Week Three Coverage and Features
Monday: Fab 50 Rankings
Monday: Classification Rankings
Tuesday: Player of The Week from Week Two
Tuesday: Most Likely To Upset
Tuesday: Best Chance at 3-0
Tuesday: Top 40 Defenders After Two Weeks
Wednesday: Top 25 Preview (Below)
Thursday: Small School Division Preview
Thursday: Staff Picks
Thursday: NMPreps Tackle Twelve (State Tournament Predictions)
Friday: Rapid Fire
Friday: Weekend Trends. Grine Bold Picks
Friday: 5 Questions for Top-25
Friday: LIVE SCORES
All: It's Friday: The Week Three One Stop
TOP 50 GAME PREVIEWS
No. 1 Rio Rancho (2-0) at No. 7 Clovis (2-0): The number one team in the state of New Mexico continues their difficult schedule with another Top-10 battle with the Clovis Wildcats (No. 7 NMPreps.com Fab 50). The Clovis Wildcats have been on a scoring frenzy early this season averaging 40 points per game but being dominate on defense as well. The Rio Rancho Rams are off to a hot start with a win over Mayfield (No. 4) and a Top-5 team from El Paso. However, the Rams enter the game with banged up Josh Foley and it could create the opportunity for an upset. Rio Rancho however will just call the next Ram up with a deep, talented roster. Rio Rancho will try to keep the scoring lower than usual because a shootout might be tough to overcome if Foley is out.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 28, Clovis 27
No. 2 Cleveland (2-0) vs No. 3 Las Cruces (2-0): The game of the week could very well between the second ranked Cleveland Storm and the third ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs. Cleveland continues to look vulnerable this season, scrapping out wins late in the game but the are getting the job done. Las Cruces improved from week one to week two, or better yet from week one (first half) to week two. Cleveland will absolutely have to play four quarters in this game as we know Las Cruces only gets better as the game goes on.
Prediction: Las Cruces 33, Cleveland 23
No. 3 Las Cruces (2-0) at No. 2 Cleveland (2-0): The game of the week could very well between the second ranked Cleveland Storm and the third ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs. Cleveland continues to look vulnerable this season, scrapping out wins late in the game but the are getting the job done. Las Cruces improved from week one to week two, or better yet from week one (first half) to week two. Cleveland will absolutely have to play four quarters in this game as we know Las Cruces only gets better as the game goes on.
Prediction: Las Cruces 33, Cleveland 23
No. 4 Mayfield (1-1) vs No. 6 Eldorado (1-1): The better 1-loss team is? This could be the game to determine the fate for the other win their seed comes out when the brackets are revealed. Mayfield, shaky in the opening game rebounded well last week. Eldorado made a statement with a win over Volcano Vista last week after letting the opener against Las Cruces go by. Eldorado can score, Mayfield can't afford a shootout with them because unlike LC they haven't lit up the scoreboard much this season.
Prediction: Eldorado 40, Mayfield 24
No. 5 Artesia (2-0) vs No. 44 Valencia (0-2): Artesia is the top team in 5A, Valencia is not. Not really much to write in this contest as it could be over by the time we finish typing this preview. Artesia just loaded with weapons will score at will. Valencia will need to get creative if they won't to go four quarters. This program is a couple years away from returning to a deep playoff threat. Look for Artesia QB Taylor Null to rack up some Mr. Football numbers along with the supporting caste members.
Prediction: Artesia 50, Valencia 7
No. 6 Eldorado (1-1) vs No. 4 Mayfield (1-1): The better 1-loss team is? This could be the game to determine the fate for the other win their seed comes out when the brackets are revealed. Mayfield, shaky in the opening game rebounded well last week. Eldorado made a statement with a win over Volcano Vista last week after letting the opener against Las Cruces go by. Eldorado can score, Mayfield can't afford a shootout with them because unlike LC they haven't lit up the scoreboard much this season.
Prediction: Eldorado 40, Mayfield 24
No. 7 Clovis (2-0) vs No. 1 Rio Rancho (2-0): The number one team in the state of New Mexico continues their difficult schedule with another Top-10 battle with the Clovis Wildcats (No. 7 NMPreps.com Fab 50). The Clovis Wildcats have been on a scoring frenzy early this season averaging 40 points per game but being dominate on defense as well. The Rio Rancho Rams are off to a hot start with a win over Mayfield (No. 4) and a Top-5 team from El Paso. However, the Rams enter the game with banged up Josh Foley and it could create the opportunity for an upset. Rio Rancho however will just call the next Ram up with a deep, talented roster. Rio Rancho will try to keep the scoring lower than usual because a shootout might be tough to overcome if Foley is out.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 28, Clovis 27
No. 8 Onate (1-1) vs No. 10 Sandia (2-0): We continue to highlight one exciting list of games that are taking place in week three. This one is the game that will have playoff implications and more importantly who gets the better seed in November. Onate after week one was a talk of being a possible dark horse with a narrow loss to Cleveland, then week two when they should have dominated they didn't. Sandia has been nothing but dominate this season but can they do that against a team ranked in the Top-25? This one will be a mixed bag of emotions with an offense in Sandia that has talent, left and right against the defense that Onate has talent wise.
Prediction: Sandia 24, Onate 17
No. 9 Centennial (2-0) vs No. 13 La Cueva (1-1): Another North vs South contest that has plenty of playoff answers to be revealed. Lose and it could cost you a home game, lose and it might cost you a playoff spot. Centennial fought back last week against fellow District 2-6A foe for the La Cueva Bears in the Manzano Monarchs. A measuring stick for both teams as the Bears look to get the upset win that they almost made the right gamble on against No. 2 Cleveland in week two. La Cueva plays to their offensive strength they can upset, Centennial allows them to put points up they might not have enough to climb back against a better O.
Prediction: Centennial 29, La Cueva 26
No. 10 Sandia (2-0) vs No. 8 Onate (1-1): We continue to highlight one exciting list of games that are taking place in week three. This one is the game that will have playoff implications and more importantly who gets the better seed in November. Onate after week one was a talk of being a possible dark horse with a narrow loss to Cleveland, then week two when they should have dominated they didn't. Sandia has been nothing but dominate this season but can they do that against a team ranked in the Top-25? This one will be a mixed bag of emotions with an offense in Sandia that has talent, left and right against the defense that Onate has talent wise.
Prediction: Sandia 24, Onate 17
No. 11 Manzano (1-1) vs No. 22 Cibola (0-2): Featured in our Week Three Upset Games to Watch, the Manzano Monarchs still needing to the critics (Grine). Manzano, has played well above expectations but this game could serve as the unofficial play-in bubble type of game. The Monarchs look to be playing well on both ends while Cibola has been either really good on offense or shutout. Can Cibola put up points against a good defense in Manzano, a team with some underrated talent thus far. Should be a game to watch that we aren't thinking about with other high profile games but something is telling me to not miss this one.
Prediction: Manzano 26, Cibola 10
No. 12 Volcano Vista (1-1) vs No. No. 28 West Mesa (1-1): The theme in the teens is the potential for upset. Volcano Vista earned some props after a week one smack down win, but didn't have the follow up we hoped to give them that contender title. West Mesa is the best team in their district, however that has earned much respect. This game could do that for them. Volcano Vista will need a solid offensive showing, West Mesa can't allow 40-points again without any production on the offensive side of the ball. Now is the chance to get a team that is down or will Volcano Vista come out with revenge on their mind after last week, taking it out on West Mesa?
Prediction: Volcano Vista 37, West Mesa 13
No. 13 La Cueva (1-1) vs No. 9 Centennial (2-0): Another North vs South contest that has plenty of playoff answers to be revealed. Lose and it could cost you a home game, lose and it might cost you a playoff spot. Centennial fought back last week against fellow District 2-6A foe for the La Cueva Bears in the Manzano Monarchs. A measuring stick for both teams as the Bears look to get the upset win that they almost made the right gamble on against No. 2 Cleveland in week two. La Cueva plays to their offensive strength they can upset, Centennial allows them to put points up they might not have enough to climb back against a better O.
Prediction: Centennial 29, La Cueva 26
No. 14 Piedra Vista (2-0) vs Durango, Colorado (1-1): The Piedra Vista Panthers have had to prove they are legit, two weeks in a row. Well, notice taken Panthers as they look to be one of the final teams standing at 3-0 in 6A football. The Panthers were tasked with winning all of their pre-district games if they wanted any chance at the playoffs. So far so good. Also, Durango, who went undefeated last season should cause too much trouble this season as they are currently in rebuild losing last week to No. 39 Aztec, 13-12. How long can they continue going? The offense has plenty of weapons but so does the defense, you could see both shine real well in this game.
Prediction: Piedra Vista 42, Durango, Co. 12
No. 15 Los Lunas (2-0) vs No. 37 Del Norte (0-1-1): The Los Lunas Tigers had a playoff show down last week and answered the call on the road. Del Norte neither helped or hurt their playoff chances after tying with Farmington (20-20). Not likely for any upset watch in this game but maybe showing some fight could prove to help their worth for a playoff seed. Los Lunas is blessed with too much talent for the Knights in this contest. Del Norte, has been better from week one to week two but the offense will need to match that fire power of the the Tigers offense.
Prediction: Los Lunas 45, Del Norte 14
No. 16 Alamogordo (1-1) vs No. 33 Valley (0-2): The Alamogordo Tigers will look to regroup after a tough battle loss to No. 15 Los Lunas last week. Valley, who hasn't shown up on the offensive side of the ball much this season will need to make huge strides if they want any chance at an upset. The loss could drop the Vikings further in the rankings and start thinking about 2017. Alamogordo can't afford a bad loss, the Los Lunas one will not hurt, but if they can't rebound smoothly a loss here could create more questions and a spiral (we all remember last seasons spiral).
Prediction: Alamogordo 33, Valley 12
No. 17 St. Pius X (2-0) vs No. 42 Hope Christian (2-0): The Sartans enter the game a heavy favorite over the Hope Christian Huskies as two Albuquerque Private schools collide. While Hope has shined in two wins over Taos and Albuquerque Academy behind the running of Neal Taylor (289-yards) the St. Pius defense is loaded everywhere. The Sartans have only allowed 15-points this season and backed with an offense that has even more weapons this could be an early exit.
Prediction: St. Pius X 50, Hope Christian 6
No. 18 Roswell (2-0) vs No. 20 Hobbs (0-2): Considering the Coyotes loss of key players, nobody truly knew what to expect from the Roswell roster. Facing inferior competition in the opening games winning 58-0 (Gadsden) and 54-6 (Ruidoso) this could be one of the better unknown juggernauts. Hobbs has struggled out the gate this season dropping opening games by large margins and this one, if they let it, could end in the same fashion that both teams have experienced this season. Ranked close, Roswell still the heavy favorite in this match.
Prediction: Roswell 33, Hobbs 14
No. 19 Belen (2-0) vs No. 24 Farmington (0-1-1): What could turn out to be a playoff game or playoff play-in game is one of the little discussed match between an improved Belen team against a Farmington team that we are waiting to see live up to the preseason hype. Belen has been a scoring machine winning last week 63-22 while Farmington dropped the first game going scoreless and then finishing in a rare tie with a team outside the Top-25. This could be the test we have waited for, for both teams. In or out? However, Belen can't afford to lose and the way they have been playing their offense might deem to much for a Farmington team not playing up to potential.
Prediction: Belen 37, Farmington 21
No. 20 Hobbs (0-2) at No. 18 Roswell (2-0): Considering the Coyotes loss of key players, nobody truly knew what to expect from the Roswell roster. Facing inferior competition in the opening games winning 58-0 (Gadsden) and 54-6 (Ruidoso) this could be one of the better unknown juggernauts. Hobbs has struggled out the gate this season dropping opening games by large margins and this one, if they let it, could end in the same fashion that both teams have experienced this season. Ranked close, Roswell still the heavy favorite in this match.
Prediction: Roswell 33, Hobbs 14
No. 21 Carlsbad (0-2) at No. 23 Goddard (1-1): Two teams ranked near each other, two teams with different story lines early into the 2016 season. Carlsbad still on the learning curve dropping opening games to Artesia and Clovis, two teams ranked in the Top-10. Goddard looked like Goddard of old in the opener only to drop one at home to Piedra Vista. This game could be another to cause trouble for the Rockets of Goddard with a Carlsbad team that is underrated on defense. Keeping it low and tight, Carlsbad could sneak up on the Rockets.
Prediction: Carlsbad 20, Goddard 18
No. 22 Cibola (0-2) vs No. 11 Manzano (1-1): Featured in our Week Three Upset Games to Watch, the Manzano Monarchs still needing to the critics (Grine). Manzano, has played well above expectations but this game could serve as the unofficial play-in bubble type of game. The Monarchs look to be playing well on both ends while Cibola has been either really good on offense or shutout. Can Cibola put up points against a good defense in Manzano, a team with some underrated talent thus far. Should be a game to watch that we aren't thinking about with other high profile games but something is telling me to not miss this one.
Prediction: Manzano 26, Cibola 10
No. 23 Goddard (1-1) vs No. 21 Carlsbad (0-2): Two teams ranked near each other, two teams with different story lines early into the 2016 season. Carlsbad still on the learning curve dropping opening games to Artesia and Clovis, two teams ranked in the Top-10. Goddard looked like Goddard of old in the opener only to drop one at home to Piedra Vista. This game could be another to cause trouble for the Rockets of Goddard with a Carlsbad team that is underrated on defense. Keeping it low and tight, Carlsbad could sneak up on the Rockets.
Prediction: Carlsbad 20, Goddard 18
No. 24 Farmington (0-1-1) at No. 19 Belen (2-0): What could turn out to be a playoff game or playoff play-in game is one of the little discussed match between an improved Belen team against a Farmington team that we are waiting to see live up to the preseason hype. Belen has been a scoring machine winning last week 63-22 while Farmington dropped the first game going scoreless and then finishing in a rare tie with a team outside the Top-25. This could be the test we have waited for, for both teams. In or out? However, Belen can't afford to lose and the way they have been playing their offense might deem to much for a Farmington team not playing up to potential.
Prediction: Belen 37, Farmington 21
No. 25 Moriarty (2-0) vs No. 30 St. Michael's (2-0): Moriarty has enjoyed its welcoming party to 4A football, ranked number one in the classification this preseason they have backed it with opening wins of 47-0 and 41-0. St. Michael's a veteran in the classification will look to bring that party to an end as the toughest opponent yet for the Pintos. St. Michael's will need to look better on both ends of the ball, especially the offense as Moriarty has been a pleasant beast on with a pair of shutouts. If it comes down to offense Moriarty, if it comes to defense a wash as St. Michael's has been a strength as well holding teams to 18 and 12.
Prediction: Moriarty 22, St. Mikes 14
Outside the Top-25
No. 26 Hatch Valley (2-0) vs Centennial Junior Varsity (N/A): The defending champs have looked solid early on, in championship form. Prediction: Hatch, 40-10.
No. 27 Robertson (2-0) vs Santa Rosa (0-2): Robertson has all the weapons to dominate against a struggling Santa Rosa team. Prediction: Robertson, 35-12.
No. 28. West Mesa (1-1) vs No. 12 Volcano Vista (1-1): West Mesa has the chance to sneak up on a wounded Hawks team. Prediction: Volcano Vista, 37-13.
No. 29 Portales (2-0) vs West Las Vegas (2-0): West is off to a great start, Portales is a different beast though in a different tier. Prediction: Portales 42-12.
No. 30 St. Michael's (2-0) vs No. 25 Moriarty (2-0): Like this game as the contender vs real contender game. Notice I didn't say pretender - both should play late into playoffs. Prediction: Moriarty 22-14.
No. 31 Estancia (1-1) vs Tucumari (0-2): Estancia is putting up 38 points a game, Tucumcari allowing 36 a game. Estancia should roll easy. Prediction: Estancia, 40-13.
No. 32 Capital (0-2) vs Santa Fe (0-1): The game that could become the upset of week three with a non-Top 50 team winning. Capital looking to re-group, Santa Fe looking to end the streak. Prediction: Santa Fe, 24-21 *UPSET PICK
No. 33 Valley (0-2) vs No. 16 Alamogordo (1-1): Valley could be off to a rocking 0-3 start playing against their third consecutive Top-25 team. Alamogordo coming off an emotional loss could take out some anger. Prediction: Alamogordo 33-12.
No. 34 Atrisco Heritage Academy (0-2): Open during week three.
No. 35 Albuquerque (1-1): Open during week three.
No. 36 Miyamura (2-0): Open during week three.
No. 37 Del Norte (0-1-1) vs No. 15 Los Lunas (2-0): It doesn't get much easier for the Knights as they face a red hot Los Lunas team. I like the Knights but there is no endangering this Tiger. Prediction: Los Lunas, 45-14.
No. 38 Lordsburg (1-1) vs Tularosa (0-2): This one could get ugly as Lordsburg the top dawg in 2A will go against a Tularosa who is finding it hard to locate the end zone only having 6-points between two games. Prediction: Lordsburg 48-3.
No. 39 Aztec (1-1) vs Bayfield (1-1): Aztec is coming off a close 13-12 win over Durango, Colorado last week they hope to grab another against Bayfield, Colorado. Bayfield handled Bloomfield last week 35-0. Prediction: Bayfield 24-23.
No. 40 Silver (0-2) vs Deming (0-2): Both teams in this southwest battle are searching for any answers. It is a toss up of teams needing a win. Neither has done well offensively with Silver averaging 9.5 a game and Deming 10.5. Deming shown better on D but competition hasn't been close to the openers for Silver. Prediction: Silver 24-20.
No. 41 Escalante (2-0) vs Dulce (1-0): The Lobos continue to be one of the top football programs in their classification. With a quick road trip to Dulce, they should continue being perfect. Prediction: Escalante 30-7.
No. 42 Hope Christian (2-0) vs No. 17 St. Pius X (2-0): Hope Christian gets their first taste of what it's like playing against a Fab 50 team in the Top-25. Could get ugly as Pius is in a completely different level. Prediction: St. Pius 50-7.
No. 43 Gadsden (1-1) vs EP Cathedral, Texas (2-0): Just as quick as they entered the Fab 50 the Panthers might find themselves fighting to stay in with another tough game against Cathedral who has played well with an impressive win over Anthony, Texas. Prediction: EP Cathedral 28-13.
No. 44 Valencia (0-2) vs No. 5 Artesia (2-0): Soon will come the end for winless teams in the Fab 50, Valencia will need to avoid a mercy rule. It could be a tall task as they host the 5th ranked team in the state. Prediction: Artesia 50-7.
No. 45 Los Alamos (1-1) vs Grants (0-2): Los Alamos was part of the group that surged into the rankings after week one wins. Their follow up like others wasn't the best. Good news is they get a Grants team that is near the bottom of the classification. Prediction: Los Alamos 35-10.
No. 46 Kirtland Central (1-1) vs Montezuma-Cortez, Colorado (1-1): Just how good will the Broncos will be in 2016? This game could be the measuring stick to some extent. Should be a close game with both evenly matched. Prediction: Kirtland Central 33-30.
No. 47 Bloomfield (0-2): Open.
No. 48 Ruidoso (0-2) vs No. 49 Lovington (0-2): The Warriors and Wildcats are both in need of a win. They have both played a good schedule so far and might be the game they have been waiting for. Prediction: Lovington 27, Ruidoso 20.
No. 50 Gateway Christian (2-0) vs Magdalena (2-0): We've seen one 8-man team, ranked in the Fab 50 go down and Gateway was the team that upset that team. They hope to avoid that with a Steers team that can light up the scoreboard but they face a Gateway team that is consistent on both ends of the ball. Prediction: Gateway 34, Magdalena 30.
