Week 12 New Mexico Preview

Opening week of the New Mexico football state playoffs is here and we look at the games on the schedule this week.

Top 25 Preview

(Not seed but NMPreps.com Fab 50)

No. 4 Manzano (8-2) vs Atrisco Heritage Academy (4-5): This Friday night the Manzano Monarchs, the 2-6A Champions, will take on the 4-6A champion Atrisco Jaguars. The two programs met this season on August 25th a 40-6 win by the Monarchs. Why we like the Monarchs: Andres Vallejos and the Monarchs defense, Vallejos has 6.1 tackles per game. Why we like the Jaguars: They struggled early this season on offense, they've played a lot better - nothing to lose in this game.

Prediction: Manzano 34, Atrisco 10

No. 6 Clovis (7-3) vs No. 15 Eldorado (5-5): A battle between to 2-6A opponents in the opening round of the 6A playoffs. Clovis took the first game, a 28-14 score after trailing 7-0 after the opening round. This one has upset alert written on it with two teams looking to keep their season along. Why we like Clovis: Skyler Wadas and Fernando Acosta on D. Why we like Eldorado: Matt Denis, the quarterback little mentioned this season.

Prediction: Clovis 28, Eldorado 27

No. 7 Volcano Vista (7-3) vs No. 10 Mayfield (5-5): The most anticipated game in the 6A playoffs has the Hawks of Volcano and Trojans of Mayfield in Albuquerque this Friday night. The two meet mid September with a Volcano win 35-21. The two teams have grown since that game and will become a quick classic in the making. Why we like Volcano Vista: Gassoway to Cormier has accounted for big plays late this season and finally clicking like we expected. Why we like Mayfield: History. Their Coach. Gavin Swinson.

Prediction: Volcano Vista 35, Mayfield 28

No. 8 Onate (6-4) vs No. 11 La Cueva (6-4): The only Saturday game in the 6A playoffs puts two of the mystery programs against each other. The two didn't meet this season and is the only match up that hasn't played each other. Why we like Onate: Sal Yanez on O but Mckee on D. Mckee and his D will play big into this game. Why we like La Cueva: Fast paced Offensive unit.

Prediction: Onate 33, La Cueva 30

Coming Up:
Rest of the Top-25/Outside Top-25 (5A-1A)

2016 MTP Bracket

What is the MTP? Missed the Playoffs.
This is the hypothetical tournament of teams that missed the playoffs. Who would win this tournament? Three week tournament played on Saturdays.

#1. Carlsbad vs. #8 Albuquerque
#4. Hobbs vs. #5 Valley
#3. Piedra Vista vs #6 Sandia
#2. Cibola vs #7 Capital

*took the teams next in line ranked in the Fab 50.
*Bracket Would end Thanksgiving weekend.

Boys 6A: No. 1 La Cueva 2, No. 2 Albuquerque 0
Boys 5A: No. 1 Academy 2, No. 7 St. Pius 0
Boys A-4A: No. 2 Santa Fe Prep 1, No. 4 Bosque 0

Girls 6A: No. 2 Cibola 1, No. 1 La Cueva 0
Girls 5A: No. 2 Academy 1, No. 1 St. Pius 0 (OT)
Girls A-4A: No. 1 Sandia Prep 3, No. 2 Hope Christian 2

Congrats to all.

Bold Predictions: Predict Each Bracket

Predict each game down to your state title picks. Pick one bracket or do them all.

What Match Ups Stand Out Most?

Who is likely to be upset in round 1?

You're surprised that?

Heard of a community college in Gilroy, CA that is looking for football players. If you know a student/athlete that may be interested:

http://www.gavilan.edu/sports/football/become_a_ram.html

Check this out and wow!!!

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/special-reports/article97411927.html

Best Passing Team

Best Running Team

Best Defense Against the Run

Best Offense Against the Pass

Best Special Teams

State Playoffs: 4A Preview

The New Mexico Athletic Association met and released the bracket for the 2016 state playoffs in New Mexico. 12-teams in each classification from 6A (largest enrollment) to 3A (enrollment) found their fate on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m.

Today, we take a look at each bracket, the match-ups and the must see prospects in each classification.

First Round Schedule

No. 5 Hatch Valley vs No. 12 NMMI, Friday, 6pm
No. 6 St. Michael's vs No. 11 West Las Vegas, Saturday, 1:30pm
No. 7 Shiprock vs No. 10 Silver, Saturday, 1pm
No. 8 Ruidoso vs No. 9 Taos, Friday, 6pm

4A Overview

When the bracket was released on Saturday night it received plenty of attention for the seed and last teams in the bracket. In fact two of the favorites to win State in 4A football are on the same side of the bracket with one team having to play in the first round.

The top seed went to the undefeated Robertson Cardinals who went (10-0) this season. The Cardinals a favorite this season return after finishing as tournament runner-up's in 2015. With the second seed in the tournament is the Portales Rams (9-1) who won District 4-4A. Rounding out the top-4 seeds is Moriarty (9-1), also from 4-4A and the big surprise Cobre (6-4) who won 3-4A over defending champ Hatch Valley. The Cobre Indians who started the season losing their first three games ended the season on a five game winning streak.

Looking at the opening round the favorite on the north side of the bracket has to be the defending champs - Hatch Valley (8-2). Another team to keep a close eye on is the St. Michael's Horsemen (7-3) who finished the season winning five of their last six games.

Five Players to Watch

Andru Sanchez, QB (Cobre): From unknown to known Andru Sanchez hit the scene midway in the season and has since put up impressive numbers. Minus the opening game to El Paso, Sanchez has passed for over 100-yards in each game this season and over 200-yards in the final to games for a season total of 1,728-yards and 21-passing touchdowns. The 5-foot-8 senior quarterback has the Indians with a 5-seed, winning their first district title since 2003.

Saul Trujillo, RB (Hatch Valley): One of the top running backs in 4A football this season has been the 5-foot-9 junior from Hatch Valley. Trujillo who has an impressive three games over 200-yards rushing has a season total and classification leading 1,611-rushing yards this season. Trujillo has also rushed for 25-touchdowns this season.

Isaiah Otero, WR (Ruidoso): Maybe the surprise name on the list hails from the 8-seed Ruidoso Warriors who host Taos in the opening round. Otero, currently leads the state in receiving yards with 989-yards and 9-touchdowns. The 5-foot-8 junior has a pair of games where he caught for over 100-yards including four games over 100-yards. Otero has also rushed for 464-yards this season, with a game for 156-rushing yards during district play.

Jeremie Karngbaye, DE (Portales): We have heard the name in 4A athletics for three years now, Jeremie Karngbaye might be the top college level prospect in the classification. The 6-foot-5 defensive end has a classification leading 10-sacks this season with 72-total tackles. The Rams are the 2-seed in the state tournament this season.

Connor Houdek, LB (Robertson): The leader for the 1-seed Robertson Cardinals has 113-total tackles, 3-sacks and 1-interception this season. Connor Houdek, a 5-foot-9 160 pound linebacker is one to watch. Houdek plays for one of the top defensive teams in 4A football as the Cardinals have allowed 10 points per game and are currently 10-0 on the season.

Dark Horse

St. Michael's: This years theme for the state tournament has dark horse programs who have had great success in the state playoffs and could be back on the rise to top. The St. Michael's Horsemen are (7-3) on the season and looking to make headlines in the post season. The second round has a potential re-match with 3-seed Moriarty who they faced during week three of the season a 20-7 loss.

Upset Alert

Silver: I think we are with the majority with the pick in taking Silver in the opening round of the playoffs. The Colts are 4-6 on the season and a 10-seed having to take the long journey on Saturday to play the 7-seed Shiprock Chieftains. District 1-4A has not fared well in the playoffs a (1-4) record in the past three playoffs, the lone win coming last season with the now 5A team Bloomfield getting an opening round win. Silver on the other had has a state championship (2013), a semi-final appearance and a 4-2 record in the past three playoffs.

5-12 Seed That Could Make The Semi-Finals

Hatch Valley: Again I think we are picking with what most members agree with in a world of predictions. Hatch Valley as we have mentioned won the state title last season. The Bears also get a re-match with Cobre whom they lost to two weeks ago. We know beating a team twice, especially when close is a difficult task. If we had to pick the Bears are our pick.

First Round Predictions

Hatch over NMMI
St. Michael's over West Las Vegas
Silver over Shiprock *Upset
Ruidoso over Taos

The Lordsburg Maverick Football Team is gearing up for the Class 2A State Football Championship this weekend against Ft. Sumner. Now 7-2 on the season after beating Escalante last weekend 45-22 in the semifinals the Mavericks are one game away from a state championship. While the glory or defeat of the game will come and go from this Saturday’s 2A final, one thing that will be remembered is Johnny Plowman’s thoughtfulness and generosity.

Link
https://nmpreps.rivals.com/news/lor...an-raises-3k-for-young-girl-fighting-leukemia

Short delay this morning but giving a heads up what we will push the rest of the week before Friday.

6A Playoff Preview
5A Playoff Preview
Top-25 Game Preview
Rapid Fire Friday
Outside the Top-25 Preview
100 Players to Watch in the Playoffs (post nominations)

Already Out
4A Playoff Preview
3A Playoff Preview
Week 12 Fab 50 Rankings

election related here

Go Vote if you have not already!

2-6A District Preview: Mystery District Adds Two Members
Grine of NMPreps.com

Today, we take a quick look at District 2-6A. The basketball season officially started on October 31st, 2016 and we continue to look at each team/program.

More: Preseason Home | 6A Pre-Season Top 10 | Top 10 Players in New Mexico

Overview

The district with more mysteries than Fred, Daphne and Shaggy could answer (Scooby-Doo reference). More questions than answers. However, we will try to list as many things we do know going into the season. For one, they have one team ranked in the preseason Top-10 for 6A basketball in the tenth ranked Eldorado Eagles (Albuquerque, NM). However, that slot atop this district could go to a handful of teams that will play in District 2-6A this season. Newcomers Clovis and Santa Fe will be much improved, La Cueva is the next best suitor with a roster that returns some talent and we end with Manzano and Sandia two veteran programs in this district who look to improve drastically this season.

Predicted Finish

1. Eldorado Eagles (Last Season: 9-19, 3-5 | Lost First Round State)
Skinny: The Eldorado Eagles reached the State Tournament last season as the first 17th-seed in tournament history (not really but they replaced 16th seed Santa Fe who was disqualified). The good news for the Eagles who to their standards had a down season return some talent for the 2016/2017 season. Perhaps the biggest news comes in the form of the number ranked New Mexico prospect from the 2019 class in Kameron Valencia a shooting guard that has high basketball IQ for a sophomore. Also, the Eagles return 6-foot-6 post Bryce Wade along with point guard Mykol Lagarde.

2. La Cueva Bears (Record: 11-16, 5-3 | Lost First Round State)
Skinny: One team that we really like to get to .500 or above this season is the La Cueva Bears who return some of the best under the radar talent in the state. The Bears seemed to lack an identity last season but should be on solid ground if they pick one and go with it. Triston McCarty will be one of the top guards returning in New Mexico this season combined with Elijah Herron and newcomer EJ Herron the Bears have some quality pieces to possibly sneak into the Elite Eight this season.

3. Sandia Matadors (Record: 16-10, 8-0 | Lost First Round State)
Skinny: The team that should feel slighted is the Matadors who have owned the district recently and return maybe the top (it's a debate) in the district in Bobby Tapia Jr. who didn't have the headline season we predicted after a stellar sophomore campaign in 2014/2015. However, Tapia can create his own shot and makes decisions with the ball - he's clutch. Another Tapia (Jude), younger brother to Bobby, is one to keep a close eye on this season as well.

4. Santa Fe Demons (Record: 9-17, 2-6 | No Playoffs)
Skinny: The Santa Fe Demons usher in a new head coach in Zac Cole, former Santa Fe Indian head coach. The Demons have had a solid summer session and look to be a team that will only improve on a 9-win season with key returner David Marquez (5'10'', Guard), who was second in scoring at just under 11 ppg, returning this season. The Demons played several underclassmen last season and the experience playing in District 1-6A should only provide with enough to challenge for a District Title. The Demons also return third leading scorer Oscar Perez (8 ppg).

5. Manzano Monarchs (Record: 6-19, 1-7 | No Playoffs)
Skinny: The Monarchs are the mystery team of them all and could be the started from the bottom now we are here team. They return some talent, youth, but talent nonetheless and we start with 6-foot-6 forward Eric Sonnenberg who could challenge as one of the best big men in the district. Look for Dakota Powell (So.) and Andrew Erickson (Jr) to also contribute big this season for a program that could return to the state tournament. They have the right man, a Manzano man, leading the way as head coach Eric Orell returns for his third season at the helm and it could be a promising one.

6. Clovis Wildcats (Record: 3-22, 0-6 | No Playoffs)
Skinny: The Clovis program was atop the state for many years including an appearance in the state championship a few years ago. However, the Wildcats have been hurting in the talent department from those teams that feature college prospects. The Wildcats won just 3-games in 2015/2016 and the rebuild seems like a 3-5 year project but they have the right coach to get the walls going up in the right direction with Scott Robinson starting his second season. They return six players from last season and will continue to build on a focus with some youth.

Top 10: Must See Players from District 2-6A

1. Bobby Tapia - Sr - Sandia
2. Triston McCarty - Sr - La Cueva
3. David Marquez - Sr - Santa Fe
4. Kameron Valencia - So - Eldorado
5. Bryce Wade - Sr - Eldorado
6. Eric Sonnenberg - Jr - Manzano
7. Elijah Herron - Sr - La Cueva
8. Tanner Sloan - Sr - Sandia
9. Mykol Lagarde - Sr - Eldorado
10. Oscar Perez - Sr - Santa Fe

Did I miss something? Brady Patterson isn't on the roster for ENMU. Did he redshirt or transfer after the coaching change?

Top 100 Players to Watch This Season

Does not matter the class. Might go over 100. Just post and I'll update the running thread.

Poll: 6 vs 11 Best Chance to Upset

District 2-5A Preview: Defending Champs Have Uncertainties

Today, we take a quick look at District 2-5A. The basketball season officially started on October 31st, 2016 and we continue to look at each team/program.

More: District 1-5A Preview | 5A Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

Overview

When the 5A basketball season concluded on March 12th, 2016 the final two teams standing hailed from District 2-5A. It was the 5-seed Espanola Valley Sundevils taking home their second state championship under head coach Richard Martinez, 36-34. The 3-seed Capital Jaguars who were playing in their first state championship since the first tenure under head coach Ben Gomez look to have some promise returning in 2016/2017. Not much could be said for the defending champs in Espanola Valley who have uncertainties about who will call the shots as the head coach. Right now it's the brother of head coach Richard Martinez.

What's new this season with be the addition of Albuquerque Academy into the northern district. Gone is Bernalillo High School who dropped to 4A basketball. So who is the challenger? You have to like Albuquerque Academy but also the surprise team this season - dark horse type - is the Los Alamos Hilltoppers who seem to finally have things going. Lastly, is the Del Norte Knights (Albuquerque) who had a coaching change this month as they bring in longtime Volcano Vista High School assistant Jeron McIntosh.

Predicted Finish

1. Capital Jaguars (Record: 27-5, 6-2 | State Runner Up)
Skinny: The Capital Jaguars lose a lot in one of the top players in 5A basketball last in as Eric Coca has since graduated, playing for Northern New Mexico College. If you remember correctly, yes they lost the state title, the Jaguars are the defending 2-5A champions and look to keep that title in 2017. Under Ben Gomez this program has excelled and will continue to be one of the best programs in 5A as long as he is the lead. The player to watch on this team will be senior guard Jeremy Anaya who will have to carry the load this season as the go-to player. Two others who will improve this season are Tyler Alarid and Isaiah Brooks. Brooks, played well last season and could be a name atop the better forwards in the state.

2. Espanola Valley Sundevils (Record: 24-9, 6-2 | State Champions)
Skinny: The reigning champs have talent returning. That is the known. The unknown is will Richard Martinez make his return to the sidelines? Could the Sundevils play Martinez ball under his sibling? Can the Sundevils manage to play with the passion that now graduated guard Marcos Flores brought to the state tournament? These are just a handful of the uncertainties for this program. Now to the reason we would still bet on the Sundevils to finish near the top of this district. They return a core in AZ Salazar, JP Sena and newcomer big man James Archuleta who had a big state tournament - the more consistent in 2017 the better this frontcourt will be.

3. Los Alamos Hilltoppers (Record: 10-19, 1-7 | Missed Playoffs)
Skinny: The Hilltoppers have been everything but on top of the hill as of late. However, this program is continue the climb as the hire of Mike Kluk has been a success to this point. He has the program heading in the right direction and this could be one of the best teams, especially with a district looking for a third contender. This could also be the return to the state tournament this season. The team returns it's top scorers (nine of them) led behind junior Jack Stewart who was in double figures last season along with Michael Naranjo and Antonio Trujillo in a backcourt that could turn out to be solid.

4. Del Norte Knights (Record: 10-16, 3-5 | Lost First Round)
Skinny: Heading into the season we might have had the Knights in the three slot. That's not taking away from new head coach Jeron McIntosh who is among the best hires this summer. However, the issue we have is timing with less than a month getting to know his team he will have a longer time knowing their names than finding out what 5A basketball is in the north. McIntosh, comes from a slower-paced offensive philosohy of mentor Greg Brown entering a district with high intense offensive systems sitting at the top. To the good news for the Knights is the return of guard Daniel Flores (Jr) who was solid last season - make our player of the week list early in the season - partnered with a wing that plays with plenty of heart in Ronson Begay (Jr).

5. Albuquerque Academy Chargers (Record: 4-22, 0-6 | Missed Playoffs)
Skinny: The Chargers are coming off their worst season since 1974 when they won 1-game. Adding to the punch is the fact that they enter a district that features two programs that are among the top in the classification. The good news for the Charger faithful is the return of its top leading scorers in Markus Parrish (7.2 ppg) and Jackson Morris (7.2 ppg). The Charges could struggle again but the 9-game losing streak has the chance to end in early December (circle a date with Aztec on December 8th). The Charges are predicted as a 3-5 win team.

Top 10: Must See Players from District 2-5A

1. Jeremy Anaya - G - Capital
2. AZ Salazar - F - Espanola Valley
3. JP Sena - G - Espanola Valley
4. Isaiah Brooks - F - Capital
5. Jack Stewart - G - Los Alamos
6. Daniel Flores - G - Del Norte
7. Antonio Trujillo - G - Los Alamos
8. James Archuleta - F - Espanola Valley
9. Ronson Begay - W - Del Norte
10. Tyler Alarid - G - Capital

The Hounds picked up a 53-10 win over Panhandle St. on Sat. to clinch the 4th straight winning season and become Bowl Eligible. The win on Senior Night made this the Winningest Senior Class in the History of ENMU Football!

Wyatt Strand (QB Logan) 8-91 Rushing 1 TD, 5-10 Passing 163 Yards 3 TD’s
Kamal Cass (RB Clovis) 16-157 Rushing 2 TD’s
Ismael Garret (RB Deming) 2-18 Rushing 1 TD
J.J. Granados (RB Las Cruces) 1-8 Rushing
Daryl Wiggins (RB Del Norte) 2-8 Rushing
Miquel Rubio (RB Lake Arthur) 1-3 Rushing
Adam Lucero (QB Aztec) 1-1 Rushing
Brad Hardin (LB Aztec) 8 Tackles. 0.5 Sacks
Dakota Montoya (DL Clayton) 4 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 TFL
Michael Dunlap (LB Cleveland) 5 Tackles
Todd Countee (DB Manzano) 4 Tackles, 0.5 Sacks
Q. Branch (DB Manzano) 3 Tackles
Charles Countee (DB Manzano) 1 Tackle
Kolter West (LB Fort Sumner) 1 Fumble Recovery
Lane Cummings (C Las Cruces) Started on OL
Mister Birdo (T Albq. High) Started on OL
Isaiah Callahan (T Clovis) Rotated on OL
Rick Ornelas (C Cibola) Rotated on OL
Justin Slavey (T Aztec) Rotated on OL
Austin Patterson (WR Rio Rancho) Rotated at WR
Russel Montoya (WR Valley) Rotated at WR
Cody Miller (WR Grants) Rotated at WR
Anthony Segura (WR Capital) Rotated at WR
Mathew Car (OLB Ruidosa) Rotated at LB

Predict the 2017 State Tournament

I heard this today and it made me think of all the men that made a huge impact in my life from HS to College and including the men I was fortunate to coach with in youth football.

I also want to thank all the men that have made a huge impact in my kids lives and thank them for what they have sacrificed to help my boys grow into young men. Thank you to Coach Jernigan and the folks at Goddard, Coach Henderson and his team at Artesia and most importantly thanks to Coach Howes and the men from Rio Rancho High School who have invested so much in my boys and helped make them what they are and will be!

I hope you all enjoy this song as much as I did.

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NMPreps.com Pre-Season 2A Rankings

The 2016/2017 New Mexico High School basketball season is here and today we release our first look at the NMPreps.com pre-season rankings. The rankings could change closer to the first week of games but right now this is what we know heading into the season

More: Preseason Home | 1A Pre-Season Rankings

Overview

As we mentioned yesterday, 2A basketball will not have a defending 2A champion but has a reigning champion in the class with the Cliff Cowboys moving up from 1A basketball in 2015/2016. Unlike Melrose however the Cliff Cowboys will not be a favorite entering the season as they have lost Division-1 player Holt Shelley who is now playing for the University of New Mexico.

The favorites will be the team we have been talking about for a couple years in the Lordsburg Mavericks. The trio of Johnny Plowman, Ryamond Saucedo and Jacob Esquivel create one of the best trios in the state. The talented group has been playing together, on the varsity for a few years now and enter their senior campaign with something to prove.

Coming in at number two is the Magdalena Steers reached the semi-finals last season, posting a 24-6 season. They return perhaps one of the best shooting guards in the classification in junior Jorrell Mirabal who 20.3 points per game as a sophomore in 2015/2016. Also, return is the next two in terms of points per game with Athony Pino (16.8) and Richie Chavez (9.1) bringing back 83% of their scoring.

Rounding out the top-5 is the Mesilla Valley Christian Son Blazers, Mora Rangers and the Hagerman Bobcats. Mesilla Valley returns after a 16-13 season and graduate five. Mora returns with Santiago Laumbach after losing college prospect Casimiro Fresquez who signed with Northern New Mexico College. Hagerman returns their leading scorer in Devon Torres, and yes they will have troubles replacing the big man in Cruz Castillo but have 6-foot-1 Osbaldo Najera ready to fill the shoes.

NMPreps.com Preseason 2A Rankings
1. Lordsburg
2. Magdalena
3. Mesilla Valley
4. Mora
5. Hagerman
6. Fort Sumner
7. Gateway Christian
8. Menaul
9. Escalante
10. Cliff

X-Factors This Week?

Players, Positions, Coaches, home field etc?

Check out Texas Pro Showcase, www.texproshow.com. This is an opportunity to get in front of coaches from East Texas, OK, LA, MO and KS. It is run by Matt Anderson, he is a former college baseball coach and long-time amateur scout with the Braves, Expos, Marlins and he currently scouts for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The website has a lot of information; schedules, what schools attended last year, which schools are confirmed for this year. There also is video from last year's event, this year's event is November 5-7, 2016 and he has space available.

Sorry, this year's event is November 4-6!!

Stats
Chris Carnley - Alamogordo - 2 sacks.
David Johnson - Alamogordo - 188-yards receiving, 2 touchdowns.
Dee Smith - Alamogordo - 51-yards rushing, 81-yards receiving, 2 touchdowns.
Jacob Flores - Cleveland - 132-yards rushing
Josh Foley - Rio Rancho - 237-yards and 5 touchdowns.
JR Vargas - Capital - 135-yards rushing, 2 touchdowns.
Kyle Hooper - Alamogordo - 360-yards passing.
Niko Papadopoulos - Cleveland - 207-yards rushing, 2 touchdowns.
Shawn Nieto - Cleveland - 153-yards rushing


Scoring Drives
Angelo Trujillo to Daniel Johnson - Cleveland - 20-yard TD pass.
Isaac Torres - Cleveland - 51-yard punt return for a TD.