Hope Christian Huskies 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #52

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: 4-7 overall, 2-2 district
2024 Classification: 3A (District 2)
Playoffs: First Round
Points Scored: 242
Points Given Up: 337
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

Season Recap: A Year of Highs and Lows for the Huskies

The Hope Christian Huskies experienced a season of ups and downs in 2023, marked by early victories, a tough mid-season slump, and a strong finish that propelled them into the playoffs. They opened the season with promising wins over 2A McCurdy (42-20) and Hatch Valley (23-20), displaying their potential to be competitive.

However, the momentum was short-lived as the Huskies then faced a daunting six-game losing streak. Their non-district schedule proved challenging, with losses to 4A Albuquerque Academy (34-14), Socorro (29-21), 4A Grants (35-18), and 4A Highland (45-14). These defeats left them with a 2-4 non-district record.

Entering district 4-3A play, Hope Christian continued to struggle initially, losing to New Mexico Military (22-14) and Dexter (54-12). Despite these setbacks, the Huskies ended the regular season with district victories over Tucumcari (22-20) and Ruidoso (35-28). These wins were crucial in securing their spot in the playoffs.

As the 10-seed, the Huskies faced 7-seed Socorro in the first round of the playoffs. In a hard-fought battle, Hope Christian narrowly lost 30-27, ending their season with a 4-7 overall record. While the year had its challenges, the Huskies demonstrated their ability to bounce back and compete.

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Taos Tigers 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #49

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: 4-7 overall, 2-1 district
2023 Playoffs: 4A First Round
Points Scored: 279
Points Given Up: 240
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-4A

Season Recap: A Rollercoaster Year and Farewell to State Champion Coach​

The 2023 season marked the end of an era for the Taos Tigers as legendary head coach Art Abreu bid farewell after a storied career, including a state championship. The Tigers had a challenging start, falling to eventual 3A state champion St. Michael's 39-30 at home, followed by a tough loss to 5A Los Alamos (40-0). However, the team rebounded with two consecutive shutouts, defeating Rio Grande 51-0 and Gallup 55-0.

Despite this mid-season success, the Tigers faced a four-game losing streak, with defeats against Bernalillo (20-14), Aztec (36-6), and Grants (28-27), concluding their non-district schedule with a 2-5 record. District play began with a 38-25 loss to Española Valley but ended on a high note with victories over Pojoaque Valley (35-6) and Moriarty (21-12), finishing the regular season 4-6 overall and 2-1 in district play.

These efforts earned Taos an at-large playoff bid, but their season concluded with a first-round loss to Aztec (21-14), resulting in a final record of 4-7. Despite the ups and downs, the Tigers displayed resilience and determination throughout the season.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch

As the Taos Tigers enter the 2024 season under new leadership, they face the challenge of filling the void left by key graduates. The team will look to build on the foundation laid by Coach Abreu and aim for a successful season in the newly aligned District 1-4A.

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Texico Wolverines 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #50

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: 11-2 overall, 3-1 district
2023 Playoffs: 2A State Champions
Points Scored: 466
Points Given Up: 205
Streak into 2024: 6-game win streak
2024 Classification: 2A (District 3)

2023 Season Review: Champions' Triumph​

The Texico Wolverines had a stellar 2023 season, finishing with an impressive 11-2 overall record and claiming the 2A state championship. They outscored their opponents 466 to 205 over the season and will enter the 2024 season riding a six-game win streak.

The Wolverines kicked off their non-district schedule with a four-game winning streak, securing victories over Estancia (52-22), Santa Rosa (28-26), New Mexico Military (30-8), and Olton, Texas (36-34). Their momentum was briefly halted with a 47-22 loss to Farwell, Texas, but they bounced back with a commanding 32-0 win over Carlsbad-JV, finishing non-district play at 5-1.

District play began with a tough 21-14 loss to Eunice, but the Wolverines rebounded strongly, shutting out Hagerman 63-0, and then defeating Jal 21-13 and Loving 45-6. These victories set the stage for a successful plaoff run.

In the 2A 2023 NMAA state playoffs, the WOlverines extended their win streak to six games. They dominated Estancia 50-0 in the quarterfinals, edged out Santa Rosa 29-21 in the semifinals, and avenged their district loss to Eunice with a decisive 44-7 victory in the state championship game, securing the state title.

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I just started the series and I’m in season 2. Any others watch the HBO series? Thoughts?

Aztec Tigers 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #51

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: 7-5 overall, 2-1 district
2024 Classification: 4A (District 1)
Playoffs: Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 300
Points Given Up: 215
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

Season Recap: Tigers Roar and Falter in 2023​

The Aztec Tigers had a rollercoaster 2023 season, finishing with a 7-5 overall record and a 2-1 district mark. The Tigers kicked off the season strong with three consecutive victories, dominating Miyamura 50-0, defeating Montezuma-Cortez, Colorado 28-6, and edging out Bayfield, Colorado 28-22.

However, the momentum slowed as they encountered a tough stretch, losing three straight games to Durango, Colorado 41-7, Silver 14-7, and St. Michael's 19-7. They rebounded with a 36-7 win over Taos, concluding their non-district schedule with a 4-3 record.

Entering district play, the Tigers showcased their prowess with a commanding 54-0 win over Gallup. Despite a setback against the eventual district champion Bloomfield, losing 42-0, they closed out the regular season strong with a 48-22 victory over Kirtland Central.

Securing a 6-seed in the New Mexico 4A state playoffs, the Tigers triumphed over 11-seed Taos in the first round, 21-14. Their season came to an end in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 28-14 loss to the 3-seed Silver on the road. Despite the ups and downs, the Tigers displayed resilience and determination throughout the season.

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Who else?

David Howes the former Rio Rancho head coach is now an assistant at Cibola.

Heath Ridenour back at Cleveland now as an assistant.

Both spent time as assistant coaches with UNM the last two seasons. Both had Rio Rancho and Cleveland at the top of the state every year when they were the head coaches. Which program benefits more?

*******WE REFRAIN FROM POLITICS ON THIS WEBSITE, SO IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEE OR READ DO NOT READ OR CLICK INTO THIS THREAD*******

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We got ourselves a little ol Nasty North vs Dirty South in Vegas tomorrow (Friday) as the NM Shock (NNM) square off against NM Rebels (Alamogordo) 9:15am at the Tarkanian Center.

NM Shock Roster
00 Izzy Mestas G Goddard
1 Jayden Apodaca PG ATC
2 Cayleb Blea G ATC
3 Brian Enriquez F SFHS
5 Eli Barncastle F Goddard
21 Christian Bencomo F Capital
23 Jordan Gallegos W Mesa Vista
30 Gabe Talamonte G SFHS

@Ant_Man1114 Goddard is on the north side of Roswell right? So... Izzy and Eli are norteños at heart.

Kirtland Central Broncos 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #55

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, 1-2 district
2024 Classification: 4A (District 1)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 317
Points Given Up: 376
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak

Season Recap: Bright Spots and Close Calls for the Broncos in 2023

The Kirtland Central Broncos' 2023 season was a rollercoaster of high-scoring games and narrow defeats, ultimately leading to a 3-7 overall record and missing the playoffs. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Broncos were unable to turn key close games into victories, which was the difference between a playoff berth and a .500 season.

The season started with a tough 48-20 loss to Valencia. The Broncos quickly bounced back in their second game, delivering a commanding 46-14 victory over 3A Thoreau, demonstrating their potential early on. Week three brought a high-scoring shootout against Montezuma-Cortez from Colorado, where the Broncos fell 54-40 in a game that highlighted their offensive firepower but also their defensive vulnerabilities.

Kirtland Central continued to show their offensive prowess by torching Rio Grande 57-6, but their defensive issues re-emerged in back-to-back shootout losses. They fell to Grants 54-42 and Espanola Valley 54-30, both of whom are set to be district opponents in the 2024 season.

A tough 46-6 loss to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, marked the end of their non-district schedule, leaving them with a 2-5 overall record. Entering district play, the Broncos faced a formidable Bloomfield team, losing 52-0. However, they managed to secure a decisive 54-0 win against Gallup, giving them a glimmer of hope in the district standings.

In their final district game, Kirtland Central faced Aztec and fell 48-22, concluding their district play with a 1-2 record. The season ended with the Broncos at 3-7 overall, falling short of playoff contention. Despite the disappointing record, the season had bright spots that showed the team's potential for future growth.

2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Kirtland Central Broncos are looking to bounce back in the 2024 season after a challenging 2023 campaign. The team faces significant departures but also has key returning players and promising newcomers poised to make an impact.

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Offer from Northern New Mexico College

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.

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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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Today's draft is all about the most recognizable college football helmets.

Remember, you can't pick something that has already been chosen, but feel free to discuss other people's picks. Share your thoughts on whether you like or dislike their choices and if you would have picked the same helmet. Let the debate begin!

What emoji would you use to describe each football program or team this season?

Who made the best hire this off-season?