Ruidoso Warriors 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #68
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, 0-4 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 91
Points Given Up: 421
Streak into 2024: 7-game losing streak
Recap:The Ruidoso Warriors went through a challenging transition last season. After winning the state championship in 2022, the Warriors welcomed a new head coach, initiating a total rebuild. The season opened with a 42-0 loss to 5A Gadsden, followed by a 54-0 loss to 4A Portales. Their lone win came in week three with a 21-18 victory over Chaparral.
However, this victory was followed by a seven-game losing streak. They finished the non-district schedule with losses to Robertson (51-0), Cobre (47-7), and 2A Tularosa (50-0). In district play, the Warriors lost all four games, starting with a narrow 12-7 defeat to Tucumcari, followed by a 55-14 loss to New Mexico Military Institute, a close 35-28 loss to Hope Christian, and finally a 60-14 defeat to Dexter. The Warriors missed the playoffs in 2023.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Offense & Defensive Players to Watch
The good news for the Ruidoso Warriors is that their roster was inexperienced last season, which means they will bring back plenty of starters this year. Leading the offense will be sophomore quarterback Cade Holland (2026), who shared snaps under center with junior Trenton Hall (2025) last season. Both will compete for the starting role again in 2024.
Tru Camejo and Ashdyn Urban, both sophomores last year (2026), return after leading the Warriors in rushing yards with 211 and 179 yards, respectively. Each found the end zone once. Hall will also provide depth at receiver alongside Joel Ortega (2025) and Lane Coppedge (2027). Although the offense struggled last season, the return of these key prospects should help the Warriors improve and become more competitive.
On defense, Trenton Hall, an all-around standout last season, will lead the charge along with Urban and Camejo. Jaxson Morgan (2025) and Briggs Beavers (2026) will also aim to provide depth. Hall was a defensive force, totaling 104 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 57 solo tackles, and 1 interception. Morgan led the team with 4 sacks last season.
Realistic Expectations
This was a challenging preview to write, as Ruidoso has been dealing with significant challenges off the field due to recent fires. Our thoughts and prayers are with the community as they navigate these difficult times.
The 2024 schedule opens with games against Eunice (8/23), Tularosa (8/30), West Las Vegas (9/6), and Robertson (9/13) for their non-district schedule. In district play, they will compete in the newly formed 8-team 3A district, facing Dexter (9/27), Cobre (10/4), Hatch Valley (10/11), NMMI (10/18), Socorro (10/25), and Hot Springs (11/1).
While it is challenging to make a prediction given the current uncertainties, our initial forecast has the Warriors finishing with a 2-8 overall record. However, with the return of key players and the community's resilience, the Warriors could potentially exceed these expectations.
Related: 2024 Preseason Rankings