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2011 Review: State Championships

Potter, Cleveland win first State Title Over Mayfield

The Mayfield Trojans jumped to a 28-14 start over the now 13-0 Cleveland Storm, but remember the Storm had come back from 14 down and 18 down this year. Coach Potter told his team, "Do you want the red trophy or the blue trophy" at halftime and 35 unanswered points later the Cleveland Storm were holding their first ever state title trophy with a 48-28 victory. Reece White scored off an 87-yard run and catch that will likely go down as the play of the year in Class 5A and that play alone really set the momentum tone for the Storm in the second half. Cleveland Storm Quarterback Cole Gautsche threw for 302-yards and four touchdown passes on the day. Junior Defensive Back Steven Steele came up with two interceptions on the game, which puts him with 10 on the season. Head Football Coach Kirk Potter who was hired by Jim Bradley Senior to coach in Roswell back in the late 1980's has been a head coach at Las Cruces High and Carlsbad High, but had never won a state title trophy until Saturday. Cleveland High School just opened the doors three short years ago.

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Aztec Wins First State Title Since 1953

The Aztec Tigers won their first state title in 58-years Saturday afternoon with a thrilling 28-27 win over the Goddard Rockets, a program they have struggled to beat over the course of history. In the final minutes of the game, Aztec scored off a brilliant drive that covered the length of the field with time winding down. Junior Running Back Michael Perry scored from 10-yards out to make the 27-26 Goddard leading with just 3:00 minutes left. Aztec Head Coach Brad Hirsch called a time out and elected to go for the two-point conversion. Junior Aztec Quarterback Adam Lucero called his own number and literally pulled a superman jump over three Rocket defenders for the successful two point conversion to make the game 28-27 in the final minutes. Goddard was led by David Anaya who ran for 219-yards and three touchdowns on the day. Aztec was led by Michael Perry who ran for 119-yards and Adam Lucero who threw for 225-yards and a touchdown.

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Lovington Win's 18th State Title, Three Peats In Class 3A

The Lovington Wildcats captured the 3A State Title on Saturday in Santa Fe defeating the St. Michael's Horsemen14-10. The Wildcats, only earning points in the 4th quarter successfully managed to blemish the perfect Horsemen 12 game winning streak. Throughout the game, the Horsemen led, going into half time, 3 to 0, indicative of a hard fought defensive battle for both teams. In the 4th quarter, the Wildcats secured 2 touchdowns to seal the deal. Jaime Quinones, Head Football Coach for Lovington told NMPreps, "I feel great, this was a big challenge going into this game. St. Mike's is a great ball club, I have respect for them. Yet, our kids found a way to win the game and I am so proud of them." A Lovington fan kindly offered Coach Quinones a jacket after players dumped the water jug on Coach Q at the end of the game played in freezing temperatures in the City Different. Coach Q is highly respected by his players, the winning team's helmets proudly displayed "Cats" as well as the letter "Q" in honor of Coach Quniones' recent heartfelt loss, his mother passed away over the Thanksgiving holiday. Wildcat Quarterback, David A. Robelis, #9 a junior said, "I'm just so happy right now, there is no way to explain in words how I feel. It is an amazing feeling to win the state title again, I'm just so happy." The winning QB ended his season by passing for over 70 yards in the championship game. A touchdown pass he made in the first half was deamed no good due to penalities. Gary Nash, #5, a leader on the field for the Wildcats explained to NMPreps, "I'm so happy for our team, we deserved to win. I'm happy for our offense and our defense, we stuck together and we got the win." His teammate, Eric Osborn, #36 held onto the blue trophy with all his strength, sharing it with other Wildcats. One Wildcat player, Cesar Trevizo, #33 a junior was descirbed by a Lovington fan as "a freight train". Cesar made tackle after tackle and displayed his brute strength in bare arms on a freezing day. Trevizo told NMPreps, "I play hard, I'm a soilder, I knew it was going to be cold and I had to play tough no matter what the temperature was outside. This is a heck of a win for our team and many people doubted that we could win the state title again. We played hard until the end and won the game." After a team prayer, congratulatory hugs and many photos, the 3-in-a row State Title Winners departed Ivan Head Stadium in high spirits and headed to Albuquerque to feast at Rudy's before making the long drive back home to the southern part of the state with the blue trophy in hand...for the 3rd year in a row.

Lions Win Back-to-Back

Santa Rosa 21, Eunice 14. The Santa Rosa Lions were chanting "back-to-back" after their won a wild won Saturday afternoon over previously unbeaten Eunice. Josh Tenorio threw came up with two big throws to receiver Marcus Lopez in the final minute of the game which moved the football nearly halfway down the field for the Lions. Tenorio rolled out to his right and found Lopez wide open for a touchdown that would place Santa Rosa up 21-14 with just six seconds left in the game.

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Grine: Rapid Fire with Goddard WR Nathaniel Stone

NMPreps.com site manager Joshua Griñe chats with another one of our top prospects in New Mexico high school football.

Full name: Nathaniel Stone

Jersey Number: 81

Why that number: They gave it to me my freshman year for varsity

Favorite football player: Calvin Johnson

Favorite team: Packers

Who does your game resemble: As wide receiver I resemble as Julio Jones being physical, and as defensive back I resemble Jaire Alexander I bend but don’t break and make great plays.

Any nicknames:
Nate, rooster, Stoney are my nicknames.

Who got you into football: My father got me into football when I was little.

Favorite cartoon/tv show growing up: My my favorite tv show growing up was a show called regular show.

If you won the lottery what would you buy:If I ever won the lottery I would buy a training facility, and a big house for my family

Looking at colleges what are you looking for in a school:
What I’m looking for a school is to play football and pursue sports medicine.

Do you think your team is a state champion contender next season: Absolutely we are state champion contenders.
Fernando Rubio, Larry Luna, Mike Cheatem, Sammy Zaragoza, and Josh Hernandez are players to watch.

Favorite memory or memories playing football for Goddard: My favorite memory from Goddard is the nut cracker drill we do in the pre season .

What is it like playing for Goddard: Playing for Goddard is like playing for your family, it feels great knowing they have my back in a game and I have theirs and I can rely on them and that they can count on me all of the time.

Want to shout to UNM coach Lenz, and NMPreps they don’t show me much love but I will take on there top players WR and DB anyday. There’s a storm coming from the Rockets this year!

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Grine: Rapid Fire with Chance Harris (Clovis, NM)
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2020 Team Previews | Sandia Matadors - Interview with HC Chad Adcox

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NMPreps.com 2020 New Mexico high school football team previews. #nmpreps

SANDIA MATADORS
2019: 3-8 overall, 1-3 district

First Round Playoffs

Key Players: Sam Carrell (2021), Isiah Bustillos (2021), Kevin Jackson (2021), Dalton Speis (2022)

Team Breakdowns
Centennial: Interview with Head Coach Aaron Ocampo
Hatch Valley: Interview with Head Coach Louis Howell

First Day Back to Practice

First day back to practice at Espanola Valley! I was as reluctant as anyone to get us back together but right now, I am glad we are moving forward! Worked 3 groups of 5 this morning and it's very clear to me now that our girls need this and are excited to get back to living their lives. 3 different pods tomorrow. We have 30 girls signed up and ready to get back to work. It is important that we preach to our kids that we must always look for the good in everything we come across in our lives. This might not be a perfect situation for us, but its a great time to work on our commitment, our discipline, and our appreciation for our teammates and for the game we all love. The girls did an excellent job of following the guidelines!

What If: Classifications in 2022

-2 Year Blocks
- 1) Enrollment Numbers - Top 20 6A/Bottom 20 5A

-2) Divisions - Based on wins/playoff success/competitiveness
-3) If you make the Final Four you will stay in Division I. If, Division II and win a state title you'll move up to DI in next 2-year block.
-4) Can't schedule game against lower class only division. *Exception, by appeal, to the rule is to keep (1) long lasting rivalry games (i.e Artesia vs Carlsbad), if teams choose.
-5) Can't play independent

----2-year voting on - Vote on Playing 3 districts or 2 Regions (South/North).
4A is one division (16 teams)
3A is one division (20 schools)
2A is one division (16 schools)
1A two divisions (8-man) & (6-man) - 38 schools


6A - 20 TEAMS (2 DIVISIONS)


6A - Division I: District 1
Cleveland
Rio Rancho
Volcano Vista

6A Division I: District 2
Clovis
Eldorado
La Cueva
Manzano

6A Division I: District 3
Centennial
Carlsbad
Las Cruces

**Play 4 Games vs Division II teams
**Play 2 District Games
**Play 2 vs District 2
**Play 2 vs District 3

Example - Cleveland
at Atrisco Heritage (DII)
vs Rio Grande (DII)
at West Mesa (DII)
vs Sandia (DII)
vs Eldorado (DI - District 2)
at La Cueva (DI - District 2)
at Centennial (DI - District 3)
vs Las Cruces (DI - District 3)
at Volcano Vista (District Game)
vs Rio Rancho (District Game)


***Top 4 Teams Make Final Four (Semifinal Held at One Location/State Championship Held at Home Field)
***3 District Champs/1 At-Large

==

6A - Division II: District 1
Atrisco Heritage
Cibola
Rio Grande
West Mesa

6A - Division II - District 2
Albuquerque
Sandia
Santa Fe

6A Division II - District 3
Gadsden
Hobbs
Onate

*2 Games vs District 2
*2 Games vs District 3
*2 District Games
*4 Games vs Division 1

Example - Atrisco Heritage Academy
vs Cleveland (DI)
at Cibola (DI)
vs Rio Rancho (DI)
at Volcano Vista (DI)
at Sandia (DII - District 2)
vs Albuquerque (DII - District 2)
at Hobbs (DII - District 3)
vs Onate (DII - District 3)
vs Rio Grande (DI - District Game)
at West Mesa (DI - District Game)

**Top 4 Teams Make Final Four (Semifinal Held at One Location/State Championship Held at Home Field)
**3 Auto Bids to District Champs/1 At-Large Team

==

5A - 20 Teams (2 Divisions) **Added 2 from current NMAA 18 team class model

5A Division I - North
Belen
Capital
Farmington
Los Lunas
Piedra Vista

5A Division I - South
Artesia
Goddard
Roswell
Portales (Up from 4A)
Mayfield

*4 District Games
*3 vs Division I - South District
*3 vs Division II
**Top 4 Make Final Four (State) - 2 District/Region Champs and 2 At-Large

Example - Artesia
vs Carlsbad (6A Division 1 *Exception)
vs Alamogordo (5A DII)
at Deming (5A DII)
at Farmington (5A DI)
vs Piedra Vista (5A DI)
vs Los Lunas (5A DI)
at Goddard (5A District Game)
vs Roswell (5A District Game)
at Portales (5A District Game)
vs Mayfield (5A District Game)

==

5A Division II - North
Los Alamos
Miyamura
Del Norte
Highland
Valley

5A Division II - South
Alamogordo
Chaparral
Deming
Lovington (Up from 4A)
Santa Teresa

Thoughts?

Grine: Rapid Fire with Artesia WR Braxton McDonald

NMPreps.com site manager Joshua Griñe chats with another one of our top prospects in New Mexico high school football. Artesia WR Braxton McDonald takes time to share his story with us.

Full name: Braxton Cole McDonald

Jersey Number: 10

Why that number: I had it freshman year so I decided to stick with it throughout high school.

Favorite football player: Odell Beckham Jr.

Favorite team: NY Giants

Who does your game resemble: Tyreek Hill and Julian Edelman are guys I love to study and learn from.

Any nicknames: My teammates call me B or Brackie

Who got you into football: My family

If you had a super power what would it be: Speed like the Flash

Favorite cartoon/tv show growing up: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

If you won the lottery what would you buy: I would invest in an outreach program for small communities that would allow kids to have the same facilities and opportunities I did growing up.

Looking at colleges what are you looking for in a school: A school that prides itself academically and allows me to grow as a student athlete.

Do you think your team is a state champion contender next season: Yes, we are hungry for a championship and have a lot of experienced guys coming back this year. Cord Cox, Johntae Rodriguez, Marcos Tavera and Jayven Ortega. These are some seniors that have been working hard and are going to have big roles in our success.

Favorite memory or memories playing football for Artesia: My first varsity game in the Bulldog Bowl. Walking down the ramp and seeing the crowd for the first time is something I’ll never forget.

What is it like playing for Artesia: It’s been an unforgettable experience being apart of all of the Bulldog traditions. As a student athlete, it’s a blessing to receive all of the love and support our community brings to our high school events.

I would like to add a special shoutout to my parents, all of my coaches, and to my trainer TJ Palma for all the support.

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  • Poll
Best & Worst Case Scenario: Clovis Wildcats

Predict the Wildcats 2020 record

  • 10-0 (over 8.5)

  • 9-1 (over 8.5)

  • 8-2 (under 8.5)

  • 7-3 (under 8.5)

  • 6-4 (under 8.5)

  • 5-5 (under 8.5)

  • 4-6 (under 8.5)

  • 3-7 (under 8.5)

  • 2-8 (under 8.5)

  • 1-9/0-10 (under 8.5)


Results are only viewable after voting.

Best & Worst Case Scenario: Clovis Wildcats

NMPreps.com gives a full breakdown of each game for all teams in New Mexico high school football.

CLOVIS: Best-Case Scenario (10-0 overall, 6-0 district); Worst-Case Scenario (7-3 overall, 4-2 district); Over/Under (8.5)

Below you will find the complete breakdown, score prediction and best/worst case for the 2020 Clovis Wildcats

NMPreps.com 2020 Prediction: 9-1 overall, 6-0 district

WEEK-BY-WEEK

Week 1: Friday, August 21st, Time 7:00pm
-at Hobbs High School

Score Prediction: Win 38-21
Record: 1-0 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 2: Friday, August 28th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Ysleta (El Paso, TX) High School

Score Prediction: Win, 35-18.
Record: 2-0 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 3: September 4th, Time 7:00pm
-at Frenship (Wolfforth,TX) High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 28-27
Record: 2-1 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Coin Flip

Week 4: September 11th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Rio Rancho High School

Score Prediction: Win, 30-22
Record: 3-1 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 5: September 25th, Time 7:00pm
-at La Cueva High School

Score Prediction: Win, 34-20
Record: 4-1 overall, 1-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 6: October 2nd, Time 7:00pm
-at Albuquerque High School

Score Prediction: Win, 49-6
Record: 5-1 overall, 2-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 7: October 9th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Santa Fe High School

Score Prediction: Win, 48-10
Record: 6-1 overall, 3-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 8: October 16th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Manzano High School

Score Prediction: Win, 44-15
Record: 7-1 overall, 4-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 9: October 23rd, Time 7:00pm
-at Sandia High School

Score Prediction: Win, 35-24
Record: 8-1 overall, 5-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 10: October 30th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Eldorado High School

Score Prediction: Win, 36-21
Record: 9-1 overall, 6-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

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  • Poll
Best & Worst Case Scenario: Volcano Vista Hawks

How many wins for Volcano Vista in 2020?

  • 10-0 (over 5.5)

  • 9-1 (over 5.5)

  • 8-2 (over 5.5)

  • 7-3 (over 5.5)

  • 6-4 (over 5.5)

  • 5-5 (Under 5.5)

  • 4-6 (Under 5.5)

  • 3-7 (Under 5.5)

  • 2-8 (Under 5.5)

  • 1-9/0-10 (Under 5.5)


Results are only viewable after voting.

Best & Worst Case Scenario: Volcano Vista Hawks

NMPreps.com gives a full breakdown of each game for all teams in New Mexico high school football.

VOLCANO VISTA: Best-Case Scenario (6-4 overall, 3-2 district); Worst-Case Scenario (3-7 overall, 2-3 district); Over/Under (5.5)

Below you will find the complete breakdown, score prediction and best/worst case for the 2020 Volcano Vista Hawks

NMPreps.com 2020 Prediction: 4-6 overall, 2-3 district

WEEK-BY-WEEK

Week 1: Friday, August 21st, Time 7:00pm
-vs Las Cruces High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 40-28
Record: 0-1 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Underdog

Week 2: Friday, August 27th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Manzano High School

Score Prediction: Win, 27-24
Record: 1-1 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Favorite/Coin

Week 3: September 4th, Time 7:00pm
-at Carlsbad High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 24-23
Record: 1-2 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Coin Flip

Week 4: September 12th, Time 7:00pm
-at La Cueva High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 30-18
Record: 1-3 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Underdog

Week 5: September 25th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Sandia High School

Score Prediction: Win, 30-28
Record: 2-3 overall, 0-0 district. Game Type: Coin

Week 6: October 1st, Time 7:00pm
-at West Mesa High School

Score Prediction: Win, 38-15
Record: 3-3 overall, 1-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 7: October 9th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Atrisco Heritage Academy

Score Prediction: Win, 42-12
Record: 4-3 overall, 2-0 district. Game Type: Favorite

Week 8: October 16th, Time 7:00pm
-at Cleveland High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 44-20
Record: 4-4 overall, 2-1 district. Game Type: Underdog

Week 9: October 23rd, Time 7:00pm
-at Rio Rancho High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 33-21
Record: 4-5 overall, 2-2 district. Game Type: Underdog

Week 10: October 30th, Time 7:00pm
-vs Cibola High School

Score Prediction: Loss, 15-14
Record: 4-6 overall, 2-3 district. Game Type: Coin Flip

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Clovis

The Latest - Spring Recap on NMPreps

Recruiting
Class of 2021 News & Updates | Sandia's Sam Carrell Picks Baylor | Kiehne to UCLA | Harris Picks Colorado State
Class of 2022 News & Updates

Player Rankings - NMPreps250
Top 250 Players for the 2020 Season

Player Interviews
Grine: Rapid Fire with Nathaniel Stone (Goddard HS)
Grine: Rapid Fire with Braxton McDonald (Artesia HS)
Grine: Rapid Fire with Sam Carrell (Sandia High School)
Grine: Rapid Fire with Zach Vigil (Rio Rancho High School)
Grine: Rapid Fire with Tyler Kiehne (Los Lunas, NM)
Grine: Rapid Fire with Chance Harris (Clovis, NM)


Team Breakdowns
Centennial: Interview with Head Coach Aaron Ocampo
Hatch Valley: Interview with Head Coach Louis Howell

2020 Mr. Football Preseason Candidates
Caleb Carrillo
Chance Harris
Luke Mummert

Luke Padilla
Marcos Lopez

Tyler Kiehne

Spring Views & Rankings
5A Spring Previews & Reviews

4A Spring Team Rankings & Outlooks

Top Players
NMPreps Top 10 Quarterback Rankings (4/16)
NMPreps Top 20 Running Back Rankings (5/22)

Schedule Breakdowns - Best & Worst Case Scenario
Albuquerque Bulldogs
Atrisco Heritage Jaguars

2020 Preseason Features
Offense: Top Offenses in New Mexico for 2020
Offense: Top Returning QB-WR Duos in 2020
Extra: 2020 Schedules
Extra: 2020/2021 & 2021/2022 Classification & Alignment
2020 Coaching Carousel: Rio Rancho, Aztec, Del Norte Make Hires
Preseason Ballots: District 1-6A | District 2-6A | District 3-6A
Prospect Newcomers: 7 Names to Know This Season
Spring Previews: Class 5A
Spring Team Rankings: Class 4A
2019 Award Winners: Mr. Football, Coach of the Year, Etc.
Preseason (December 2019): Extra Way Too Early Rankings (6A)
Preseason (December 2019): Extra Way Too Early Rankings (5A)

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2020 NMPreps 4A Spring Rankings: Portales Rams

Too High/Too Low on Portales

  • About Right

    Votes: 11 84.6%
  • Too Low (Should be No. 2 or higher)

    Votes: 2 15.4%

NMPreps 4A Spring Rankings for 2020
Grine of NMPreps

Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 New Mexico High School football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands. You can expect several tweaks to this NMPreps 4A Spring Rankings from now until August and before the 2020 season officially starts. However, here is our 2020 outlook for every program is coming into focus.

PORTALES RAMS

2019 Record: 12-1 overall, 3-0 in District
2019 Post Season: 4A State Champs
Head Coach: Jaime Ramirez
NMPreps 4A Spring Ranking: No. 1
NMPreps Top 20 Rankings: coming soon

It's rare that we place a team number one a season after winning it all mostly because state winning teams are loaded with graduating talent. However, in 4A the classification is wide open and Portales typically stays at the top, even during reloads.

What they replace is going to be difficult in running back Romeo Gbassagee and Texas Tech player Philip Blidi. Gbassagee, did big things on both sides of the ball and will leave a huge void for the Rams. He led the team in rushing with 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Next player up for the Rams who could now turn to quarterback Baylor Diaz (2021) along with Ethan Conrow (2022) at running back. Diaz threw fo 1,344-yards last season and 15-touchdowns could become the face of the 2020 team. A player that could garner plenty of interest and be a well known name by season end is Dason Davis (2021) who had 407 receiving yards along with 75 total tackles.

NMPreps.com 4A Spring Rankings
No. 2 Silver Colts
No. 3 Lovington Wildcats
No. 4 Grants Pirates

No. 5 Ruidoso Warriors
No. 6 St. Pius X Sartans
No. 7 Bloomfield Bobcats
No. 8 Kirtland Central Broncos
No. 9 Aztec Tigers
No. 10 Taos Tigers
No. 11 Valencia Jaguars
No. 12 Moriarty Pintos
No. 13 Bernalillo Spartans
No. 14 Albuquerque Academy Chargers
No. 15 Gallup Bengals
No. 16 Espanola Valley Sundevils
No. 17 Pojoaque Valley Elks
No. 18 Shiprock Chieftains
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