Thoughts on this week?

Most Intriguing Score From Friday Night - Week 3

List the games you'll attend this week.

*****WEEK 3 PICK'EM CHALLENGE*****

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

WEEK 3 - SEPTEMBER 6th & 7th (No Thursday)
Artesia at Centennial, +300 (Artesia is the upset +400)
Santa Fe vs St. Michael's, +300 (Santa Fe is the upset +400)
Las Cruces at Rio Rancho, +300 either way
Farmington at Los Lunas, +300 (Los Lunas is the upset +400)
Portales at Bernalillo, +300 (Bernalillo is the upset +400)

Post here.

Nothing drastic this week as far as travel. A handful of trips that take just awhile.
All trips round trip and include 1 purchase order. Lol
10. Farmington vs Los lunas. 400 miles
9. Alamo vs Albq. 418 miles
8. Cleveland vs Clovis. 467 miles
7. Las Cruces vs Rio Rancho. 477 miles
6.portakes vs Bernallilo. 486 miles
5. Clayton vs Tatum 502 miles
4. Melrose vs Alamo Navajo 554 miles
3. Zuni vs Hatch 590 miles
2. Dexter vs Grant's. 598 miles
1. Navajo Pine vs Lordsburg. 647 miles

Week 3 New Mexico High School Football: Top-25 Showdowns, Predictions, and Key Matchups

As Week 3 of New Mexico high school football kicks off, several top-ranked teams face crucial tests under the Friday night lights. We rundown the key games to watch on Friday night. #nmpreps

No. 3 Cleveland (1-1) at No. 20 Clovis (0-2), 7 PM Clovis, NM​

Preview:
Expect a one-sided game in this eastern New Mexico showdown. Cleveland should easily handle Clovis, who has struggled to put points on the board with only 8 total in two games. Cleveland’s defense, led by top-five prospect Psalmon Kegler, will likely keep Clovis RB John Royal contained all night.
Prediction: Cleveland 54, Clovis 0
Grine's Pick: Cleveland

No. 4 Rio Rancho (2-0) vs No. 6 Las Cruces (1-1), 7 PM Rio Rancho, NM​

Preview:
This is the game of the night, featuring two top-10 teams. Rio Rancho’s dynamic duo of QB JJ Arellano and RB Micah Takahshi takes on Las Cruces' QB Gage Guardiola and RB Daniel Amaro. Expect a high-scoring contest with both offenses going toe-to-toe.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 42, Las Cruces 37
Grine's Pick: Las Cruces

No. 5 Volcano Vista (1-1) vs No. 17 Sandia (1-1), 7 PM Community Stadium, Albuquerque, NM​

Preview:
Volcano Vista got their first win last week and will look to build on that momentum. QB Ilijah Hansen will be crucial for the Hawks, while Sandia’s defense, led by standout Jeremiah Bustillos, might be the key factor. Sandia QB Jahleel Lewis has shown growth, setting up a competitive matchup.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 27, Sandia 23
Grine's Pick: Volcano Vista

No. 7 Roswell (1-0) vs No. 12 Hobbs (1-1), 7 PM Wool Bowl, Roswell, NM​

Preview:
Hobbs faces their third top-5 opponent in Roswell after splitting games against Artesia and Lovington. QB Brock Beaty and the Hobbs defense, especially Tristan Davis, will need strong performances. Roswell’s QB Jacob Palomino is coming off a solid week and will look to keep Roswell’s offense rolling.
Prediction: Roswell 38, Hobbs 26
Grine's Pick: Roswell

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New Mexico High School Football Week 3 Playoff Predictions: Setting the Stage for November

As we head into Week 3 of the New Mexico high school football season, it’s never too early to start thinking about the playoffs. While some might echo Jim Mora's famous outburst—"Playoffs?!"—at NMPreps, we’re always eager to dive into the early projections. With district play on the horizon, it's time to look ahead and speculate which teams might be gearing up for a run in November.

6A District 1: The Gauntlet

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New Mexico High School Football: Most Likely to Upset in Week 3?

Grine: New Mexico HS Football: Week Three Questions

As we approach the third week of New Mexico high school football, the intensity is starting to build. We’re beginning to see teams take shape as they enter what could be labeled as a true test week—or perhaps a pop quiz week. With nearly a month of football behind us and two weeks of games played, the time has come to get a feel for who these teams will become before we hit district play. Yes, district play already!

Capital (0-2) at Española Valley (2-0), 7 p.m., Thursday

Favorite: Española, -15.5: The Capital Jaguars find themselves in a 0-2 hole as they head to face a red-hot Española Valley team that’s coming off a homecoming week thumping over Cuba in Week 2. Capital is struggling offensively, being shut out in their first two games and outscored 58-0. Can they regain some hope in their final non-district game? On the other side, they’ll have to stop senior RB Victor Parra, who has been on fire this season with 325 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.

No. 24 Cibola (1-1) at No. 14 Eldorado (1-0), 7 p.m., Wilson Stadium, Friday

Favorite: Eldorado, -2.5: This is True Test Week for both teams as we still question who they truly are this season. Eldorado is 1-0 and already coming off a bye week, but questions linger after a close win over 6A cellar-dweller Organ Mountain in Week 1. Cibola managed to break a 15-game losing streak in Week 1 but stumbled last week, falling 37-7 to Sandia. This game could shape the rest of the season for both teams as they seek to establish their identities before district play. The question, is Eldorado a playoff team in 2024 or does Cibola play early spoiler?

No. 17 Sandia (1-1) at No. 5 Volcano Vista (1-1), 7 p.m., Community Stadium, Friday

Favorite: Volcano Vista, -4.5: Will the Sandia Matadors surprise us again this week, but this time as the underdog? They fell in Week 1 as favorites and now enter Week 3 as underdogs against a Volcano Vista team riding high after pulling an upset over then-No. 2 Las Cruces in Week 2. Both teams head into this game with a win under their belts and some momentum. This game could be a true test for both teams as they look to prove themselves not just as playoff contenders but as potential semifinal threats.

Santa Fe (2-0) at St. Michael's (2-0), 7 p.m., Ivan Head Stadium, Friday

Favorite: St. Michael's, -3.5: It’s the Santa Fe showdown. Last season, the Demons nearly pulled off an upset, eventually falling to the 3A state champion St. Michael's Horsemen. Now, both teams are 2-0 and vying for city championship bragging rights. St. Michael's is about to face a grueling stretch of their schedule, while Santa Fe will soon start 6A district play in a tougher district this season. Will the Demons break into the end zone against a St. Mike's defense that hasn’t allowed a point all season? With the game no longer scheduled on Zozobra night, expect a packed house. Keep an eye on Joele Griego, an unsung hero on St. Michael's defense, who has been instrumental in their success so far. Can the Demons finally beat the Horsemen?

Hózhó Academy (2-0) at Legacy Academy (2-0), 12 p.m., Saturday

Favorite: Legacy, -16.5: Did we expect to be talking about this game in the preseason? Nope. Are we excited to discuss it now? Absolutely. The Hózhó Academy Wolves were projected to finish around 1-9 or 0-10 this season, but here they are at 2-0 and no longer ranked last out of 89 New Mexico high school football teams. For the Legacy Academy Silverbacks, last season’s success in 8-man football as a No. 2 seed in the playoffs didn’t garner much attention as they transitioned to 11-man football this year. Now, they’re 2-0 and coming off what might be the biggest win in program history, a 21-20 victory over 3A Hope Christian. Though Legacy is heavily favored, this game could spark some fireworks on a Saturday afternoon. Can the Wolves keep it close?

RAPID FIRE

• Can No. 12 Hobbs (1-1) make it two magical weeks in a row as they travel to No. 7 Roswell (1-0)?
• Organ Mountain (0-2) is favored over No. 23 Mayfield (0-2). What do we make of this all-Las Cruces game as another true test?
• How good is Pojoaque Valley (2-0)? They look to beat Los Alamos (0-2) for the first time in 12 years.

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What do you have for week three?

New Mexico High School Football Rankings - Week 3 - September 2nd

Week two brought plenty of twists, upsets, and close finishes, leading to significant shifts in the rankings as we head into September and week three of the New Mexico high school football season #nmpreps

Week Three High School Football Rankings: Key Movements and Shifts​

As the New Mexico high school football season progresses, Week Three brought significant movement in the rankings, with several teams making statements, both rising and falling. The rankings reflect the outcomes of Week Two games, with shifts in momentum across various classses.

La Cueva Holds Firm at the Top​

La Cueva retains the top spot in the 6A rankings, continuing their dominan t start with a hard-fought 39-32 double-overtime victory over Pinnacle, AZ. Their earlier win against Volcano Vista (21-0) set the tone, and La Cueva's resilience has solidified their status as the team to beat in New Mexico.

Centennial Makes a Strong Leap​

Centennial jumped from No. 3 to No. 2 in the rankings after a thrilling 35-28 win over Cleveland. The victory against one of the state's top programs, followed by a convincing 54-27 win over Atrisco Heritage, has positioned Centennial as a legitimate contender in 6A. Cleveland, despite the loss, remains in the top five, now sitting at No. 3 after bouncing back with a commanding 55-7 win over Los Lunas.

Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista Climb​

Rio Rancho's steady rise continued as they moved from No. 6 to No. 4 after a 50-0 shutout against Clovis. Their defense has been impenetrable, allowing only 15 points in two games. Volcano Vista also made strides, climbing from No. 8 to No. 5, after edging Las Cruces 27-24. Las Cruces, who started strong, dropped from No. 2 to No. 6 after the loss, signaling a need to regroup.

Farmington Rockets Up​

One of the biggest movers this week was Farmington, who surged from No. 14 to No. 9. Their 47-8 victory over Clovis demonstrated their strength, and they followed up with a narrow 21-20 win against Durango, CO. This dual success against quality opponents has catapulted them into the top 10.

Lovington's Impressive Rise​

In 5A, Lovington made a significant leap from No. 16 to No. 10 following their upset win over Hobbs in the Lea County Clash, where they emerged victorious with a 31-22 score. They backed it up in week two with a 30-7 win over Portales.

Deming and Hobbs on the Move​

Deming continued to rise, moving from No. 15 to No. 11 after a solid 28-21 win over Organ Mountain. Meanwhile, Hobbs, despite their loss to Lovington, remains a formidable team, moving up from No. 17 to No. 12 after a 44-40 shootout victory against Artesia.

Artesia Takes a Hit​

Artesia, once in the top five, fell from No. 5 to No. 13 after their loss to Hobbs. Despite a strong start to the season, the Bulldogs will need to regroup to regain their early momentum.

Bloomfield and Dexter Make Notable Jumps​

Bloomfield, now ranked No. 15, enters the top-25 rankings after a dominant 47-34 victory over Piedra Vista. Dexter also made a significant jump, moving from No. 57 to No. 46, following their 22-13 win against West Las Vegas.

Legacy Academy and Pojoaque Valley Surge​

In 2A, Legacy Academy made a remarkable leap from No. 74 to No. 63 after a thrilling 21-20 victory over Hope Christian, remaining undefeated. Pojoaque Valley also climbed from No. 58 to No. 55 with an impressive 48-6 win over Hot Springs, continuing their strong start to the season.

Eunice Dominates and Moves Up​

Eunice, the 2A powerhouse, continues to impress, moving up from No. 33 to No. 32 after a 62-12 thrashing of Estancia. Their early season form has cemented their status as one of the top teams in the state, regardless of class.

Movers to Watch​

Several teams have begun to find their rhythm and could be on the rise in the coming weeks. St. Michael's, now at No. 33, and Robertson, now at No. 34, both remain undefeated after dominant performances and are poised for further ascension. In 6A, West Mesa, now ranked No. 8, and Santa Fe, moving from No. 37 to No. 35, are teams to keep an eye on as they continue to build momentum.

Conclusion​

Week Three's rankings reveal the dynamic nature of New Mexico high school football, with teams making bold statements early in the season. As the competition intensifies, expect more movement and surprises as teams battle for supremacy in their respective classes.

Class Rankings

6A FOOTBALL

1. La Cueva 2-0
2. Centennial 2-0
3. Cleveland 1-1
4. Rio Rancho 2-0
5. Volcano Vista 1-1
6. Las Cruces 1-1
7. West Mesa 2-0
8. Farmington 1-0
9. Hobbs 1-1
10. Eldorado 1-0
11. Piedra Vista 1-1
12. Sandia 1-1
13. Los Lunas 0-1
14. Carlsbad 1-1
15. Clovis 0-2
16. Atrisco Heritage 0-2
17. Alamogordo 0-2
18. Cibola 1-1
19. Albuquerque 1-1
20. Santa Fe 2-0
21. Organ Mountain 0-2

5A FOOTBALL

1. Roswell 1-0
2. Lovington 1-0
3. Deming 2-0
4. Artesia 1-1
5. Mayfield 0-2
6. Goddard 0-2
7. Gadsden 2-0
8. Highland 1-1
9. Valley 0-2
10. Santa Teresa 1-1
11. Belen 0-1
12. Capital 0-2
13. Los Alamos 0-2
14. Miyamura 1-1
15. Rio Grande 0-1
16. Del Norte 0-2

4A FOOTBALL

1. Bloomfield 1-0
2. Portales 1-1
3. Bernalillo 2-0
4. St. Pius X 1-1
5. Grants 1-1
6. Manzano 1-1
7. Silver 1-1
8. Espanola Valley 2-0
9. Valencia 1-1
10. Moriarty 2-0
11. Albuquerque Academy 1-1
12. Taos 1-1
13. Kirtland Central 0-2
14. Aztec 0-1
15. Chaparral 0-2

3A FOOTBALL

1. St. Michael's 2-0
2. Robertson 2-0
3. New Mexico Military 1-0
4. Dexter 2-0
5. West Las Vegas 1-1
6. Socorro 1-1
7. Pojoaque Valley 2-0
8. Cobre 1-1
9. Hope Christian 1-1
10. Hot Springs 1-1
11. Ruidoso 0-2
12. Hatch Valley 1-1
13. Gallup 0-2
14. Thoreau 1-1
15. Santa Fe Indian 1-1
16. Tucumcari 0-2
17. Crownpoint 0-2
18. Tohatchi 0-1
19. Wingate 0-2
20. Shiprock 0-1
21. Zuni 0-2

2A FOOTBALL

1. Eunice 2-0
2. Texico 2-0
3. Raton 1-1
4. Santa Rosa 1-1
5. Legacy Academy 2-0
6. Loving 1-1
7. Jal 0-2
8. Tularosa 1-1
9. Estancia 0-2
10. McCurdy 0-1
11. Navajo Prep 1-0
12. Newcomb 2-0
13. Cuba 0-2
14. Hozho Academy 2-0
15. Capitan 0-1
16. Laguna-Acoma 1-1

Post here for the week of September 2nd-7th

We will start ranking teams next week. Where do you have teams right now?

What are they?

Post here

New Mexico High School Football Week 3 Thursday Night Preview & Predictions​

By: J. Grine, NMPreps Publisher

Hard to believe we’re already in Week 3, and district play is fast approaching for most upper-enrollment classifications (4A-6A). The early-season jitters and uncertainties should be behind teams now as they start hitting their stride. Let’s dive into the Thursday night football previews and predictions. #nmpreps

Capital Jaguars (0-2) at Española Valley Sundevils (2-0)​

Details: 7 PM, Española, NM
Preview:
This matchup features two programs in different stages of development, but both are heading in the right direction. Capital, under first-year head coach John Salazar, has struggled out of the gate with an 0-2 start, suffering defeats to crosstown rivals St. Michael's (37-0) and Santa Fe (21-0). While they are still in the early building stages, their senior core — Angel Gonzales, Jonah Walpa, Eli Dominguez, and Daniel Rodriguez — has been a bright spot, combining for 55 tackles this season. Their task will be stopping a run-heavy Española Valley team that has gotten off to a hot start.

Española Valley, under head coach Tylon Wilder, is 2-0 and looking to keep the momentum going. The Sundevils are preparing for district play, and a 3-0 start would set them up nicely for a potential district title run. The offense has been led by standout Victor Parra, who is averaging a stunning 10.5 yards per carry, racking up 325 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in just two games. On defense, Xavier Garcia (Class of 2026) and Nathan Sandoval (Class of 2025) have made a significant impact, holding opponents in check, including a hard-fought 21-18 win over Los Alamos.

NMPreps Prediction: Española Valley 33, Capital 7 (Española -15.5)
Grine’s Pick: Española Valley

Taos Tigers (1-1) at Highland Hornets (1-1)​

Details: 7 PM, Albuquerque, NM at Milne Stadium
Preview:
This game is shaping up to be the Game of the Night on what’s otherwise a quieter evening in the New Mexico high school football scene. Highland’s high-powered offense provides plenty of reasons to tune in, headlined by star running back Amiri Mumba (Class of 2025), who is averaging an incredible 268 rushing yards per game. The big question: Can Mumba keep his streak alive with another 200-yard performance, or is this a breakout 300-yard game waiting to happen? Complementing Mumba is Alex Lopez (Class of 2025), a dual-threat QB and linebacker who’s just as much of a force on defense, averaging 11.5 tackles per game.

Taos, under first-year head coach Johnny Olguin, bounced back in Week 2 with a quality 35-20 win over Los Alamos after a rough opening loss to St. Michael's (42-0). Olguin’s quick adjustments have the Tigers optimistic heading into this matchup. Taos will look to slow down Highland’s run game, and their defense will be led by senior Mateo Salazar and junior defensive back Roman Quintana. Both will need to be at their best to contain Mumba and give their offense a chance to keep up.

NMPreps Prediction: Highland 29, Taos 13 (Highland -7.5)
Grine’s Pick: Highland

West Las Vegas Dons (1-1) at Ruidoso Warriors (1-1)​

Details: 6 PM, Ruidoso, NM
Preview:
First, let’s hope the powers that be allow the West Las Vegas team some grace after making a grueling 6-hour, 400-mile roundtrip on a Thursday night. While this matchup may not light up the scoreboard with fireworks, it’s always exciting to see a 3A North team square off against a 3A South opponent. The Dons are coming off a tough loss to Dexter last week and will be looking to get back on track. All eyes will be on senior quarterback CJ Perea (Class of 2025), a name that’s been making headlines for years. Perea is poised for a big night, already racking up 347 passing yards and 2 touchdowns this season. His main target, Patrick Rodriguez Jr. (Class of 2025), who has 125 receiving yards and also leads the defense with 23 total tackles, will be key in both phases of the game.

As for Ruidoso, the Warriors are in the process of rebuilding their football program and community. After a tough few seasons, they showed some fight in a narrow 24-22 loss to 2A Tularosa last week. The road doesn’t get easier with games against Robertson and Dexter looming, but this week offers an opportunity to take another step forward. Running back Tru Camejo (Class of 2026) has been a bright spot, rushing for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns, and will once again be the focal point of the offense as they look to build momentum.

NMPreps Prediction: West Las Vegas 32, Ruidoso 10 (West Las Vegas -12.5)
Grine’s Pick: West Las Vegas

Thursday Night Rundown​

• Capitan (0-1) at Hot Springs (1-1): Hot Springs is looking to bounce back after last week's loss and improve to 2-1, which would be a big step forward after winning only three games last season.
• Varsity vs JV Matchups: Several varsity teams are taking on JV squads tonight. It makes you wonder why neither Loving nor Jal could have scheduled a game with Crownpoint instead.
• Navajo Prep (1-0) vs Pinon, AZ (2-0): Another NM vs AZ clash, with Navajo Prep hoping to keep the rivalry alive. Will this game spark another New Mexico vs. Arizona debate thread? (Sarcasm intended, of course!)
• New Mexico School for the Deaf (1-0) vs Elida (2-0): A District 1 6-Man showdown as these two undefeated teams square off. Expect an exciting contest in this unique format of high school football.

THHURSDAY SCHEDULE

Capital (0-2) at Espanola Valley (2-0), 7pm
Capitan (0-1) at Hot Springs (1-1), 7pm
Crownpoint (0-2) at JV team, 7pm
Jal (0-2) vs JV Team (0-2), 7pm
Loving (1-1) vs JV team, 6pm
New Mexico School for the Deaf (1-0) at Elida (2-0), 5pm
Pinon AZ (2-0) at Navajo Prep (1-0), 7pm
Taos (1-1) at Highland (1-1), 7pm - Milne Stadium
West Las Vegas (1-1) at Ruidoso (0-2), 6pm

NMPreps.com Team Rankings

Weekly team rankings. Each team will move up or down with the game results from the previous rankings.

2024 Rankings
Week 3 Rankings: September 2nd
Week 2 Rankings: August 26th
Week 1 Rankings: August 19th
Preseason #1-#20: Top-20 Teams to Watch in 2024
Preseason #21-#89: 89 to 1 Team Rankings (May-July 2024)

2023 Rankings
Week Ten: October 16th
Week Nine: October 9th
Week Eight: October 2nd
Week Seven: September 26th
Week Six: September 18th
Week Five: September 11th
Week Four: September 4th-9th
Week Three: August 28th-September 3rd
Week Two: August 21st-August 27th
Week One: August 14th - August 19th
Preseason: No. 1 - No. 25 Preseason Rankings
Preseason: No. 26 - No. 92 Preseason Rankings

2022 Rankings
Week 12: October 31st, 2022
Week 11: October 24th, 2022
Week 10: October 17th, 2022
Week 9: October 9th, 2022
Week 8: October 3rd, 2022
Week 7: September 26th, 2022
Week 6: September 19th, 2022
Week 5: September 12th, 2022
Week 4: September 5th, 2022
Week 3: August 29th, 2022
Week 2: 6A | 5A | 4A-2A
Week 1: August 15th-August 21st
Preseason: Top-25 Rankings - Aug. 1st
Spring Rankings: 6A Football
Spring Rankings: 5A Football
Spring Rankings: 4A Football
Spring Rankings: 3A Football
Spring Rankings: 2A Football

2021 Rankings
Week 10: October 18th-31st Team Rankings
Week 9: October 11th-17th Team Rankings
Week 8: October 4th-10th Team Rankings
Week 7: September 27th-October 3rd Team Rankings
Preseason Rankings: 6A Football
Preseason Rankings: 5A Football
Preseason Rankings: 4A Football

2020 Rankings
April 3rd: Final Spring 2021 Season Rankings
Week 5 Rankings (March 29th - April 2nd)
Week 4 Rankings (March 22nd - March 26th)
Week 3 Rankings (March 15th - 20th)
Week 2 Rankings (March 8th - 13th)
Week 1 Rankings (March 1st - 6th)
6A Football: Preseason Rankings
5A Football: Preseason Rankings
4A Football: Preseason Rankings
3A Football: Preseason Rankings

2019 Rankings
Week Eleven: October 27th-November 2nd
Week Ten: October 20th-26th
Week Nine: October 13th-19th
Week Eight: October 6th-12th
Week Seven: September 30th-October 5th
Week Six: September 22nd-29th
Week Five: September 16th-21st
Week Four: September 9th - 14th
Week Three: September 2nd - 7th
Week Two: August 26th - August 31st
Week One: August 19th - August 24th
Way too Early: 6A Rankings (4/2/19)
Way too Early: 5A Rankings (6/27/19)
Way too Early: 4A Rankings (6/26/19)
Way too Early: 3A Rankings (7/8/19)
Way too Early: 2A Rankings (8/7/19)

2018 Rankings
Week 11: Week of October 28th-November 5th
Week 10: Week of October 21st-27th
Week 9: Week of October 15th-20th
Week 8: Week of October 8th-14th
Week 7: Week of October 1st-October 7th
Week 6: Week of September 24th-September 30th
Week 5: Week of September 17th-September 23rd
Week 4: Week of September 10th-September 16th
Week 3: Week of September 3rd-September 9th
Week 2: Week of August 27th-September 2nd
Week 1: Week of August 20th-August 26th
Spring: 6A Rankings
Spring: 5A Rankings
Spring: 4A Rankings
Spring: 3A Rankings
Spring: 2A Rankings

2017 Rankings
Final: New Mexico High School Top-25
Week 14: New Mexico High School Rankings
Week 13: Top-25 Rankings
Week 12: Top-25 Rankings
Week 11: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 10: Top-25 Rankings, Classification Rankings
Week 9: Top-25 Rankings, Classification Rankings
Week 8: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 7: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 6: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 5: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 4: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 3: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 2: Top-25, Classification Rankings
Week 1: Top-40

NMPreps.com Week 2 Top Player Performances: Stars Shine Across the State

Week 2 of the New Mexico high school football season showcased remarkable individual performances, as players across the state left their mark on the gridiron. From electrifying rushing displays to pinpoint passing and game-changing defensive efforts, these athletes proved why they are among the best in the state. Here are the top player performances from Week 2, highlighting the key contributors who led their teams to victory.

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Who are they?

Miles and miles and miles.
Who would of thought La Cueva in Phoenix would not even make the top 3 travel list this week.
Five trips more than 800 miles round-trip. Yikes.
All trips round-trip and Alsups coffee full.

10. Moriarity at Shiprock. 490 miles
9. Gallup at Silver 512 miles
8.Jal at Santa Rosa. 534 miles
7. Gateway at Escalante. 616
6. Robertson at Cobre 694 miles
5. Tatum at Ramah 800 miles
4. La Cueva at Phoenix Pinnacle. 836 miles
3. Melrose at Mancos Colorado 862 miles
2. Riverdale Colo at Freedom. 932 miles
1 Grady at Animas 940 miles

Be safe watch out for lighting and rain

Sunday Morning Coffee: New Mexico HS Football Week 2 Recap

As the weather begins to shift in New Mexico, so too will the rankings heading into Week 3. In this week’s recap, we delve into the standout performances, surprising upsets, and key moments from Week 2 of the high school football season. From thrilling comebacks to dominant victories, join us as we review the highlights and significant changes shaping the landscape of New Mexico high school football.

La Cueva Hibernates Pinnacle (AZ), 39-32 (2OT)

(Saturday) - Despite facing early challenges and two weather delays, No. 1 La Cueva found themselves playing from behind for most of the game. The Pioneers, a strong Division 6A program from Arizona, appeared to have the game sealed after scoring a touchdown with just 2:07 left in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 15 points. However, La Cueva delivered a stunning comeback, scoring 15 points in the final 127 seconds to push the game into overtime. In the extra periods, the Bears consistently made clutch plays, ultimately securing a thrilling 39-32 double-overtime victory at Coconino High (Arizona).

With 54 seconds remaining in regulation, Cameron Dyer (2025/QB), the Arizona State commit, broke loose for a 76-yard touchdown run—the longest play of the game for either team. The ensuing PAT brought the Bears within eight points, 25-17.

Dyer then connected on a crucial 29-yard pass to Jayden Parsons, bringing the ball to Pinnacle’s 10-yard line. Two plays later, from the 2-yard line, La Cueva’s star linebacker and Wisconsin commit, Mason Posa, took a direct snap and powered into the end zone, making it 25-23. Posa showcased his versatility by playing on offense before QB Dyer found Tanner Montano for the 2-point conversion, tying the game.

Pinnacle (AZ) scored first on fourth down in the initial overtime, but La Cueva responded with another Dyer-to-Montano connection to tie the game at 32. In the second overtime, La Cueva scored first, and Posa came up huge on defense with a critical sack, leading to a defensive stop that sealed the Bears' victory.

Now sitting at 2-0, La Cueva heads into a well-deserved bye week after their impressive trip to Arizona.

New Kids on the Block Shine

Two new schools to 11-man football have made a strong early impression in 2A football this season. Legacy Academy (Albuquerque), transitioning from two seasons of 8-man football, has started their season with a 2-0 record. The Silverbacks notched perhaps the biggest win in their young program’s history by defeating Albuquerque-Hope Christian 21-20 on Saturday. Hope Christian, a team that claimed the state championship in 2019, was a formidable opponent, making this victory even more significant.

Sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Sedillo-Urban (Class of 2026) played a pivotal role, completing 17 of 24 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back Adam Quesada was also instrumental, rushing for 102 yards and scoring a touchdown. On the defensive side, senior David Lavery stood out with six total tackles, including four solo stops.

Another program that made headlines on Saturday was the Gallup's Hozho Academy Wolves, who secured the biggest win in their short football history. In just their second year and their first full season of 11-man football, the Wolves earned a 35-23 home victory over Tucumcari. Entering the season ranked last out of 89 teams in 11-man football, Hozho Academy has defied expectations, now sitting at 2-0 after an opening win over Zuni in week 1.

These early successes for both Legacy Academy and Hozho Academy signal that these new kids on the block are ready to compete and make a name for themselves in New Mexico high school football.

Upset State of Mind

One of the most significant wins of the week, among several worthy contenders, belongs to the No. 8 Volcano Vista Hawks, who staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the No. 2 Las Cruces Bulldawgs. Las Cruces held a commanding 14-7 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 21-7 by halftime. However, the Hawks stormed back in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points while holding the Bulldawgs to just a field goal, ultimately pulling off a 27-24 upset in Albuquerque on Friday night.

Key performers for the Hawks included senior quarterback Ilijah Hansen, who completed 7 of 12 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown, and senior running back Mason Gurule, who carried the ball 23 times for 104 yards. Freshman running back D'Angelo Mitchell made a significant impact with only six carries, turning two of those into touchdowns while racking up 41 yards.

On the defensive side, standout defensive back Adam Jaramillo recorded a crucial interception with a 43-yard return. Seniors Daniel Rios, Thomas Pettus, and Eli Salas also delivered strong performances, with Pettus leading the defense with seven total tackles, and Salas and Rios each contributing five tackles.

This win solidifies Volcano Vista's place as a force to be reckoned with this season, showing that they can come through in high-pressure situations against top-tier competition.

More: No. 17 Hobbs (6A), coming off a tough opening loss to Lovington, quickly rebounded to pull off a major upset, defeating No. 5 Artesia (5A) in a 44-40 shootout in Hobbs. The Eagles overcame a 19-14 halftime deficit by scoring 30 points in the second half to secure the win. With this victory, Hobbs moves to 1-1 on the season, while Artesia also falls to 1-1, likely shaking up the rankings once again.

More.: Unranked Bloomfield might have the strongest case for the biggest win of the week after their 47-34 victory over No. 10 Piedra Vista (6A) on Friday evening. Bobcats senior quarterback Blake Spencer delivered a near-flawless performance, throwing for 421 yards, five passing touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown. Remarkably, he only had two incompletions. Spencer relied heavily on his senior receiver Kaden McCown and juniors Peyton Duncan and Kaleb Hutchens, who consistently put pressure on the Piedra Vista defense.

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RAPID FIRE: THE DRIP

Lighting Up the Scoreboard

Lordsburg has been lighting up the scoreboard, and this week was no exception. The Mavericks poured on the points in a 92-52 victory over Cloudcroft, bringing their season total to an impressive 190 points (95 average). They’re making serious waves in 8-man football.

3A Contenders

Dexter continues to prove they’re a force to be reckoned with in 3A football. The Demons traveled north and defeated West Las Vegas, with quarterback CJ Granados needing just five completions to rack up 102 passing yards, including a touchdown. He also added 37 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Dexter leaned on their ground game, with top backs Omar Loya (70 yards), Kaesn George (60 yards), and Julian Manzanares (56 yards, 1 touchdown) leading the charge.

The Dominance Continues

The Lovington Wildcats were expected to undergo a rebuilding phase, but under new head coach Josh Bailey, they've come out in prime form. Following last week's victory, the Wildcats secured another big win, defeating Portales 30-7 and starting the season 2-0. After winning the 4A state championship in 2023, Lovington has moved up to 5A football and is already in the conversation as a contender in their challenging new district, which includes powerhouses like Artesia and Roswell.

The Wildcats' new senior duo of running back Ondalis Cardenas and quarterback Matthew Prudencio stood out in this week's game. Prudencio threw for 229 yards and a touchdown, while Cardenas rushed for 110 yards and scored two touchdowns. Receiver Jayden Gutierrez also had a major impact, racking up 89 receiving yards and a touchdown.

However, the big story of the night was Lovington's defense, which stifled a potent Portales offense. Junior Kyler Reaves led the way with nine total tackles and a sack, while seniors Landon Trevino and Patrick Sanchez added eight and seven tackles, respectively. This balanced performance on both sides of the ball has Lovington looking like a team ready to make waves in 5A football.

Bulldog City

Worthy of a shoutout is Albuquerque High, which bounced back impressively after a potentially disastrous overtime loss last week to Cibola. The Bulldogs quickly regrouped and delivered a dominant 26-0 victory over Valley, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Vibe Check: Something is Brewing in Santa Fe for Week 3

The spotlight in Week 3 could shine brightest on the Horsemen-Demon showdown, with both teams now sitting at 2-0. St. Michael's secured a commanding 37-0 victory over Santa Fe's other 5A team, Capital, on Friday night. Meanwhile, Santa Fe High earned a significant win at home, edging out 5A Belen with a 34-28 victory.

A key moment for St. Michael's was a 67-yard rushing touchdown by senior RB Soren Annon, which extended their lead to 15-0. The Horsemen racked up 180 rushing yards on the night, bringing their season average to 170 rushing yards per game. Impressively, St. Michael's defense, under the leadership of acting head coach and defensive coordinator Joey Butler, has yet to allow a point this season. They've started their campaign with back-to-back shutouts, including a 42-0 win over Taos in their opener.

The Horsemen are now preparing for a high-stakes matchup against Santa Fe High, which has also advanced to 2-0 following a 34-28 comeback victory over Belen. This upcoming game will mark the second time in three seasons that both teams head into the contest with undefeated records, enhancing the excitement for next week’s clash at Ivan Head Stadium.

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Thursday, August 29th
Capitan 36, Alamo (JV) 6 - F
Carlsbad 45, Goddard 22 - F
Dora 59, Carrizozo 0 - F
Fort Sumner/House 58, Mescalero Apache 6 - F
Mountain View, TX 33, Santa Teresa 7 - F
Newcomb 26, Santa Fe Indian 8 - F
NMSD 52, Floyd 12 - F
Sandia 37, Cibola 7 - F
St. Pius X 40, Grants 7 - F

Friday, August 30th
Albuquerque Academy 56, Del Norte 6 - F
Albuquerque High, 26 Valley 0 - F
Bernalillo 20, Highland 19 - F
Bloomfield 47, Piedra Vista 34 - F
Cleveland 55, Los Lunas 7 - F
Deming 28, Organ Mountain 21 - F
Dexter 22, West Las Vegas 13 - F
Elida 57, Hondo 6 - F
Espanola 42, Cuba 7 - F
Eunice 62, Estancia 12 - F
Farmington 21, Durango (CO) 20 - F
Gadsden 38, Valencia 0 - F
Gateway Christian 54, Escalante 0 - F
Grady 53, Animas 0 - F
Hagerman 40, Alamo Navajo 22 - F
Hobbs 44, Artesia 40 - F
Laguna-Acoma 48, Zuni 18 - F
Lamar 28 (CO), Raton 14 - F
Logan 73, Mountainair 19 - F
Lordsburg 92, Cloudcroft 52 - F
Lovington 30, Portales 7 - F
Manzano 56, Rio Grande 6 - F
Melrose 50, Mancos (CO) 22 - F
Miyamura 48, Aztec 15 - F
Montezuma (CO) 54, Crownpoint 0 - F
Moriarty 54, Shiprock 0 - F
Navajo Prep 40, Wingate 18 - F
NMMI 35, Loving 0 - F
Pagosa Springs (CO) 42, Kirtland Central 27- F
Pojoaque Valley 48, Hot Springs 6 - F
Rio Rancho 50, Clovis 0 - F
Roswell 41, Alamogordo 14 - F
Santa Fe 34, Belen 28 - F
Santa Rosa 37, Jal 20 - F
St. Michael's 37, Capital 0 - F
Socorro 37, Thoreau 14 - F
Taos 35 Los, Alamos 20 - F
Tatum 52, Ramah 0 - F
Texico 50, Bovina (TX) 12 - F
Tularosa 24 Ruidoso 22 - F
Volcano Vista 27 Las Cruces 24 - F
Hatch Valley at Chaparral - missing score

Saturday, August 31st
Centennial 54, Atrisco Heritage 27 - F
Clayton vs Turpin OK - Missing Score
Hozho Academy 35, Tucumcari 23 - F
La Cueva 39, Pinnacle AZ 32 - F/OT
Legacy Academy 21, Hope Christian 20 - F
Mesilla Valley 34, Magdalena 12 - F
Robertson 49, Cobre 0 - F
Silver 54, Gallup 0 - F
West Mesa 41, Mayfield 33 - F


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Share your key takeaways from Week 2.

Putting out there early. Week 2 is the blow up weekend for our rankings https://nmpreps.forums.rivals.com/t...l-football-week-2-rankings-august-26th.36371/

However post your thoughts heading into Saturdays games

*****WEEK TWO SCOREBOARD (AUG 29TH-AUG 31ST)*****

Thursday, August 29th
Capitan 36, Alamo (JV) 6 - F
Carlsbad 45, Goddard 22 - F
Dora 59, Carrizozo 0 - F
Fort Sumner/House 58, Mescalero Apache 6 - F
Mountain View, TX 33, Santa Teresa 7 - F
Newcomb 26, Santa Fe Indian 8 - F
NMSD 52, Floyd 12 - F
Sandia 37, Cibola 7 - F
St. Pius X 40, Grants 7 - F

Friday, August 30th
Albuquerque Academy 56, Del Norte 6 - F
Albuquerque High, 26 Valley 0 - F
Bernalillo 20, Highland 19 - F
Bloomfield 47, Piedra Vista 34 - F
Cleveland 55, Los Lunas 7 - F
Deming 28, Organ Mountain 21 - F
Dexter 22, West Las Vegas 13 - F
Elida 57, Hondo 6 - F
Espanola 42, Cuba 7 - F
Eunice 62, Estancia 12 - F
Farmington 21, Durango (CO) 20 - F
Gadsden 38, Valencia 0 - F
Gateway Christian 54, Escalante 0 - F
Grady 53, Animas 0 - F
Hagerman 40, Alamo Navajo 22 - F
Hobbs 44, Artesia 40 - F
Laguna-Acoma 48, Zuni 18 - F
Lamar 28 (CO), Raton 14 - F
Logan 73, Mountainair 19 - F
Lordsburg 92, Cloudcroft 52 - F
Lovington 30, Portales 7 - F
Manzano 56, Rio Grande 6 - F
Melrose 50, Mancos (CO) 22 - F
Miyamura 48, Aztec 15 - F
Montezuma (CO) 54, Crownpoint 0 - F
Moriarty 54, Shiprock 0 - F
Navajo Prep 40, Wingate 18 - F
NMMI 35, Loving 0 - F
Pagosa Springs (CO) 42, Kirtland Central 27- F
Pojoaque Valley 48, Hot Springs 6 - F
Rio Rancho 50, Clovis 0 - F
Roswell 41, Alamogordo 14 - F
Santa Fe 34, Belen 28 - F
Santa Rosa 37, Jal 20 - F
St. Michael's 37, Capital 0 - F
Socorro 37, Thoreau 14 - F
Taos 35 Los, Alamos 20 - F
Tatum 52, Ramah 0 - F
Texico 50, Bovina (TX) 12 - F
Tularosa 24 Ruidoso 22 - F
Volcano Vista 27 Las Cruces 24 - F

Hatch Valley at Chaparral - missing score

Saturday, August 31st
Centennial 54, Atrisco Heritage 27 - F
Clayton vs Turpin OK
Hozho Academy 35, Tucumcari 23 - F
La Cueva 39, Pinnacle AZ 32 - F/OT
Legacy Academy 21, Hope Christian 20 - F
Mesilla Valley 34, Magdalena 12 - F
Robertson 49, Cobre 0 - F
Silver 54, Gallup 0 - F
West Mesa 41, Mayfield 33 - F