New Mexico (0-0) vs Montana State (0-0), Sat, 2pm

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
Game Time: 2:00 pm (MST)
Venue: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
How to Watch: GO TO THE STADIUM!!!!! (Also FS1)

2023 Records:
New Mexico (4-8)
Montana State (8-4)

Why Montana State Will Win​

Montana State’s ground game is poised to be a major factor. The Bobcats dominated the FCS in 2023, averaging 293 rushing yards per game and scoring 41 touchdowns on the ground. With key runners like Julius Davis, who tallied 718 yards and six touchdowns, and quarterback Tommy Mellott, who averaged over eight yards per carry, the rushing attack remains formidable. New Mexico’s defense struggled last season, particularly against the run, and the Bobcats’ rushing prowess could exploit these weaknesses.

Why New Mexico Will Win​

The Lobos are addressing last season’s defensive issues through the transfer portal, with notable additions including USC transfer De’jon Benton to strengthen the front three. New Mexico’s offensive line has also been revamped with transfers, and the skilled positions are in good shape. With Bronco Mendenhall at the helm, the team is expected to be well-coached and more disciplined. Improvement in defense and a strong ground game could be the keys to a potential upset.

Prediction​

Despite Montana State’s impressive FCS credentials, their history against FBS teams has been challenging. The Bobcats have struggled in past matchups with FBS opponents, and it would take a remarkable performance to break this trend. New Mexico has not lost to an FCS team since 2011 and will likely edge out the Bobcats in a close contest.

NMPreps Prediction: New Mexico 37, Montana State 35
Line: Montana State -13.5
Over/Under: 54.5

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No. 13 West Mesa 48, St Pius X 29 - Final

Albuquerque, NM (Community Stadium) — In a game filled with twists and turns, the No. 13-ranked West Mesa Mustangs overcame a gritty effort from 4A St. Pius X to secure a 48-29 victory on Saturday afternoon. Despite facing numerous challenges, including cycling through four different quarterbacks, the Mustangs found a way to prevail against a determined Sartans squad.

St. Pius X, led by the electrifying Hershul Olloway Jr., started strong, taking a 21-20 lead into halftime. Olloway, a sophomore, racked up 243 yards on 12 carries He showcased his skills with three long touchdown runs in the first half, including a stunning 87-yard sprint that followed a crucial fourth-down stop by the Sartans defense.

West Mesa initially jumped out to a 20-7 lead, but Olloway's 60-yard touchdown run in the second quarter cut the deficit to 20-14. Moments later, Olloway delivered another game-changing play with his 87-yard dash to the end zone, giving St. Pius X a 21-20 advantage into halftime.

However, the Mustangs regrouped after halftime, relying on their powerful ground game and physicality at the line of scrimmage. West Mesa’s makeshift quarterback rotation, featuring Ronnie Gilletti — a wide receiver by trade — proved effective. Gilletti scored twice in the third quarter, with touchdown runs of 46 and 3 yards, putting the Mustangs back in control with a 34-21 lead.

The Mustangs dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Sartans 21-0. Jamari Woods added a 32-yard touchdown run late in the quarter, extending West Mesa’s lead to 41-21, effectively sealing the game. The Mustangs' physicality and depth wore down St. Pius X, who couldn’t match West Mesa’s intensity in the second half.

Olloway's brilliant performance was a highlight for St. Pius X, but the Sartans couldn't overcome West Mesa's relentless attack after the break. The Mustangs' resilience and ability to adapt under pressure were key in securing their first win of the season. Records: West Mesa (1-0), St. Pius X (0-1)

No. 17 Farmington 48, No. 14 Clovis 8 - Final

Farmington's quarterback, Waylon Schake, put on a clinic in his debut as the Scorpions' starter, leading his team to a 48-8 victory over Clovis with five total touchdowns—four through the air and one on the ground. After a closely contested first quarter, the Scorpions exploded for 41 unanswered points over the final three quarters to secure their first win of the season.

The game, originally slated for Friday night, was delayed multiple times due to lightning, prompting Clovis to stay overnight in a local hotel. The teams agreed to play the game the following morning at Hutchison Stadium.

Farmington struck first on their opening drive when Alex Serrano found daylight around the right edge, sprinting 19 yards to the end zone and capping off a quick five-play, 50-yard drive. Clovis responded on their first possession with John Royal breaking several tackles en route to an 8-yard touchdown run. Royal was a workhorse for the Wildcats in the first half, rushing 13 times for 108 yards.

The momentum shifted in Farmington's favor later in the first quarter when Schake connected with Michael Beck for a 28-yard touchdown pass, which ultimately proved to be the game-winner. The duo struck again early in the second quarter on a crucial fourth-and-15 play, with Beck making a catch in the flat, turning the corner, and tiptoeing into the end zone to extend Farmington's lead to 19-8.

Schake added to the Scorpions' lead later in the quarter, keeping the ball for a 5-yard touchdown run that sent Farmington into halftime with a comfortable 26-8 advantage. Schake finished the first half completing 13 of 18 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and he wrapped up the game with 17 completions on 25 attempts for over 225 yards.

Farmington dominated the third quarter, with Schake tossing two more touchdown passes. He hit Serrano for a 25-yard score midway through the quarter and then found Sebastian Delgado on a short corner route for a 5-yard touchdown, giving the Scorpions a commanding 40-8 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Clovis struggled to find any offensive rhythm in the second half, with sophomore quarterback Javier Jimenez facing constant pressure, resulting in two sacks and an interception. Schake capped off the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jace Vigil midway through the fourth quarter.

Farmington’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with six different receivers hauling in passes. Beck and Serrano led the way, combining for nine receptions, over 150 yards, and three touchdowns. Records: Farmington (1-0), Clovis (0-1)

St. Michael's 42, Taos 0 - Final

Santa Fe, NM — The St. Michael's Horsemen, the defending Class 3A state champions, opened their season with an emphatic 42-0 victory over the 4A Taos Tigers. The Horsemen wasted no time setting the tone, showcasing a potent ground game and a stifling defense that kept Taos at bay throughout the contest.

St. Michael's took control early, with Isaiah Dominguez leading the charge. Dominguez found the end zone twice in the first quarter, giving the Horsemen a quick 14-0 lead. His powerful running and decisive cuts were too much for the Tigers to handle.

The Horsemen extended their lead in the second quarter when Pete Johnson punched it in from 2 yards out, increasing the margin to 21-0 with 7:30 left before halftime. St. Michael's defense remained relentless, preventing Taos from gaining any momentum.

In the third quarter, Soren Annon added to the scoreboard, sprinting 13 yards into the end zone to make it 35-0 and trigger the running clock. The Horsemen continued to apply pressure, and with 6:44 left in the game, Cole Sandoval sealed the dominant performance with a 14-yard touchdown run, padding the score to 42-0.

St. Michael's defense was a wall, shutting down any attempts by Taos to move the ball effectively. The Tigers struggled to find any rhythm, as the Horsemen's defensive unit consistently made plays, keeping the shutout intact.

The victory marks a strong start for St. Michael's as they look to defend their state title. Their dominance on both sides of the ball sends a clear message to their 3A competitors: the Horsemen are ready to reign supreme once again. Records: St. Michael's (1-0), Taos (0-1)

Key Players:

• Isaiah Dominguez: 2 rushing touchdowns
• Pete Johnson: 1 rushing touchdown
• Soren Annon: 1 rushing touchdown
• Cole Sandoval: 1 rushing touchdown

Around the State

Saturday's season openers brought victories for Cobre, McCurdy, Eldorado, and Hope Christian.

6A Football: At the Field of Dreams in Las Cruces, Eldorado earned a 21-12 victory over Organ Mountain. The Eagles' offense was propelled by touchdowns from Jahari Morehead, Emiliano Morrison, and freshman Nolan Romero-Williams, sealing their season-opening win.

5A/4A Football: Hope Christian secured a 25-14 win over Manzano at Milne Stadium, with freshman Kash Ewen leading the charge. Ewen was a defensive force, recording five sacks and adding a scoop-and-score touchdown on a fumble recovery. Krew Ward also contributed significantly, rushing for two touchdowns and forcing the fumble that led to Ewen’s score.

3A/2A Football: In a tight matchup, 3A Cobre edged out 2A McCurdy with a 30-26 victory. McCurdy put up a strong fight against Cobre, traditionally a powerhouse, signaling potential changes in their district this season. With Cobre possibly entering a rebuilding phase, teams like Hot Springs and Hatch Valley, who looked strong in their Week 1 performances, could challenge the usual order. In other action, 2A Newcomb defeated 3A Wingate 42-18

8-Man and 6-Man football, Questa dominated Navajo Pine 54-0, and Mescalero Apache rolled over Alamo Navajo 57-6.

*****WEEK 1 SCOREBOARD (AUGUST 22ND-24TH)*****

Thursday, August 22nd
Hot Springs 20, Tularosa 18 - F
Piedra Vista 28, Sandia 7 - F
Rio Rancho 54, Atrisco Heritage 15 - F

Friday, August 23rd
Artesia 44, Carlsbad 7 - F
Aztec vs Rio Grande - - Cancelled
Belen vs Bloomfield - - Cancelled
Bernalillo 46, Valley 6 - F
Centennial 35, Cleveland 28 - F
Cibola 20, Albuquerque 17 - F/OT
Deming 35, Alamogordo 21 - F
Dexter 58, Jal 7 - F
Espanola Valley 21, Los Alamos 18 - F
Eunice 51, Ruidoso 6 - F
Fort Sumner 64, Ramah 0 - F
Gadsden 33, Chaparral 0 - F
Gatway Christian 57, Cloudcroft 0 - F
Grants 34, Miyamura 20 - F
Hagerman 20, Dulce 12 - F
Highland 55, Manzano 28 - F
Hozho Academy 36, Zuni 6 - F
La Cueva 21, Volcano Vista 0 - Final/Delayed
Las Cruces 50, Mayfield 7 - F
Legacy Academy 48, Laguna-Acoma 0 - F
Logan 41, Magdalena 0 - F
Loving 49, Estancia 20 - F
Lovington 31, Hobbs 22 - F
Mesilla Valley 68, Menaul 14 - F
Montezuma-Cortez, CO 53, Gallup 0 - F
Moriarty 28, Albuquerque Academy 27 - F
Pojoaque Valley 53, Crownpoint 0 - F
Portales 22, Goddard 16 - F
Raton 41, Tohatchi 0 - F
Robertson 56, Socorro 20 - F
Roswell 7, Los Lunas 7 - Cancelled
Roy/Mosquero 70, Hondo Valley 0 - F
Santa Fe 21, Capital 0 - F
Santa Fe Indian 20, Cuba 18 - F
Santa Teresa 15, Silver 14 - F
Tatum 46, Escalante 30 - F
Texico 42, Santa Rosa 0 - F
Thoreau 38, Tucumcari 8 - Final
Valencia 20, Kirtland Central 7
West Las Vegas 14, Hatch Valley 12 - F/Ended Early

Saturday, August 24th
Cobre 30, McCurdy 26 - F
Eldorado 21, Organ Mountain 12 - F
Farmington 47, Clovis 8 - F
Hope Christian 25, Del Norte 14 - F
Mescalero Apache 57, Alamo Navajo 6 - F
Newcomb 42, Wingate 18 - F
Questa 54, Navajo Pine 0 - F
St. Michael's 42, Taos 0 - F
West Mesa 48, St. Pius X 29 - F

Thoughts?

Who should be the next AD?

For the second straight year, Hobbs has lost to Lovington.

I know it’s only one game, but what do you think is the main reason Hobbs hasn’t become a powerhouse like Artesia, Cleveland, and La Cueva? What is the root cause?

Most Intriguing Score From Friday Night

What game will you be at tonight?

No. 1 La Cueva Bears (0-0) vs No. 9 Volcano Vista Hawks (0-0)​

Location: Albuquerque, NM
Time: 7:00 pm

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Preview:
The La Cueva Bears enter the 2024 season as the defending 6A state champions, and they’re looking to pick up right where they left off. Last year, they faced a rocky start, going 0-3 after a forfeit to Rio Rancho and losses to Cleveland and Centennial. However, the Bears regrouped, winning 10 straight games en route to the state title. This year’s squad is packed with talent, including three Division I commits: quarterback Cameron Dyer (2025), linebacker Mason Posa (2025), and wide receiver Mark Handy (2025). Complementing these stars are key contributors like running back Cheeto Lumbrera III (2025), linebacker Nick Mertz (2025), lineman Carlos Barela (2025), and cornerback Skyler Sargent (2026). With such a stacked roster, La Cueva is expected to be a dominant force once again, with predictions pointing to a possible 10-0 or 9-1 finish and a No. 1 seed in the 2024 state playoffs.

Volcano Vista, ranked No. 9 in the NMPreps preseason rankings, had a solid 2023 season, finishing 7-4 overall. They started strong with three consecutive wins, including decisive victories over playoff teams Las Cruces and West Mesa. Despite their early success, the Hawks stumbled against top-tier teams like La Cueva, Cleveland, and Rio Rancho, revealing a gap they need to close if they hope to contend with the state’s best. Quarterback Ilijah Hansen (2025) returns as a key player for the Hawks after a productive 2023 season, where he threw for 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 337 rushing yards and 6 rushing scores. However, Volcano Vista faces the challenge of replacing last season’s top running back and filling key defensive positions, though they still have a standout in linebacker Adam Jaramillo (2025).

Final Take:
This matchup features the high-powered La Cueva offense and experienced defense going up against a Volcano Vista team eager to prove they belong among the state’s elite. While the Hawks have talent, especially with Hansen under center, La Cueva’s depth and firepower may prove too much. The Bears defeated Volcano Vista last season and are likely to assert their dominance again in this season opener. Look for La Cueva to control the game from start to finish.

No. 2 Las Cruces Bulldawgs (0-0) vs No. 21 Mayfield Trojans (0-0)​

Location: Las Cruces, NM - Field of Dreams
Time: 7:00 pm

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Preview:
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs are coming into the 2024 season with high expectations after a roller-coaster 2023 campaign that saw them reach the 6A state semifinals. The Bulldawgs started last season 0-4 but turned their fortunes around with a statement 44-7 win over Mayfield, sparking a five-game winning streak and ultimately finishing with a 7-6 overall record. With a 66-33 loss to La Cueva in the semifinals still fresh, Las Cruces is poised for redemption this year, led by an explosive offense featuring standout wide receiver Nate Libby (2025), quarterback Gunnar Guardiola (2026), and running back Daniel Amaro (2026). NMPreps predicts the Bulldawgs to finish the regular season with a 10-0 or 9-1 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the state playoffs. Key matchups to watch include early-season showdowns against Volcano Vista, Rio Rancho, and Cleveland, as well as a must-see rivalry game against Centennial to close out the regular season.

The Mayfield Trojans, ranked No. 21 in the NMPreps preseason rankings, return a strong core of players for 2024 under second-year head coach Gary Bradley. Leading the charge is quarterback and linebacker Luke Linnan, who, in his second season as the starting QB, threw for 1,291 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023. He also led the team with five rushing touchdowns. The Trojans' offense will rely on key returning seniors like RB/DB Justin Madrid, WR/DB Zaiden Salcido, RB/DB Anthony Nevarez, WR/LB Peyton Darden, TE/DE Andreas Garay, and OL/DL Brayan Mendoza. Salcido led all Mayfield returners with nearly 400 receiving yards, while Darden, who tallied 3.5 sacks last season, is expected to take on a bigger offensive role. Nevarez, the team's leading rusher with nearly 500 yards and three touchdowns, will be critical to the Trojans’ success, along with Garay, who matched Darden’s sack total on defense.

Final Take:
This game serves as a pivotal opener for both teams, with Las Cruces looking to assert their dominance early in the season and Mayfield aiming to pull off an upset in this heated rivalry. While the Trojans have a solid group of returning players, they will need to be firing on all cylinders to keep up with the high-powered Bulldawgs offense. Las Cruces’ depth and star power, particularly on offense, give them the clear edge in this matchup. Expect the Bulldawgs to take control early and set the tone for what could be a very successful season.

No. 3 Cleveland Storm (0-0) vs No. 4 Centennial Hawks (0-0)​

Location: Rio Rancho, NM - Cleveland High School
Time: 7:00 pm

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Preview:
The Cleveland Storm enter the 2024 season as one of New Mexico’s premier football programs, boasting an impressive recent history with state championships in 2022, 2021, 2019, and the Spring 2020 season. Although they’re not ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the NMPreps preseason rankings for the first time in years, the Storm are still very much in the title conversation. Cleveland will be led by returning quarterback Jordan Hatch (2026), who threw for 1,657 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The team does have some significant holes to fill, including the loss of top recruit Stratton Shufelt (UTEP), key wide receivers, and a running back who rushed for over 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns. However, the Storm remain loaded with talent, featuring standout players like tackle Moses Sparks Jr. (2026), defensive end/defensive tackle Psalmon Kegler (2025), and safety AJ Manning (2025). NMPreps projects Cleveland to finish the season with an 8-2 or 9-1 record, with running back Isaiah Yannis (2025), wide receiver Angel Gallegos (2025), and wide receiver Michael Haynes (2025) expected to step up and make significant contributions.

On the other side, the Centennial Hawks are coming off a strong 2023 season where they finished 7-3, capturing a district championship and reaching the 6A quarterfinals. After starting the season 0-2, the Hawks turned things around with seven straight wins and look to build on that momentum this year. Centennial faces the challenge of replacing standout quarterback Daniel Hernandez, but they have the pieces in place to remain a top contender. NMSU prospect Zaiden Davis returns after a versatile 2023 season in which he passed for 512 yards, rushed for 805 yards, and scored 15 total touchdowns. Davis also made an impact on defense, recording 44 tackles as a linebacker. Running backs Rudy Rios (2025) and Anthony Villa (2026) are expected to share the workload in the backfield, while Top-20 player wide receiver John Lucas is poised for a breakout season, alongside Ralph Silva (2026). Defensively, the Hawks will need to address the gaps left by graduating key players, but linebacker Omar Terrones (2025) is set to anchor the unit, with Omar Sanchez (2025) already attracting next-level offers as a must-see prospect.

Final Take:
This matchup between two top-5 teams in the NMPreps rankings has all the makings of an early-season classic. Cleveland’s high-powered offense, led by Jordan Hatch, will be tested by a Centennial team eager to prove they belong among the state’s elite. The Hawks, with Zaiden Davis leading the charge on both sides of the ball, have the talent and versatility to challenge Cleveland in what could be a tightly contested game. While the Storm have the home-field advantage and the pedigree of a championship-caliber team, Centennial is hungry to make a statement and might just pull off the upset in this one.

No. 5 Artesia Bulldogs (0-0) vs No. 18 Carlsbad Cavemen (0-0)​

Location: Artesia, NM - Bulldog Bowl
Time: 7:00 pm

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Preview:

The Artesia Bulldogs, coming off back-to-back state championships, are set to begin their 2024 season with the highly anticipated Eddy County Rivalry against the Carlsbad Cavemen. Head coach Jeremy Maupin emphasized the significance of this opener, saying, “Really excited for the opportunity to play a quality opponent this Friday. All the long spring, summer, and two-a-days practices culminate to Friday night and the start of the season. We hope to get things started the right way by playing a clean game and competing our tails off.”

Despite the loss of star quarterback Nye Estrada, who threw for over 2,400 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, the Bulldogs remain a potent force. Returning players like running back Frankie Galindo (2025), who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 25 touchdowns, and wide receiver Ethan Conn (2025), who recorded 900 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, ensure that Artesia’s offense will continue to be a high-octane unit. The Bulldogs are favorites once again to make a deep playoff run, and they’ll be looking to start their season strong against their long-time rivals.

The Carlbsad Cavemen, meanwhile, are aiming to rebound from a challenging 2-8 season in 2023. Junior quarterback Kason Perez, who passed for 1,288 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, returns to lead the offense. However, the Cavemen face the task of replacing a key running back who accounted for nearly 1,200 yards last year. Perez will look to connect with returning receivers Ian Sandoval and Roberto Castaneda (2026) to jumpstart the offense. On defense, Carlsbad will rely on the leadership of Diego Ramirez and Bubba Anderson (2025), with Anderson coming off a 63-tackle season. The Cavemen know they’ll need a complete team effort to challenge Artesia in this rivalry game.

Final Take:

The Eddy County Rivalry is always a highlight of the high school football season, and this year’s matchup promises to be another exciting chapter. Artesia’s experience and depth, coupled with their explosive offense, give them the edge heading into this game. Carlsbad will need to capitalize on every opportunity and play their best football to keep the game close. While the Cavemen may have improved from last season, the Bulldogs are poised to kick off their season with a win, setting the stage for another potential championship run.

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*****WEEK 1 PICK'EM CHALLENGE*****

You pick the winners, we track the points! Who among you is the best at predicting the outcomes of New Mexico high school football games each week? It’s simple: we select five games weekly, assign points for choosing favorites or upsets, and you submit your picks for each game. We’ll maintain a leaderboard throughout the season to see who comes out on top!

WEEK 1 - AUGUST 23RD (No Thursday or Sat Games)
La Cueva at Volcano Vista, +100 (VV is the upset +200)
Roswell at Los Lunas, +100 (LL is the upset +200)
Portales at Goddard, +150
Valley at Bernalillo, +100 (Bernalillo is the upset +150)
Santa Rosa at Texico, +100 (Santa Rosa is the upset +175)

How to reply with your picks
La Cueva
Roswell
Portales
Valley
Santa Rosa

Longtime head coach Shonn Schroer stepped down last month. Leo Ural is the new head coach.

What are some of your predictions?

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Key Takeaways from Thursday Night

Sandia vs. Piedra Vista: Sandia's offense struggled to find its rhythm, with new QB Jahleel Lewis facing challenges in his debut as the starter. Despite the loss, Lewis showed potential and will likely develop as the season progresses. Sandia may emerge as a late bloomer. Meanwhile, Piedra Vista was in top form, executing their game plan flawlessly. Felipe Moreno led a well-coached team with a strong understanding of their system and a solid offensive line. The Panthers dominated the game, controlling the clock and securing a convincing 28-7 victory. The atmosphere at Wilson Stadium was subdued, with a quiet but filled home side for Sandia (side note: Wilson Stadium is a peculiar place to watch football).

Piedra Vista Senior Brig Keiser was a standout player, leading the Panthers with 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. The game began with Piedra Vista taking a 7-0 lead after a 60-yard drive capped by Keiser's 5-yard touchdown run. Sandia responded with a 55-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Jahleel Lewis to senior wide receiver Joey Harris, leveling the score at 7-7. The Panthers regained control with a 5-yard touchdown run by quarterback Felipe Moreno, giving them a 14-7 lead at halftime. Piedra Vista's defense was dominant, limiting Sandia to just one rushing yard in the first half and forcing several penalties that disrupted the Matadors' offensive rhythm. Piedra Vista extended their lead with a 24-yard touchdown run by Keiser in the third quarter. Despite a fumble by Keiser earlier in the period, the Panthers maintained control, running 16 plays and gaining over 130 yards in the third quarter alone. The final score came early in the fourth quarter when Moreno connected with Keiser for a 23-yard touchdown pass, sealing the victory.

Atrisco Heritage vs. Rio Rancho: Atrisco Heritage started strong, taking a 7-0 lead, but Rio Rancho quickly took control, scoring 42 unanswered points. QB JJ Arellano was the standout performer, heating up as the game progressed and finishing with 273 passing yards and 4 touchdown passes. The scoring highlights included a 14-yard pass from Atrisco’s Landon Griego to J’Ven Smith for the opening touchdown, followed by a series of Rio Rancho scores, including a 20-yard pass from Arellano to Parker Miller and a 45-yard bomb to Bode Victor. The Rams continued to dominate with contributions from Juice Barreras, David Butler, and Micah Takahashi. Atrisco managed a late 80-yard touchdown pass from Griego to Josiah Lopez, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Rio Rancho’s commanding performance. Final score: Rio Rancho 42, Atrisco Heritage 14. Records: Rio Rancho 1-0; Atrisco Heritage 0-1.

Hot Springs vs. Tularosa: In a thrilling matchup, the Hot Springs Tigers pulled off an upset victory on the road against the Tularosa Wildcats, winning 20-18 in the final seconds. Tularosa led 12-0 at halftime, but Hot Springs mounted a furious comeback, scoring with just 4 seconds left on the clock to secure the win. This game showcased Hot Springs' resilience and ability to fight until the end, setting the tone for what could be a promising season.

NMPreps Top 20 Teams to Watch in the 2024 Season

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

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Tuesday Poll: Which Team is Most Likely to Pull an Upset in Week 1?

New Mexico High School Football Week 1 Preview & Prediction

Week 1 of the New Mexico high school football season is here, and the excitement is palpable as teams across the state prepare to kick off their 2024 campaigns. With a mix of seasoned contenders and emerging programs ready to make their mark, this opening week promises thrilling matchups, unexpected twists, and the first glimpses of what could be an unforgettable season. From powerhouse clashes to potential upsets, we've got all the key games covered, along with expert predictions to set the stage for a weekend full of high-stakes gridiron action.

Thursday, August 22

No. 6 Rio Rancho Rams (0-0) at No. 19 Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (0-0)​

Location: Albuquerque, NM - Community Stadium
Time: 7:00 pm

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Preview:
The Rio Rancho Rams enter the season with something to prove, aiming to silence the critics who question their place in the NMPreps Top-25 preseason rankings, where they landed at No. 6. Quarterback JJ Arellano is a player to watch, especially after being overlooked in preseason discussions about top QBs. Expect Arellano to emerge as a breakout player this season, leading a Rams squad that’s determined to back up their high ranking.

On the other side, Atrisco Heritage continues to impress under head coach Howard Knezevich, who has transformed the Jaguars into a respectable program. Finishing 5-5 last season, Atrisco Heritage returns 2025 QB Landon Griego, who threw for 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. Griego will be eager to make an early statement as one of New Mexico's top players to watch in 2024.

Final Take:
The key question for Atrisco Heritage is whether their offense can find its rhythm missing a key player they hoped would return and if their defense can step up against a strong opponent like Rio Rancho. The Jaguars fell 37-14 to the Rams last season and might face challenges during a minor rebuild this year. While Rio Rancho also has to replace some key players, their depth typically allows them to fill gaps more easily. Expect the Rams to take control in this one.

No. 10 Sandia Matadors (0-0) vs No. 16 Piedra Vista Panthers (0-0)​

Location: Albuquerque, NM - Wilson Stadium
Time: 7:00 pm

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Preview:
The Matadors enter the season ranked No. 10 in the NMPreps preseason rankings, with hopes of continuing their upward trajectory under head coach Chad Adcox. Coming off an 8-3 season, Sandia is poised to make another strong showing despite the need to replace some key players. The defense will be the cornerstone, featuring several returning standouts: three-year linebackers Jeremiah Bustillos and Thomas Adams (both class of 2025) on the inside, Kam Watson on the outside, and Joey Harris (2025) making plays at receiver. This experienced unit will be crucial in Sandia's effort to control the game.

Piedra Vista (No. 16 NMPreps Top-25), which finished 6-6 overall last season, is set to make its 6A debut after moving up from 5A. Like Sandia last year, the Panthers could be a surprise contender in 6A football. Quarterback Felipe Begay (2025) is a player to watch, having emerged as a rising star in the quarterback conversation last season. He’ll be well-protected by two top-ranked offensive linemen, Ian Chavez (2025) and Julias Keeswood (2025). This offense could pose a significant challenge for Sandia's defense.

Final Take:
This matchup features an experienced Piedra Vista offense going head-to-head with Sandia’s seasoned defense. It’s shaping up to be a hard-fought battle, and while Sandia is the NMPreps favorite, don’t be surprised if Piedra Vista pulls off a road win. NMPreps' Grine picks the Panthers in this intriguing season opener.

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Outside the Top-25: Thursday

Tularosa (0-0) vs Hot Springs (0-0)

In a matchup outside the Top-25, the Tularosa Wildcats (2A) will face off against the Hot Springs Tigers (3A) on Thursday night in southern New Mexico. The Wildcats enter the game as three-touchdown favorites, looking to assert dominance early against the Tigers. Despite having to replace key players, Tularosa returns some strong talent, including running backs Seth Kazhe (2025) and Mario Lasalle (2026), as well as wide receiver Fabian Pacheco (2025).

On the other side, Hot Springs is dealing with its third head coach in three years. However, the Tigers seem to have made a solid hire with Maximus Buckingham, who was on staff last season and could bring much-needed stability. The Tigers will rely heavily on promising returners, particularly Tristan Polanco (2026).

Prediction: Tularosa 38, Hot Springs 12.

Cameron Dyer (La Cueva QB) is the frontrunner for Mr. Football:
La Cueva will go undefeated this season:
Either Artesia or Roswell will not make it to the state championship game:
Cleveland will not make it to the state championship game:
I have over 10 Frito Pies this season (favorite concession stand food lol):

Who will lead the state in passing yards in Week One?

Who will lead the state in rushing yards in Week One?

Who will lead the state in total tackles in Week One?

Who will lead the state in sacks in Week One?

2024 New Mexico High School Football Preseason Rankings

The NMPreps team is proud to present our annual ranking of all teams participating in 11-man football. With the 2024 and 2025 seasons featuring a total of 89 teams in the newly aligned classifications and districts, we embark on the exciting journey of spotlighting each team in our preseason way-too-early team rankings. Stay tuned as we delve into the diverse landscape of New Mexico high school football, offering insights into the teams that will be shaping the upcoming seasons.

CLASSIFICATION RANKINGS
Link: 6A Football
Link: 5A Football
Link: 4A Football
Link: 3A Football
Link: 2A Football

STATE RANKINGS


Note: We will continue to update this thread as we release team previews.

Mayfield Trojans 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #21

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

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2023 Season Review​

Record: 5-7 overall, 0-3 district
2023 Playoffs: 5A Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 232
Points Given Up: 316
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

2023 Season Recap​

The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for the Mayfield Trojans, starting with back-to-back wins over Manzano (55-0) and Organ Mountain (40-10). However, they stumbled in two tough matchups against city rivals Centennial (42-0) and Las Cruces (44-7). A narrow victory over Belen (22-20) was followed by a loss to Deming (20-7) before the Trojans closed out non-district play with a shutout win over Santa Teresa (53-0), finishing 4-3. District play proved challenging, with losses to Goddard (27-13), Roswell (48-15), and Artesia (43-7). The Trojans secured a 9-seed in the state playoffs, edging out 8-seed Gadsden 13-12 in a hard-fought first-round game. Their season ended in the quarterfinals with a rematch against top-seeded Roswell, falling 50-0.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Mayfield Trojans return a strong core of players for the 2024 season, led by quarterback and linebacker Luke Linnan. Entering his second season as the starting quarterback, Linnan threw for 1,291 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023 while also leading the team with five rushing touchdowns.

Key returning seniors include RB/DB Justin Madrid, WR/DB Zaiden Salcido, RB/DB Anthony Nevarez, WR/LB Peyton Darden, TE/DE Andreas Garay, and OL/DL Brayan Mendoza. Salcido led all Mayfield returners with nearly 400 receiving yards, while Darden, who notched 3.5 sacks last season, is expected to take on a larger role on offense. Nevarez was the team's leading rusher with nearly 500 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Garay matched Darden's sack total. Many of these players will be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball, adding to the challenge and excitement of the upcoming season.

Realistic Expectations and Predictions​

The second season under head coach Gary Bradley holds promise as he looks to build on the foundation laid last year with a solid group of returning players. The Trojans' non-district schedule is packed with intrigue, starting with a rivalry clash against Las Cruces on August 23rd. They'll follow that with two home games against West Mesa (8/30) and Organ Mountain (9/6). District play kicks off on September 12th with a road game at Gadsden, followed by another away game at Santa Teresa (9/20). The Trojans will host Deming (9/28) before hitting the road again for back-to-back games against Lovington (10/4) and Goddard (10/18). The regular season closes with two home games against powerhouses Roswell (10/26) and Artesia (11/2).

NMPreps predicts a 4-6 overall record for the Trojans, but with the potential to win up to 6 games if everything falls into place. Coach Bradley's squad will need to bring their A-game, especially in the competitive District 2-5A.

More Previews: New Mexico HS Football 2024 Preseason Rankings (link)

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You can get in the discussion now and throughout the entire year for 60% off our regular subscription price using code KICKOFF2024 by clicking here: SIGN-UP HERE

6A FOOTBALL
1 La Cueva

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Does anyone have results or thoughts on the games this week?

Most likely to win a district game - Cibola in District 1-6A or Albuquerque High in District 2-6A

Who benefits more from the non-success alignment: Rio Grande in 5A or Chaparral in 4A.

Most likely to defeat La Cueva in 6A, Cleveland or Las Cruces

Most likely to beat Bloomfield for the 1-4A DC, Bernalillo, Grants, Taos or Espanola Valley

Espanola Valley Sundevils 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #53

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: 8-4 overall, 3-0 district
2024 Classification: 4A (District 1)
Playoffs: Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 390
Points Given Up: 242
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

Season Recap: Historic Achievements for the Sundevils​

The Espanola Valley Sundevils reached unprecedented heights in 2023, clinching only their second district championship in program history and securing their first state playoff win. The season began with challenging losses to Los Alamos (35-0) and Bernalillo (26-18), followed by a narrow victory over Escalante (21-14). After a tough 48-11 defeat to West Las Vegas, the Sundevils found their stride, embarking on a seven-game winning streak. They dominated Gallup (58-0), Santa Fe Indian (59-0), and Kirtland Central (54-30) to conclude their non-district schedule at 4-3 overall.

In district play, the Sundevils continued their winning ways with a 38-25 victory over Taos, and back-to-back 50-0 shutouts against Moriarty and Pojoaque Valley, securing the district championship with a 3-0 record.

The state playoffs saw the Sundevils earn a 7-seed, where they triumphed over 10-seed St. Pius X, 31-7. However, their season ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to eventual state champion and 2-seed Lovington, 52-0. Despite the tough finish, the Sundevils’ 2023 campaign was marked by historic milestones and a strong foundation for future success.

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