New Mexico High School Football Predictions: Final Standings, Playoff Projections

NMPreps will try to predict the unpredictable. This season, more than any other, has a true list of bubble teams, uncertainty, and could look completely different in 6 weeks. We give our best shot at it today with plenty of room for debate and disagreements.

6A FOOTBALL - WEEK 4 - SEPTEMBER 6TH

#1 Cleveland Storm (District Champ/8-2 overall)

The Cleveland Storm lost the opener to Centennial but the week 3 win over Amarillo, Texas (47-30) has them as a favorite again. The Next Test: Frenship, TX in a few weeks.

#2 La Cueva Bears (District Champs/9-1 overall)

The La Cueva Bears have the most difficult four games to open the season. They played the redemption role in week 3 with a win over Centennial, previously ranked #1. The Next Test: Week 4 against Volcano Vista

#3 Centennial Hawks (District Champs/9-1 overall)

The Hawks are clearly a favorite to play for what would be their first 6A state championship. They started the 2022 season 2-0 but the week 3 loss moves them to third ranked and now third in our playoff projects. The Next Test: Hobbs is looking like a contender for the DC in the southern district.

#4 Volcano Vista Hawks (District Runner Up/8-2 overall)

The Hawks are currently sitting at 3-0 on the season and looking towards a run at district championship. They will have three games sitting in their way of a top-four seed - La Cueva, Rio Rancho, and Cleveland. Going 1-2 or 2-1 will be the requirement.


BUBBLE TEAMS - NEXT THREE

Atrisco Heritage, Capital, Los Lunas

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Agree or disagree? How would your bracket look as of today?

Dexter has lost a senior player and has another in critical condition after a vehicle accident.

Justus Sanders was killed.
Wyatt Garner was seriously injured in the vehicle accident they were involved in.

Both were seniors members of the Dexter Football team. Both were outstanding young men.

Prayers for the Sanders family and prayers for Wyatt Garner to make a full recovery.

Tough weekend for NM High School football.

Bubble: Dexter, Crownpoint

What is the reason for petition going around for Taos head coach Art Abreu Jr?

https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-abreu?redirect=false

What do you have?

Just read that the young man at Organ Mountain Abraham Romero has taken a turn for the worst.
I would like to send prayers from the Espanola Valley football team and from the Espanola football family.
Does anyone have info on how to help the family? Can we has a group help?

Top-5 Games in New Mexico H.S. Football for Week 6

NMPreps publishers weekly top-five games to watch in New Mexico high school football. #nmpreps

Socorro (5-0) at Raton (5-0). After traveling to Raton (No. 4/3A) this weekend, Socorro (No. 5/3A) could have an intriguing path to a perfect season, if they pull off the win against the Tigers. Raton would enter a grueling four weeks in the top 3A district with two teams ranked in the top-three. Raton's Cayden Walton is a mid-season favorite to take home the player of the year. Socorro features dynamic ATH Marcus Armijo -- also making a case for the 3A POY. Early Line: Raton -1.5 (NMPreps picks and predictions releases on Friday). Game is Friday, September, 23rd.

Cleveland (4-1) at Frenship, TX (3-1). Texas meets New Mexico again this week. The Cleveland Storm, currently ranked number one in New Mexico class 6A football, makes their second trip to Texas this season, beating Amarillo High School (47-30) earlier this season. Hudson Hutcheson leads Frenship and is near 1,000-yards passing on the season sitting at 930-yards and 8-touchdowns on the year. The Tigers are on a three game win streak. Cleveland also on a win steak winners of the last four games (26 of the last 27). Early Line: Frenship -6.5. Game is Friday, September 23rd.

Organ Mountain (3-2) at Centennial (3-1): This game is so much more intriguing than it probably seemed at the start of the season. Centennial (No. 3/6A) is coming off a bye week but the third-ranked team in class 6A is looking to maintain their spot at the top. Organ Mountain, a program that has been in the cellar of the class of the better part of the the last five to six years, now has an opportunity for a winning season. Both teams feature a stud running back --- Centennial has Mikah Guiterrez (2023) and OM with Fabian Loyoza (2023). Early Line: Centennial -8.5. Game is Friday, September 23rd.

Los Lunas (2-3) at Cibola (4-0): What is the old saying -- Contender vs Pretender? Yes, this weekend we get to use that reference when describing this contest. Los Lunas is currently sitting ranked 17th with three consecutive losses and looking to rebound the rest of the way as they enter district play. Cibola (No. 5/6A), although they are a perfect 4-0, is still looking to make believers as a top-5 team in the class. Early Line: Cibola -1.5. Game is Saturday, September 24th.

Deming (2-3) at Silver (5-0): On the surface, this game doesn't appear to have much flare. As you look deeper (as posted in the top games to watch in week 6) this game is the third oldest rivalry in the state. This being the 103rd time that this to schools will have played in their history. Silver looking to maintain their perfect streak. Deming building their resume for a playoff run in 5A. Early Line: Deming -3.5. Game is Friday, September 23rd.

Honorable Mention

Capital (3-2) at Atrisco Heritage (4-1)
NMMI (4-1) at Loving (5-0)
Rio Rancho (3-2) at Farmington (2-3)
Taos (3-1) at Bernalillo (2-2)
Hatch Valley (4-0-1) at Estancia (2-3)

Best High School Mascot Names in New Mexico?

Most Likely to Upset in Week 6

No. 14/6A Capital (3-2) at No. 11/6A Atrisco Heritage (4-1): If you look at the playoff picture this week the Jaguars (both) are in the hunt for one of the final bids. Capital is coming off a win at home last week. Atrisco enters the contest on a 4-game win streak.

No. 15/6A Organ Mountain (3-2) at No. 3/6A Centennial (3-1): This one will likely not have many votes as the Centennial Hawks are considered a favorite to win it all -- top three conversation. Organ Mountain is playing well as of late and has an opportunity to keep it close.

No. 17/6A Los Lunas (2-3) at No. 5/6A Cibola (4-0): The Los Lunas Tigers lost some steam after dealing with some injury to star quarterback Paul Cieremans. Cibola had two close calls against Farmington (41-36) and West Mesa (35-28). This could be the favorite in the conversation of "most likely''.

No. 16/6A Farmington (2-3) at No. 7/6A Rio Rancho (3-2): Farmington looked solid last week in a 41-18 win over Albuquerque after falling in the final minutes to Cibola (41-36). Rio Rancho is coming off a road loss at Hobbs, 30-20. Farmington might keep it close early and will need to avoid a third quarter push by the Rams.

New Mexico High School Football Team Rankings

NMPreps New Mexico high school football team rankings for the week of September 19th-26th, 2022. The NMPreps rankings are a week to week positioning of each team. #nmpreps

6A FOOTBALL



5A FOOTBALL



4A FOOTBALL



3A FOOTBALL


2A FOOTBALL

Most Intriguing Score of Week 5

Thoughts on the APS scenario. If you don't know they are not live streaming through the NFHS network.

Have you dealt with NFHS and the pixilot cameras? (FYI they are terrible)

Saturday Morning Coffee: Week 5

NMPreps rundown in New Mexico high school football. What have you missed this far into the week and what to watch on Saturday. #nmpreps

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ABC'S - THURSDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT

Atrisco Heritage and West Mesa didn't disappoint on offense, totaling for 113 points between the two. Atrisco Heritage improved their record to (4-1) on the season with the 59-54 win. Elijah Brody finished the night with 170-yards rushing along with 300-yards passing in the loss. Dean Marquez and Manny Sedillo led the charge for the Jaguars of Atrisco. Marquez threw for five touchdowns and three of those went to Sedillo.

Capital improves to 3-2 on the season with a 17-0 win over Albuquerque Academy. Quarterback Julian Munoz (2023) has been the spark for the Jaguars this season, he scored a rushing TD, little brother Juan Munoz scoring the other.

Cleveland has weapons. We all knew that. The triple-headed monster on offense of Nic Trujillo, Evan Wysong, and Josh Perry did some work. The night belonged to Josh Perry who rushed for over 240-yards and three touchdowns. Three names on the other side of the ball also deserve some high praise --- Stratton Shufelt (2024), Isaac Medrano (2024), and Chuka Tutman (2024) are as dangerous as it comes. They gave Artesia issues all night. Artesia quarterback Nye Estrada finished with over 375-yards and 4-touchdowns as they drop to 3-2 on the season. Cleveland improved to (4-1) on the year.

Estancia maintains a playoff spot with a 35-6 win over Hagerman, Thursday night. Ja'Brae Boyer adds to his season, 192 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. He passed for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Las Cruces quarterback Matt Lashley threw for a touchdown and rushed for another in a 35-7 win over rival Mayfield. The Las Cruces Bulldawgs earned their first win of the season improving to 1-3. Mayfield drops to 2-3 on the season. Receiver Brain Coyle scored the lone touchdown for the Trojans.

Organ Mountain is playing for something bigger than the playoffs this season, but they are also moving into a team destined for a bid. Sitting at 3-2 with the win over Gadsden on Thursday night helps the case. Logan Tarango (QB), Fabian Lozoya (RB) and Erik Dominguez (WR) have become an offensive threat to know.

RAPID FIRE

First Dub: Eldorado escapes Clovis, 28-27, after the Wildcats missed a game tying FG in the final minutes of the game.

Playoff Seats: Deming won 51-20 over Belen, making the clear line between the top-8 and the rest of the teams in 5A football.

Top-4: Hobbs has been sitting and waiting all while taking care of business. They beat Rio Rancho, 30-20, to improve their record to (5-0).

Top-2: Piedra Vista has been coming in at No. 1 in the coaches poll. They earned the first big win against a 5A team beating Goddard, 47-29. We mentioned this preseason that they had the potential to be a threat, but we didn't see them being this good.

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 17th
Alamo Navajo (0-3) at Pine Hill (1-2), 1p
Aztec (2-2) at Silver (4-0) , 1p
Dora (3-1) at Animas (2-1), 1p
Farmington (1-3) at Albuquerque (1-2), 1p
Hot Springs (0-4) at NMMI (3-1), 1p
Portales (4-0) at St. Pius X (1-3), 1p
Santa Fe (0-4) at Manzano (0-3), 11a
Santa Fe Indian (1-2) at McCurdy (0-4), 1p



SCOREBOARD

Thursday, September 15th
Estancia 35, Hagerman 6 - F
Eunice 31, Dexter 0 - F
Jal 53, Clovis JV 0 - F
Organ Mountain 49, Gadsden 21 - F
Roy/Mosquero 83, NMSD 28 - F
Shiprock 28, Zuni 0 - F
Tatum 52, Legacy Academy 22 - F
West Las Vegas 34, Rio Grande 8 - F

Friday, September 16th
Atrisco Heritage 59, West Mesa 54 - F
Capital 17, Albuquerque Academy 0 - F
Carrizozo 48, Floyd 18 - F
Clayton 58, Menaul 12 - F
Cleveland 61 Artesia 33 - F
Deming 51, Belen 20 - F
Denver City, TX 52, Lovington 28 - F
Eldorado 28, Clovis 27 - F
Espanola Valley 38, Gallup 6 - F
Farwell, TX 48, Texico 0 - F
Fort Sumner 46, Magdalena 34 - F
Gateway Christian 56, Elida 6 - F
Hatch Valley 49, Chaparral 14 - F
Highland 48, Del Norte 0 - F
Hobbs 30, Rio Rancho 20 - F
Hope Christian 35, Grants 7 - F
Ignacio, CO 54, Navajo Prep 18 - F
Laguna-Acoma 32, Wingate 22
Las Cruces 35, Mayfield 7 - F
La Cueva 49, Los Lunas 17 - F
Logan 56, Mesilla Valley 6 - F
Lordsburg 46, Melrose 32 - F
Los Alamos 42, Pojoaque Valley 0 - F
Loving 49, Mescalero Apache 0 - F
Moriarty 13, Bernalillo 7 - F/OT
Mountainair 51, Chesterton Academy 0 - F
Newcomb 20, Crownpoint 16 - F
Piedra Vista 47, Goddard 29 - F
Santa Rosa 54, Tucumcari 0 - F
Santa Teresa 28, Valencia 22 - F/OT
Socorro 46, Miyamura 29 - F
Raton 37, Escalante 6 - F
Riverside, TX 35, Alamogordo 21 - F
Roswell 47, Carlsbad 6 - F
Ruidoso 38, Cobre 21 - F
Volcano Vista 33, Sandia 7 - F

*****WEEK 5 SCOREBOARD (SEPT. 15TH-17TH)*****

All scores and updates will be made here each night. You can also text in scores to 505-414-4313 or post them below.

Thursday, September 15th
Estancia 35, Hagerman 6 - F
Eunice 31, Dexter 0 - F
Jal 53, Clovis JV 0 - F
Organ Mountain 49, Gadsden 21 - F
Roy/Mosquero 83, NMSD 28 - F
Shiprock 28, Zuni 0 - F
Tatum 52, Legacy Academy 22 - F
West Las Vegas 34, Rio Grande 8 - F

Friday, September 16th
Atrisco Heritage 59, West Mesa 54 - F
Capital 17, Albuquerque Academy 0 - F
Carrizozo 48, Floyd 18 - F
Clayton 58, Menaul 12 - F
Cleveland 61 Artesia 33 - F
Deming 51, Belen 20 - F
Denver City, TX 52, Lovington 28 - F
Eldorado 28, Clovis 27 - F
Espanola Valley 38, Gallup 6 - F
Farwell, TX 48, Texico 0 - F
Fort Sumner 46, Magdalena 34 - F
Gateway Christian 56, Elida 6 - F
Hatch Valley 49, Chaparral 14 - F
Highland 48, Del Norte 0 - F
Hobbs 30, Rio Rancho 20 - F
Hope Christian 35, Grants 7 - F
Ignacio, CO 54, Navajo Prep 18 - F
Laguna-Acoma 32, Wingate 22
Las Cruces 35, Mayfield 7 - F
La Cueva 49, Los Lunas 17 - F
Logan 56, Mesilla Valley 6 - F
Lordsburg 46, Melrose 32 - F
Los Alamos 42, Pojoaque Valley 0 - F
Loving 49, Mescalero Apache 0 - F
Moriarty 13, Bernalillo 7 - F/OT
Mountainair 51, Chesterton Academy 0 - F
Newcomb 20, Crownpoint 16 - F
Piedra Vista 47, Goddard 29 - F
Santa Rosa 54, Tucumcari 0 - F
Santa Teresa 28, Valencia 22 - F/OT
Socorro 46, Miyamura 29 - F
Raton 37, Escalante 6 - F
Riverside, TX 35, Alamogordo 21 - F
Roswell 47, Carlsbad 6 - F
Ruidoso 38, Cobre 21 - F
Volcano Vista 33, Sandia 7 - F

Saturday, September 17th
Alamo Navajo (0-3) at Pine Hill (1-2), 1p
Aztec (2-2) at Silver (4-0) , 1p
Dora (3-1) at Animas (2-1), 1p
Farmington (1-3) at Albuquerque (1-2), 1p
Hot Springs (0-4) at NMMI (3-1), 1p
Portales (4-0) at St. Pius X (1-3), 1p
Santa Fe (0-4) at Manzano (0-3), 11a
Santa Fe Indian (1-2) at McCurdy (0-4), 1p

Post here

over Goddard, 47-29.

Are the Panthers the top contender?

Week 5 Pick 'Em Challenge - Get Your Picks In

How: We place win/point values and you pick the winners. We will track the standings all season long.

Artesia at Cleveland, +500 (Artesia is the upset +650)
Carlsbad at Roswell, +550 either way
Goddard at Piedra Vista, +575 either way
Mayfield at Las Cruces, +500 either way
Rio Rancho at Hobbs, +525 either way

How to post
Artesia
Carlsbad
Goddard
Mayfield
Rio Rancho

Week 5: Artesia at Cleveland

New Mexico High School Football Friday Night Predictions

NMPreps daily picks and predictions for every game taking place in New Mexico high school football.

What games are you at tonight?

UNM vs UTEP, 6pm
NMSU at Wisconsin, 1:30pm
NMHU vs Fort Lewis, 1pm (Homecoming)
ENMU at Tarleton State, 5pm
WNMU vs Western Oregon, 6pm
NMMI at Kilgore College, 2pm

What do you have for this week?

Thought on the Chiefs 27-24 win last night?

New Mexico High School Football Friday Night Preview

NMPreps daily guide to the New Mexico high school football landscape. What games are potential playoff games? Who is in a must-win situation? #nmpreps

KEY GAMES

Albuquerque Academy (3-1) at Capital (2-2): A week after the 4A favorite lost to Bloomfield the Albuquerque Academy Chargers have a test against 6A Capital. The Chargers feature weapons on offense and we are waiting to see them play to that potential. Capital is our unknown in 6A. Had a shot at a bubble playoff spot. The loss last week could have popped the bubble. I still like really liked Julian Munoz (2023/QB).

Artesia (3-1) at Cleveland (3-1): We've hit on this game this week and it will only help the winner. Nye Estrada (Artesia) and Evan Wysong (Cleveland) are likely Quarterback of the Year candidates. Both teams have the potential to put points up in a hurry and we should expect this one to have an over/under of about 72.5. Scoreboard operator... you better have full attention. Both teams are averaging over 40 points per game.

Bernalillo (2-1) at Moriarty (3-1): Playoffs? Yep, this one is for position at the table. Moriarty enters this contest sitting around an 8 or 9-seed. Bernalillo is at 10 but battling for a better spot. (Week 5 Playoff Projections). Michael Ash (Bernalillo) made headlines in week 4 breaking a single game tackles record with 27. Stopping Moriarty's rushing attack of Santiago Chavez (2024), Michael Magoffe (2023), Matthew Romero and Amare Gonzales (2024) is going to be a big task.

Carlsbad (2-2) at Roswell (3-1): This one will be fun. Hard hitting. Regional game with some hype. Carlsbad could use this game for their overall criteria resume in a few ways, especially if Roswell could win the district. Roswell playing a difficult pre-district schedule for a run at a DC. A new name that could be on the Mr. Football finalist list is Eli Asay (Carlsbad).

Deming (1-3) at Belen (1-3): The Deming Wildcats look to avenge a playoff loss last season but also searching for a resume win. They enter the contest on a three game losing streak but are battle test behind games against Artesia, Goddard, and Organ Mountain. Belen, in a similar situation, but is more in the "need a win" column after losing 42-7 to a 7 to 13 seed range team in Valley last week. A loss here could have either team potentially looking at a 1-6 record entering district play.

Eldorado (0-4) at Clovis (0-4): For the first time this season one of these teams will finish the evening on the winning side. 2024 DB Mark Pacheco (Eldorado) is the dude to know in this contest, he leads the Golden Eagles with 39-total tackles.

La Cueva (3-1) at Los Lunas (2-2): Quarterback Paul Cieremans returned last week for Los Lunas and passed for 135-yards, he'll need to carry them. La Cueva has one of the better defensive units - Nick Mertz (2025), Hunter Roswold (2023), Mason Posa (2025), and Colt Mangino (2023) -- in the state.

Lordsburg (4-0) at Melrose (2-2): When it comes to 8-man football, tonight we have the playoff preview. The Mavericks enter the game with a perfect 4-0 record and looking to make claim as the top squad in the class. Melrose spent the season split between Colorado and New Mexico -- played Mancos, CO (L, 46-8) and Dove Creek, CO (L, 64-34).

Magdalena (3-1) at Fort Sumner (2-0): Two of the top teams in 8-man football will do battle tonight. This one has the potentially to light up the scoreboard quickly. Over/Under set at 90. Joaquin Segura (Fort Sumner) was a stud last season as a sophomore and is the guy we will look to lead them tonight.

Mayfield (2-2) at Las Cruces (0-3): This game was once the talk of the week. Bragging rights are still there and the town is still excited this one. Las Cruces is in need of a win. Mayfield, now in 5A, could use the win. Both defenses are giving up points this season.

Santa Teresa (2-2) at Valencia (1-2): This game helps in the rating section of the criteria ("rank"). Santa Teresa is in the hunt for a top-8 seed in 5A football and will help solidify their spot before district play -- every win counts. Jack Bumgardner (2024) has quietly put up over 1000 total yards (rushing and passing) for the Desert Warriors this season.

Rio Rancho (3-1) at Hobbs (4-0): The first true test for the Hobbs Eagles. Well, that's what some think but the Eagles have played a top-5 schedule in our opinion. This one gives it a 6A resume game though. The Eagles are a slight favorite behind studs Omar Argott (QB) and Kenyon Singleton (LB). Rio Rancho is quietly taking care of business however, entering the game on a three game win streak. Big question -- will the Rio Rancho offense match the Eagles offense?

Riverside, TX (3-0) at Alamogordo (3-1): The Tigers of Alamogordo are off to one of their better starts to a season. They will need the defensive until led by Ryan Stovall (2023) to stop a balanced attack by Riverside (TX) -- 268 rushing yards per game/223 passing yards per game.

Ruidoso (3-1) at Cobre (1-3): We have a District IV vs District III battle in 3A football. If you notice this weeks playoff projections and it shouldn't be a contest. Can Cobre make it a game? Will Ruidoso behind Cooper Pritchett (2023), Kaden Sago (2023), and Logan Sandoval (2024) shut the door early? Ruidoso is a heavy favorite but looking to see if the Cobre Indians can show some fight behind a fairly talented 2024 class. Eric Harrington (2024) anchors the defense for the Indians.

Volcano Vista (3-1) at Sandia (2-1): Sandia has 2-wins in the bubble resume and now they have an opportunity to notch a seed resume win. Volcano Vista is coming off their first loss of the season but this could be a major bounce back game with their offense threats in Alijah Gonzales (RB) and company.

West Mesa (2-2) at Atrisco Heritage (3-1): Bubble game. Elijah Brody, Zebadiah Thompson from West Mesa. Myles Lane, Marquise Renfro, and Dean Marquez from Atrisco Heritage. Has this game ever had this much hype or next level talent? No, no it has not.

BIG THREE FOR THE WEEK

We are sharing our top three games of the week for September 15th-17th. The week brings some marquee games, playoff implications, and where teams will eventually sit come playoff time.

No. 1/5A Artesia Bulldogs (3-1) at No. 1/6A Cleveland Storm (3-1)

What more could you ask for on a Friday night? No. 1 vs No. 1. The Artesia Bulldogs are enter the week fresh off a 57-7 win over Deming; they've outscored their last two opponents (101 to 7). The competition rises as they travel north to take on the defending 6A Champion Storm who are coming off a Saturday afternoon win over Las Cruces (46-3). The Storm enter the week on a three game win streak and winners of 25 of their last 26 games.

No. 3/5A Goddard Rockets (3-1) at No. 4/5A Piedra Vista Panthers (4-0)

Get the road trip tunes and snacks ready. 378 miles which according to the maps app is roughly 5 1/2 hours of driving, on a bus make it 6 hours. What do we get? A battle for the top four seeds in the 5A bracket. This game has potential for a rematch, the loser of this one could possibly making this trip again if the teams fall in the 3-6 range. Goddard is 3-0 against 5A competition, their lone loss to 6A Carlsbad. Piedra Vista is riding high, fresh off a 46-7 win over Albuquerque-Eldorado.

No. 6/6A Rio Rancho Rams (3-1) at No. 7/6A Hobbs Eagles (4-0)

Wait and see. That has been the question for the red hot Hobbs Eagles as of late, even though they've beat top talented programs Roswell (51-7) and Artesia (69-48). Ask and you shall receive. Their next opponent is the Rio Rancho Rams who are riding a three game win steak heading into this weeks game. Those three wins come against Organ Mountain (20-10), Eastlake, TX (13-7) and Eldorado (34-17). This one becomes a resume game for them as well. The true measuring stick for both.

RAPID FIRE

• Someone's Getting A Win: Eldorado (0-4) at Clovis (0-4).
• Rebound Night: Volcano Vista (3-1) is coming off their first loss, they take on Sandia (2-1).
• 6A Welcome: Los Lunas (2-2) continues a difficult schedule with a host of No. 2/6A La Cueva (3-1).
• Another First Timer: Santa Fe (0-4) travels to Albuquerque to take on the Manzano Monarchs (0-3).
• Measuring Stick: Aztec (2-2) takes on Silver (4-0) for a 4A playoff spot game.

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What do you have?