Coach has confirmed that he has resigned to focus on other things in life.

Zuni Thunderbirds 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #85

NMPreps continues to release our very 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, 0-3 district
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 90
Points Given Up: 306
Streak into 2024: 5-game losing streak

The Thunderbirds struggled throughout the 2023 season, posting only two wins over Hopi, Arizona (18-14), and Shiprock (20-6) in consecutive weeks (Week 4 and Week 5) after a 0-3 start. However, these were the bright spots in an otherwise challenging season that ended with five straight losses. The Thunderbirds struggled in district play, going 0-3 and being outscored 121-20 by Navajo Prep, Newcomb, and Tohatchi.

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Poll: Favorite to win 2A State Championship in 2024?

If you could enact one significant change, whether it be a rule amendment, bylaw adjustment, or any other modification, what would that change entail?

The best summer vacation (location, attractions, etc) to take?

To watch New Mexico high school football next season. What are some of the top storylines, players to watch, teams, etc for the 2024 season. You can list your five or one reason

Capitan Tigers 2024 Season Preview​

NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #87

NMPreps continues to release our very 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

• 2023 Record: 1-9 overall, 0-3 District
• Points Scored: 92
• Points Given Up: 472
• Streak: 7-game losing streak

The Capitan Tigers faced a challenging 2023 season, ending with a 1-9 record and a seven-game losing streak. Their lone victory came against Hozho Academy with a decisive 54-6 win in September. However, the team struggled significantly on both ends of the ball. They were shut out in five of their ten games and managed to score in double digits only three times, including a 31-14 loss to a JV team and a 62-12 defeat against Estancia in their final game. Defensively, the Tigers allowed over 31 points in each of their nine losses, with opponents scoring 48, 47, 47, 52, 62, 31, 60, 47, and 36 points respectively.

2024 Offense Overview​

The Capitan Tigers are set to face another challenging season, particularly due to the graduation of a senior-heavy class that led the team in multiple areas. The team will have to rebuild its offense with new key players, including a new quarterback, running back, and receivers. Among the returning players, 2027 receiver DJ Robinson, 2027 running back Luke Brown, and 2026 athlete Isaac Kern offer some experience, though it is limited. Robinson recorded 92 receiving yards on four receptions last season. Kern, who had 15 passing attempts for 33 yards, is a candidate for the new QB-1 role.

2024 Defense Overview​

Defensively, the Tigers will rely on 2025 Tatum Gibson, who played a key role last season and recorded 24 total tackles. Isaac Kern and 2025 Curtis Wales also add some experience to the defense. Despite their efforts, the defense will need significant improvement to compete effectively in the upcoming season.

Realistic Expectations​

The odds are heavily stacked against the Capitan Tigers for the 2024 season. While their schedule has not yet been released, expectations remain low, with a predicted record of 1-9 once again. The team faces a tough challenge in the newly formed District 2-2A, which includes strong competitors like Estancia, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, Legacy Academy (up from 8-man), and Raton (down from 3A). With a lack of returning key players and significant losses to graduation, the Tigers are projected to struggle. An over/under win total of around 0.5 is one of the lowest marks in recent years.

NMPreps 89-Team Rankings for the 2024 Season
#88 - Laguna-Acoma Hawks - Preview
#89 - Hozho Academy - Preview

Hey guys,

Sorry for the delays in stories just took some time with family and friends in town before hitting the grind again. This summer Rivals and Yahoo! Sports will be releasing some new features, the camps will be top notch, plenty of positives happening. I’ll get to go out and meet them at the main Elite camp in Florida this June at the Jacksonville Jaguars facilities. I’ll be back tomorrow releasing summer content and will be out at 7-7 and visiting schools that’s will have me!

Take care!

What is happening? Please post any and all tournaments, team camps, etc.

Offer from Southern Utah (D1)

Open:

Why are these events double elimination? Should others be double elimination?

Class 1A:

#3 Melrose 9
#1 Logan 1

Final

Class 2A:

#4 Menaul/Oak Grove 10
#6 Euince 0

Final

Class 3A:

#7 Robertson 12
#8 West Las Vegas 8

Final

Class 4A:

#2 Grants 5
#5 Artesia 3

Final

Class 5A:

#1 La Cueva 3
#3 Cleveland 2

Final

I’ve been to every NM baseball state tournament in the last decade (minus Covid year). Admittedly I only watch a handful of games every year (almost always 4A or 5A). But, I like to give credit, when it’s due- and I have to say this year was the BEST umpiring I have seen in memory. Of course I’m sure every (good) umpire will tell you they missed a pitch here or there (ball/strike)- but every one I saw had a good zone (not too big and not too tight)- and very consistent. I didn’t see ANY obvious blunders on the bases either…. Overall I was very very impressed and who ever had a hand in this- I commend you all!! Not an easy job…..

*****SEMIFINALS (MAY 17TH)******


Class 5A

1 La Cueva
4 Organ Mountain
3:30 p.m.

3 Cleveland
2 Rio Rancho
6:30 p.m.

Class 4A

1 Goddard
5 Artesia
1 p.m.

6 Albuquerque Academy
2 Grants
7 p.m

Class 3A

8 West Las Vegas
5 Santa Fe Indian
10 a.m.

6 Ruidoso
7 Robertson
4 p.m.

*****QUARTERFINALS (MAY 16TH)******

All games played in Albuquerque, NM at J. Riordan Fields on May 16th, 2024.

CLASS 5A - FIELD 1

#1 La Cueva vs #9 Eldorado, 4pm
#2 Rio Rancho vs #7 Carlsbad, 10am
#3 Cleveland vs #11 Los Lunas, 7pm
#4 Organ Mountain vs #5 Sandia, 1pm

CLASS 4A - FIELD 4

#1 Goddard vs #8 Bloomfield, 9:30am
#2 Grants vs #10 Bernalillo, 6:30pm
#3 Belen vs #6 Albuquerque Academy, 3:30pm
#4 St. Pius X vs #5 Artesia, 12:30pm

CLASS 3A - FIELD 2

#1 Cobre vs #8 West Las Vegas, 1pm
#2 East Mountain vs #7 Robertson, 4pm
#3 St. Michael's vs #6 Ruidoso, 7pm
#4 New Mexico Military vs #5 Santa Fe Indian, 10am

CLASS 2A - FIELD 3

#1 Santa Rosa vs #8 Texico, 6:30pm
#2 Loving vs #7 Rehoboth Christian, 12:30pm
#3 Tularosa vs #6 Eunice, 9:30pm
#4 Menaul/Oak Grove vs #5 McCurdy, 3:30pm

CLASS 1A - SEMIFINALS - FIELD 5

#1 Logan vs #5 Grady, 10am
#2 Gateway Christian vs #3 Melrose, 1pm

Alvin Broussard next Academy Head Basketball Coach!!!!

Great Hire!!! Academy hit it out of the park with this hire!

If NFHS network is not broadcasting your game at the state tournament, can we broadcast it without penalty? If not it is sort of BS that our fans 4 hours away can’t watch.

Poll: Most Likely to upset in the 4A Quarterfinals

4A Baseball Quarterfinals: Previewing the New Mexico HS State Playoffs

The New Mexico high school baseball state playoffs move to the central venue, J. Riordan Fields in Albuquerque, NM, from Thursday, May 16th for the quarterfinals through Saturday, May 18th. #nmpreps

2024 NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STATE PLAYOFF HOMEPAGE

#1 Goddard Rockets (22-6 overall) vs #8 Bloomfield Bobcats (19-5 overall), 9:30am

Field 4 sets the stage for the game between the top-seeded Goddard Rockets (22-6 overall) and the eighth-seeded Bloomfield Bobcats (19-5 overall) in the early morning matchup at 9:30 am. This encounter marks the first meeting between these teams this season.

Hailing from the southeast, the Rockets advance to the quarterfinals after clinching the District 4-4A championship and dispatching the 16th-seeded Kirtland Central in the opening round. On the other hand, the Bobcats, representing the northwest, secured the District 1-4A title and punched their ticket to the quarterfinals following a victory over the ninth-seeded Valley in the first round.

Goddard boasts a roster brimming with senior talent, including Ryan Alsup, Cinco Holloway, Ross Stokes, Jonathon Silva, and Matthew Campos. Alsup stands out with an impressive offensive performance, tallying 48 hits, 29 RBIs, 3 home runs, and 27 runs. Moreover, Alsup's prowess extends to the mound, boasting a flawless 9-0 record and a team-high 84 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Holloway leads the team in home runs with 5 and RBIs with 33.

For Bloomfield, juniors Trae Woods and Gary Spencer, alongside senior Drew Perez, spearhead the offensive lineup. Perez, with 6 home runs to his credit, and Spencer, leading with 29 hits, provide crucial hitting power for the Bobcats. Additionally, Perez and Woods contribute significantly as pitchers.

NMPreps Prediction: With our NMPreps match predictor heavily favoring Goddard with a staggering 92.2% probability of victory, an upset appears highly unlikely. Therefore, we predict a dominant performance from Goddard, securing a resounding 14-1 victory over Bloomfield.

#2 Grants Pirates (22-6 overall) vs #10 Bernalillo Spartans (16-8 overall), 6:30pm

Field 4 hosts the nighttime showdown between the 2nd-seeded Grants Pirates and the 10th-seeded Bernalillo Spartans. This matchup carries the weight of a longstanding rivalry, spanning various sports specifically basketball dating back to the late 1980s, including a notable brawl in 2005. Football has shown some intense battles. Now, the focus shifts to the baseball diamond.

The Grants Pirates, champions of District 5-4A, enter the quarterfinals following a convincing victory over the 15th-seeded Portales in the opening round. Conversely, the Bernalillo Spartans, representing District 6-4A, caused a stir by upsetting their district rival, the 7th-seeded Hope Christian, in the first round.

Pitching depth is a strength for the Pirates, with Estevan Barela (2026), Izeyah Manzanares (2024), and Niko Young (2025) leading the charge on the mound. Boudy Melonas (2025) and Camren McDaugale (2024) provide offensive firepower for Grants.

The Spartans showcase the talent of the Hernandez-Carrillo brothers, Alejandro and Alexis, both sophomores making waves. Alejandro boasts impressive stats with a team-high 33 hits and 28 RBIs, while Alexis leads in home runs with 4. Junior Uriel Castro adds to Bernalillo's arsenal with 32 hits, 23 RBIs, and a notable 6-2 record on the mound, along with a team-best 80 strikeouts.

NMPreps Prediction: Despite the close matchup, with the Pirates holding a slight edge at 55.4% probability to win according to our matchup predictor, we anticipate a tight battle. Grants clinches a narrow 9-8 victory, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

#3 Belen Eagles (20-8 overall) vs #6 Albuquerque Academy Chargers (17-10 overall), 3:30pm

Remaining on Field 4 for the 4A quarterfinals, we witness a pivotal matchup between the 3rd-seeded Belen Eagles and the 6th-seeded Albuquerque Academy Chargers.

Belen, the District 5-4A runner-up, advanced to this stage after defeating the 14th-seeded Aztec in the opening round. Meanwhile, the 6th-seeded Albuquerque Academy endured a delay before overcoming the 11th-seeded Los Alamos in the playoffs' first round.

Albuquerque Academy boasts a strong postseason history, having appeared in the last three state championship games, winning the title in 2021 but falling short in the final in 2022 and 2023 as the 8th seed. Can they mount another title challenge this year?

The two teams clashed previously on April 13th, with Belen securing a 7-2 victory powered by a dominant 6th inning performance.

Belen relies on the pitching prowess of senior Christian Wilson and sophomore Logan Gonzalez. Offensive contributions come from Frankie Rocha, Diego Avila, and Jesse Aragon.

For Academy, seniors Satish Raichur and Mark McNaney are key players to watch. Raichur leads the team in hits with 49, while McNaney tops the charts with 5 home runs. Additionally, junior Matthew Delaney boasts impressive stats with 31 hits and 27 RBIs. Delaney has also excelled on the mound, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record with a team-leading 95 strikeouts. Senior Luke Laskey adds further pitching depth to the Chargers' lineup.

NMPreps Prediction: With a close matchup predicted, Belen holds a slight advantage at 52.2% win probability according to our predictor. Expect a fiercely contested battle, with Belen clinching a narrow 7-6 victory in a game poised for an upset.

#4 St. Pius X Sartans (17-8 overall) vs #5 Artesia Bulldogs (15-13 overall), 12:30pm

Field 4, and 4A in general, promises to deliver an exciting quarterfinal showdown at the J. Riordan Fields in Albuquerque on Thursday. Representing District 5-4A as the third-place finisher, the St. Pius X Sartans, two-time defending state champions, aim to take on the Artesia Bulldogs, runners-up from District 4-4A. While St. Pius X swept 13-seed Chaparral in the first round, Artesia dominated 12-seed Santa Teresa in their opening series. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two schools this season.

The 4-seed Sartans boast a formidable offensive lineup led by seniors Ben Martinez and Ruben Jepsen, alongside junior Jax Mulville and sophomore Kaiden Swanson. Martinez leads the team in hits with 33, Jepsen in RBIs with 34, and Mulville in home runs with 4. Ashton Warren, a sophomore, and Jepsen lead the team's pitching efforts, with Jepsen tallying 52 strikeouts.

For the Bulldogs, seniors Nye Estrada and sophomores Jack Byers, Jett Fuentes, and Jett Whitmire showcase their offensive prowess. Estrada leads the team in hits with 33, showcasing the potential of this young Bulldogs roster. Byers leads the pitching staff with 49 strikeouts and a 4-1 record.

NMPreps Prediction: With a win probability of 58.6%, St. Pius X is favored to win this contest. The Sartans are projected to secure an 8-5 victory, although this matchup is considered another "upset radar game" by many.

===

Thank you to the coaches that submitted stats and information all season. Provide us with your picks below!

5A Baseball Quarterfinals: Previewing the State Playoffs

The New Mexico high school baseball state playoffs move to the central venue, J. Riordan Fields in Albuquerque, NM, from Thursday, May 16th for the quarterfinals through Saturday, May 18th. #nmpreps

#1 La Cueva Bears (24-3) vs #9 Eldorado Golden Eagles (20-8)

Field 1 - 4:00 p.m: In a highly anticipated matchup, the #1 La Cueva Bears (24-3) are set to face off against the #9 Eldorado Golden Eagles (20-8) at 4pm. These teams have a long-standing rivalry, both hailing from District 2-5A. Their regular-season series ended in a split, with Eldorado taking the first game 7-5 and La Cueva dominating the second game with a 15-1 victory on May 4th. Now, they meet again for a single game showdown with a spot in the state semifinals at stake.

For the Golden Eagles, Cirilio Martinez (2025) has been a standout performer, leading the team with 35 hits. Junior Jace Sanchez-Reynolds has been a power hitter, notching 5 home runs and a team-leading 30 RBIs this season. On the pitching front, seniors Johnny Kerze and Tadum Widner have been solid contributors, with Kerze boasting a 9-0 record and Widner standing at 5-1, with Kerze also tallying a team-high 64 strikeouts.

La Cueva brings a formidable lineup to the plate, with top junior Braiden Reynolds leading the way both on the mound and with his bat. Senior pitcher Tylon Johnson and sophomores Evertt Burdett and Dylan Blomker provide depth on the mound. In terms of hitting, seniors Ramon Martinez and Gehrig Pineda have been key contributors.

Despite Eldorado's momentum from their upset victory over Rio Grande in the first round, La Cueva's depth and talent, both in pitching and hitting, make them the favorites in this matchup. NMPreps Prediction: La Cueva 9, Eldorado 3. La Cueva would await the winner of 4-seed Organ Mountain and 5-seed Sandia.

#2 Rio Rancho Rams (24-4) vs #7 Carlsbad Cavemen (21-7)

Field 1 - 10:00 a.m: Kicking off Thursday morning in the 5A bracket, the #2 Rio Rancho Rams (24-4) are set to face the #7 Carlsbad Cavemen (21-7) at Field 1, 10:00 a.m. Rio Rancho aims to fend off an upset-minded Carlsbad squad, a baseball powerhouse in many cases. The two teams clashed earlier this season, with Rio Rancho securing an 11-5 victory on March 29th.

Carlsbad boasts a formidable pitching duo in seniors Hazen Wright and Fabian Hernandez, who together hold a combined 13-2 record. Hernandez even pitched a complete-game no-hitter earlier this season against an El Paso-based team.

The Rams, however, enter the game loaded with talent and determined to quash any upset hopes. Standouts such as sophomore Dean Ellison and seniors Casen Savage and Dylan Archuleta lead the charge, supported by the offensive prowess of Nick DiGregorio and Ryan Lewis. With depth in both pitching and hitting, Rio Rancho is primed to make a deep playoff run.

NMPreps Prediction: While Carlsbad's pitching may keep things interesting early on, Rio Rancho's potent lineup is expected to awaken later in the game. A predicted 10-4 win for the 2-seed positions them for a Friday semifinal showdown against the winner of the 3-seed Cleveland and 11-seed Los Lunas matchup.

No. 3 Cleveland Storm (22-6) vs No. 11 Los Lunas Tigers (19-10)

Field 1 - 7:00 p.m: Under the lights at Field 1, 7:00 p.m., the No. 3 Cleveland Storm (22-6) are set to clash with the No. 11 Los Lunas Tigers (19-10) in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup. The Tigers, buoyed by their upset victory over 6-seed Volcano Vista in a tumultuous weekend, bring a wave of momentum into this showdown. The teams previously faced off on March 7th, with Cleveland emerging victorious with a commanding 12-1 win. However, with over two months elapsed since their last encounter, this game promises to be a much tighter affair.

Los Lunas boasts a lineup with hitting talent, spearheaded by juniors Matthew Castillo, Allen Galaviz, and freshman JJ Utash, alongside senior Fabian Trujillo. Utash, in particular, has dazzled with an impressive stat line of 4 home runs, 29 hits, and 33 RBIs this season.

On the pitching front, the Storm rely on the arms of Xavier Vasquez, Jarren Villa, and seniors Jaden Davis and Joseph Sevenson. Meanwhile, their batting lineup features senior Brandon Hennessy, sophomore Caleb Sandoval, Jarren Villa, and Anthony Del Angel.

NMPreps Prediction: While the Tigers may present a compelling storyline with their recent upset, the Storm's superior talent and depth make them the favorites in this matchup. Expect a closer contest than their earlier encounter, but ultimately, the Storm are predicted to emerge victorious with an 8-5 win, securing their spot in the semifinals.

#4 Organ Mountain Knights (23-5) vs #5 Sandia Matadors (21-7)

Field 1 - 1:00 p.m: #4 Organ Mountain Knights (23-5) and the #5 Sandia Matadors (21-7) prepare for their first encounter of the season, unlike the other quarterfinal matchups that feature previous regular-season clashes. This inaugural showdown leaves pundits pondering the outcome.

Sandia, once the frontrunners in the class with a stellar 10-1 record in March, showcased their potential with a notable victory over Rio Rancho in the Rams' home tournament. Despite a slight downturn, their overall resume remains impressive, prompting many to view them as potential upsets in this matchup. Meanwhile, Organ Mountain, crowned District 3-5A champions, may carry the underdog label despite their higher seed. Their triumphs include a significant early-season win against Carlsbad, and navigating through the tough District 3-5A to claim the district title should earn them due credit.

The Knights boast a formidable lineup, led by seniors Matthew Hall and Nate Leyba, along with sophomore Rye Ponce. On the mound, seniors Randy Bailey and Tate Johnson, along with Hall, offer depth, boasting a combined 22-2 record, with Bailey undefeated at 8-0.

Sandia relies on the pitching prowess of juniors Levi Brooks, Adriel Figuerora-Brito, and senior Talen Barraza to anchor their defense along with some offensive weapons.

NMPreps Prediction: Despite being counted out by many, Organ Mountain is poised to put up a strong fight. However, they might find themselves outmatched by the talented Sandia squad. We're aligning with the majority here, predicting an upset victory for the Sandia Matadors, 12-6, as they advance to face a projected top-seeded La Cueva Bears in the semifinals.

Hired Isaiah Valdez a KC assistant. Brian Dowdy stepped down