this year, those two teams will be comparable,” Said Roanhaus regarding the Wildcat’s 2015 Schedule.

August 28th - Goddard
September 4th - @ Cibola
September 11th - Atrisco Heritage
September 18th - Cleveland
September 25th - @ Rio Rancho
October 2nd - @ Frenship TX
October 9th - Grants
October 17th - Open
October 23rd - @ Hobbs
October 30th - @ Alamogordo
November 6th - Carlsbad

Senior Quote

We caught up with Wildcat Quarterback Daulton Hatley after practice. “I was talking to my little coach the other day and we counted 10 players that are on the varsity football team that played on that same little league team. We’ve been friends and been playing together since we were three-years old. Growing up around here, all you want to do is be a Clovis Wildcat and I want to leave knowing that we (as a team) did as much as we could to get the program better.”

Our Take

As mentioned, time seems to stand still in Clovis. Their offense is clearly going to be their strength and while we all know Clovis is going to run it down your throat, they have enough talent this year to get the ball down field using their talented quarterback, receivers, and tight end. Matching up with Roland Chavez at tight end is going to cause problems for a lot of defenses and if you forget about him, he’s going to hurt you. Up front they are not as big as they’ve been, but that does not mean they are not good. They have as coach Roanhaus said undersized linemen, but they are very strong and seem to be very aggressive. Looking at their schedule it’s tough from front to end and that three game stretch with Cleveland, Rio Rancho, and Frenship is going to make this team the front runner to win the district if they can stay healthy. As always, easy to like the Wildcats heading into the footballs season, definitely can see them back in the playoffs.

More photos and video interview with Coach Roanhaus coming soon! We're in grind mode right now on NMPreps.com trying to bring you everything as fast as possible.

Who are the top returning QB's?

or

Who are the top newcomers at QB?

Is he done? Third injury in 7 years...

Who hosts the best women's regular season tournament?

Ways that would improve NMHS basketball?

What do other HS soccer programs around the state do for their summer activities? Do they leave it up to the clubs in their areas to keep the players in shape? Do they scrimmage against themselves? Do they scrimmage vs other schools?

In the south-central area, Las Cruces and below, I know that several programs have been working out since mid-June. I know that some have set up home & away scrimmages and even 4-5 school scrimmage days.

I dont know if each program is at full strength, or if they are missing players to some club commitments.

Any input on other areas around state?