Eldorado @ La Cueva 1750 pts (Eldo is the upset 2000 pts)
Alamogordo @ Santa Teresa 1800 pts (Alam is the upset 1950 pts)
Belen at Deming 1825 pts (Belen is the upset 1925)
Artesia @ Capital 1900 pts (Cap is the upset 2000 pts)
St Pius X @ Ruidoso 1850 pts either way
Cobre @ NMMI 1825 pts (Cobre is the upset 1950 pts)
Silver @ Taos 1850 pts (Silver is the upset 2000 pts)
St Michaels @ Raton 1925 pts either way
Estancia @ Ft Sumner 1950 pts either way
Carlsbad @ Mayfield 1850 pts (Cbad is the upset 1975 pts)

First Round: Most Intriguing Score From Friday

Most Likely to Upset in the First Round?

NMPreps - "I Got Five On It"

#1. (10) Artesia at (7) Capital - 5A Football - This contest will be the early pick for higher seed to win on the road. That is the obvious pick and also the number one ranked 'Most Likely to Upset in the First Round'? The last time the Artesia Bulldogs lost in the first round? 2013, that season they went 4-7 overall and lost to Moriarty as a 9-seed. Capital shouldn't be taken too lightly the last time they faced a SE team in the playoffs was 2015 when they lost 27-26 to Goddard in the first round.

#2 (10) Silver at (7) Taos - 4A Football - An intriguing match-up between way southwestern Silver traveling north to take on the defending state champions. The Silver Colts are coming off a tough district slate against a pair of 5A teams that are in the top-8 in the 5A bracket (6-Deming, 8-Santa Teresa). Does that prepare this 5-5 team for an upset game? The Taos Tigers (6-4 overall) have played well as of late but this one has many similarities that could go either way.

#3 (9) St. Michael's at (8) Raton - 3A Football - C'mon Grine...the Raton Tigers are coming off a 34-13 win just three days ago! Also, we typically try to avoid 8-9 games because those teams are that close but sticking true to the question of teams on the road winning in the first round. Both teams feature a younger core of talent but too many times have we seen the re-match in the playoffs go to the team that lost in the regular season. If anything this one will be close.

#4 (11) Hot Springs at (6) West Las Vegas - 3A Football - The common theme all season long in class 3A was that, we just didn't have a clear favorite. Hot Springs could play spoiler here on the road in Las Vegas, New Mexico. West Las Vegas has one of the best quarterbacks in the classification and surrounding talent but Hot Springs could be some of the intangibles to make things interesting.

#5 (12) Sandia at (5) Las Cruces - 6A Football - Not even close....that Las Cruces loses this game. Okay, I somewhat agree but I guess in my contradictory fashion put them in our five possible upset games. Last season we all said the same thing when 12-seed Cibola went down to 5-Mayfield and made an upset. Granted that Cibola team was better than a 12-seed with a stud quarterback, that just had to play in that powerful district. Sandia has overachieved, even if they lose by 30 in this one, and will be a team to watch in the future. Las Cruces is also a favorite to win two games in the playoffs. I would watch for Sandia to eat up the clock and if they can contain the run game they could make it interesting.

More to Consider

(10) Cobre at (7) New Mexico Military
(9) Alamogordo at (8) Santa Teresa
(12) Belen at (5) Deming

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Rio Rancho catcher has decommitted from NMSU and is headed to South Mountain.

Girls A-3A: Top-seeded Sandia Prep has a 3-0 lead at halftime over No. 2 Socorro.

A lot of mid range trip lengths this week, mixed with a few doozies. Don't remember when the distances have been this short in the playoffs for awhile, Some large trips loom, possibly, next week. Be safe..stay warm and if you have trick plays........ now is the time to use them.
All trips round trip.

10. Sandia at Las Cruces 445 miles
9. Elida at Springer 446 miles
8. Cibola at Centennial 455 miles
7. Artesia at Capital 474 miles
6. Santa Rosa at Eunice 484 miles
5.Hot Springs at West Las Vegas 540 miles
4. Cobre at NMMI 588 miles
3. Hagerman at Lordsbutg 630 miles
2 Zuni at Tularosa 710 miles
1. Silver at Taos 734 miles

HAPPY VETERANS DAY and THANKS TO YOU FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE

What games are you at this week?

First Round: 5A Bracket Breakdown
Grine of NMPreps

The NMPreps.com bracket breakdown for the 2019 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs.

No. 12 Belen (3-7) at No. 5 Deming (8-2)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Deming HS)
Grine Line: Deming -7.5
Over/Under: 34
NMPreps Score Predictor: Deming 23, Belen 14

Scoop: The fifth seed Deming Wildcats have reeled off 6-straight wins since their last loss on September 13th. They enter as the Southwestern District champions going 3-0. The Belen Eagles under first-year head coach Ty House struggled early going 1-6 during their non-district slate but the opening night win coupled with going 2-1 the final three games, earning them district runner up, gave them the last at-large bid.

Belen: Luke Aragon (2020/QB); Sefe Aragon (2020)
Deming: Jesse Varela (2020/ATH); Ceazer Chavez (2020/RB);

Grine: [Deming] I am taking the Wildcats here but this was a 12-5 match-up that could have many swaying the way of the Eagles of Belen. Both have won as of late but we take the Wildcats because the opponents that they have beat are a pair of playoff teams. Belen has three wins on the year but all come against non-playoff teams. Also, I really like the Wildcats backs sparked by all-purpose back Jesse Varela.

No. 11 Highland (6-4) at No. 6 Piedra Vista (7-3)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Hutchinson Stadium)
Grine Line: Piedra Vista -35
Over/Under: 59
NMPreps Score Predictor: Piedra Vista 56, Highland 12

Scoop: The Highland Hornets return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2011 season after posting a 6-4 record. The Hornets went 3-2 on the road this season and get another shot at Piedra Vista, a district opponent. The Piedra Vista Panthers are 2-3 at home this season and enter the post season as Northwestern District runner ups. The Panthers fell to Scorpions in the district championship last week and looking for a rebound.

Grine: [Piedra Vista] It's going to be Piedra Vista here in this game again but it shouldn't take away from what the Highland Hornets have done this season.

No. 10 Artesia (5-5) at No. 7 Capital (6-3)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Capital HS)
Grine Line: Artesia -15
Over/Under: 61
NMPreps Score Predictor: Artesia 42, Capital 18

Scoop: The Artesia Bulldogs enter the post season at 5-5 and on a three game skid. They suffered a shocking loss to end the season but all of their losses come against playoff teams. Capital enters the post season after winning the northern district championship. Capital went 5-1 to end the season and has one of the best backfields in recent program history.

Artesia: Clay Houghtaling (2020/QB); Braxton McDonald (2021/RB)
Capital: Luke Padilla (2021/RB); Gio Munoz (2021/RB)

Grine: [Artesia] I know they are the 10-seed and I don't want to take away from Capital. Yes, I remember they played Goddard tough a few years back but I will wait to be completely sold.

No. 9 Alamogordo (3-6) at No. 8 Santa Teresa (7-2)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Santa Teresa HS)
Grine Line: Santa Teresa -3.5
Over/Under: 33
NMPreps Score Predictor: Santa Teresa 22, Alamogordo 17

Scoop: The Desert Warriors of Santa Teresa enter the post season as district runner-up and a 7-2 record. The Desert Warriors took the first meeting between the schools, 14-7 at Alamogordo on September 13th. The Alamogordo Tigers earned a bid on the final week of the season with a big program win over Artesia High School. The Tigers finished third place in what is arguably the toughest district in 5A football.

Alamogordo: Sean Hays (2021/RB)
Santa Teresa: Adrian Rodriguez (2022/RB); Sam Flores (2020/LB)

Grine: [Alamogordo] I'm taking the Tigers riding the high from last week.

6A FOOTBALL RANKINGS (WEEK 1 - August, 18th)
1. Cleveland (2019 State Playoff Seed: 3rd) -2
2. La Cueva (2019 State Playoff Seed: 7th) -5
3. Volcano Vista (2019 State Playoff Seed: 1st) -2
4. Rio Rancho (2019 State Playoff Seed: 4th) Even
5. Las Cruces (2019 State Playoff Seed: 5th) Even
6. Centennial (2019 State Playoff Seed: 6th) Even
7. Eldorado (2019 State Playoff Seed: 10th) -3
8. Mayfield (2019 State Playoff Seed: 8th) Even
9. Clovis (2019 State Playoff Seed: 2nd) -7
10. Manzano (2019 State Playoff Seed: Missed the playoffs) -3
11. Hobbs (2019 State Playoff Seed: Missed the playoffs) -3
12. Carlsbad (2019 State Playoff Seed: 9th) -3
13. Cibola (2019 State Playoff Seed: 11th) -2
14. Sandia (2019 State Playoff Seed: 12th) -2

Grade: B-ish. For the most part outside of La Cueva and Clovis, I stayed in the -3 range and for predictions only missing out on two is not terrible. I will say early in the season we did make the shift to Clovis moving up and possibly winning the district. I don't know of a person who didn't have La Cueva ranked in the 1-3 spots. We knew Clovis would be good this season but they've outplayed their spot

The Good
Centennial - We predicted 8-2 but had a best-case scenario at 9-1.
Rio Rancho - We predicted 4th (above) but we also said 6-4 this seaosn, they went 6-4.
Clovis - We said 6-4 and they went 7-3.

The Bad
Volcano Vista - We said stay in the 7-win range (so 7-3). They went 10-0. Not bad but dang you're right on the money if you said 10-0. Outside of Hawks fans, players and coaches, I don't believe you if you said 10-0.

The Ugly
Carlsbad - We stated Carlsbad would go 2-8 or 3-7 and they go 6-4. We did have the best case scenario at 6-4.

They Said It (Cold Takes)
Poster: "They [Rio Rancho] are staring at a 3 and 7 record and maybe a 9 through 11 seed"
Poster: "No way Centennial is outside the top 4"

Not Sold Then But Now Sold?
Poster: "Not completely sold on Clovis just yet....."

Posters Predicting the 2019 Season - Week 11
Cleveland 10-0, La Cueva 10-0, Centennial 9-1...Link::Check it out

What do you have?

Two New Mexico players received Silver Slugger awards for best hitter at their positions in MLB. Minnesota catcher Mitch Garver and Houston third baseman Alex Bregman are representing New Mexico well in their pro careers. I believe both had career highs in homeruns this past season.

First Round: 6A Bracket Breakdown
Grine of NMPreps

The NMPreps.com bracket breakdown for the 2019 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs.

No. 12 Sandia (3-7) at No. 5 Las Cruces (8-2)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Field of Dreams, LC)
Grine Line: Las Cruces -22
Over/Under: 54
NMPreps Score Predictor: Las Cruces 38, Sandia 14

Scoop: The Las Cruces Bulldawgs enter the post season after winning the south district and are currently riding a 6-game win streak. The Dawgs bring an improved defense into the contest with an improved PA this season going from 26.2 in 2018 to 17.4 in 2019. The Sandia Matadors return to the playoffs after missing last season. The Matadors hope to shock the state behind a balanced approach but will need to score early, if they do against the LC defense.

Grine: [Las Cruces] The Bulldawgs should move along with ease in this contest. The Las Cruces offense and defense are just a little too much for the Matadors.

No. 11 Cibola (5-5) at No. 6 Centennial (9-1)
Details: Saturday, 1pm (Field of Dreams, LC)
Grine Line: Centennial -33
Over/Under: 59
NMPreps Score Predictor: Centennial 44, Cibola 15

Scoop: The first round of the 6A state playoffs takes place in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the Field of Dreams; three of the four first round games are in Las Cruces this weekend. The Centennial Hawks suffered one loss this season and it pushed them back into the 5-8 range, settling as a 6-seed. The Cibola Cougars did the unthinkable in 2018, winning as a 12-seed over a 5-seed, on the road in Las Cruces. This season they are more of a long shot (view line) with a young roster, their stud freshman QB returning from injury, and looking to build for the future.

Grine: [Centennial] I love what coach Williams has done at Cibola getting this young team into the playoffs and a .500 record. Centennial is just too good, winning three games in the playoffs good. This would will be all Hawks. I'm taking the over, taking the line.

No. 10 Eldorado (6-4) at No. 7 La Cueva (7-3)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Wilson Stadium, ABQ)
Grine Line: La Cueva -10
Over/Under: 54
NMPreps Score Predictor: La Cueva 34, Eldorado 20

Scoop: The Eldorado Eagles and La Cueva Bears continue their rivalry into the playoffs this season. The defending 6A state champ, La Cueva Bears, took the regular season meeting, 38-13. The Bears have played in the last two state title games, winning last season. The Eldorado Eagles enter the post season winning the final two games, earning them the third place finish in the metro district. The La Cueva Bears fell last week in the district championship and looking to rebound, they won four of the last five games of the season.

Grine: [La Cueva] The Bears love bulletin board material, they also love that I pick against them - they typically prove me wrong if I pick for or against them. I wanted to go Eldorado here but I didn't....... What does that mean?

No. 9 Carlsbad (6-4) at No. 8 Mayfield (6-3)
Details: Saturday, 7pm (Field of Dreams, Las Cruces)
Grine Line: Mayfield -3.5
Over/Under: 43
NMPreps Score Predictor: Mayfield 30, Carlsbad 27

Scoop: The two southern district opponents will battle once again; the first meeting was on September 21st with the Trojans getting the win at home, 27-14. Since their last meeting the path has been similar with both going 3-2 to end the season and the outcomes looking very much the same. The Cavemen make the playoffs for the first time under head coach Gary Bradley and on the other sideline his brother will look to avoid another first round 'upset' like they endured last season.

Grine: [Mayfield] First I typed out Carlsbad. Then, I came to Mayfield. I still don't feel confident on either end but that could be a good thing because the both will create a balanced but exciting game. Very similar in that they will play defense, eat some clock, but have offensive pieces that could break out.

First Round: 4A Bracket Breakdown
Grine of NMPreps

The NMPreps.com bracket breakdown for the 2019 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs.

No. 12 Moriarty (2-8) at No. 5 Kirtland Central (5-4)
Details: Friday, 6pm (Kirtland Central HS)
Grine Line: Kirtland Central -30
Over/Under: 45
NMPreps Score Predictor: Kirtland Central 35, Moriarty 6

Scoop: The Kirtland Central Broncos are 4-2 at home this season and after playing in a strong district, that features the 1-seed in the 2019 playoffs, they are hoping for a long playoff push. The Moriarty Pintos, win-less on the road, haven't won a game since late September when they beat Hot Springs, 20-13 at home. The two teams met on October 11th with Kirtland Central winning 42-20 at home.

Moriarty: Pedro Sandoval (2021/RB); Justin Carmona (2021/DB)
Kirtland Central: Bailey Foutz (2020/LB); Ty Jenks (2020/SS)

Grine: [Kirtland Central] I'm taking Kirtland Central in this game, however, I would steer away from the -30 spread as the Broncos tend to be somewhat streaky in that they will beat teams but not beat down teams. Also, they have a tendency to let teams score in huge spans. Could be very interesting and wouldn't be surprised if the Pintos come out swinging with the first score.

No. 11 Bernalillo (6-4) at No. 6 Aztec (7-3)
Details: Saturday, 1pm (Aztec HS)
Grine Line: Aztec -33
Over/Under: 48
NMPreps Score Predictor: Aztec 38, Bernalillo 12

Scoop: The Aztec Tigers are still considered, and ranked, among the top of the classification and will now have a cheap on their shoulder heading into the post season. Finishing third in district play pushed them back in the seeds but a 7-3 season (2 losses coming in district play) could have pickers seeing a plus 2 for the Tigers in the post season.

Bernalillo: Ayden Mardid (2021/RB); Adrian Dominguez (2021/DT)
Aztec: Alex Parra (2020/RB); Austin Jaime (2021/LB)

Grine: [Aztec] I am going Aztec here and taking the points in this game. Aztec is good but young and a team that could be more of a talk when the season is over. I like them winning big here but they both have a pair of two-way players in Ayden Madrid and Alex Parra that have made 4A football fun to watch.

(10) Silver (5-5) at (7) Taos (7-3)
Details: Saturday, 1pm (Taos HS)
Grine Line: Taos -3.5
Over/Under: 50
NMPreps Score Predictor: Taos 28, Silver 24

Scoop: The game that has us giving an early upset alert. The Silver Colts enter after playing in a 5A district and coming out as the third place finishers. After a 0-2 start to the season the Colts went 5-1 midway in the season before falling to two top-8 seeded teams in 5A football. Taos, the defending 4A state champions, are looking to make some believers in them making another run. The Tigers enter winning four straight after falling to district champ Grants a month ago.

Silver:Walker Wenzel (2021/QB); Jacobi Lockett (2021/DT)
Taos: Armando Valerio (2020/RB); Noah Armijo (2020/QB)

Grine: [Silver] Yes, I am going with the road team and we mean true road team having to travel from the deep sw corner of New Mexico to the far north of New Mexico. Haven't fact checked but that has to be like a 6-hour (or more) bus trip. Colts win by 10 plus.

(9) St. Pius X (4-6) at Ruidoso (4-6)
Details: Friday, 7pm (Ruidoso HS)
Grine Line: Ruidoso -6.5
Over/Under: 55
NMPreps Score Predictor: Ruidoso 42, St. Pius X 28

Scoop: The Ruidoso Warriors and St. Pius X Sartans seem to be going in two different directions, although both are under .500 on the season and sitting at 4-6 overall. The Ruidoso Warriors enter the post season winning 3 of the last 2 with both losses coming to the 2 and 3 seeds. St. Pius X has battled some injuries but lacked the spark from a season ago when they owned the 1-seed. They (SPX) are averaging far less offensive production this season and Ruidoso seems to turn on the engine when the post season starts.

St. Pius X: Ryan McCormick (2020/RB)
Ruidoso: Gage Guardiola (2020/QB); Grant Oberheu (2021/TE); Kyle Weaver (2020/LB)

Grine: [Ruidoso] I feel the Warriors were a year away in 2018. I think we've yet to see the best of the Warriors in 2019. I'm looking forward to a re-match between them and Portales in the quarterfinals.

2019 State: 3A Bracket Breakdown
Grine of NMPreps

The NMPreps.com bracket breakdown for the 2019 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs.

No. 12 Zuni Thunderbirds (5-5) at No. 5 Tularosa Wildcats (7-2)

Early Grine Line: Tularosa -44
NMPreps Score Predictor: Tularosa 50, Zuni 6

Why Zuni: After a 0-5 start to the season the Zuni Thunderbirds pulled off five straight wins to end the season, including 4-0 during district play to earn an automatic bid in the playoffs. The Thunderbirds will still be a heavy underdog (early Grine line +44) but with first-year head coach leading the charge they will come in as a wildcard. During their win streak the Thunderbirds averaged 42 points per game; the season average was 24 points per game.

Why Tularosa: The Wildcats were the number one ranked team in 3A football five straight weeks (week six to week eleven) before eventually falling in their district championship on the final night of the season. The Wildcats feature top player Traiton Griffin (2020/QB) who has over 700 yards passing and another 600 yards rushing this season with a total 18 touchdowns.

Notes: The Zuni Thunderbirds are 3-1 on the road this season. Tularosa is 3-1 at home this season. Tularosa won 22-20 in the first round of the 2018 state playoffs.

Quarterfinals: The winner will travel to Dexter to take on the 4-seed Dexter Demons - the defending state champs in 3A football.

No. 11 Hot Springs Tigers (5-5) at No. 6 West Las Vegas Dons (6-4)

Early Grine Line: WLV -12
NMPreps Score Predictor: West Las Vegas 28, Hot Springs 15

Why Hot Springs: The Tigers HAD to win on the final of the season and despite being a nine point underdog they pulled out a nine point win to earn an at-large bid this post season. Look to Benito Villa (QB/2020) to lead the way for the Tigers on the road after tossing for 1,312 yards this season, 16 touchdowns.

Why West Las Vegas: The sixth ranked Dons earned a boost on the final day of the season and jumped into the sixth spot, finishing as a district runner up with the help of district foe Raton upsetting St. Michael's. The Dons feature star quarterback John Balizan (2020) along with Isaiah Deane (2020) and Estevan Gonzales (2020) on the defensive side.

Notes: This is the first meeting between the schools (5-year span). West Las Vegas is 3-1 at home this season. Hot Springs went 2-3 on the road.

No. 10 Cobre Indians (4-5) at No. 7 New Mexico Military Institute Colts (6-4)

Early Grine Line: NMMI -3.5
NMPreps Score Predictor: New Mexico Military 21, Cobre 20

Why Cobre: The Cobre Indians have played well lately winning three of the last four and finished as the district runner up. Look for Ezequiel Dominiguez (QB/2020) to continue playing well for the Indians after a few big games late into the regular season. Running back Jaden Gomez (RB/2020) also provide a punch to the offense for the Indians.

Why NMMI: The Colts ended their regular season on a high note with a convincing win over Tucumcari, putting them above the .500 mark on the season (6-4 overall, 1-2 district). The Colts bring several weapons on the offensive side as well and will look to Daniel Xibille (2021/QB), Gus Curnutt (2020/WR), and Carlos Retamoza (2020/RB).

Notes: Cobre is 0-4 on the road. NMMI is 4-2 at home this season. The two programs have not played each other in the last five seasons.

Quarterfinals: The winner will travel to Albuquerque to play Hope Christian (2)

No. 9 St. Michael's Horsemen (4-5) at No. 8 Raton Tigers (5-5)

Early Grine Line: Raton -5
NMPreps Score Predictor: Raton 28, St. Michael's 20

Why Horsemen: The Horsemen looking to rebound a week later after falling 34-13 to Raton to end the regular season on Saturday afternoon. The Horsemen have experienced a roller coaster type of season after starting the season 0-3, then pulled off four wins, before dropping the final two games of the season. The Horsemen feature Lucas Coriz (2022/QB), Ray Lynch (2020), and Daymon Lujan (2022). A young core that could make things interesting in this quick rebound game.

Why Raton: The Tigers have freshman running back Cayden Walton leading way with 1,721 yards on the season and 17 touchdowns. The Tigers are looking to keep things riding after a program lifting win over St. Michael's on the final night. The Tigers are young - they feature sophomore quarterback Dylan Quartieri - but could be a team that enters as a sleeper but they will have to learn how to win with a huge target this coming weekend.

Notes: Raton is 3-1 at home this season. St. Mikes is 2-2 on the road.

Quarterfinals: The winner will face the 1-seed Socorro Warriors.

3A Breakdown Superlatives

Best Game: 7-NMMI vs 10-Cobre. This contest could be a close one that comes down to a fourth quarter showing. NMMI will come hot quick but the Indians hope to counter come the second half.

Most Likely to Upset: 11-Hot Springs vs 6-West Las Vegas. Likely not a game that I would take, I'd take the spread, but the Tigers earned a win that could propel them against West Las Vegas. Keep an eye.

5-12 Seed that Could Play in the Semifinals: 5-Tularosa. This one seems obvious but the Wildcats needed a wake up call, after being the top team for weeks. They get a chance at redemption in a week against Dexter. That could be the best game of the playoffs.

Girls A-3A:
No. 2 Socorro beat No. 3 St. Michael's, 3-1. Socorro will play for its first-ever girls soccer title tomorrow against top-seeded Sandia Prep, which beat Bosque 4-0.

Who Wins: Las Cruces vs Mayfield

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I have a Colorado team looking for 2 games weekend of March 13-14. If you would like a game or both can you reach out ASAP! ccarrasco@llschools.net

Pick Em Poll: Who wins Lobo3392 vs Zebra9809?

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2022 P/INF/C Jordan Martinez has committed to UNM.

In 4A boys, clean sweep for the top seeds this morning. Top-seeded Academy was a goal down to Lovington but rallied; Los Lunas, SPX and Los Alamos won handily.

I am hearing more and more about electronic strike zones. I hope everybody who loves baseball is completely against that. The art of receiving would be lost. Sometimes technological is not better. The electronic strike zone is the first step to eliminating umpires altogether. We have a BLAME culture that encourages things like electronic strike zones.