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NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season

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. #nmpreps

Aztec Tigers Schedule:

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Moriarty Pintos 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #54

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: 5-5 overall, 1-2 district
2024 Classification: 4A (District 1)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 256
Points Given Up: 182
Streak into 2024: 2-game losing streak

Season Recap: A Tale of Two Halves for the Moriarty Pintos​

The Moriarty Pintos experienced a rollercoaster 2023 season, marked by an explosive start and a tough finish. The Pintos opened their non-district schedule with a dominant 50-0 win over Gallup, showcasing their potential right out of the gate. They continued their winning streak by defeating Albuquerque Academy 26-14, Newcomb 54-0, and Grants 21-13, bringing their record to a strong 4-0.

However, the momentum shifted in the middle of the season. Moriarty faced a series of close and challenging games, starting with a narrow 14-7 loss to Bernalillo. This was followed by a high-scoring 40-38 defeat to Miyamura and a 24-14 loss to St. Pius X, dropping their record to 4-3 as they approached district play.

District competition began on a high note with a decisive 34-6 victory over Pojoaque Valley. Unfortunately, the Pintos couldn’t maintain this momentum, losing their final two games to Española Valley (50-0) and Taos (21-12). These defeats culminated in a 5-5 overall record and a 1-2 district record, ultimately leading to them missing the playoffs.

The Pintos' 2023 season was characterized by a strong start but marred by inconsistencies and close losses in the latter half. As they move into the 2024 season, they will look to build on their early successes and address the challenges that surfaced during district play.

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NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season

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. #nmpreps

Atrisco Heritage Academy Jaguars Schedule:

*Denotes District 2-6A game

Recap
Atrisco Heritage went 5-5 overall and 1-3 in District 1-6A during the 2023 season. The Jaguars have continued to shine under head coach Howard Knezevich, winning 10 games over the last two seasons and reaching the playoffs in 2022. They had notable performances last season, including a big win against Eldorado (70-64) and a narrow loss to Sandia (21-20), signaling a positive direction for a program that was previously struggling in 6A football.

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NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: Albuquerque Bulldogs

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. #nmpreps

Albuquerque Bulldogs Schedule:

*Denotes District 2-6A game

Recap: The Albuquerque High Bulldogs finished the 2023 season 4-6 overall and 2-2 in district play. The Bulldogs ended the season on a 3-game win streak as they head into the 2024 season. Against common opponents from 2023 to 2024, the Bulldogs went 1-4, defeating Santa Fe 28-12 but losing to Sandia 45-9, West Mesa 43-35, La Cueva 38-0, and Los Lunas 54-0. Cibola, Valley, Alamogordo, Atrisco Heritage, and Eldorado are new to their schedule for 2024.

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NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season

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. #nmpreps

Albuquerque Academy Chargers Schedule:

*Denotes District 2-4A game

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Recap​

The Albuquerque Academy Chargers finished the previous season with a 6-6 overall record, going 0-3 in district play. Despite this, they won their first-round state 4A playoff game as a 9-seed over 8-seed Grants, 35-7, before falling to the 1-seed Bloomfield Bobcats, 55-0, in the quarterfinals.

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NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: Rio Rancho Rams

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. #nmpreps

Rio Rancho Rams Schedule:


The Rio Rancho Rams are coming off a 9-4 season, with two of their four losses to their rival Cleveland Storm—once in district play and again in the playoffs, losing 38-7 in the semifinals after beating West Mesa (35-21) in the first round and Sandia (38-6) in the quarterfinals.

Best Case Scenario: 9-1 overall, 5-0 district

In the best case scenario, the Rams could achieve a near-perfect season at 9-1, though the ceiling might be as high as 10-0 or as low as 8-2 based on recent outcomes against their rival Cleveland. The two pivotal games in this scenario would be against Cleveland and the rising Las Cruces team.

Worst Case Scenario: 6-4 overall, 3-2 district

District 1-6A has added Farmington and Piedra Vista to previous members Cibola, Volcano Vista, and Cleveland. The games against Volcano Vista and Cleveland are considered coin flips and potential losses. In non-district play, adding Las Cruces and Centennial presents additional challenges, with these games being either coin flips or underdog matchups.

Final Thoughts: Over/Under 6.5 Wins

The Rams are an intriguing team heading into the 2024 season, following a surprising run to the semifinals as a 5-seed, upsetting 4-seed Sandia in the quarterfinals. Despite losing some key players, they have promising returnees who could spark another strong run. I'm predicting a 7-3 overall season, going with the over on our 6.5 O/U.

Related
Carlsbad Cavemen
Cibola Cougars
Pojoaque Valley Elks
St. Pius X Sartans
West Las Vegas Dons

Cobre Indians 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #56

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: 8-3 overall, 3-0 district
2024 Classification: 3A (District 3)
Playoffs: Semifinals
Points Scored: 313
Points Given Up: 114
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

Recap: Cobre Indians' 2023 Season: Strong Run Ends in Semifinals​

The Cobre Indians had a strong season, dropping only three games, including two to Robertson, the latter being a narrow 16-7 loss in the 3A state semifinals. The Indians looked every part of a title contender in 2023, opening the season with a 31-7 win over 4A Chaparral. They then faced a rainy-day defeat to Robertson (3-0) in Las Vegas and another loss to Silver (36-0). However, they bounced back with a seven-game win streak, starting with a 34-12 road win over Santa Teresa, followed by victories against Ruidoso (47-7) and Tularosa (27-26), both on the road, closing non-district play with a 4-2 record.

In district play, Cobre continued their road dominance by beating Socorro (34-7) and then secured home wins against Hot Springs (53-0) and Hatch Valley (40-0), finishing the regular season 7-3 overall and 3-0 in district play, claiming the 3-3A district championship. As the 3-seed in the state playoffs, the Indians defeated 6-seed Dexter in the quarterfinals but fell to 2-seed Robertson 16-7 in the semifinals, ending their season with an 8-3 record.

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Dexter Demons 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #57

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, 3-1 district
2024 Classification: 3A (District 3)
Playoffs: Quarterfinals, lost to Cobre 40-0; First Round, won 38-6 over Hatch Valley
Points Scored: 456
Points Given Up: 219
Streak into 2024: 1-game win streak

Recap: Dexter Demons' 2023 Season: Strong Start, Playoff Run Ends in Quarters

The Dexter Demons had a promising season in 2023, winning 9 games and reaching the state playoffs. The Demons started the season strong with a five-game win streak, opening with a victory over Cloudcroft, followed by a resume-boosting win over West Las Vegas (40-27), a dominant 52-0 win over Hagerman, and two quality victories over Jal (30-6) and a shootout win against a top 2A team in Eunice (44-43).

The Demons suffered their first loss of the season to Robertson (42-14) at home, finishing their non-district schedule at 5-1. They rebounded with a 54-12 win over Hope Christian to start district play but then faced a setback with a 22-8 loss to New Mexico Military. Dexter closed out the regular season with a 62-7 thumping of Tucumcari and a 60-14 win over Ruidoso, finishing district play at 3-1 and 8-2 overall in the regular season.

In the playoffs, the Demons, seeded 6th, opened with a 38-6 win over the 11th-seeded Hatch Valley Bears at home. However, their season came to an end with a 40-0 loss to Cobre in the quarterfinals.

2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Demons' offense could quietly be one of the must-see units this season. CJ Granados, who got the start in 2023 as a freshman, returns for his sophomore season after passing for 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns while also showcasing his mobility with 294 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. He is accompanied in the backfield by Julian Manzanares (2025), who rushed for 1,079 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and added 346 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns.

Kaesn George (2025) also contributed significantly, rushing for 461 yards and 3 touchdowns while leading the team in receiving yards with 623 yards and 7 touchdowns. Omar Loya and Isaac Ramirez, both class of 2025, return for their senior season and could have big production.

On defense, Ivandre Aguilar (2025), Enrique Sena (2026), Diego Munoz (2025), Jacob Richards (2025), and Garrett Gonzales (2026) return for the Demons. Sena is on our early watch list this season after recording 16 sacks and 44 total tackles last year. Aguilar added 52 total tackles and 2 sacks. Julian Manzanares is a force on both sides of the ball, with 3 interceptions last season.

The defense, which allowed just 219 total points last season (an average of 18.25 points per game), returns nearly everyone and could be a dangerous unit for opponents in the 2024 season.

Realistic Expectations: Predictions and Projections​

The Dexter Demons are poised for a standout season in 2024, with a roster full of returning talent and experience. The offensive unit, led by sophomore quarterback CJ Granados, promises to be dynamic and high-scoring.

The Demons' non-district schedule will test their mettle early, starting with a game against 2A Jal on opening night, followed by a trip to Las Vegas to take on West Las Vegas, and another road game against 4A Grants. They wrap up non-district play on September 13th by hosting Pojoaque Valley. District play in 3-3A begins with a match against Cobre on September 20th, followed by games against Ruidoso, New Mexico Military, and Socorro. The regular season concludes with contests against Hot Springs and Hatch Valley.

Given their strong roster and promising young talent, the NMPreps early prediction of a 6-4 or 7-3 overall record might be conservative. The Demons have the potential to exceed these expectations, making them a serious contender for the 3A state championship in 2024. As the season progresses, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dexter climb in the rankings, proving that they are a team to watch this year.

More Previews: 2024 Preseason Rankings

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Santa Teresa Desert Warriors 2024 Season Preview​

NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #58​

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: 1-9 overall, 1-2 district
2024 Classification: 5A (District 2)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 212
Points Given Up: 274
Streak into 2024: 1-game win streak

The Desert Warriors were coming off a 4-7 overall season and a playoff berth in 2022, but 2023 was a rebuilding year, ending with a 1-9 overall record and 1-2 in District 3-4A. Their only win came against Chaparral, 22-16, on the final night of the season after starting 0-9. They suffered losses to Goddard (49-0), Lovington (58-7), 3A's Cobre (34-12), 4A's Valencia (51-13), Mountain View, TX (33-0), Artesia (53-0), Mayfield (53-0), Deming (24-0), and Gadsden (28-7).

2024 Season Outlook​

Offensive and Defensive Players to Watch

Head coach Shae Vierra will be looking to improve on last season with the return of key players. Quarterback Nicholas Vierra (2026) returns after passing for 790 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also rushing for 544 yards and 2 touchdowns.

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Raton Tigers 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #62

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: 5-7 overall, 1-3 district (2-3A)
Class: 2A (District 2)
Playoffs: 3A Quarterfinals (Lost, St. Michael's 21-14)
Points Scored: 320
Points Given Up: 224
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

2023 Recap: What could have been. The Raton Tigers were in full control of their quarterfinal game last fall before succumbing in the final minutes, falling to eventual 3A state champion St. Michael's, 21-14.

The Tigers opened the season with two losses: 2A-Eunice (40-29), the eventual 2A state runner-up, followed by an 18-7 loss to Guymon, Oklahoma. They then went on a three-game win streak, defeating Trinidad, Colorado (41-8), Tucumcari (41-0), and Escalante (33-8). After a narrow overtime loss on the road to Socorro (27-21 OT), the Tigers defeated Santa Fe Indian (40-7) to open district 2-3A play.

The Tigers then faced the 2-3A gauntlet, dropping games to West Las Vegas (33-21), Robertson (37-14), and St. Michael's (27-24). They finished the regular season 4-6 overall and earned a 9-seed in the 3A state playoffs. In the first round, they defeated the Thoreau Hawks (35-8) before traveling to Santa Fe to take on the St. Michael's Horsemen in the quarterfinals, ultimately falling in the final minutes after leading the entirety of the game. The Tigers finished the season 5-7 overall.

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Pojoaque Valley Elks 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #59

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: 3-7 overall, 0-3 district
Class: 5A (District 1)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 178
Points Given Up: 293
Streak into 2024: 5-game losing streak

Pojoaque Elks 2023 Recap: A Step Forward

The Pojoaque Elks football program took a step forward last season under first-year head coach Zeke Villegas. The Elks, who went 0-9 overall in 2022 before Villegas' arrival, achieved three wins in his first season. The Elks quickly ended their nine-game losing streak in week one with a 48-6 win over Navajo Prep. They fell in week two to Bloomfield 50-0 before defeating Santa Fe Indian 50-0 in week three.

The Elks lost to Los Alamos 45-7 in week four, followed by a 50-0 win over Cloudcroft. However, they dropped their final two non-district games to Robertson 45-0 and Highland 28-6, starting a five-game skid to end the season. They dropped all three district games to Moriarty 34-6, Taos 35-6, and Española Valley 50-0. The Elks ended the season 3-7 overall and 0-3 in the district, missing the playoffs.

2024 Season Outlook

Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch

The Pojoaque Elks welcome back an experienced group, something head coach Zeke Villegas lacked before his arrival. Nineteen of twenty-two starters return for the Elks to start the season, bringing valuable continuity to the team.

On offense, the Elks face a quarterback battle between Joshua Gonzales (Class of 2027) and Mario Baros (Class of 2025). However, the true engine of this offense will be sophomore running back Jonah Villegas. In his freshman year, Jonah amassed over 700 rushing yards, led the team in receiving yards, and was a key player in kick returns. Other key offensive players include Killian Medina (Class of 2025), Andrew Martinez, and Serafin Mendez, who will create targets for whichever quarterback wins the starting job.

Defensively, the Elks will be guided by Luke Pacheco (Class of 2025) and Matthew Romero at the linebacker position. Additionally, Medina, Villegas, and Joaquin Baca will form a dangerous secondary, aiming to shut down opposing offenses and create turnovers.

Realistic Expectations​

The Pojoaque Elks showed significant improvement last season under head coach Zeke Villegas. Building on that momentum, they aim to take further steps forward after a successful off-season. Numbers are up, excitement is high, but the task ahead remains challenging. Despite moving from 4A to 3A, the Elks are set to compete in one of the tougher districts, featuring the 3A defending state champion St. Michael's Horsemen, state runner-up Robertson, West Las Vegas, and fellow newcomer Hope Christian, who also moved down from 4A.

The Elks' non-district schedule includes an opener against Crownpoint, followed by games against Hot Springs, 4A's Los Alamos, Dexter, and 2A's Hozho Academy. Additionally, they will face Santa Fe Indian School (Independent) in mid-district play.

With a solid core of returning starters and young talent stepping up, the Pojoaque Elks are poised for a competitive 2024 season. The NMPreps early projection has the Elks going 4-6 overall.

Related: 2024 Preseason Rankings

Also read: 2024 Best & Worst Case Scenario for the Pojoaque Valley Elks

NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: Artesia Bulldogs

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. #nmpreps

Artesia Bulldogs Schedule:


2023: The Artesia Bulldogs went 12-1 overall last season, winning the 2024 5A state championship. They finished 8-1 against opponents on their 2023 schedule, with their only loss coming against rival Roswell during district play before avenging the loss in the state championship game, 35-21.

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Miyamura Patriots 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #60

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: 3-7 overall, 0-3 district
Class: 5A (District 1)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 236
Points Given Up: 353
Streak into 2024: 3-game losing streak

2023 Recap: The Patriots finished the second season under head coach David Foley, who faced the tall task of rebuilding a program left in disarray following controversy under the previous head coach. Last season was expected to be a rebuilding year, and indeed, the Patriots experienced many ups and downs, showing signs of competitiveness amidst their struggles.

The season began with two mercy rule losses to Aztec (50-0) and Silver (53-0) before Foley earned his first win at the helm of the Patriots, defeating crosstown rival Gallup 59-6. Another shutout loss followed against Goddard (49-0). The Patriots battled in their next game but narrowly lost to Socorro 28-27. They managed to earn two wins in their final non-district games, beating Moriarty 40-38 and Del Norte 59-6.

However, the season ended on a low note as the Patriots finished last in district play, dropping all three games to Piedra Vista (52-16), Belen (28-14), and Highland (43-24). The Patriots ended the season with a 3-7 overall record, 0-3 in district play, and missed the playoffs.

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Who should they hire?

NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: Cibola Cougars

NMPreps continues our fan-favorite annual feature as we review all of the schedules in New Mexico high school football with our Best & Worst Case Scenario for the 2024 season. #nmpreps

2024 Schedule​

• 8/23 - vs Albuquerque - Coin Flip/Underdog
• 8/30 - vs Sandia - Underdog
• 9/6 - vs Eldorado - Underdog
• 9/13 - at Carlsbad - Underdog
• 9/19 - vs Clovis - Underdog
• 10/4 - at Rio Rancho* - Underdog
• 10/11 - vs Cleveland* - Underdog
• 10/18 - at Farmington* - Underdog
• 10/26 - vs Piedra Vista* - Underdog
• 11/1 - at Volcano Vista* - Underdog

The Cougars enter the 2024 season on a 15-game losing streak following an 0-10 season in 2023. While opportunities for victory seem far-fetched, here is their chance to end the streak.

Best Case Scenario: 1-9 overall, 0-5 district​

To break their losing streak, the Cougars need to seize the opportunity on opening night against the Albuquerque High Bulldogs. They might also keep it close against Sandia, having narrowly lost 10-6 in the final game last season. Facing new District 1-6A members Farmington and Piedra Vista, whom they played last season as part of their non-district schedule, offers a chance for more competitive games. Farmington defeated them 39-0 and Piedra Vista 41-7 last season, but with improvements, these games could be closer.

Worst Case Scenario: 0-10 overall, 0-5 district​

The Cougars also face a 7-game district losing streak over the last two years, compounded by the NMAA district alignment block. With a newly formed district that includes familiar foes Cleveland, Rio Rancho, and Volcano Vista, as well as new additions Farmington and Piedra Vista, a worst case scenario would see the Cougars' losing streak extend to 25 games.

Final Thoughts: (Over/Under 0.5 Wins)​

The Cougars were a young team last season and remain a work in progress, likely facing another tough year. While predicting a winless season is harsh, we give our NMPreps early prediction of a 1-9 overall record, believing they can surprise at least one team on their schedule. Key returning players like quarterback Noah Carroll (2026) and defensive standouts Antonio Salcido (2025), Hayes Baum (2026), and Voltaire Venegas (2025) could help propel them to a victory.

Please submit your schedule to grinejosh@yahoo.com or in the following thread: 2024 Schedule Release

Best/Worst Case Scenario: St. Pius X Sartans​

Today, NMPreps releases out best and worst case scenario for every team leading up to the 2024 New Mexico high school football season. #nmpreps

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