Offered by New Mexico Highlands
OL, 2025

Offered by NMHU

Offer to play from Minnesota North College - Vermillion
DE, 2026

Offered by Whitworth University
6-5, 225, 2026, OLB/TE

Offered by Pacific University

Committed to New Mexico State University
Linebacker

The best breakfast spot in New Mexico and what is your order?

Silver Colts 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #30

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 9-3 overall, 3-0 district
2023 Playoffs: 4A State Semifinals
Points Scored: 386
Points Given Up: 172
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 2-4A

2023 Season Recap: Silver's Steady March to the Semifinals​

The Silver Colts continue to quietly be one of the more consistent winning programs in New Mexico high school football, winning 27 games over the last three seasons, including the 2023 season with a 9-3 overall record and a trip to the state semifinals. The season started with a tough road trip to 6A Alamogordo, where they fell 36-29 in a hard-fought battle against the 6A program. Then came a five-game win streak with dominant wins over 5A Miyamura (53-0), 3A Cobre (36-0), 6A Santa Fe (35-0), 4A Aztec (14-7), and 5A Deming (29-7). They hit a bump in the road against the eventual top seed in the 4A state playoffs, the Bloomfield Bobcats, losing 28-0, finishing their non-district schedule at 5-2.

The Colts quietly rebounded with another four-game winning streak, going 3-0 in district play and securing the District Championship with wins over Grants (40-7), St. Pius X (46-0), and Valencia (50-28). As the 3-seed in the state playoffs, they defeated Aztec 28-14 in the quarterfinals but fell to the eventual state champion Lovington 45-26 in the semifinals, capping off a strong season at 9-3 overall.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Silver Colts face a challenging transition in 2024 after the departure of dynamic quarterback Adan Jacquez, who threw for 2,048 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding 601 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground. Replacing Jacquez will be no small task, but the Colts have a history of reloading effectively, as they did after losing a talented backfield prior to the 2023 season.

The offensive line will be anchored by rising star Luke Stailey (2026), a 6'1" lineman on the early watch list, alongside Josiah Campos (2025) at center. However, the Colts' offense will be largely untested with no other quarterbacks having reps under center. The running back position is also uncertain, with minimal experience returning outside of a few carries by Izaiden Baca (2027) and Angel Chacon (2025). On the outside, receivers Mekhi Grant, David Jimenez, and Junior Casaus (all from the 2025 class) had limited touches last season but could step up to fill key roles.

Defensively, the Colts face a similar challenge with many departures but have some returning talent. Joseph Verdugo (2025), who recorded 53 total tackles last season, will be a key leader, supported by Luke Sandoval (2026) and David Palomarez. Baca and Casaus will also be expected to contribute significantly on both sides of the ball.

With new faces stepping into critical roles, the 2024 season will test the Colts' ability to rebuild and maintain their competitive edge.

Realistic Expectations and Predictions​

The Silver Colts enter the 2024 season with a preseason rank of #30, largely based on their recent track record of success. However, with the graduation of another key class, the Colts could be in for a significant rebuild this year. The lack of experience on both sides of the ball may lead to early challenges, especially as they navigate a newly formed District 2-4A that features several programs on the rise. Portales, St. Pius X, and Albuquerque Academy all return with strong talent, and Valencia could also be a factor, making it a tough road for the Colts. Manzano and Chaparral round out the district, but the Colts could struggle against the top contenders, potentially going 0-4 against that group.

Their non-district schedule provides some opportunities for success, opening with Santa Teresa and Gallup before facing regional rivals Deming and Cobre. While the Colts may face adversity this season, the NMPreps prediction leans toward a potential rebound. Given the makeup of their schedule, favoring the rebuild, a 5-5 overall record seems like a realistic outcome for the 2024 season. I could be convinced in a 6-4 overall record but will wait to see them after district play.

More Previews: New Mexico HS Football 2024 Preseason Rankings (link)

The four best pizza places in New Mexico? What toppings or style of pizza do you get?

Gadsden Panthers 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #29

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 7-4 overall, 2-1 district
2023 Playoffs: 5A State First Round
Streak into 2024: 2-game losing streak

2023 Season Recap: Panthers Continue Their Ascent Under Facio​

The hiring of Dino Facio has been a game-changer for the Gadsden Panthers and continues to prove its worth in the deep southern part of New Mexico high school football. Once a team that often found itself outside the Top 50 in preseason rankings, the Panthers have now made back-to-back trips to the state playoffs and finished the 2023 season with an impressive 7-4 overall record. Their performance has earned them the 29th spot in this preseason's rankings, just shy of breaking into the Top 25.

The 2023 season kicked off with commanding victories, as the Panthers overpowered 3A Ruidoso with a 42-0 shutout and edged out El Paso High (TX) 21-14. A narrow 7-0 loss to 6A Alamogordo was a setback, but Gadsden quickly regained their momentum with a solid win against Clint, TX, 18-4, followed by a decisive 40-7 triumph over 6A Organ Mountain. Although they faced a tough challenge and fell to 5A powerhouse Goddard, 35-7, the Panthers rebounded strongly, capping off their non-district schedule with a dominant 50-0 win over 4A Valencia.

Entering district play, the Panthers continued their winning ways, cruising to victories over Chaparral (50-0) and Santa Teresa (28-7). The district championship game against Deming was a hard-fought battle, but Gadsden came up just short, losing 12-10 in a nail-biter.

Despite the loss, the Panthers earned the 8-seed in the 5A state playoffs. In a tightly contested first-round matchup, they were narrowly defeated by 9-seed Mayfield, 13-12, bringing their season to a close. While the ending was bittersweet, Gadsden's 2023 campaign was another step forward in their continued ascent under Facio, finishing with a strong 7-4 overall record and a 2-1 mark in district play.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

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Bloomfield Bobcats 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #28

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 11-1 overall, 3-0 district
2023 Playoffs: 4A State Semifinals
Points Scored: 548
Points Given Up: 62
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-4A

2023 Season Recap: Dominant Defense and High-Octane Offense Propel Bobcats to Semifinals

The Bloomfield Bobcats, fresh off a 12-1 season and a state championship in 2022, entered the 2023 season with high expectations, poised to defend their title. With a potent offense and an impenetrable defense, the Bobcats quickly proved theywere serious contenders once again extending a six-game winning streak from the 2022 to 17 games before their final game.

Bloomfield opened the season with a commanding 41-20 victory over 4A St. Pius X, setting the tone for the year. The Bobcats followed up with a 50-0 shutout on the road against 4A Pojoaque Valley and continued their dominance with a 60-7 rout of 4A Grants. With a 3-0 record, they faced 4A Albuquerque Academy, delivering a flawless 410 win, and then traveled to the metro area to take on 4A Valencia, securing another 50-0 shutout.

The Bobcats wrapped up their non-district schedule with a 42-7 win over Bayfield, Colorado, and a 28-0 victory against 4A Silver, finishing the non-district slate witha a 7-0 record. Entering district play, Bloomfield showed no mercy, shutting out every opponent—Kirtland Central 52-0, Aztec 42-0, and Gallup 66-0—to finish 3-0 in District 1-4A.

Earning the top seed in the playoffs, the Bobcats continued their dominant form with a 55-0 quarterfinal victory over 9-seed Albuquerque Academy. At this point, they had only allowed 34 points all season, but their campaign came to a surprising end in the 4A state semifinals. Facing 4-seed Portales, the Bobcats fell 28-21, nearly equaling the total points they had allowed throughout the year in a single game.

Despite the disappointing finish, Bloomfield's season was nothing short of spectacular. They finished 11-1 overall, scoring a staggering 548 points (45.7 points per game) while allowing only 62 points (5.2 points per game), underscoring their dominance on both sides of the ball. Heading into 2024, the Bobcats will look to build on this success and make another deep playoff run.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

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What are the best four Summer Olympic events to watch?

Please post your scrimmage and date/time here or send to me 505-414-4313

NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios: Bloomfield Bobcats

NMPreps continues our fan-favorite annual feature as we review all the schedules in New Mexico high school football with our Best & Worst Case Scenario for the 2024 season. In this feature, we will review all 10 games for each team leading up to the 2024 season. #nmpreps

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Numbers are the up or down?

What are some interesting notes this week?

La Cueva - NMAA
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NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios: Centennial Hawks

NMPreps continues our fan-favorite annual feature as we review all the schedules in New Mexico high school football with our Best & Worst Case Scenario for the 2024 season. In this feature, we will review all 10 games for each team leading up to the 2024 season. #nmpreps

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NMPreps 2024 2A New Mexico High School Football Preseason Rankings

As the 2024 high school football season approaches, NMPreps has released its highly anticipated 2A preseason rankings, providing insights into the teams poised to make significant impacts. This year’s rankings and outlooks offer a glimpse into the competitive landscape of 2A football in New Mexico.

Top Ten

#1 Eunice Cardinals (2023 Record: 10-3)

• State Rank: 36
• 2024 Outlook: The Cardinals are set for a strong season, led by standout quarterback Elijah Melancon, who had an impressive sophomore year with over 3,000 combined yards and 50 touchdowns. The offensive firepower is complemented by senior running back Elijah Woods and a robust receiving corps featuring Maddox Mata, Luis Gomez, and Jial Castro. Defensively, Luis Gomez, Elijan Woods, and Maddox Mata anchor a formidable unit. With a rich tradition of winning, Eunice is a favorite to contend for the state championship again. Full Preview Here
  
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St. Pius X Sartans 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #32

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 4-7 overall, 1-2 district
2023 Playoffs: 4A State First Round
Points Scored: 176
Points Given Up: 283
Streak into 2024: 3-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 2-4A

2023 Season Recap: Flakes' First Season Sparks Progress for the Sartans​

The Sartans enter year two under former University of New Mexico Lobo player and former Albuquerque High head coach Curtis Flakes. Flakes, known for ending the Albuquerque High Bulldogs' 43-game losing streak, has already made some transformations for the Sartans football program. The team had 2 wins the previous season before he arrived and won 4 games last season, his first at St. Pius X, earning an automatic bid to the playoffs.

The season started with a loss to 4A Bloomfield (41-20), who would go on to a perfect 10-0 regular season. They quickly rebounded with a win over 5A Highland (28-2) but then suffered a loss to 5A Valley (35-0). They rebounded with a win over 5A Del Norte (51-6) but then had a two-game skid against 4A Portales (41-0) and 4A Albuquerque Academy (28-12) before beating 4A Moriarty (24-14) to end non-district play 3-4.

Things started well in district play with a win over Valencia (20-18), but they then suffered losses to Silver (46-0) and Grants (21-14), finishing district play with a 1-2 record. The Sartans earned a 10-seed in the playoffs, falling to 7-seed Española Valley (31-7) in the first round.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

Things can improve on both sides of the ball for the Sartans. The offense put up 176 total points on the season and the defense allowed 283 points. The bright news is the return of a very young roster from last season.

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Los Alamos Hilltoppers 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #33

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 9-3 overall, 2-1 district
2023 Playoffs: 5A State Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 395
Points Given Up: 172
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-5A

2023 Season Recap: Hilltoppers Reach New Heights ​

The Los Alamos Hilltoppers are coming off one of their best seasons in 16 years, matching their 2007 record of nine wins. Typically floating around four to five wins a year, the Hilltoppers achieved program highs with a 9-3 overall record, a playoff win, and an appearance in the 5A quarterfinals.

The season began with a five-game win streak, defeating Española Valley (35-0) on opening night, followed by wins over Taos (40-0), Capital (23-20), St. Michael's (28-7), and Pojoaque Valley (45-7). Their first setback came with a loss to Albuquerque Academy (14-6), but they quickly rebounded to beat Bernalillo (26-19), finishing their non-district games with a 6-1 overall record.

In district play, they opened with a 48-9 win over Albuquerque-Manzano, then suffered a close loss to Albuquerque-Valley (26-23) before ending with a 52-0 win over Albuquerque-Del Norte, finishing the regular season 8-2 overall and 2-1 in the district. The Hilltoppers earned a 7-seed in the playoffs, defeating 10-seed Albuquerque-Highland 55-13 in the first round. They then faced the 2-seed and eventual state champion Artesia, falling 57-14 in the 5A quarterfinals, ending the season with a 9-3 overall record.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

Head coach Garett Williams has orchestrated and developed a solid football program in Los Alamos, with the team putting up impressive numbers last season. The offense scored 395 points, averaging about 33 points per game, while the defense allowed just 172 points, averaging about 14 points per game.

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Who had the best high school football career in New Mexico? I'd like to hear about some of the best players and their stats.

Highland Hornets 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #34

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 6-5 overall, 2-1 district
2023 Playoffs: 5A State First Round
Points Scored: 267
Points Given Up: 312
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-5A

2023 Season Recap: Resilient Turnaround​

What looked like a bleak start turned into a playoff berth for the Hornets. The season began with a tough opener against 4A Portales, resulting in a 45-0 loss. The challenges continued with a 28-2 defeat to 4A St. Pius X and a close 18-14 loss to 4A Bernalillo, leaving the Hornets at 0-3.

However, the Hornets hit their stride and turned their season around with a decisive 54-32 win over 5A Albuquerque-Del Norte. This victory sparked a winning streak, as they triumphed over 3A Hope Christian (45-14), 4A Albuquerque-Manzano (18-8), and 4A Pojoaque Valley (28-6), finishing non-district play with a 4-3 overall record.

Entering district play, the Hornets extended their winning streak to five games with a narrow 32-30 victory over Belen. Despite a 52-18 loss to eventual district champion Piedra Vista, they bounced back with a solid 43-24 win over Miyamura, ending district play with a 2-1 record.

The Hornets earned a 10-seed in the playoffs but faced a tough matchup against 7-seed Los Alamos in the first round, falling 55-13. Despite the early playoff exit, the Hornets finished the season with a respectable 6-5 overall record, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back from a challenging start.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The offense for the Highland Hornets is headlined by NMPreps100 top ten player Amiri Mumba (2025), returning after a stellar season with 1,800 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. Mumba, ranked as the second-best running back in New Mexico high school football, will be the driving force behind the Hornets' offense in 2024.

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Bernalillo Spartans 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #35

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 8-4 overall, 1-2 district
2023 Playoffs: 4A State Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 292
Points Given Up: 204
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-4A

2023 Season Recap: Strong Start, Tough Finish​

The Bernalillo Spartans kicked off the 2023 season with a blazing start, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable force in New Mexico high school football, bouncing back from a 2-8 overall 2022 season. They began their campaign with a thrilling 12-6 victory over 5A Valley, setting the tone for what would be an impressive early run. The momentum continued with a 26-18 win against 4A Espanola Valley, followed by back-to-back dominant performances against 5A opponents: a 55-3 blowout over Albuquerque-Del Norte and an 18-14 nail-biter against Albuquerque-Highland.

The Spartans' winning streak extended to 6-0 after defeating 4A Moriarty (14-7) and securing a hard-fought 20-14 victory over 4A Taos. However, their undefeated run came to an end at the hands of 5A Los Alamos, who handed them their first loss of the season with a 26-19 score. This defeat marked the end of their non-district play, leaving the Spartans with an impressive 6-1 record.

As district play commenced, the Spartans faced a challenging stretch, suffering back-to-back losses. Lovington proved too strong, defeating Bernalillo 47-26, and Portales compounded their woes with a 38-0 shutout. Despite these setbacks, the Spartans rallied to finish the regular season on a high note, delivering a resounding 50-14 victory over Albuquerque Academy. This win secured their spot in the playoffs with a 7-3 overall record.

Entering the playoffs as the 5-seed, the Spartans started with a dominant 52-0 win over 12-seed Valencia in the first round. However, their playoff journey was cut short in the quarterfinals with a rematch against district foe Portales. Despite a valiant effort, the Spartans fell 17-0, ending their season with an 8-4 overall record.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Bernalillo Spartans' offense will lean heavily on quarterback Uriel Castro (2025), who had a stellar season last year, throwing for 2,078 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 162 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Nathan Encinias (2025) is expected to step into a bigger role, filling the shoes of graduated seniors Mason McChriston and Diego Molinar. Last season, McChriston was the team's top receiving target, amassing 955 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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Question this week: what’s the most difficult part about coaching? Also, as a coach or former coach what’s the most difficult part about watching your son or daughter in sports when you don’t agree with a coach?

Eunice Cardinals 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #36

NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps

2023 Season Review​

Record: 10-3 overall, 4-0 district
2023 Playoffs: 2A State Championship Runner-Up
Points Scored: 508
Points Given Up: 243
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 3-2A

2023 Season Recap: Championship Quest Falls Just Short

A 2A power in New Mexico high school football, the Eunice Cardinals continue to remain at the top of the classification after another trip to the state championship. The season started with a 40-29 win over Raton (who played in 3A football last season but has since moved down to 2A for the 2024 season), followed by a 49-12 victory over 2A Estancia, and a 48-6 win against Ropes, Texas. The Cardinals then beat 3A Hot Springs 54-0 on the road to start the season 4-0.

The Cardinals then suffered a two-game setback, falling to 3A Dexter 44-43 and 4A Portales 38-13, ending the non-district portion of their schedule with a 4-2 record. The Cardinals then ran the table in district play, beating Texico 21-14, Hagerman 53-0, Jal 42-28, and Loving 35-28, winning the district and earning the 1-seed in the 2A state playoffs.

In the playoffs, the Cardinals defeated 8-seed Escalante 49-0 in the first round, then continued their tear with a 54-0 win over 5-seed Tularosa in the semifinals, setting up a rematch with district foe and the 2-seed Texico Wolverines in the state championship game. This time, the Texico Wolverines got the best of the Cardinals, winning 44-7. The Cardinals finished the season 10-3 overall and 4-0 in the district.
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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Cardinals are primed for a big season with the return of key all-state level players. They will miss stud receiver Ashton Thompson, who graduated after leading the team in receiving yards with 809 and 19 touchdowns. However, the hype is real for the Cardinals, thanks to the emergence of 2026 quarterback Elijah Melancon. As a sophomore last fall, Melancon passed for 2,524 yards and 41 touchdowns, while also contributing 475 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns, totaling over 3,000 combined yards and 50 combined touchdowns.

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