What player is the X-Factor

Who is your upset pick

Coaching match up to watch

Under the radar game

Should have hype game

Close call game

Rivalry game

I'm curious to know where does NMAA park it's profits or how do they allocate their $?

I find this extremely interesting!!!

Texas players each worth over $670,000 per year

http://www.thescore.com/news/1132034

As we head into another weekend of HS, College and NFL football I find myself very excited! I love the game of football probably more than what some people may call normal. It paid for my education in college, it lead me to the life and family I have now. Lots of water has flowed under that bridge from the early and mid 90's but from time to time I find myself reminiscing about the old days and good times. I put this out there because I feel like I was coached and worked with some the best around. I look back on how Jim Hess and Tony Samuel and their coaching staffs treated and respected players, parents and opponents. To continue many people wonder why I like or dislike different teams from time to time. Most recently Notre Dame! Well when I was a student assistant at NMSU we traveled to South Carolina to play the Gamecocks a team, that at the time, was an upper level tier 1 team coached by non other than Lou Holtz. He was cordial, polite and was more than willing to share just a smidgen of his football knowledge with a young buck like myself. As usual SC sent us home with a large paycheck and a L in the loss column. Much to my surprise roughly a week later I received a letter from Coach Holtz. I'm sure every guy on staff and player probably received a letter I'm not sure, but it meant a lot to me for him to take the time to at least sign his name to that letter and share some encouraging words. I deeply regret not keeping that letter, how dumb are we when we were younger? Part of this story is to say how appreciative I am of those who coached me with respect but to also answer some questions about ND as a whole.
I don't like When I see the man on their sideline now yelling, punching and berating his team, YOU recruited them! I can't help but think back to 1989 when ND was a national champion coached by non other than Lou Holtz who took a 5'5" walk on kicker named HO and beat Michigan. Coach Holtz told his team after winning the National Championship that this was not the greatest accomplishment in their life, that they had more to do. Now then, that is a leader of young men. So no I don't like ND because they forced a man like that out for a string of inferior individuals, one of which didn't beat NMSU this year so go Aggies!! Which brings me to this Brian Kelly may be one of the worst coaches on a sideline I have ever seen and I'm sure coach Holtz hangs his head in shame when he sees this mans actions. In closing, to all those still strapping on a helmet and lacing up some cleats, play every play as it was your last, because it might be, listen to every instruction you get, it might be the one that helps win the game and be the best leader, teammate and inspiration to others you can be because you never know who is Watching, listening or paying attention to you for which you might make a difference. Enjoy the game and play it the way it's supposed to be played and coach it the way some great men have coached it before.

http://nmhsca.com/PageBuilder.aspx?page=allstarresearchcommittee

Thoughts??

Who goes? Where? When? Top Spots? Best Stories?

Some district games are cross country this week. Six hours one way for a district game. YIKES

All trips are round trip.

9. Portales vs Ruidoso 326 miles
8. Piedra Vista vs Cleveland 336
7. Tatum vs Cloudcroft 356 Miles
6. Springer vs Mountainair 408 Miles
5. Sante Fe vs Clovis 416 Miles
4 Animas vs Ft Hancock TX 472 Miles
3. Texico vs Raton 488 Miles
2. Hobbs vs Onate 550 Miles
1. Lordsburg vs Hagerman 630 Miles for a district game.

Week 9: Questions Facing Top 25 Teams

With three weeks left in the 2016 football season we look at questions facing the Top-25 teams heading into week 9 of the New Mexico High School football season.

No. 5 Centennial Hawks Can The Centennial Hawks keep the magic alive? As we have mentioned the Centennial Hawks are 5-0, in their young history, over other teams from the Las Cruces area. That says a lot as this was thee place for New Mexico High School football. The Hawks have to face one of the best quarterbacks in the state of New Mexico in Payton Ball who sits behind one of the best offensive lines. Centennial's defense has to contain Ball but apply enough pressure. Also, if the Bulldawgs start slow, they can't allow them to crawl back into it.

No. 7 Manzano Monarchs How do the Monarchs handle the week as the best team in District 2-6A? The Monarchs, to this point in the season have overachieved according to their projection. They are 5-2 on the season with both losses being to No. 5 Centennial and No. 1 Rio Rancho. They have slowly climbed the rankings and into the Top-10 for the first time this season. The question could be the depth as they have experienced injuries to ATH Jordan Byrd (concussion) and QB Michael Roybal (collarbone). Dakota Powell has played well at quarterback, the former backup, will play in his biggest role this season as they have the District Championship on the line - pressure?

No. 13 Roswell Coyotes Will the 13th ranked Coyotes have an encore game and back up being ranked 2nd in 5A football? The Coyotes haven't faced a team ranked in the Top-10 this season. Against Top-25 teams they are 4-1. However, this Artesia team will be the best that they have faced and an encore could be difficult with the fact that Artesia is solid all around. When the Coyotes faced a good 5A defense in Los Lunas they were held to their lowest total on the season with 14-points (they average 38 points per game). If they are going to have success, they have to put points on the board. Bear Kyser has played well recently but he has to perfect on Friday and when you play at the Bulldogs bowl that could be tough. In fact the x-factor might be Gabriel Najar the little mentioned running back has 400-yards and will need to find ways to move the chains on Friday.

Questions Unanswered

How Does Onate respond from winning once already this week, with a game against an upset hungry Hobbs team?

Can No. 11 Eldorado win a big game?

Does Los Lunas have enough to battle St. Pius with injuries to Samuels and Gaerlan?

Will Moriarty be able to stop a better offense in Hope Christian after giving up 35 to NMMI?

Week 9 Bold Statements

NMPreps.com Pre-Season 1A 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 Coverage

Overview

One thing that we are certain about is that we will have a new 1A state champion in 2017. However, we can still have a repeat, how? Cliff, who won the state championship in 2016 has been moved UP to 2A basketball. Last years 2A champion Melrose has moved down to 1A basketball.

We start off with our preseason number one ranked team in the Springer Red Devils who are not afraid to let the rock fly from behind the three point line. The Red Devils went 26-5 last season and played for the 1A title in 2016. They return the entire roster, minus losing one to graduation. Damien Blahbach, Isaiah Garcia and Estevan Romero will look to make a run at the title this season.

Coming in at number two is the 2A champion Melrose Buffaloes who would have likely be the favorite along with a top team in the state overall but lost a player who could have been ranked in the Top-25 had he stayed. The Buffaloes still have plenty of talent on this roster though and will ride the shoulders of Cason Fraze who played well in the state tournament.

Quemado falls in line at number three after a 23-8 season and semi-final appearance. Hondo Valley has a new head coach but after a 27-3 season and returning Simon Gonzales (23 ppg) and Antonio Vasquez (17 ppg) you have to like them to stay among the top in this classification. The surprise team in the top-5 could be Reserve who checks in a number five. They went 11-16 last season, only graduate three players and might be the dark horse.

NMPreps.com Pre-Season 1A Rankings
1. Springer
2. Melrose
3. Quemado
4. Hondo Valley
5. Reserve
6. Maxwell
7. Floyd
8. Evangel Christian
9. San Jon
10. Grady

Small School Football in Week 9

This week we take a look at the games around the state in 4A/3A/2A and 8-man along with 6-man football.

Week nine features, for the first time, four teams ranked in the Top-25 from Small School Division football. Three of the four are from 4A and one from 3A.

Ranked Teams: Top 3 Games (Plus One)

No. 18 Moriarty (7-0) vs Hope Christian (3-5): Hope Christian has lost 5 of their last 6 games. Moriarty currently undefeated and ranked 18th in the state.

No. 19 Robertson (7-0) vs No. 33 St. Mikes (5-2): Robertson has played well recently winning their last four by a score of 200-33. St. Mike's on a three game win streak is coming off a 55-12 win over Pojoaque Valley.

No. 21 Hatch Valley (6-1) vs No. 43 Silver (3-5): The defending champs are on a three game win streak since dropping their first game. Silver a 3-win team that could make this one close but will need to defend one of the most talented rosters in 4A.

No. 22 Estancia (7-1) vs Dulce (3-4): Estancia is on a 12-game home game win streak and this one could be over before the 4th quarter starts. The Bears are only getting better, set up for a repeat.

Players On the Mr. Football Radar

It is not impossible that a small school football player will win the top award. Jacob Jameson from Lovington, when the school was 3A, took home the award. Right now a player in high consideration for the award and in our Top-5 for the running is Ezekiel Tapia, the Estancia running back. We are also going to have our Small School Player of the Year award that the players will be listed.

Others

Shane Cooper, QB, Hatch Valley
Saul Trujillo, RB, Hatch Valley
Cade Hackey, WR, Hatch Valley
Elijah Tapia, Moriarty
Dylan Tapia, Moriarty
Johnny Plowman, Lordsburg
Darrion Williams, West Las Vegas

Please provide us with stats: grinejosh@yahoo.com

Picks
Friday, October 21st
Animas 6-0 vs. Ft. Hancock 2-2 (Animas)
Cobre 3-4 vs. Hot Springs 4-4 (Cobre)
Cuba 1-6 vs. Laguna 4-3 (Laguna-Acoma)
Dora 3-4 vs. Logan 3-4 (Dora)
Dulce 3-4 vs. Estancia 6-1 (Estancia)
Gateway 7-0 vs. Carrizozo 5-1 (Gateway)
Hatch 6-1 vs. Silver 3-5 (Hatch Valley)
Hope 3-5 vs. Moriarty 7-0 (Hope Christian)
Lake Arthur 4-2 vs. Vaughn 4-2 (Vaughn)
Lordsburg 4-2 vs. Hagerman 2-4 (Lordsburg)
Magdalena 7-1 vs. Foothill 4-3 (Magdalena)
Menual 2-4 vs. Alamo Navajo 1-5 (Menual)
MVCS 4-2 vs. Mescalero 3-5 (Mesilla Valley)
Navajo Prep 2-5 vs. Thoreau 1-7 (Navajo Prep)
Portales 6-1 vs. Ruidoso 5-3 (Portales)
San Jon 5-0 vs. Floyd 2-3 (San Jon)
SFIS 2-6 vs. Bernalillo 0-7 (Bernalillo)
Springer 2-4 vs. Mountaineer 6-2 (Mountainair)
Tatum 0-8 vs. Cloudcroft 4-3 (Cloudcroft)
Texico 1-5 vs. Raton 5-3 (Texico)
Tucumcari 1-6 vs. Santa Rosa 2-6 (Santa Rosa)
Tularosa 1-7 vs. Dexter 7-1 (Dexter)
West LV 6-1 vs. Taos 3-4 (West Las Vegas)
Wingate 3-4 vs. Shiprock 4-3 (Shiprock)
Capitan vs. Loving 1-6 (Capitan)

Saturday, October 22nd
Robertson 7-0 vs. St. Mike’s 5-2 (Robertson)

Give Me Five: Rapid Fire

Upset I Wouldn't Be Shocked If Happened: Hope over Moriarty.
Upset I Would Be Shocked If Happened: Hot Springs over Cobre.
Too Close for Comfort: Gateway vs Carrizozo
Under Radar Game: Tucumcari vs Santa Rosa
Reaching - My Upset Pick: Bernalillo (End a 20-game losing streak)

Pick 'EM Leaderboard - Week 8

Tournament - Top 32 Players
Round 1 will be Week 11 (Two Weeks Left)

Top 32


Outside the Top 32

Week 9

Week 9: Playoff Watch
6A
1. Rio Rancho
2. Cleveland
3. Las Cruces
4. Manzano
5. Centennial
6. Onate
7. Clovis
8. Volcano Vista
9. Eldorado
10. Mayfield
11. La Cueva
12. West Mesa

5A
1. Artesia
2. Roswell
3. St. Pius X
4. Belen
5. Goddard
6. Los Lunas
7. Alamogordo
8. Aztec
9. Del Norte
10. Farmington
11. Miyamura
12. Grants

4A
1. Robertson
2. Hatch Valley
3. Moriarty
4. Portales
5. Ruidoso
6. St. Mikes
7. Cobre
8. West Las Vegas
9. Silver
10. Hope Christian
11. NMMI
12. Shiprock





Week 8: NMPreps.com State Playoff Watch

6A
1. Rio Rancho (7-0)
2. Cleveland (6-1)
3. Las Cruces (6-1)
4. Centennial (6-1)

How We Got Here: Rio Rancho is the obvious. The 2-seed might have some arguments, likely not. Cleveland gets the nod according to the process for seeding and selection. They have the H-2-H (Head to Head), wins against potential DC's. Las Cruces falls into the third slot. Centennial might be the surprise pick for the 4-seed, they'll need some help, but why settled on the Hawks. Overall record, still possible DC and the big one is possible wins against DC's. Right now Albuquerque and Manzano are tied for first in their district.

5. Clovis (4-2)
6. Manzano (4-2)
7. Volcano Vista (5-1)
8. Mayfield (4-2)

How We Got Here: Okay, the "what if" section if you have one. Clovis and Manzano are in an unofficial district championship game (if both win out). One could drop in the seed one could stay. Volcano Vista is in tough situation as a (5-1) record could be. They play in district 1-6A and possible they finish third with a 7-3 record. They have the win over Mayfield in their favor. The win over Atrisco Heritage could also help if they win out, however they still hold the win over West Mesa - those two play each other this week. West Mesa win will only help Volcano Vista jump to a possible 5 or 6. Mayfield now has a record of 4-2 (read the Onate) thread to know why. This moves them up, they keep winning they might find themselves in the 4 spot.

9. Eldorado (3-3)
10. La Cueva (3-3)
11. Onate (1-5)
12. West Mesa (2-4)

How we got here: Eldorado has the Volcano Vista win in their favor here. However, they need to finish in third at the very least. La Cueva (3-3) needs to finish above Sandia, if Sandia wins, then we could start thinking about Cibola - yes, I said that. Onate in most cases would be out right now. Why in? Where it gets tricky is wins to Sandia and Atrisco Heritage that would keep em out. Time to play spoiler and throw this thing in chaos if they win out (Las Cruces, Centennial and Hobbs). West Mesa still our projected winner in 4-6A.

5A
1. Artesia
2. Los Lunas
3. Roswell
4. Alamogordo

Alamogordo might seem like the reach. They will likely be a DC and have the SPX win.

5. St. Pius X
6. Goddard
7. Belen
8. Farmington
9. Del Norte
10. Miyamura
11. Aztec
12. Kirtland Central
First Out: Grants

4A
1. Robertson
2. Moriarty
3. Hatch Valley
4. Portales

Moriarty could use the help of Capital winning 2-5A. If they don't maybe a small slide to 4. Robertson's win over Estancia plays into the 1-seed.

5. Ruidoso
6. St. Mike's
7. West Las Vegas
8. Cobre

West Las Vegas still has to get through St. Mikes. Cobre could jump but that will be a wait and see.

9. Silver
10. Hope Christian
11. Pojoaque Valley
12. Shiprock

Grine: Foley, Fort Sumner and Week 9

The football season is coming to a quick close and we try to look at what we could see the rest of the season.

Mr. Football Candidates

Josh Foley, Sr, Rio Rancho: Foley rushed over 100-yards again this week in a win over previously 4th ranked Volcano Vista (No. 7 Fab 50 Rankings). He has 1,189-yards and 19-touchdowns. Also, has 268-receiving yards with 4 touchdowns. Headline is a 99-yard INT pick 6.

Trevor Brohard, Sr, Los Lunas: Maybe, the best candidate, that is the least talked about candidate. Brohard not only plays both sides of the ball, he is solid on both sides. 182-yards receiving, 2-touchdowns along with 85-tackles.

Ezekiel Tapia, Sr, Estancia: The Estancia Bears are in position for a 3-peat if they continue to play as well as they have. Tapia, has 1,359-yards and 19 touchdowns this year.

James Martin, Sr, Onate: Martin has played well, Onate was a title contender and he has 47-tackles along with 9-sacks. He was also the NMPreps.com Tate Branch Player of the Week for week 6.

Nikko Papadopoulos, Sr, RB, Cleveland: The running back has hit the scene like a freight train. Nikko has 514-yards (missing a game or two), 11-touchdowns and an average of 102.8-yards per game. He was the week 5 player of the week.

Who Stays Undefeated The Rest of The Way

Rio Rancho (8-0): I think we all agree with the statement that Rio Rancho will be 10-0. The rest of the schedule has No. 24 Cibola (3-5) and Piedra Vista (5-2).

Robertson (7-0): They have a two game stretch coming up that appears to be rough with two Fab 50 teams, plus they are both on the road but we feel they are a couple touchdowns better. They have St Mikes, West Las Vegas and end with Pojoaque Valley.

Fort Sumner (8-0): Well, we had two choices in 2A football to go with and they both play each other on the final weekend, October 28th. Yes, this means that I am picking Fort Sumner that final week in Pick 'Em.

Gateway Chrisitan (7-0): A couple weeks ago we would have maybe leaned to a possible upset. The ship appears to be sailing in the right direction again. They have Carrizozo and Cloudcroft on the schedule.

Other Undefeated Teams

Moriarty (7-0): The Pintos are have a great year but might have two difficult games coming up in district play with Portales (No. 32) and Ruidoso (No. 41) left on the schedule. Also, this week they have a Hope Christian team that could sneak up.

Escalante (8-0): We mentioned above the loss they could have entering the playoffs.

Week 9: Ten Things To Look Forward Too

Three weeks left in the regular season - yes that is correct - we wait days, months and plenty of hours and poof it's over. Today, we look at the Week 9 slate of games and the possibility it could bring

Top Three Games

No. 3 Las Cruces vs No. 5 Centennial: Las Cruces squeaked by Carlsbad on Saturday. Centennial keeps proving the naysayers wrong (they are too small, they can't hang in 6A.....etc). This one appears to be for a bye in the State Playoffs and District 3-6A title. Keep in mind Centennial has yet to lose a game to a team in Las Cruces. (mind blown)

No. 4 Artesia vs No. 13 Roswell: Both teams are ranked in the Top-25 this season and released today was the 5A classification rankings - Artesia ranked one, Roswell ranked two. We all know Southeast New Mexico is football but it is evident this season and these two are semi-final favorites, Goddard too.

No. 6 Manzano vs No. 11 Eldorado: This could also be labeled by the Shania Twain (yes, I am referencing her) "That Don't Impress Me Much". Manzano has been riding the tide on it's way to a 5-2 record, well under the radar. It's time to take notice. I think what will finally make us buy into the Monarchs is a win here as they would take command of the district. Eldorado is the team that is in question. They need a big win, this is that chance.

Games We Wouldn't Be Shocked If Upset

No. 25 Hobbs over No. 10 Onate: Not because we think Onate is not solid this year. But you have to consider the emotional breakdown this program endured with their playoff hopes lost. Also, Hobbs has been playing better with a close loss to Las Cruces and stomping Gadsden. Look out for Gavin Hardison to continue being in the headlines.

Hope Christian at No. 18 Moriarty: The Pintos won last week, dropped a spot in the rankings from 17, because they just didn't send a statement having to fight off an upset, unranked, minded NMMI team in week 8. Hope Christian is a few possessions away from being ranked or sitting with a better record.

No. 35 Aztec at No. 28 Farmington: Granted that the Scoprions (2-4-1) are playing better recently after a 0-4-1 start to the season. Aztec is the gunslinging team that might have enough in the cannon to pull off an upset here. Maybe an old fashion shootout in 5A.

Games We Will Be Shocked If Upset (But Anything Can Happen)

No. 40 Albuquerque vs No. 30 West Mesa: The Mustangs are winning District 4-6A. Okay, we knew that but they haven't been as dominant as we projected. The Albuquerque Bulldogs are coming off a lose to Valley. Valley's first win that is. Bulldogs are still a good team.

No. 33 St. Mikes vs No. 19 Robertson: Robertson has been running over teams this season. St. Mikes at 5-2 just thumped Pojoaque Valley and starting to return to form. Granted this game is in Santa Fe, I would still take Robertson but it's worth putting on the radar.

No. 41 Ruidoso vs No. 32 Portales: I'm taking Portales in this game, I think the loss to Dexter a few weeks ago only helped this team from here until the playoffs. Ruidoso however just poured 53-points in a win last week. Both could win a game or two in the playoffs this one should be fun.

Game I Would Take For An Upset

No. 44 Kirtland Central vs No. 29 Miyamura: Kirtland Central hasn't looked good enough to bet the house on but Miyamura hasn't been a solid foundational house either. They are the team that plays to the level of competition - close with Pius for the most part, barely beat Bloomfield.

http://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/...principal-reassigned-scandal/4296246/?cat=500

Thoughts??

these NM guys made the cut:
Nate Arrington - Carlsbad
Nick Romenelli - Mayfield
Izaiah Apodaca - Santa Fe
Tyler Scheler - Sandia
Gavin Maloney - NMMI

Just saw a tweet from Mark Rudi of the Las Cruces Sun News indicating Oñate has forfeited 4 out of its 5 wins due to use of ineligible player.Only win they did not forfeit is the Carlsbad win.

OK everyone needs to understand how huge of a win this is. Pampa had some very good wins this year against some very tough and tradition rich Texas Panhandle teams. This may well be the biggest win by a NM team in a very long time. Congrats to Hatch and this is a signature win for the program.

Belen 22, Los Lunas 21
Centennial 35, Mayfield 28

Thoughts

Rio is currently ranked 82nd by Max Preps Nationally. NM teams getting some love! Go Rams.....

What you got!

I know this is the big school thread but not much activity happens on the small school board and I'm hoping to get some feedback here.
Navajo pine forfeited to escalante this week. Just curious if Navajo pine didn't have enough to field a team (they've been playing games, this is their first forfeit)? Or if they just didn't want to play the game?
Anyone know? Or have some insight on this?

Topic: Arm Care

What is your take on when should kids start throwing breaking balls in games? What are some things you do for arm injury prevention?

Rio Rancho is Blazing up the Maxpreps National Rankings. They are currently sitting @ 75th. Way to Go Rams!

http://www.maxpreps.com/m/rankings/list.aspx?gendersport=boys,football&page=3