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Stat Stuffers: Defense

Stat Stuffers: Interceptions

We will highlight the top defenders in this section looking at the players who are playing in the State Championship.


Cameron Santa Cruz, So, Eunice HS: The FS has 7 interceptions on the season as he will look to lead the Eunice Cardinals in the 3A title game.

Jacob Smith, Jr, Capitan HS: Smith plays on a young Tigers team and leads the team in INTs with 7, that ties him with Santa Cruz of Eunice for most in 3A football.

Arjay Ortiz, Jr, Robertson HS: The star quarterback that leads a solid offensive unit also plays for one of the top defenses in the state and leads the team in INTs with 5.

Marc Grano, Sr, Robertson HS: Also, on the Robertson defense is Grano who has 4 INTs this season for a Robertson defense that only allows 14 points per game.

Zach Dodd, Sr, Las Cruces HS: Dodd who plays for the best defense in 6A football has a team leading 3 INTs on the season.



Stat Stuffers: Sacks


We will highlight the top defenders in this section looking at the players who are playing in the State Championship.

Ashton Klovenas, Jr, Rio Rancho HS: The OLB has 12.5 sacks on the season and will help guide the Rams in the 6A state championship.

Jeremie Karngbaye, Sr, Portales HS: The defensive end for the Portales Rams has sacked the quarterback 10 times this season.

Clay Bob Sterns, Jr, Capitan HS: The 2-seed Capitan Tigers are the favorites in the 3A state championship. Sterns leads the team with 7-sacks on the season.

Tanner Lawrence, Jr, Capitan HS: Another junior on the Capitan defense that will lead the team in the State Championship. Lawrence has 6-sacks on the season.

Darian Duran, Jr, Robertson HS: Duran, leads a high powered defensive unit for the 4A Robertson Cardinals as they face the Portales Rams in the title game. Duran has 8-sacks on the season. *Updated to 8-sacks pending semi-final game stats.

Kevin Mccracken, Sr, Rio Rancho HS: Rio Rancho is solid in each position that you look at this season. Mccracken has slipped through the cracks for a total of 5.5 sacks this season.

Cailon Bailon, Jr, Rio Rancho HS: Bailon, the OLB for the Rams has 5.5 sacks this season as the Rams face the 3-seed Las Cruces Bulldawgs in the state championship.

Caleb Hightower, Jr, Capitan HS: Another Tiger, another junior for the Capitan Tigers who are favorites in the 3A title game. Hightower has 5-sacks on the season.

Darion Ontiveros, Sr, Portales HS: We know the name as the running back who moves the chains on offense. Ontiveros also has 4-sacks on the season for the 2-seed Portales Rams.
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Grine: Reviewing Our 2016 Predictions

Grine: Reviewing Our 2016 Predictions

Today, we decide to see our wrongs, sometimes our rights and look back at some of our predictions for the 2016 season.

Five Times We Were Wrong

Spring Rankings Too High/Too Low:
Eldorado (3), Manzano (11). The two big wrongs here are two teams that could switch spots as we had the Eagles as the 3rd ranked team in the state. We were sold on the talent returning for the Eagles but that didn't pan out. The Monarchs on the other had are the biggest surprise team of the season winning 10-games and reaching the semi-finals of the 6A state playoffs. The Eagles ended the season in the Top-25 but we didn't see them going 5-6 and ranked 19th in the state.

Semi-Final Team. Sandia Matadors. We had the Matadors ranked 15th in the pre-season and I screamed that we had them to low, they would be a Top-10 team in no time. Well the season, and all of it's adversities hit, the Matadors finished ranked outside the Top-25 at 34 with a (3-7) record.

5 Most Improved Team. Valencia. Call it love for the Valencia county team and we might pick them again in the summer of 2017 but maybe we were a season too early on this call. Especially with the Jaguars playing in a tough district that featured two teams in the semi-finals, one that will play for the 2016 state title.

Most Likely to Dethrone Cleveland in 6A. I bought on Mayfield, had doubts but held Rio Rancho and sold Eldorado. So partially I was right selling Eldorado. Wrong buying Mayfield who underachieved to their standards. Also, I was wrong in my opinion for saying I hold and doubt right now.

5A Playoffs/District Predictions. Bought these teams to make the playoffs. Capital, Deming and Lovington. Well call it a swing and a miss! Also, I sold on Miyamura who later reached the quarterfinals. We totally missed in 2-6A with a prediction of Clovis, Eldorado, Sandia, Manzano and La Cueva. Manzano predicted 4th looks idiotic.


Five Times We Were Right

Spring Rankings Just Right:
Rio Rancho (1), Cleveland (2). If you look back to our NMPreps.com's Top 50 Spring Rankings you see we had the Rio Rancho Rams ranked No. 1 in the state. As of week 14 on the season the Rams sit in that same slot that we had in the Spring. They are currently 12-0 on the season and have been dominant after returning from a 7-4 season in 2015. Cleveland at 2 didn't look bad, still doesn't as they are ranked 3rd in the Fab 50 for Week-15. They had been ranked 2nd for 13 weeks until they recently lost in the state semi-finals ending their season 11-2.

5 Most Improved Teams. Belen. I was wrong saying that I could see only 6-wins (double their wins from 2015) however I was right claiming that the Eagles would be improved under their new head coach. The Eagles would go on and be District 5-5A runner ups. I also had Santa Rosa (played well), St. Mikes (played in the semi-final) and La Cueva who all were improved.

Returning to the Playoffs: 5A. Listed are the teams we bought on to return or make the playoffs - Los Lunas, Artesia, St. Pius X, Aztec, Del Norte, Goddard, Alamogordo, Farmington. That is were we got it right, we could throw in Belen who we held as well so 9 of 12 isn't too bad. Wait until you see who the other three teams were (read above).

Making the Cut: 6A Playoffs. Team we had IN for the feature looking at the state playoffs in the preseason. Cleveland, Mayfield, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Eldorado and Clovis. Also, had Carlsbad on that section but 6/7 a win. We then went on to say Volcano Vista, Centennial, Onate, La Cueva and Valley - again missing on 1. So all in all we went 10 of 12 on our tournament teams in the preseason.

District Predictions. In 1-6A we were right on the dot with the order. Rio Rancho, Cleveland, Volcano Vista, Cibola and Piedra Vista. However, our District predictions didn't live up well we will say we got one correct, maybe two with 2-5A. We did get 4-5A correct as we had some preseason hype on Roswell. Also, we were just about right in 5-5A going with a prediction of St. Pius, Los Lunas, Belen, Valencia and Grants.

Take A Look Back: Spring Rankings

Top-25
No. 1 Rio Rancho Rams (Right)
No. 2 Cleveland Storm (99.9 close)
No. 3 Eldorado Eagles (Way Wrong)
No. 4 Mayfield Trojans (Wrong)
No. 5 Las Cruces Bulldawgs (Wrong)
No. 6 Artesia Bulldogs (About Right)
No. 7 Clovis Wildcats (About Right)
No. 8 Centennial Hawks (About Right)
No. 9 Onate Knights (About Right)
No. 10 Hobbs Eagles (Wrong)
No. 11 Manzano Monarchs (Way Wrong)
No. 12 Volcano Vista Hawks (About Right)
No. 13 La Cueva Bears (About Right)
No. 14 Alamogordo Tigers (About Right)
No. 15 Sandia Matadors (Too High - Wrong)
No. 16 Carlsbad Cavemen (About Right)
No. 17 Cibola Cougars (Wrong)
No. 18 Piedra Vista Panthers (Wrong)
No. 19 Albuquerque Bulldogs (Wrong)
No. 20 Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (Wrong but Playoff team)
No. 21 Deming Wildcats (WAAAY WRONG)
No. 22 Los Lunas Tigers (Too Low, Wrong but Close)
No. 23 Goddard Rockets (About Right)
No. 24 Valley Vikings (Wrong)
No. 25 St. Pius X Sartans (Too Low, Way Too Low)

Thank You

Before the outcome of tomorrow's game I want to take a minute and thank all of you (ok most of you) for all the great comments and plugs for Josh. Football is an amazing brotherhood and starting with the huge words of encouragement, letters, texts, emails and phone calls that came last year after Josh broke his leg to the continued words of encouragement and praise he has received all year from the NM Preps folks this has been an amazing senior year. It is times like this we are so thankful to live in such a great state that supports all the kids, regardless of team. It has been an honor to have me and my family members of such great programs as Cloudcroft to Artesia and from Goddard to Rio Rancho, what a blessing it is to live in such a great state.

Finally I want to thank Coach Howes and the rest of the Rams coaching staff for all their hard work and dedication to all our players but especially to my sons over the years and ending tomorrow with Josh's senior year. What leaders, mentors and just caring gentlemen they are and their acceptance of Ram Nation is second to none.

What an honor and a privilege it has been to share this special time with each and everyone of you, I look forward to what the future holds but will forever be thankful to everyone that has made an impact in my life as well as each of my kids, this is why it is an honor to say:

WE ARE NEW MEXICO!

Go Rams!

Justin Solomon Fundraiser

Started an online store for the Solomon's If you can please order a shirt. The ABA has already purchased $2500 in flights for the family and they will need more. Anything you can do will help!!!
"Team Solly" will be printed on the front and "Relentless" will be the print on the back.
Shirts can be picked up in Farmington or at the ABA...or there is a shipping option)

https://teamsolly.itemorder.com/sale

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What to Watch Week Three

What to Watch: Week Three's Top 5 Games

Tuesday
No. 1 Rio Rancho (2-0) vs No. 3 Albuquerque High (1-0): What more could you want early in the season? The two programs are ranked in the top of the state and feature must see prospects. Rio Rancho the duo in Juan Hurt/Clay Patterson taking on the Albuquerque High Bulldogs with their backcourt duo in Lorenzo Cantoja/Randy Castillo.

No. 8 Carlsbad (0-0) vs Goddard (0-0): This game features two similar teams that could do similar things in their respected classifications. The 8th ranked Cavemen have a twin tower scenario in the pain with Boatwright and Johnson. The Rockets of Goddard, just outside the Top-25, have a 1-2 punch with Harrison and Stanford.

No. 9 Los Lunas (0-0) vs Kirtland Central (0-0): Both teams open the season on Tuesday night with high expectations on the Los Lunas Tigers who feature four players that made the Top 100 Players list last season. Kirtland Central moving into 5A is a team that looks to slide into the classification as the sleeper.

Wednesday
No. 11 Eldorado (0-0) vs No. 14 Atrisco Heritage Academy (1-0): The Eldorado Eagles have yet to play a game this season but have some hype going into the season. The Atrisco Heritage Academy Jaguars were on the opposite end as they came into the season unranked and now with a big win over Volcano Vista have caught our attention.

Friday
No. 4 Cleveland (2-0) vs No. 8 Carlsbad (0-0): The game has potential state tournament preview written all over it. The Storm and Cavemen both Final Four teams in 2016 will be the must see game on Friday night. Carlsbad opens the season on Tuesday night before traveling to Rio Rancho.

Must See Games This Week: Important Game

1. Rio Rancho (2-0): The Rams take on Albuquerque High (Tues).
2. Cibola (1-0): Take on 5th ranked Hope Christian (Tues)
3. Albuquerque (1-0): Take on Rio Rancho (Tues)
4. Cleveland (2-0): Take on Carlsbad on Friday.
5. Hope Christian (0-0): Top-5 match up with Cibola (Tues)
6. Las Cruces (1-0): The Bulldawgs in the Albuquerque Metro for game against Highland (Fri) and Volcano Vista (Sat).
7. Hobbs (0-0): Open the season against Permian (TX) on Tuesday night.
8. Carlsbad (0-0): The game on Friday against Cleveland.
9. Los Lunas (0-0): The season opener with Kirtland Central (Tues).
10. Roswell (2-0): Open

Tournament to Watch

Al Armendariz (Capital High School)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Ranked Teams: Santa Fe, Capital
Notable Teams: Goddard, Grants

Sad day for Hatch Valley Football!

Coach Jack Cisco announces retirement!

What a blow to our football program! Coach Cisco has done so much for our program. Gleghorn may have won 3 2A championships, but Coach Cisco put Hatch Valley on the Football map! Taking such a small program and competing with the much bigger 4A programs. Not only competing but taking us to 5 straight semifinals, state runner up and a Hugh 13-0 4A State Championship! He is going to be greatly missed here at Hatch Valley!

Thank you Coach Cisco for all you've done for Hatch Valley Football!

All Metro Area Teams

http://nmhsca.com/PageBuilder.aspx?page=2016allmetrofootball

6A 1st Team Offense (2016)

Center Justin Hathoot
Guard Corey Perez Rio Rancho
Guard Diego Archuleta Atrisco Heritage
Punter Devin Woolsey Sandia
Quarterback Nic Little Rio Rancho
Receiver David Cormier Volcano Vista
Receiver Santiago Williams Albuquerque
Receiver Kevin Fanelli La Cueva
Returner Jordan Byrd Manzano
Runningback Josh Foley Rio Rancho
Runningback Chris Streetz Volcano Vista
Tackle Bryce Wade Eldorado
Tackle Evan Tafoya-Vallo Rio Rancho
TE/Slot Andrew Erickson Manzano
TE/Slot Adam Cook Volcano Vista
All Round Athlete Jordan Byrd Manzano

6A 1st Team Defense (2016)


Corner Ryan Moore Manzano
Corner Dominic Sandoval Eldorado
DE/OLB Cailon Bailon Rio Rancho
DE/OLB Joren Dickey Volcano Vista
Defensive Line Kevin McCracken Rio Rancho
Defensive Line Sean Davis Cleveland
Defensive Line Brendon Armstead Cleveland
Kicker Chandler Johnson La Cueva
Linebacker Derek Loidolt La Cueva
Linebacker Vinny Palmeri Rio Rancho
Linebacker Alejandro Vallejos Manzano
Safety Zach Dodd Rio Rancho
Safety Zack Mares Cibola

6A 2nd Team Offense (2016)

TE/Slot Abram Schaap Volcano Vista
TE/Slot Derek Reyes Rio Rancho
Center Tyler Geldmacher
Guard Mike Taylor Cleveland
Guard Thomas Kinney
Punter Raul Avila Cibola
Quarterback Dillon Gassoway Volcano Vista
Receiver Daniel Johnson Cleveland
Receiver Nathaniel Manzanares Cibola
Receiver Trenton Gaither Eldorado
Returner Ryan Lucero Rio Rancho
Runningback Josh Woisin La Cueva
Runningback Niko Papadopoulos Cleveland
Tackle Adam Clark Eldorado
Tackle Greg Romero Manzano
All Round Athlete Dominic Sandoval Eldorado
6A 2nd Team Defense (2016)

Corner Jasaad Lewis Highland
Corner DeVon McGhee Manzano
DE/OLB Noah Baca Manzano
DE/OLB Dominic Thompson Cleveland
Defensive Line Ryan McClain La Cueva
Defensive Line Ashton Klovenas Rio Rancho
Defensive Line Dahtae Greene Atrisco Heritage
Kicker Caleb Mancini Cibola
Linebacker Isaac Jaramillo Cleveland
Linebacker Kazyan Martin Cibola
Linebacker Jacob Garduno West Mesa
Safety Neil Smith Atrisco Heritage
Safety Hunter Cardiff La Cueva

*****NEW MEXICO 2016 STATE PLAYOFFS*****

2016 STATE PLAYOFFS INFORMATION

Scoreboard: Post Live Updates From Each State Championship Game
Top Players & Performances from the State Championship

New Mexico Football State Championship Features & Awards

6A State Championship Preview
5A State Championship Preview
4A State Championship Preview
3A State Championship Preview
Stat Stuffers: Top Defenders in the State Championship
Grine's Rapid Fire for the State Championship
2016 Coaching Updates. Three Jobs Open
Breaking: News Coming Out of St. Pius
Most Likely to Upset in the Title Game
Grine: Reviewing Our 2016 Predictions and Rankings

2016 Football Post Season Awards
NMPreps.com Mr. Football (Finalist Announced this Friday)
QB of the Year
RB of the Year
WR of the Year
TE of the Year
OL of the Year
DL of the Year
S of the Year
CB of the Year
LB of the Year
K of the Year
Coach of the Year
6A All-New Mexico Team Powered by Tate Branch

5A All-New Mexico Team Powered by Tate Branch
4A All-New Mexico Team Powered by Tate Branch
3A All-New Mexico Team Powered by Tate Branch
2A, 8-Man, 6-Man All-New Mexico Team Powered by Tate Branch
NMPreps.com Top 100 Players in New Mexico




6A State Football Information

State Championship
No. 1 Rio Rancho (12-0) vs No. 3 Las Cruces (11-1), 1/3/16, 1pm

Preview: 6A State Championship Game Preview
Feature: Most Likely to Upset in the State Championship Games?
Top Players: State Championship MVPs & Players of the Week

Semi-Finals
No. 1 Rio Rancho 35, No. 5 Manzano 7
No. 3 Las Cruces 45, No. 2 Cleveland 7

Preview: Week 14 Preview & Predictions
Top Players: Top Performances from the Semi-Finals
Feature: 25 Players You Should Know In the Sem-Finals
Feature: Top 20 Players in the Semi-Finals
Feature: 15 of the Best OL's in the Semi-Finals

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Rio Rancho 48, No. 8 Onate 0
No. 2 Cleveland 38, No. 10 Mayfield 14
No. 3 Las Cruces 35, No. 6 Clovis 14
No. 5 Manzano 24, No. 4 Centennial 21

Top Players: Top Performances from the Quarterfinals

First Round
No. 5 Manzano 47, No. 12 Atrisco Heritage Academy 0
No. 6 Clovis 31, No. 11 Eldorado 28
No. 8 Onate 56, No. 9 La Cueva 28
No. 10 Mayfield 48, No. 7 Volcano Vista 19

Top Players: Top Performances, Player of the Week and All-First Round Team


5A State Football Information

State Championship

No. 1 Artesia (10-2) at No. 2 St. Pius X (11-1), 12/3, 1pm

Preview: 5A State Championship Preview

Feature: Most Likely to Upset in the State Championship Games?
Top Players: State Championship MVPs & Players of the Week

Semi-Finals
No. 1 Artesia 35, No. 5 Los Lunas 7
No. 2 St. Pius X 42, No. 3 Roswell 7

Top Players: Top Performances from the Semi-Finals
Feature: 25 Players You Should Know In the Sem-Finals
Feature: Top 20 Players in the Semi-Finals
Feature: 15 of the Best OL's in the Semi-Finals

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Artesia 56, No. 8 Alamogordo 29
No. 2 St. Pius X 41, No. 10 Farmington 32
No. 3 Roswell 44, No. 11 Miyamura 6
No. 5 Los Lunas 16, No. 4 Belen 14

Top Players: Top Performances from the Quarterfinals

First Round
No. 5 Los Lunas 60, No. 12 Kirtland Central 10
No. 8 Alamogordo 45, No. 9 Del Norte 14
No. 10 Farmington 42, No. 7 Aztec 22
No. 11 Miyamura 26, No. 6 Goddard 24

Top Players: Top Performances, Player of the Week and All-First Round Team


4A State Football Information

State Championship
No. 1 Robertson (12-0) at No. 2 Portales (11-1), 12/3, 1pm

Preview: Who wins the 4A State Championship

Semi-Finals
No. 1 Robertson 35, No. 5 Hatch Valley 20
No. 2 Portales 38, No. 6 St. Michael's 0

Top Players: Top Performances from the Semi-Finals
Feature: 25 Players You Should Know In the Sem-Finals
Feature: Top 20 Players in the Semi-Finals
Feature: 15 of the Best OL's in the Semi-Finals

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Robertson 34, No. 8 Ruidoso 22
No. 2 Portales 47, No. 10 Silver 6
No. 5 Hatch Valley 34, No. 4 Cobre 7
No. 6 St. Michael's 36, No. 3 Moriarty 33

Top Players: Top Performances from the Quarterfinals

First Round
No. 5 Hatch Valley 64, No. 12 New Mexico Military Institute 42
No. 6 St. Michael's 42, No. 11 West Las Vegas 6
No. 8 Ruidoso 63, No. 9 Taos 27
No. 10 Silver 49, No. 7 Shiprock 16

Top Players: Top Performances, Player of the Week and All-First Round Team

3A State Football Information

State Championship
No. 4 Eunice (8-4) at No. 2 Capitan (11-1), 12/3, 1pm

Preview: Class 4A State Championship Preview & Predictions

Semi-Finals
No. 2 Capitan 14, No. 3 Dexter 7 (OT)
No. 4 Eunice 38, No. 1 Estancia 13

Top Players: Top Performances from the Semi-Finals
Feature: 25 Players You Should Know In the Sem-Finals
Feature: Top 20 Players in the Semi-Finals
Feature: 15 of the Best OL's in the Semi-Finals

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Estancia 62, No. 9 McCurdy 0
No. 2 Capitan 36, No. 7 Raton 0
No. 3 Dexter 28, No. 6 Santa Rosa 12
No. 4 Eunice 26, No. 5 Texico 22

Top Players: Top Performances from the Quarterfinals

First Round
No. 5 Texico 24, No. 12 Tularosa 12
No. 6 Santa Rosa 50, No. 11 Laguna-Acoma 0
No. 7 Raton 45, No. 10 Newcomb 23
No. 9 McCurdy 25, No. 8 Crownpoint 18

Top Players: Top Performances, Player of the Week and All-First Round Team

2A State Football Information

State Championship
No. 3 Lordsburg 34, No. 1 Fort Sumner 26 | Lordsburg Wins Title (link)

Semi-Finals
No. 1 Fort Sumner 50, No. 4 Jal 0
No. 3 Lordsburg 45, No. 2 Escalante 22


8-Man State Football Information

State Championship
No. 2 Melrose 58, No. 1 Gateway Christian 39

Semi-Finals
No. 1 Gateway Christian 55, No. 4 Mesilla Valley Christian 48
No. 2 Melrose 52, No. 3 Magdalena 26

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Gateway Christian 61, No. 8 Carrizozo 6
No. 2 Melrose 60, No. 7 Cloudcroft 6
No. 3 Magdalena 54, No. 6 Dora 44
No. 4 Mesilla Valley Christian 70, No. 5 Mountainair 20

First Round
No. 5 Mountainair 50, No. 12 Logan 8
No. 6 Dora 54, No. 11 Menaul 0
No. 7 Cloudcroft 48, No. 10 Mescalero Apache 6
No. 8 Carrizozo 62, No. 9 Ramah 12

6-Man State Football Information

State Championship
No. 2 San Jon 47, No. 4 Lake Arthur 46

Semi-Finals
No. 2 San Jon 26, No. 3 Vaughn 20
No. 4 Lake Arthur 54, No. 1 Animas 42

First Round
No. 3 Vaughn 59, No. 6 Floyd 25
No. 4 Lake Arthur 60, No. 5 Hondo Valley 22

Which tournaments will you be attending?

I guess this is a question mainly for JGRINE and KYLEH. What tournaments throughout the state will you be trying to attend this year?

For everyone else, what tournaments will you be attending that "your" team does not play in? For me, I always try to catch some games at the EPAC tournament. I just love the small schools going at it and this is one of the premier tournaments in the state regardless of class.

New Mexico Players Honored on the Lone Star All-Conference Team

Kamal Cass ENMU (RB, Clovis) was selected as the LSC Offensive Back of the Year
Xavier Ayers WNMU (WR, Albq. High) was selected as the LSC WR of the Year
Wyatt Strand ENMU (QB, Logan) was selected as the LSC Frosh. of the Year

Kamal Cass ENMU (RB, Clovis) 1st Team All LSC RB
Xavier Ayers WNMU (WR. Albq. High) 1st Team All LSC WR
Brad Hardin ENMU (LB, Aztec) 1st Team All LSC LB, All LSC Academic Team
Todd Countee ENMU (S, Manzano) 1st Team All LSC Safety
Kolter West ENMU (LB/DS, Ft. Sumner) 2nd Team All LSC Deep Snapper
Dakota Montoya ENMU (DL, Clayton) Honorable Mention All LSC DL

http://goeasternathletics.com/news/...fter-strong-season.aspx#.WC89A05X5NQ.facebook
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