ADVERTISEMENT

  • Poll
Feature 2024 Best & Worst Case Scenario: West Las Vegas Dons

Predict Their 2024 Record

  • 10-0

  • 9-1

  • 8-2

  • 7-3

  • 6-4

  • 5-5

  • 4-6

  • 3-7

  • 2-8

  • 1-9/0-10


Results are only viewable after voting.

NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: West Las Vegas Dons

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@
Hatch Valley
Hatch Valley
7:00pmFavored
8/30vs
Dexter
Dexter
6:00pmCoin Flip/Favored
9/6@
Ruidoso
Ruidoso
7:00pmFavored
9/13@
Portales
Portales
7:00pmUnderdog
9/20vs
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa
7:00pmFavored
9/27vs
Texico
Texico
7:00pmFavored
10/11vs
Robertson
Robertson*
6:00pmUnderdog/Coin
10/19@
St. Michael's
St. Michael's*
1:00pmUnderdog/Coin
10/26@
Hope Christian
Hope Christian*
11:00amCoin Flip
11/1vs
Pojoaque Valley
Pojoaque Valley*
7:00pmFavored

2023 Review

The West Las Vegas Dons made waves last season with a 7-4 overall record and a 3-1 finish in District 2-3A. Can they recreate the magic this year? While they return some key players, the challenge ahead remains significant.

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

  • Poll
Feature 2024 Best & Worst Case Scenario: Alamogordo Tigers

Predict Their 2024 Record

  • 10-0

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 9-1

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 8-2

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 7-3

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 6-4

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 5-5

    Votes: 2 40.0%
  • 4-6

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 3-7

    Votes: 3 60.0%
  • 2-8

    Votes: 1 20.0%
  • 1-9/0-10

    Votes: 1 20.0%

NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: Alamogordo Tigers​

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

Alamogordo Tigers Schedule:

DateOpponentGame Type
8/23vs DemingCoin Flip
8/30@ RoswellUnderdog
9/6vs AlbuquerqueFavorite
9/13vs Piedra VistaCoin Flip
9/20@ Organ Mountain*Favorite
9/27vs Hobbs*Underdog
10/4vs Centennial*Underdog
10/11@ Carlsbad*Coin Flip
10/17@ Las Cruces*Underdog
11/1@ Clovis*Coin Flip

Recap: The Tigers finished the 2023 season 5-5 overall, 2-3 in District 3-6A, missing the playoffs.

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Rio Grande Ravens

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 3 60.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 2 40.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

Rio Grande Ravens 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #61


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:
2-8 overall, -- district (Independent)
Class: 5A (District 1)
Playoffs: N/A
Points Scored: 96
Points Given Up: 414
Streak into 2024: 2-game losing streak

2023 Recap: Rio Grande High School has faced significant challenges over the past decade due to poor decisions in hiring or firing and a lack of support within the athletic department. However, one positive development was the hiring of head coach Christopher Smalls last fall. Despite starting the season with a 0-5 record, the Ravens showed signs of improvement and potential for growth under his leadership.

The season began with tough losses to Albuquerque Academy (50-0), Atrisco Heritage (50-2), Taos (51-0), Kirtland Central (57-6), and Del Norte (21-12). However, the Ravens and Coach Smalls earned their first victory with a 54-8 win over Navajo Prep. The team faced another setback with a 52-0 loss to Valencia but managed to secure a 22-13 win over Shiprock. The season concluded with defeats against West Mesa (57-0) and Valley (55-0), resulting in a 2-8 overall record. Despite these struggles, the Ravens have established a foundation and seem to be moving in the right direction under Coach Smalls' guidance but the journey will be significantly long.

2024 Season Outlook

Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch

Following the departure of standout quarterback Joaquin Tafoya, who graduated in the spring, the Rio Grande Ravens face a transition year under center. The team's 2023 roster showcased a roster filled with youth and inexperience, setting the stage for emerging talents to take on pivotal roles this season. Keep an eye on the quarterback battle between Angel Montolongo (11th grade) and Ethan Krantz (10th grade) as they vie for the starting position, crucial for Coach Smalls' run-first offensive strategy.

On defense, seniors Sumo Peralta (Safety), Isaac Toledo (Safety), and Diego Quintana (MLB) will anchor the Ravens' defense, providing leadership and experience in critical positions. The performance of the offensive line will be pivotal to the team's success, as Coach Smalls emphasizes their role in executing their game plan effectively.

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Santa Rosa Lions

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 1 25.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 3 75.0%

Santa Rosa Lions 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #63


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:
10-2 overall, 3-0 district
Class: 2A (District 2)
Playoffs: 2A Semifinals (Lost, Texico 29-21)
Points Scored: 555
Points Given Up: 185
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

Recap: The Santa Rosa Lions started the season with a strong showing against 6A-Cleveland (JV), defeating the Storm on the road 68-35. After a narrow loss to Texico (28-26) in week two, the Lions bounced back with victories over 3A-Robertson (27-24), Tularosa (34-28), and Tucumcari (40-0). They completed their non-district schedule with dominant wins over Hagerman (54-0) and Estancia (56-14).

The Lions cruised through their district, defeating McCurdy (62-12), Laguna-Acoma (55-0), and Escalante (55-0). Earning a 3-seed in the playoffs, they triumphed over 6-seed Loving (57-15) in the opening round of the 2023 2A state playoffs. However, the Lions' season ended with a second loss to Texico, 29-21, in the semifinals. Santa Rosa finished the 2023 season with a 10-2 overall record and as district champions, going 3-0 in district play.

2024 Season Outlook

Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch

The Lions' stellar 2023 season brings uncertainty to 2024, as they need to replace some outstanding players, including the NMPreps & Rivals 2023 Running Back of the Year, Nicolas Chavez.

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.
  • Like
Reactions: Middlebacker45

Feature 2024 Preseason Mr. Football Candidates: Ethan Conn (2025)

Ethan Conn, 2025, Artesia High School

As the 2024 season approaches, Conn stands out as one of the top candidates for the coveted New Mexico Mr. Football title, awarded annually to the state's best high school football player. Ethan Conn, the dynamic wide receiver from Artesia High School and is looking to become the 19th winner of the award.

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

Friday Facts: All-Time Greatest Teams

NMPreps.com's Top 100 All-Time Greatest Teams (2015)

RankYearHigh SchoolRecordPF/PAPower #
12004La Cueva13-0611-211,211.0
22003La Cueva13-0606-551,139.0
31999Las Cruces14-0559-981,018.0
42001Lovington13-0573-120973.0
51979Santa Fe13-0546-100968.0

Does this still hold up from a 2015 feature by previous NMPreps publisher Kyle Henderson? The Rankings are based off team's final season record, points scored in a season, points allowed in a season, number of defensive shutouts in a season, margin of victory in a season, whether or not the team won the state title during that year,

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Tularosa Wildcats

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 2 100.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

Tularosa Wildcats 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #64

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

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Del Norte Knights

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 2 66.7%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 1 33.3%

Del Norte Knights 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #65


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, 0-3 district
Class: 5A
Playoffs: Missed Playoffs
Points Scored: 82
Points Given Up: 452
Streak into 2024: 4-game losing streak

Recap: The Knights' struggles continued in 2023, seeking stability in the program. Despite a 21-12 victory over Rio Grande mid-season, the Knights faced a tough season. A positive note from the season was snapping a 21-game losing streak with that win over Rio Grande after going 0-10 in 2022.

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Loving Falcons

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 4 66.7%
  • Too High

    Votes: 2 33.3%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

Loving Falcons 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #66


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

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Ruidoso Warriors

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 1 14.3%
  • Too High

    Votes: 3 42.9%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 3 42.9%

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

  • Poll
Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Jal Panthers

Do you agree with their 2024 preseason ranking?

  • About Right

    Votes: 3 100.0%
  • Too High

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Too Low

    Votes: 0 0.0%

Jal Panthers 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #67


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, 2-2 district
Class: 2A
Playoffs: First Round (Lost, Tularosa 42-6)
Points Scored: 355
Points Given Up: 275
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.

Feature 2024 Rivals Camp Series - Five Star Jacksonville (FL)


I'm excited to attend the Rivals Camp Series in Florida this season, leaving tomorrow. This will be my first time at the Rivals Five-Star main event. I'll be sharing updates on the national level, and I hope to bring back the NMPreps Elite Combine this fall!
  • Like
Reactions: Joey C
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT