While I realize this isn't boys basketball-related, I'm eager to spread this headline throughout New Mexico. The Hobbs Lady Eagles, defending New Mexico 6A State Champs, are heading to Lubbock to take on Aaliyah Chavez and Monterey. Both teams are incredibly talented. Chavez is arguably the top high school female player in the entire USA. It promises to be an exciting game to watch and keep track of. Game is this Saturday at 3:30pm CST

While I realize this isn't football-related, I'm eager to spread this headline throughout New Mexico. What better way to do so than by featuring it during championship week in the football forum? The Hobbs Lady Eagles, defending New Mexico 6A State Champs, are heading to Lubbock to take on Aaliyah Chavez and Monterey. Both teams are incredibly talented. Chavez is arguably the top high school female player in the entire USA. It promises to be an exciting game to watch and keep track of.

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Post here or text to 505-414-4313/email to grinejosh@yahoo.com

Mr. Football
Player of the Year for each classification (6A - 6-Man)
All-New Mexico Team (Top Player for Each Position)
Position Players of the Year (QB, RB, WR, OL, DL, DE, LB, DB, K/P)
Coach of the Year
Assistant Coach of the Year

New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys Extend Offers to Local Gridiron Talents

Las Vegas, New Mexico - November 20, 2023

New Mexico Highlands University, under the leadership of Head Coach Ron Hudson, is making significant strides in recruiting local football prospects. The Division II school, competing in the Rocky Mountain Conference, has set its sights on building a formidable program with the wealth of talent that New Mexico has to offer. Here's a glimpse into some of the notable offers extended during this recruiting season.

Cleveland High School Trio (Class of 2024): Ben Linfoot, Karter Weddle, Chuka Tutman: A trio of promising talents from Cleveland High School's 2024 class, including Ben Linfoot, Karter Weddle, and Chuka Tutman, have received offers from New Mexico Highlands University. Their collective skills add depth to the Cowboys' recruitment efforts.

Brody Whitaker (Class of 2024) - Albuquerque Academy Chargers (4A): Brody Whitaker, a standout defensive player for the Albuquerque Academy Chargers in the 4A division, is considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 class. His potential contribution could make him a significant asset for the Cowboys.

CJ Perea (Class of 2025) - West Las Vegas High School Dons: CJ Perea, the skilled quarterback who led the West Las Vegas High School Dons this season, earned an offer from New Mexico Highlands University. Perea's prowess on the field has not gone unnoticed.

Dalton Lee (Class of 2024) - Albuquerque Academy Chargers (4A): Another prospect from the Albuquerque Academy Chargers, Dalton Lee, has secured an early offer from New Mexico Highlands University, showcasing the program's interest in building a diverse and talented roster.

Jackson Cherry (Class of 2024) - La Cueva High School Bears (6A): Instrumental to the La Cueva High School Bears' journey to the 2023 6A state championship game, Jackson Cherry has been a key player. His contribution has not only propelled his high school team but also garnered attention from New Mexico Highlands University.

Mark Handy (Class of 2025) - La Cueva High School High School (6A): Mark Handy, ranked as the number one offensive lineman in New Mexico, received an offer from New Mexico Highlands University early this summer. Despite his talents attracting interest from elsewhere - Texas Tech (Big 12), the Cowboys were the first to recognize his potential.

Matthew Lashley (Class of 2024) - Las Cruces High School (6A): Matthew Lashley, a prospect from Las Cruces High School in the 6A division, earned an offer this summer. His contributions have been integral to the Bulldawgs' success.

Ryan Brown (Class of 2024) - Rio Rancho High School Rams (6A): Ryan Brown, a talented linebacker for the Rio Rancho High School Rams in the 6A division, played a crucial role in guiding his team to the state semifinals.

Zachary Markham (Class of 2024) - Volcano Vista High School Hawks (6A): Zachary Markham, recognized as one of the top offensive linemen in New Mexico and playing for the Volcano Vista High School Hawks in the 6A division, has received attention from New Mexico Highlands University for his standout performances.

The Cowboys' commitment to recruiting locally showcases their dedication to fostering homegrown talent and building a competitive football program in Las Vegas, New Mexico. As these high school prospects weigh their options, New Mexico Highlands University remains an enticing destination for those looking to make a mark at the collegiate level.

Related

Story: New Mexico High School Football Latest Recruiting Buzz (Nov. 15th)

Offer from Culver-Stockton football

Offer from New Mexico Highlands University

Offer: New Mexico Highlands University

Offer from New Mexico Highlands University

Offer from New Mexico Highlands University

Offer from New Mexico Highlands University

Offer from New Mexico Highlands University

Offer from New Mexico Highlands University

Offer from NMHU

Offer from NMHU

Offer from Bethel College (Kansas)

Offer from Orange Coast College

*****WEEK 14 SCOREBOARD & SCHEDULE (NOV. 17TH/18TH)*****

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Friday, Nov. 17th
Cleveland 38, Rio Rancho 7 - F
La Cueva 63, Las Cruces 33 - F

Saturday, Nov. 18th
Artesia 50, Piedra Vista 0 - F
Lovington 45, Silver 26 - F
Portales 28, Bloomfield 21 - F
Robertson 16, Cobre 7 - F
Roswell 45, Deming 0 - F
St. Michael's 41, NMMI 0 - F
Texico 44, Eunice 7 - F

Nmsu 24
Auburn 7

****Week 14 Pick Em Challenge****

Portales vs Bloomfield, +10,000 (Portales is the upset +13,000)
Cobre at Robertson, +12,000 either way
Lovington at Silver, +11,000 (Silver is the upset +14,000)
Texico vs Eunice, +13,000 (Texico is the upset +15,000)

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Hot take: UNM’s win at Fresno St. is a more impressive win than NMSU’s win at Auburn. In the college RPI rankings today, Fresno St. is no. 28 and Auburn is no. 56.

High-Stakes Showdown: Artesia Bulldogs vs. Piedra Vista Panthers

In a highly anticipated 2023 New Mexico High School Football 5A State Semifinal, the defending state champions, the No. 2 Artesia Bulldogs (10-1 overall), are set to clash with the resilient No. 3 Piedra Vista Panthers (6-5 overall). The battleground is the iconic Artesia Bulldog Bowl, promising an electrifying encounter between two teams with distinct journeys to this pivotal moment.

Breakdown

Artesia Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are on a mission to secure their 32nd state championship, and their path to glory starts at their home turf. Artesia showcased their offensive prowess in the quarterfinals, securing a commanding 57-14 victory over Los Alamos Hilltoppers. With only one loss on the season against the formidable Roswell, the Bulldogs have been a force to be reckoned with, scoring an impressive 497 total points while maintaining defensive solidity with only 137 points allowed.

Quarterback Nye Estrada (2024) has been the maestro orchestrating the Bulldogs' offensive symphony, amassing over 1,500 passing yards and 19 passing touchdowns midway through the season. The dynamic RB Frankie Galindo (2025) has been a scoring machine with over 600 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Wide receiver Izac Cazares (2024) adds explosiveness to the Bulldogs' arsenal. Defensively, players like Phillip Finley (DB/2024) and Josiah Rodriguez (2024) have been instrumental, creating turnovers and making crucial stops.

Piedra Vista Panthers: As the relatively unknown contender, the Piedra Vista Panthers arrive as the underdogs, ready to defy expectations. Led by players like Adrian Jacquez (2025/LB and WR), Dylan McCoy (2024), and Mason Courtney (2026), the Panthers have quietly built momentum, winning six of their last seven games. Despite limited information, their performance speaks volumes, and they aim to carry the momentum into this clash with the defending champions.

Quarterback Felipe Begaye (2024) leads the Panthers' offense, supported by key players like Bodie Costa (2025/LB and RB), Brig Keiser (2025/TE), Andreas Romero (2024), Hunter Schwartz (2024), and the versatile Adrian Jacquez (2025/LB and WR).

Prediction

Prediction: Artesia enters as the favored home team and defending champions. The Bulldogs' potent offense and resilient defense make them a formidable force. While Piedra Vista has defied expectations before, the odds favor the experienced and talented Bulldogs. Uncertainty looms over QB Begaye, who is conspicuously absent from the team roster. Whether an error or a typo, this development raises additional questions, especially for a team known for its limited disclosure of player achievements and highlights.

Artesia is predicted to secure a 44-18 victory, setting the stage for a showdown with the winner of the other 5A semifinal between No. 1 Roswell and No. 5 Deming. The road to the championship intensifies for these two contenders, with the winner eyeing the ultimate prize in New Mexico high school football. (Artesia, -18.5)

NMPreps Saturday New Mexico High School Football Predictions

NMPreps Saturday New Mexico High School Football Predictions by Publisher Joshua J Grine

4A: No. 2 Lovington Wildcats vs No. 3 Silver Colts: The Lovington Wildcats, boasting an impressive 37 points per game, showcase a dynamic duo in QB Wyatt Gomez and WR Demarcus Thompson. The Wildcats demonstrate their offensive prowess with a convincing 39-22 victory over Silver on the blue turf of Lovington.

4A: No. 1 Bloomfield Bobcats vs No. 4 Portales Rams: In what promises to be the weekend's marquee matchup, this contest stands as a true coin flip. Despite initial considerations for an upset pick, the Rams' recent performance, particularly after their loss to Lovington and less-than-dominant showing against Bernalillo, steers the prediction toward the defending 4A champs. The Bloomfield Bobcats secure a hard-fought 28-21 win.

3A: No. 2 Robertson Cardinals vs No. 3 Cobre Indians: With numerous road trips on the schedule, the Indians embark on their second journey to Las Vegas, NM, for this semifinal showdown. The initial encounter resulted in a rain-soaked 3-0 gridlock. Watch out for Jess James Gonzales, a standout for the Cardinals and a potential x-factor. Expect a showcase of two evolving offenses, with Robertson defending their home field. However, the upset alert remains active, and the Cardinals secure a narrow 22-20 victory.

3A: No. 1 St. Michael's Horsemen vs No. 5 New Mexico Military Colts: For obvious reasons, no prediction is made for the St. Michael's Horsemen vs NMMI Colts game. Nevertheless, this 3A contest promises plenty of excitement, featuring standout players such as Cole Seidenberger, described as an absolute DAWG this season, and Cohen Tomasits, a force to be reckoned with. The Horsemen came alive with QB Reed Bass and WR Lucas Gurule connecting for a pair of touchdowns last week vs Raton in the quarterfinals. Share your predictions below.

Related: Other Previews and Predictions Here