Feature Week 9 Recap: New Mexico High School Football (Oct. 17-19)
- By J Grine
- New Mexico High School Football
- 5 Replies
Week 9 Recap: New Mexico High School Football (Oct. 17-19)
NMPreps brings you comprehensive coverage of Week 9 in New Mexico high school football, highlighting the standout performances and key moments from across the state. This article will be updated throughout the weekend as more results come in, so be sure to check back for the latest scores and recaps.
FRIDAY NIGHT (OCT. 18)
No. 2 Centennial 49, No. 20 Organ Mountain 14 - F
In a dominant performance under the Friday night lights, No. 2 Centennial rolled past No. 20 Organ Mountain 49-14 in Week 9 of New Mexico high school football. Centennial set the tone early, jumping to a commanding lead and never looking back.
The Hawks opened the scoring late in the first quarter when running back Rudy Rios powered into the end zone from 3 yards out. After a successful PAT, Centennial led 7-0. In the second quarter, Centennial’s offense came alive with three more touchdowns. Zaiden Davis added to the lead with an 11-yard rushing touchdown early in the quarter, extending Centennial's advantage to 13-0. After a missed PAT, Centennial quickly responded with another rushing touchdown just two minutes later, pushing the score to 20-0.
With three minutes left before halftime, Centennial broke through again with a short rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it 28-0. Just before the break, Centennial added a passing touchdown, ballooning their lead to 35-0 as they headed into the locker room.
The Hawks wasted no time in the second half, scoring two more rushing touchdowns early in the third quarter. By the end of the third, Centennial was up 49-0, coming close to invoking the mercy rule.
In the fourth quarter, Organ Mountain finally found some rhythm on offense. Anthony Gomez capped off a drive with a rushing touchdown, putting the Knights on the board. Moments later, quarterback Xavier Perez connected with Gomez for a 41-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 49-14.
Centennial improves to 8-0 overall, 4-0 District 3-6A. Organ Mountain drops to 4-5 overall, 3-2 District 3-6A.
No. 3 Cleveland 54, No. 23 Piedra Vista 0 - F
The No. 3-ranked Cleveland Storm delivered a statement win on Friday night, blanking No. 23 Piedra Vista 54-0 in a dominant performance. With the victory, Cleveland improved to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in District 1-6A, extending their win streak to seven games after an opening-week loss to No. 2 Centennial. Piedra Vista, meanwhile, fell to 1-7, dropping their seventh consecutive game since their Week 1 victory over Sandia.
Junior quarterback Jordan Hatch orchestrated the Storm's explosive offense, guiding his team to a commanding 42-0 lead by halftime. Cleveland wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, finding the end zone three times in their first six offensive snaps. Juan Muñoz played a pivotal role, scoring three first-half touchdowns to help bury the Panthers early.
Hatch threw for two touchdowns in the first half and later added a rushing touchdown in the second half as the Storm poured it on despite the rainy conditions in Farmington.
No. 4 Volcano Vista 33, No. 6 Rio Rancho 0 - F
In a dominant performance, the No. 4 ranked Volcano Vista Hawks shut out the No. 6 Rio Rancho Rams, winning 33-0 in a cold and dry evening under the lights. The Hawks' offense capitalized on key turnovers and executed big plays, while their defense stifled the Rams' attack, resulting in a scoreless night for Rio Rancho.
The first quarter remained competitive, with both teams exchanging possessions until Volcano Vista struck first with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Sinclair to D'angelo Mitchell, putting the Hawks up 7-0 after Ismael Mendez III’s extra point.
The second quarter is where the Hawks began to pull away. Mason Gurule broke free for two rushing touchdowns, one from 18 yards out early in the quarter and another just minutes later. After a missed PAT on the second score, Volcano Vista still led 20-0 heading into halftime.
Rio Rancho struggled to maintain offensive momentum, turning the ball over on downs multiple times. Volcano Vista's Hudson Brown intercepted a pass in the second quarter, setting up one of the Hawks’ touchdowns.
Volcano Vista’s defense continued to shut down the Rams in the second half, and Ilijah Hansen added to the scoreboard with a 9-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime to extend the lead to 26-0.
In the final quarter, the Hawks scored again to secure their commanding 33-0 victory. Rio Rancho’s offense couldn’t break through the Volcano Vista defense, resulting in a complete shutout.
Volcano Vista moves to 7-1 overall, 3-0 District 1-6A on the season with the win, further solidifying their spot among the state’s top teams. Meanwhile, Rio Rancho drops to 5-3 overall, 2-1 District 1-6A and will need to regroup as they continue to navigate a tough district schedule.
No. 8 Roswell 44, No. 7 Artesia 40 - F
In a high-octane showdown between two of 5A’s top teams, Roswell edged out Artesia 44-40 in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This highly anticipated matchup saw the lead shift multiple times, with both teams showcasing their explosive offenses.
Roswell wasted no time getting on the board, as quarterback Jacob Palomino connected with Jaylon Cloud on a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter, giving Roswell an early 7-0 lead. Artesia responded quickly with quarterback Izac Cazares finding Jack Byers for a 19-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs failed on the two-point conversion, keeping Roswell ahead 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Roswell’s Xai Carrasco extended the lead with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion, pushing the score to 15-6. Artesia answered back with a 61-yard bomb from Cazares to Frankie Galindo, tightening the score to 15-12 going into halftime.
The third quarter saw Artesia surge ahead, with Cazares rushing for a 35-yard touchdown and another score through the air to Trent Egeland, putting Artesia up 27-22. Before the quarter ended, Bryce Parra broke free for a 28-yard rushing touchdown, extending Artesia’s lead to 34-22.
Roswell came roaring back in the fourth quarter. Carrasco powered his way to the end zone twice more, and Cloud added another rushing touchdown. A key two-point conversion by Keegan Nichols gave Roswell a 37-34 lead. Carrasco’s third touchdown of the game increased Roswell’s advantage to 44-34 with just six minutes left. Artesia's Galindo scored on a short run late, but a missed extra point left the Bulldogs trailing 44-40, sealing Roswell’s dramatic win.
Artesia falls to 5-3 overall, 4-1 District 2-5A. Roswell improves to 5-1 overall, 3-1 District 2-5A.
No. 9 Hobbs 63, Clovis 8 - F
In a dominant performance, the No. 9 Hobbs Eagles crushed unranked Clovis 63-8, delivering a relentless onslaught from start to finish.
The game opened with a promising drive by Clovis, but the Wildcats quickly stalled and were forced to punt, setting the tone for the evening. Hobbs capitalized early, with running back Shamus Wright powering through for a 17-yard touchdown, giving Hobbs a 7-0 lead within minutes.
Hobbs’ defense suffocated Clovis, and after another punt, Omarrion Kennedy added to the Eagles' lead with a short 1-yard rushing score, extending it to 14-0. Clovis struggled to gain any momentum and soon found themselves pinned deep in their own territory, eventually fumbling the ball away, which Brock Beaty swiftly converted into an 18-yard touchdown. Hobbs added a two-point conversion, and just like that, the lead ballooned to 22-0 before the first quarter even ended.
The Eagles weren’t done yet, as Beaty later connected with Justice French for a 23-yard touchdown pass, further distancing themselves from Clovis at 30-0. Another Clovis fumble gave Hobbs prime field position, and Layton Nichols threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Garcia, wrapping up the first quarter with Hobbs ahead 37-0.
Clovis' lone bright moment came early in the second quarter when Jaden Tapia-Cordova returned a fumble for a touchdown, followed by Javier Jimenez’s two-point conversion. However, that would be their only score of the night. Hobbs answered with more rushing touchdowns, including a 31-yard sprint from Beaty and an 18-yard rush by Joshua Ortiz.
By halftime, Hobbs held a commanding 44-8 lead, and they continued to pour it on in the second half, finishing the game with a final score of 63-8. With this win, Hobbs solidified their top-10 ranking, while Clovis was left searching for answers.
Hobbs now sits at 4-4 overall, 2-2 District 3-6A. Clovis drops to 0-8 overall, 0-4 in district.
No. 10 Bloomfield 20, Bernalillo 7 - F
In a pivotal District 1-4A matchup, the Bloomfield Bobcats remained undefeated, improving to 7-0 (5-0 District 1-4A) on the season with a 20-7 victory over Bernalillo. The Spartans suffered their first loss of the year, falling to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in district play.
The game started with a defensive battle, but Bloomfield capitalized on Bernalillo turnovers to take control. Bloomfield's Blake Spencer threw two first-quarter touchdown passes, the first an 11-yard strike to Kaleb Hutchens, and the second a 25-yard pass to Kaden McCown. Despite their early offensive success, Bloomfield’s two-point conversion attempt failed after the first touchdown, but they extended their lead to 13-0 with a successful PAT after the second score.
Bernalillo struggled to find offensive rhythm, turning the ball over multiple times in key situations. Bloomfield’s defense held strong, with Eli Meador recovering a fumble in the first quarter and adding an interception early in the third quarter. The Bobcats went into halftime with a 13-0 lead.
The Spartans finally found the end zone late in the third quarter when quarterback Uriel Castro connected with Joseph Duran for a 20-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 13-7 after a successful PAT. However, Bloomfield responded in the fourth quarter with a 35-yard rushing touchdown by Peyton Duncan, sealing the victory.
Bloomfield's defense forced another late fumble, recovered by Elias Johnson, which helped the Bobcats close out the game. Bloomfield's perfect season continues as they march toward a district title, while Bernalillo will look to bounce back from their first loss of the year.
No. 11 Los Lunas 46, Santa Fe 0 - F
The eleventh-ranked Los Lunas Tigers made a statement in their road matchup against Santa Fe, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. They showcased a dominant rushing attack, highlighted by a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run from Tegan Gallegos that put the Tigers ahead 14-0 in the first quarter. With this win, Los Lunas improved to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in District 2-6A, while Santa Fe fell to 2-6 on the season and remained winless in district play at 0-5.
No. 14 Eldorado 21, No. 16 Albuquerque 6 - F
In a crucial District 2-6A clash, the fourteenth-ranked Eldorado Eagles secured a solid victory over the sixteenth-ranked Albuquerque. Sophomore Jahari Morehead continued to make waves as a standout returner, contributing significantly to the Eagles’ performance. The win propelled Eldorado's record to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in district play, while Albuquerque's record dropped to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the same district.
No. 17 Gadsden 32, No. 19 Lovington 28 - F
The Gadsden Panthers edged out the Lovington Wildcats in a thrilling matchup that showcased both teams’ offensive prowess. Lovington initially took control with a 7-0 lead, thanks to an early rushing touchdown, followed by a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Prudencio to Elijah Rivero, extending their lead to 14-0. However, Gadsden quickly responded with a series of touchdowns, including a 1-yard rushing score from Adrian Munoz and an 8-yard rushing TD from Alfredo Andrade, leveling the game at 14-14.
As the game progressed, Lovington regained the lead with a 4-yard rushing touchdown from Ondalis Cardenas, but Gadsden fought back again, with Andrade scoring a 4-yard rushing touchdown to put them ahead 25-20. Lovington didn’t back down, answering with a touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion to reclaim the lead at 28-25. Yet, it was Gadsden’s Kelly Stevens who scored the decisive 1-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the game at 32-28. Gadsden improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in District 2-5A, while Lovington dropped to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in district play, marking their third consecutive loss.
No. 18 Mayfield 28, Goddard 20 - F
In a tight contest, the eighteenth-ranked Mayfield Trojans managed to outlast the Goddard Rockets. Mayfield took a 21-7 lead with 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter and ultimately secured a 28-20 victory. With this win, Mayfield improved to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in District 2-5A, while Goddard fell to 2-6 and 1-4 in district play. The Trojans are now on a two-game winning streak, bolstering their playoff hopes.
No. 24 Sandia 41, No. 12 West Mesa 7 - F
In one of the biggest upsets of the night, the twenty-fourth-ranked Sandia Matadors delivered a stunning performance against twelfth-ranked West Mesa. The Matadors' sophomore quarterback Jahleel Lewis was instrumental in the victory, throwing three touchdown passes to lead Sandia to a convincing 41-7 win. This resounding triumph not only improved Sandia’s record to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in District 2-6A but also put West Mesa’s playoff hopes in jeopardy as they fell to 4-4 and 2-3 in district play.
THURSDAY NIGHT (OCT. 17)
No. 1 La Cueva 42, Atrisco Heritage 6 – Final
Top-ranked La Cueva cruised past Atrisco Heritage in District 2-6A play. The Bears struck early, scoring with 8:07 left in the first quarter and never looked back. By the end of the third quarter, the game was firmly in La Cueva's control at 42-6.
With the win, La Cueva improves to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in District 2-6A. Atrisco Heritage drops to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in district play.
No. 5 Las Cruces 59, No. 22 Alamogordo 7 – Final
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs made quick work of the Alamogordo Tigers on Thursday night, dominating in a 59-7 rout. The tone was set early as Las Cruces running back Daniel Amaro found the end zone just two plays into the game. Amaro’s 20-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, gave the Bulldawgs a 7-0 lead with 9:52 left in the first quarter.
Alamogordo struggled to gain momentum offensively, although quarterback Nathanael Best managed a 21-yard run that briefly put the Tigers in scoring position at the Las Cruces 19-yard line. However, the drive stalled, and Las Cruces regained control. Bulldawgs quarterback Isaiah Guardiola orchestrated a precise drive, connecting on a 29-yard pass and then finding a receiver on a dig route for another touchdown before the first quarter ended. Las Cruces led 14-0.
Despite some effective runs, penalties and missed opportunities plagued Alamogordo's offense. A key holding penalty derailed one of their drives, forcing a punt. Meanwhile, Amaro continued his stellar night, scoring his second touchdown on a power toss, pushing the lead to 21-0.
Alamogordo finally answered midway through the second quarter when Best found tight end Andrew Tellez for a 6-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 21-7. But Las Cruces responded immediately, with Amaro powering in for his third touchdown on a toss play to the left, restoring the 28-7 lead.
Las Cruces' defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs after snuffing out a fake punt attempt by Alamogordo. Jaxon Alba capitalized on the excellent field position, scoring on the very next play to extend the lead to 35-7. A field goal at the end of the half made it 38-7 at halftime.
With most of the Cruces starters resting, the second half was more of the same. The Dawgs' JV squad added two more touchdowns, and Hergenreder capped the scoring with a 21-yard run late in the fourth quarter. Alamogordo's struggles continued as they fell to 1-8 on the season, while Las Cruces improved to 6-2 overall and 4-0 in District 3-6A play.
No. 13 Deming 44, Santa Teresa 12 – Final
In a District 2-5A matchup on Thursday night in the southwestern corner of the state, Deming dominated Santa Teresa with a 44-12 victory.
Deming took control early, scoring on a rushing touchdown in the first quarter and adding a second score shortly after, leading 22-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats continued to extend their lead, with two more touchdowns before halftime, bringing the score to 37-0 at the break.
Santa Teresa fought back in the second half, scoring twice—once on a 9-yard pass from Nicholas Vierra to Ulysses Montes in the third quarter, and another on a 17-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter—but it wasn’t enough to overcome Deming’s powerful offense. Deming added a 60-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth to seal the win.
Deming improves to 6-2 overall, while Santa Teresa drops to 1-7 on the season and 0-5 in district play.
No. 15 Farmington 37, No. 25 Cibola 0 – Final
Farmington snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 37-0 victory over Cibola in District 1-6A play on Thursday night at Hutchison Stadium, thrilling the homecoming crowd. The Scorpions exploded for 28 points in the first quarter and added another touchdown in the second, along with a safety in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
Farmington quarterback Waylon Schake was the star of the night, passing for over 175 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for two more. His first touchdown was a 32-yard strike to Cayden Haliburton.
With the win, Farmington improves to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in district play. Cibola drops to 2-6 overall and 0-3 in district.
Highland 18, Belen 7 – Final
In a key District 1-5A matchup, the Highland Hornets leaned heavily on their star running back Amiri Mumba, whose big-play ability powered them to an 18-7 victory over the Belen Eagles at Milne Stadium.
The game started cautiously for both teams, with neither finding the end zone in a scoreless first quarter. Highland's aggressive approach was evident early when they went for it on fourth-and-2 but were stopped short by the Eagles defense. Belen took over near midfield but couldn’t capitalize on two separate fourth-down attempts in Highland territory, with the Hornets' defense holding strong each time.
Highland finally broke the stalemate early in the second quarter. Mumba, who was the workhorse for the Hornets, capped a 64-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 6-0 with 9:48 remaining in the first half.
Belen responded quickly, running the option to perfection as quarterback Gonzalo Cano pitched the ball to Brady Aragon, who raced 14 yards for a touchdown. The successful extra point gave Belen a 7-6 lead with 6:53 left in the second quarter.
A pivotal moment came shortly after when a Highland punt attempt went awry. A low snap forced the punter to scramble, and his delayed kick was blocked, giving Belen excellent field position at the Highland 32-yard line. However, the Eagles couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs at the Hornets' 28-yard line.
With just seconds left in the first half, Highland delivered a momentum-shifting play. After calling a timeout with eight seconds remaining, Mumba took a direct snap and weaved his way through the Belen defense, breaking tackles en route to a stunning 67-yard touchdown run. Highland entered halftime with a 12-7 lead.
In the third quarter, both teams struggled to generate offense, with the wind playing a factor. Highland gambled on a fourth-and-2, and once again, Mumba delivered with a crucial 5-yard gain to keep the drive alive. The quarter ended without any scoring, and Highland carried its 12-7 lead into the final period.
Highland had an opportunity to extend its lead early in the fourth quarter but botched a 35-yard field goal attempt. Belen took over at their 16-yard line, but Mumba soon struck again. He broke free for a 54-yard touchdown run, pushing Highland's lead to 18-7 with 9:21 remaining.
Belen had one final chance to get back into the game, driving to the Highland 31-yard line, but a critical interception with 6:55 left sealed their fate. The Eagles couldn’t recover, and Highland’s defense held firm to secure the win.
Mumba was the star of the night, racking up nearly 300 rushing yards in his best performance since Week 1 against Manzano. Highland improved to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in District 1-5A, while Belen fell to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in district play.
Socorro 54, Cobre 0 – Final
In District 3-3A action, the Socorro Warriors dominated the Cobre Indians in a commanding 54-0 victory. By the end of the first quarter, Socorro had built a 21-0 lead behind two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. The second quarter brought more of the same, as the Warriors added a quick rushing touchdown before the defense stepped up with back-to-back fumble recoveries returned for scores, making it 42-0.
Another rushing touchdown just before halftime extended the lead to 48-0, though a failed two-point conversion prevented the mercy rule from taking effect at the break.
In the third quarter, Socorro capped off their scoring with a passing touchdown, making it 54-0 with about eight minutes to play, ending the game.
Socorro improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in District 3-3A, while Cobre drops to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in district play.
NMPreps brings you comprehensive coverage of Week 9 in New Mexico high school football, highlighting the standout performances and key moments from across the state. This article will be updated throughout the weekend as more results come in, so be sure to check back for the latest scores and recaps.
FRIDAY NIGHT (OCT. 18)
No. 2 Centennial 49, No. 20 Organ Mountain 14 - F
In a dominant performance under the Friday night lights, No. 2 Centennial rolled past No. 20 Organ Mountain 49-14 in Week 9 of New Mexico high school football. Centennial set the tone early, jumping to a commanding lead and never looking back.
The Hawks opened the scoring late in the first quarter when running back Rudy Rios powered into the end zone from 3 yards out. After a successful PAT, Centennial led 7-0. In the second quarter, Centennial’s offense came alive with three more touchdowns. Zaiden Davis added to the lead with an 11-yard rushing touchdown early in the quarter, extending Centennial's advantage to 13-0. After a missed PAT, Centennial quickly responded with another rushing touchdown just two minutes later, pushing the score to 20-0.
With three minutes left before halftime, Centennial broke through again with a short rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it 28-0. Just before the break, Centennial added a passing touchdown, ballooning their lead to 35-0 as they headed into the locker room.
The Hawks wasted no time in the second half, scoring two more rushing touchdowns early in the third quarter. By the end of the third, Centennial was up 49-0, coming close to invoking the mercy rule.
In the fourth quarter, Organ Mountain finally found some rhythm on offense. Anthony Gomez capped off a drive with a rushing touchdown, putting the Knights on the board. Moments later, quarterback Xavier Perez connected with Gomez for a 41-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 49-14.
Centennial improves to 8-0 overall, 4-0 District 3-6A. Organ Mountain drops to 4-5 overall, 3-2 District 3-6A.
No. 3 Cleveland 54, No. 23 Piedra Vista 0 - F
The No. 3-ranked Cleveland Storm delivered a statement win on Friday night, blanking No. 23 Piedra Vista 54-0 in a dominant performance. With the victory, Cleveland improved to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in District 1-6A, extending their win streak to seven games after an opening-week loss to No. 2 Centennial. Piedra Vista, meanwhile, fell to 1-7, dropping their seventh consecutive game since their Week 1 victory over Sandia.
Junior quarterback Jordan Hatch orchestrated the Storm's explosive offense, guiding his team to a commanding 42-0 lead by halftime. Cleveland wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, finding the end zone three times in their first six offensive snaps. Juan Muñoz played a pivotal role, scoring three first-half touchdowns to help bury the Panthers early.
Hatch threw for two touchdowns in the first half and later added a rushing touchdown in the second half as the Storm poured it on despite the rainy conditions in Farmington.
No. 4 Volcano Vista 33, No. 6 Rio Rancho 0 - F
In a dominant performance, the No. 4 ranked Volcano Vista Hawks shut out the No. 6 Rio Rancho Rams, winning 33-0 in a cold and dry evening under the lights. The Hawks' offense capitalized on key turnovers and executed big plays, while their defense stifled the Rams' attack, resulting in a scoreless night for Rio Rancho.
The first quarter remained competitive, with both teams exchanging possessions until Volcano Vista struck first with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Sinclair to D'angelo Mitchell, putting the Hawks up 7-0 after Ismael Mendez III’s extra point.
The second quarter is where the Hawks began to pull away. Mason Gurule broke free for two rushing touchdowns, one from 18 yards out early in the quarter and another just minutes later. After a missed PAT on the second score, Volcano Vista still led 20-0 heading into halftime.
Rio Rancho struggled to maintain offensive momentum, turning the ball over on downs multiple times. Volcano Vista's Hudson Brown intercepted a pass in the second quarter, setting up one of the Hawks’ touchdowns.
Volcano Vista’s defense continued to shut down the Rams in the second half, and Ilijah Hansen added to the scoreboard with a 9-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime to extend the lead to 26-0.
In the final quarter, the Hawks scored again to secure their commanding 33-0 victory. Rio Rancho’s offense couldn’t break through the Volcano Vista defense, resulting in a complete shutout.
Volcano Vista moves to 7-1 overall, 3-0 District 1-6A on the season with the win, further solidifying their spot among the state’s top teams. Meanwhile, Rio Rancho drops to 5-3 overall, 2-1 District 1-6A and will need to regroup as they continue to navigate a tough district schedule.
No. 8 Roswell 44, No. 7 Artesia 40 - F
In a high-octane showdown between two of 5A’s top teams, Roswell edged out Artesia 44-40 in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This highly anticipated matchup saw the lead shift multiple times, with both teams showcasing their explosive offenses.
Roswell wasted no time getting on the board, as quarterback Jacob Palomino connected with Jaylon Cloud on a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter, giving Roswell an early 7-0 lead. Artesia responded quickly with quarterback Izac Cazares finding Jack Byers for a 19-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs failed on the two-point conversion, keeping Roswell ahead 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Roswell’s Xai Carrasco extended the lead with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion, pushing the score to 15-6. Artesia answered back with a 61-yard bomb from Cazares to Frankie Galindo, tightening the score to 15-12 going into halftime.
The third quarter saw Artesia surge ahead, with Cazares rushing for a 35-yard touchdown and another score through the air to Trent Egeland, putting Artesia up 27-22. Before the quarter ended, Bryce Parra broke free for a 28-yard rushing touchdown, extending Artesia’s lead to 34-22.
Roswell came roaring back in the fourth quarter. Carrasco powered his way to the end zone twice more, and Cloud added another rushing touchdown. A key two-point conversion by Keegan Nichols gave Roswell a 37-34 lead. Carrasco’s third touchdown of the game increased Roswell’s advantage to 44-34 with just six minutes left. Artesia's Galindo scored on a short run late, but a missed extra point left the Bulldogs trailing 44-40, sealing Roswell’s dramatic win.
Artesia falls to 5-3 overall, 4-1 District 2-5A. Roswell improves to 5-1 overall, 3-1 District 2-5A.
No. 9 Hobbs 63, Clovis 8 - F
In a dominant performance, the No. 9 Hobbs Eagles crushed unranked Clovis 63-8, delivering a relentless onslaught from start to finish.
The game opened with a promising drive by Clovis, but the Wildcats quickly stalled and were forced to punt, setting the tone for the evening. Hobbs capitalized early, with running back Shamus Wright powering through for a 17-yard touchdown, giving Hobbs a 7-0 lead within minutes.
Hobbs’ defense suffocated Clovis, and after another punt, Omarrion Kennedy added to the Eagles' lead with a short 1-yard rushing score, extending it to 14-0. Clovis struggled to gain any momentum and soon found themselves pinned deep in their own territory, eventually fumbling the ball away, which Brock Beaty swiftly converted into an 18-yard touchdown. Hobbs added a two-point conversion, and just like that, the lead ballooned to 22-0 before the first quarter even ended.
The Eagles weren’t done yet, as Beaty later connected with Justice French for a 23-yard touchdown pass, further distancing themselves from Clovis at 30-0. Another Clovis fumble gave Hobbs prime field position, and Layton Nichols threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Garcia, wrapping up the first quarter with Hobbs ahead 37-0.
Clovis' lone bright moment came early in the second quarter when Jaden Tapia-Cordova returned a fumble for a touchdown, followed by Javier Jimenez’s two-point conversion. However, that would be their only score of the night. Hobbs answered with more rushing touchdowns, including a 31-yard sprint from Beaty and an 18-yard rush by Joshua Ortiz.
By halftime, Hobbs held a commanding 44-8 lead, and they continued to pour it on in the second half, finishing the game with a final score of 63-8. With this win, Hobbs solidified their top-10 ranking, while Clovis was left searching for answers.
Hobbs now sits at 4-4 overall, 2-2 District 3-6A. Clovis drops to 0-8 overall, 0-4 in district.
No. 10 Bloomfield 20, Bernalillo 7 - F
In a pivotal District 1-4A matchup, the Bloomfield Bobcats remained undefeated, improving to 7-0 (5-0 District 1-4A) on the season with a 20-7 victory over Bernalillo. The Spartans suffered their first loss of the year, falling to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in district play.
The game started with a defensive battle, but Bloomfield capitalized on Bernalillo turnovers to take control. Bloomfield's Blake Spencer threw two first-quarter touchdown passes, the first an 11-yard strike to Kaleb Hutchens, and the second a 25-yard pass to Kaden McCown. Despite their early offensive success, Bloomfield’s two-point conversion attempt failed after the first touchdown, but they extended their lead to 13-0 with a successful PAT after the second score.
Bernalillo struggled to find offensive rhythm, turning the ball over multiple times in key situations. Bloomfield’s defense held strong, with Eli Meador recovering a fumble in the first quarter and adding an interception early in the third quarter. The Bobcats went into halftime with a 13-0 lead.
The Spartans finally found the end zone late in the third quarter when quarterback Uriel Castro connected with Joseph Duran for a 20-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 13-7 after a successful PAT. However, Bloomfield responded in the fourth quarter with a 35-yard rushing touchdown by Peyton Duncan, sealing the victory.
Bloomfield's defense forced another late fumble, recovered by Elias Johnson, which helped the Bobcats close out the game. Bloomfield's perfect season continues as they march toward a district title, while Bernalillo will look to bounce back from their first loss of the year.
No. 11 Los Lunas 46, Santa Fe 0 - F
The eleventh-ranked Los Lunas Tigers made a statement in their road matchup against Santa Fe, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. They showcased a dominant rushing attack, highlighted by a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run from Tegan Gallegos that put the Tigers ahead 14-0 in the first quarter. With this win, Los Lunas improved to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in District 2-6A, while Santa Fe fell to 2-6 on the season and remained winless in district play at 0-5.
No. 14 Eldorado 21, No. 16 Albuquerque 6 - F
In a crucial District 2-6A clash, the fourteenth-ranked Eldorado Eagles secured a solid victory over the sixteenth-ranked Albuquerque. Sophomore Jahari Morehead continued to make waves as a standout returner, contributing significantly to the Eagles’ performance. The win propelled Eldorado's record to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in district play, while Albuquerque's record dropped to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the same district.
No. 17 Gadsden 32, No. 19 Lovington 28 - F
The Gadsden Panthers edged out the Lovington Wildcats in a thrilling matchup that showcased both teams’ offensive prowess. Lovington initially took control with a 7-0 lead, thanks to an early rushing touchdown, followed by a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Prudencio to Elijah Rivero, extending their lead to 14-0. However, Gadsden quickly responded with a series of touchdowns, including a 1-yard rushing score from Adrian Munoz and an 8-yard rushing TD from Alfredo Andrade, leveling the game at 14-14.
As the game progressed, Lovington regained the lead with a 4-yard rushing touchdown from Ondalis Cardenas, but Gadsden fought back again, with Andrade scoring a 4-yard rushing touchdown to put them ahead 25-20. Lovington didn’t back down, answering with a touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion to reclaim the lead at 28-25. Yet, it was Gadsden’s Kelly Stevens who scored the decisive 1-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the game at 32-28. Gadsden improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in District 2-5A, while Lovington dropped to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in district play, marking their third consecutive loss.
No. 18 Mayfield 28, Goddard 20 - F
In a tight contest, the eighteenth-ranked Mayfield Trojans managed to outlast the Goddard Rockets. Mayfield took a 21-7 lead with 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter and ultimately secured a 28-20 victory. With this win, Mayfield improved to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in District 2-5A, while Goddard fell to 2-6 and 1-4 in district play. The Trojans are now on a two-game winning streak, bolstering their playoff hopes.
No. 24 Sandia 41, No. 12 West Mesa 7 - F
In one of the biggest upsets of the night, the twenty-fourth-ranked Sandia Matadors delivered a stunning performance against twelfth-ranked West Mesa. The Matadors' sophomore quarterback Jahleel Lewis was instrumental in the victory, throwing three touchdown passes to lead Sandia to a convincing 41-7 win. This resounding triumph not only improved Sandia’s record to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in District 2-6A but also put West Mesa’s playoff hopes in jeopardy as they fell to 4-4 and 2-3 in district play.
THURSDAY NIGHT (OCT. 17)
No. 1 La Cueva 42, Atrisco Heritage 6 – Final
Top-ranked La Cueva cruised past Atrisco Heritage in District 2-6A play. The Bears struck early, scoring with 8:07 left in the first quarter and never looked back. By the end of the third quarter, the game was firmly in La Cueva's control at 42-6.
With the win, La Cueva improves to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in District 2-6A. Atrisco Heritage drops to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in district play.
No. 5 Las Cruces 59, No. 22 Alamogordo 7 – Final
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs made quick work of the Alamogordo Tigers on Thursday night, dominating in a 59-7 rout. The tone was set early as Las Cruces running back Daniel Amaro found the end zone just two plays into the game. Amaro’s 20-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, gave the Bulldawgs a 7-0 lead with 9:52 left in the first quarter.
Alamogordo struggled to gain momentum offensively, although quarterback Nathanael Best managed a 21-yard run that briefly put the Tigers in scoring position at the Las Cruces 19-yard line. However, the drive stalled, and Las Cruces regained control. Bulldawgs quarterback Isaiah Guardiola orchestrated a precise drive, connecting on a 29-yard pass and then finding a receiver on a dig route for another touchdown before the first quarter ended. Las Cruces led 14-0.
Despite some effective runs, penalties and missed opportunities plagued Alamogordo's offense. A key holding penalty derailed one of their drives, forcing a punt. Meanwhile, Amaro continued his stellar night, scoring his second touchdown on a power toss, pushing the lead to 21-0.
Alamogordo finally answered midway through the second quarter when Best found tight end Andrew Tellez for a 6-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 21-7. But Las Cruces responded immediately, with Amaro powering in for his third touchdown on a toss play to the left, restoring the 28-7 lead.
Las Cruces' defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs after snuffing out a fake punt attempt by Alamogordo. Jaxon Alba capitalized on the excellent field position, scoring on the very next play to extend the lead to 35-7. A field goal at the end of the half made it 38-7 at halftime.
With most of the Cruces starters resting, the second half was more of the same. The Dawgs' JV squad added two more touchdowns, and Hergenreder capped the scoring with a 21-yard run late in the fourth quarter. Alamogordo's struggles continued as they fell to 1-8 on the season, while Las Cruces improved to 6-2 overall and 4-0 in District 3-6A play.
No. 13 Deming 44, Santa Teresa 12 – Final
In a District 2-5A matchup on Thursday night in the southwestern corner of the state, Deming dominated Santa Teresa with a 44-12 victory.
Deming took control early, scoring on a rushing touchdown in the first quarter and adding a second score shortly after, leading 22-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats continued to extend their lead, with two more touchdowns before halftime, bringing the score to 37-0 at the break.
Santa Teresa fought back in the second half, scoring twice—once on a 9-yard pass from Nicholas Vierra to Ulysses Montes in the third quarter, and another on a 17-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter—but it wasn’t enough to overcome Deming’s powerful offense. Deming added a 60-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth to seal the win.
Deming improves to 6-2 overall, while Santa Teresa drops to 1-7 on the season and 0-5 in district play.
No. 15 Farmington 37, No. 25 Cibola 0 – Final
Farmington snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 37-0 victory over Cibola in District 1-6A play on Thursday night at Hutchison Stadium, thrilling the homecoming crowd. The Scorpions exploded for 28 points in the first quarter and added another touchdown in the second, along with a safety in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
Farmington quarterback Waylon Schake was the star of the night, passing for over 175 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for two more. His first touchdown was a 32-yard strike to Cayden Haliburton.
With the win, Farmington improves to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in district play. Cibola drops to 2-6 overall and 0-3 in district.
Highland 18, Belen 7 – Final
In a key District 1-5A matchup, the Highland Hornets leaned heavily on their star running back Amiri Mumba, whose big-play ability powered them to an 18-7 victory over the Belen Eagles at Milne Stadium.
The game started cautiously for both teams, with neither finding the end zone in a scoreless first quarter. Highland's aggressive approach was evident early when they went for it on fourth-and-2 but were stopped short by the Eagles defense. Belen took over near midfield but couldn’t capitalize on two separate fourth-down attempts in Highland territory, with the Hornets' defense holding strong each time.
Highland finally broke the stalemate early in the second quarter. Mumba, who was the workhorse for the Hornets, capped a 64-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 6-0 with 9:48 remaining in the first half.
Belen responded quickly, running the option to perfection as quarterback Gonzalo Cano pitched the ball to Brady Aragon, who raced 14 yards for a touchdown. The successful extra point gave Belen a 7-6 lead with 6:53 left in the second quarter.
A pivotal moment came shortly after when a Highland punt attempt went awry. A low snap forced the punter to scramble, and his delayed kick was blocked, giving Belen excellent field position at the Highland 32-yard line. However, the Eagles couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs at the Hornets' 28-yard line.
With just seconds left in the first half, Highland delivered a momentum-shifting play. After calling a timeout with eight seconds remaining, Mumba took a direct snap and weaved his way through the Belen defense, breaking tackles en route to a stunning 67-yard touchdown run. Highland entered halftime with a 12-7 lead.
In the third quarter, both teams struggled to generate offense, with the wind playing a factor. Highland gambled on a fourth-and-2, and once again, Mumba delivered with a crucial 5-yard gain to keep the drive alive. The quarter ended without any scoring, and Highland carried its 12-7 lead into the final period.
Highland had an opportunity to extend its lead early in the fourth quarter but botched a 35-yard field goal attempt. Belen took over at their 16-yard line, but Mumba soon struck again. He broke free for a 54-yard touchdown run, pushing Highland's lead to 18-7 with 9:21 remaining.
Belen had one final chance to get back into the game, driving to the Highland 31-yard line, but a critical interception with 6:55 left sealed their fate. The Eagles couldn’t recover, and Highland’s defense held firm to secure the win.
Mumba was the star of the night, racking up nearly 300 rushing yards in his best performance since Week 1 against Manzano. Highland improved to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in District 1-5A, while Belen fell to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in district play.
Socorro 54, Cobre 0 – Final
In District 3-3A action, the Socorro Warriors dominated the Cobre Indians in a commanding 54-0 victory. By the end of the first quarter, Socorro had built a 21-0 lead behind two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. The second quarter brought more of the same, as the Warriors added a quick rushing touchdown before the defense stepped up with back-to-back fumble recoveries returned for scores, making it 42-0.
Another rushing touchdown just before halftime extended the lead to 48-0, though a failed two-point conversion prevented the mercy rule from taking effect at the break.
In the third quarter, Socorro capped off their scoring with a passing touchdown, making it 54-0 with about eight minutes to play, ending the game.
Socorro improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in District 3-3A, while Cobre drops to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in district play.
