Week Two Coverage and Previews
Week Two Links
Top 50 Game Previews for Week Two
No. 1 Rio Rancho (1-0) vs EP Americas, Texas (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Rio Rancho)
Preview: What more could you want in a match up than one of the top teams in El Paso coming up 1-25 to take on the number one team in New Mexico in Rio Rancho. The Rams might have the two (well they do) toughest games to start a season. The good news is I don't see a team tougher. Rio Rancho has it all from the secondary (highly underrated), the OL (the best), a quarterback who is green but built to make the season special. Oh and the running back that has Mr. Football in the same sentence. Josh Foley made waves last week with his first half stats. Can he do it again? If I was a betting man (no not real betting) I would say yes. This team I like, this team is deep, this team could be perfect at seasons end. Yes, it's only week two Grine to make that statement but the glory of this job is I could change my mind but until proven otherwise I don't think I'll have too. Yes, EP Americas is good but so is Rio Rancho.
Line: Rio Rancho -1
Prediction: Rio Rancho 34, Americas 30
No. 2 Cleveland (1-0) vs No. 12 La Cueva (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Cleveland-Rio Rancho)
Preview: Who's in? Who's playing with the mask on? Can La Cueva return to the top of the classification? Many question marks, others regarding how good or vulnerable the Storm are this season. However, they earned a Top-5 win last week with several players getting the nod as a starter for the first time. Just imagine this team with the more experience that they get. La Cueva still has its doubters after a close win over CIbola but could this be a program that is also only going to improve as the season advances. They have breakout receivers/tight ends that we continue to learn of each time we see them. They are the team with the best kept secrets its starting to be revealed. Both teams need to improve but Cleveland still wears the crown.
Line: Cleveland -10
Prediction: Cleveland 28, La Cueva 16
No. 3 Las Cruces (1-0) vs No. 19 Cibola (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm. (Field of Dreams)
Preview: Two programs that are on different sides of the mountain after an emotional week one. Cibola will need to play catch up the rest of the season (yes after one week) dropping a game to La Cueva a team that is in that middle tier. Las Cruces the comeback story of the season with a win over Eldorado 49-45. Cibola will continue to ride the arm of stud quarterback Gannon Chavez who will continue to make an argument as one of the top QB's in NM. Las Cruces needs to make sure that they have enough to continue miracle runs but you can't expect another let down if they let Chavez and company jump out early. Four quarters of football will need to be played if the Bulldawgs want to avoid a second game slump.
Line: Las Cruces -8
Prediction: Las Cruces 35, Cibola 34
No. 4 Mayfield (0-1) at Del Valle, Texas (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm. (Texas)
Preview: Mayfield is facing some adversity but if you ask anyone inside the program there is no fear in this program. Did the opener get spoiled, well yeah. Will they be playing late in the playoffs and we forget about this game. Probably. However, there will be plenty of growing pains along the way as they have a new OC, Isaac Vance health had some concerns with missed games last season and the same was true in the opener. Del Valle likely the favorite but don't be surprised by what we have grown to know about the Trojans, this is one of the best programs at getting better as the season progresses. No exceptions here but they will need Torri Locklin to look more like the D-1 recruit that he is set to become if they want to grow up fast.
Line: Mayfield +6
Prediction: Del Valle 29, Mayfield 14
5 Artesia (1-0) at No. 15 Hobbs (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Hobbs)
Preview: Artesia is a well oiled machine that is starting to look like a three peat is highly possible. Hobbs continues to play a tough schedule and will face their second Top-10 opponent this season. Hobbs known for their offense, was only able to get 10 points on the board against one of the best defenses in NM with Clovis. Artesia, won't be any easier as they held Carlsbad to 14 and put on 30 points. Can Hobbs make enough stops? Will Artesia let Hobbs get their offense going, remember their QB is only getting his second start, don't sell your season tickets just yet.
Line: Artesia -12
Prediction: Artesia 23, Hobbs 21
No. 6 Eldorado (0-1) No. 11 Volcano Vista (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm
Preview: Volcano Vista is the team we have grown custom to be afraid to pick for. Eldorado the pick we feel safe going with. Well, take off the safety guard as Volcano Vista will finally pick up the phone call for deep playoff team. Eldorado still a good team but after an opener like that maybe the rabbits foot was lost in the laundry. Its tough emotionally to overcome a loss like that and a team that could be a deep playoff team is not the opponent you truly want the following week. Dillon Gassoway played well in his first start for Volcano with 111 yards passing with a touchdown.
Line: Eldorado -3
Prediction: Volcano Vista 34, Eldorado 28 (Top 10 Upset)
No. 7 Clovis (1-0) at No. 18 Carlsbad (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Carlsbad)
Preview: The continued show down between old SE District members takes place this week. Like most years in the past it will be a heavy favorited Clovis Wildcats team taking on a Carlsbad team trying to get the program on the tracks. Carlsbad did show some punch on defense that could try to disrupt the high gears of Clovis running back Micah Gray who ran to the tune of 302-yards and 6-touchdowns. Carlsbad will need to continue improving their offense however as 14-points just won't cut it against another Top-10 team. Tough schedule to start the season for a program looking to build something but it could be training wheels first a nice running Harley.
Line: Clovis -15
Prediction: Clovis 33, Carlsbad 8
No. 8 Onate (0-1) at No. 33 Atrisco Heritage Academy (0-1)
Game Info: Saturday. 1pm (Community)
Preview: The outcomes, growing trend for previews between 25-35, was as expected. Onate was picked by several to upset but most new that Cleveland would eventually win. Atrisco was deemed to high this spring in the Top-25 and that much proved we were wrong. They were dominated in their opener. This one has the potential to be over early as the Jaguars struggled offensively while Onate brings plenty of punch to their D. We won't forget that Atrisco could find issues with running back Josiah Fielder as well, who can use this as the breakout game.
Line: Onate -25
Prediction: Onate 44, Atrisco Heritage 6
No. 9 Centennial (1-0) vs No. 10 Manzano (1-0)
Game Info: Saturday. 1pm (Stadium)
Preview: Saturday game to be at is this one. The homecoming, the mentor, the friendship. Centennial the biggest buy (not real money) for a state title sleeper. Manzano just looking to earn the respect. Head coach Aaron Ocampo, the former Manzano head coach who led the Monarchs to the final game brings his Centennial Hawks to town and looking to make friends at the big kids table. I do like the showing Michael Roybal had in his first varsity game, however is Jordan Byrd healthy? Can the Manzano defense stop the continued attack by a Centennial team that has more weapons than the local Cabelas. Dante Lopez and Jr Pena are only making their case to be taken serious this season, 9 is too high.
Line: Centennial -9
Prediction: Centennial 26, Manzano 21
No. 11 Volcano Vista (1-0) vs No. 6 Eldorado (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm
Preview: Volcano Vista is the team we have grown custom to be afraid to pick for. Eldorado the pick we feel safe going with. Well, take off the safety guard as Volcano Vista will finally pick up the phone call for deep playoff team. Eldorado still a good team but after an opener like that maybe the rabbits foot was lost in the laundry. Its tough emotionally to overcome a loss like that and a team that could be a deep playoff team is not the opponent you truly want the following week. Dillon Gassoway played well in his first start for Volcano with 111 yards passing with a touchdown.
Line: Eldorado -3
Prediction: Volcano Vista 34, Eldorado 28 (Top 10 Upset)
No. 12 La Cueva (1-0) at No. 2 Cleveland (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Cleveland-Rio Rancho)
Preview: Who's in? Who's playing with the mask on? Can La Cueva return to the top of the classification? Many question marks, others regarding how good or vulnerable the Storm are this season. However, they earned a Top-5 win last week with several players getting the nod as a starter for the first time. Just imagine this team with the more experience that they get. La Cueva still has its doubters after a close win over CIbola but could this be a program that is also only going to improve as the season advances. They have breakout receivers/tight ends that we continue to learn of each time we see them. They are the team with the best kept secrets its starting to be revealed. Both teams need to improve but Cleveland still wears the crown.
Line: Cleveland -10
Prediction: Cleveland 28, La Cueva 16
No. 13 Alamogordo (1-0) vs No. 17 Los Lunas (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Alamogordo)
Preview: Get there early because this jungle won't be enough room for two Tigers. This is the showdown any football junkie wants to see with plenty of high profile athletes. Should be a sell out in Alamogordo as the number two ranked Alamogordo Tigers take on the third ranked Los Lunas Tigers from 5A football. Alamogordo has the next level quarterback in Kyle Hooper who will do it in the air or on the ground - playmaker. Los Lunas has a savvy young quarterback in Nick Gaerlan, other surround weapons including those two D-1 guys (you know the names). I expect plenty of points but who gets the final stops in the fourth quarter?
Line: Los Lunas -1
Prediction: Los Lunas 49, Alamogordo 48
No. 14 Sandia (1-0) vs No. 32 Valley (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Milne)
Preview: The Valley Vikings were shutout, along with most of the teams in their district (4-6A) last week. The challenge only grows with a match up against one of the best teams in the classification in Sandia (1-0) who has already shutout one district opponent 50-0 in Rio Grande last week. The many weapons of Sandia could cause for a headache to the Vikings. If they had troubles running against the Hawks of Volcano Vista, they have plenty to worry about with a Sandia defense that has next level prospects Jacob Barnhill (DE) and Ben Bertram (DE) sitting ready to pounce on their more run attach offense. It would be hard, we did it last week, to pick the Matadors as a predicted 50-0 win so we add in a second half score for Valley to keep you here longer. Valley, has a bright future just not this week.
Line: Sandia -30
Prediction: Sandia 50, Valley 7.
No. 15 Hobbs (0-1) vs 5 Artesia (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Hobbs)
Preview: Artesia is a well oiled machine that is starting to look like a three peat is highly possible. Hobbs continues to play a tough schedule and will face their second Top-10 opponent this season. Hobbs known for their offense, was only able to get 10 points on the board against one of the best defenses in NM with Clovis. Artesia, won't be any easier as they held Carlsbad to 14 and put on 30 points. Can Hobbs make enough stops? Will Artesia let Hobbs get their offense going, remember their QB is only getting his second start, don't sell your season tickets just yet.
Line: Artesia -12
Prediction: Artesia 23, Hobbs 21
No. 16 Piedra Vista (1-0) at No. 20 Goddard (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Wool Bowl)
Preview: Another cross classification, much like the game below this between Pius and West Mesa. Both teams have plenty to prove, Goddard trying to solidify itself in the top tier of 5A while Piedra Vista the new kid in 6A needs to make sure to not drop games to a lower classification. Goddard exploded last week with a 61-7 thrashing of a Top-30. How good are the Rockets? Well, we knew the name this off-season but Devin Quiroz hit the scene with over 150-yards rushing and looking to put himself in the argument of top running backs in the state. Piedra Vista recently lost their D-1 star in Dylan Weaver to an ACL but not all is blown as they have some athletes that will look to carry the season. Receiver Jason Compton had a nice catch and they will look to match on the offensive side.
Line: Goddard -5
Prediction: Goddard 42, Piedra Vista 31
No. 17 Los Lunas (1-0) at No. 13 Alamogordo (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Alamogordo)
Preview: Get there early because this jungle won't be enough room for two Tigers. This is the showdown any football junkie wants to see with plenty of high profile athletes. Should be a sell out in Alamogordo as the number two ranked Alamogordo Tigers take on the third ranked Los Lunas Tigers from 5A football. Alamogordo has the next level quarterback in Kyle Hooper who will do it in the air or on the ground - playmaker. Los Lunas has a savvy young quarterback in Nick Gaerlan, other surround weapons including those two D-1 guys (you know the names). I expect plenty of points but who gets the final stops in the fourth quarter?
Line: Los Lunas -1
Prediction: Los Lunas 49, Alamogordo 48
No. 18 Carlsbad (0-1) vs No. 7 Clovis (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Carlsbad)
Preview: The continued show down between old SE District members takes place this week. Like most years in the past it will be a heavy favorited Clovis Wildcats team taking on a Carlsbad team trying to get the program on the tracks. Carlsbad did show some punch on defense that could try to disrupt the high gears of Clovis running back Micah Gray who ran to the tune of 302-yards and 6-touchdowns. Carlsbad will need to continue improving their offense however as 14-points just won't cut it against another Top-10 team. Tough schedule to start the season for a program looking to build something but it could be training wheels first a nice running Harley.
Line: Clovis -15
Prediction: Clovis 33, Carlsbad 8
No. 19 Cibola (0-1) vs No. 3 Las Cruces (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm. (Field of Dreams)
Preview: Two programs that are on different sides of the mountain after an emotional week one. Cibola will need to play catch up the rest of the season (yes after one week) dropping a game to La Cueva a team that is in that middle tier. Las Cruces the comeback story of the season with a win over Eldorado 49-45. Cibola will continue to ride the arm of stud quarterback Gannon Chavez who will continue to make an argument as one of the top QB's in NM. Las Cruces needs to make sure that they have enough to continue miracle runs but you can't expect another let down if they let Chavez and company jump out early. Four quarters of football will need to be played if the Bulldawgs want to avoid a second game slump.
Line: Las Cruces -8
Prediction: Las Cruces 35, Cibola 34
No. 20 Goddard (1-0) vs No. 16 Piedra Vista (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Wool Bowl)
Preview: Another cross classification, much like the game below this between Pius and West Mesa. Both teams have plenty to prove, Goddard trying to solidify itself in the top tier of 5A while Piedra Vista the new kid in 6A needs to make sure to not drop games to a lower classification. Goddard exploded last week with a 61-7 thrashing of a Top-30. How good are the Rockets? Well, we knew the name this off-season but Devin Quiroz hit the scene with over 150-yards rushing and looking to put himself in the argument of top running backs in the state. Piedra Vista recently lost their D-1 star in Dylan Weaver to an ACL but not all is blown as they have some athletes that will look to carry the season. Receiver Jason Compton had a nice catch and they will look to match on the offensive side.
Line: Goddard -5
Prediction: Goddard 42, Piedra Vista 31
No. 21 St. Pius X (1-0) vs No. 26 West Mesa (1-0)
Game Info: Friday, Sept. 2nd. 7pm
Preview: One team was expected to win, the other should have been favored - predicted against - but got the job done. Most expected 21st ranked St. Pius X to run over unranked Highland last week - they did. West Mesa was predicted to be upset to Del Norte last week, even though the line favored them - they didn't. This week we get to see if the Mustangs are for real and always we get to determine if the Sartans are a Top-5 team in 5A. Dominic Fischer played well as expected along with Gabe Trujillo rushing for 91-yards. Can West Mesa have enough offensive power against a really good St. Pius X defense, also will they be able to contain next level quarterback Drew Ortiz of St. Pius X?
Line: St. Pius X -13
Prediction: St. Pius X 27, West Mesa 13
No. 22 Belen (1-0) vs Highland (0-1)
Game Info: Saturday. 1pm (Belen)
Preview: The Belen Eagles have expectations to live up too, not only do they have to continue winning, they have to do it in dominating fashion. The naysayers aren't sold just yet on the improvement of the Eagles from a season ago but if you look closely this offense could be in better shape than it has been with a HC that knows how to make an offense go. The athletes have certain been there but in a scoring world an offensive mind could be the injection a program needs to get over the hill. Thomas Wisneski, only a junior, will be the quarterback with major growth especially with targets like Carls Espinoza and backfield with Mateo Romero. Highland (0-1) didn't have the start that they wanted, they'll look to play spoiler, if they want to do it here playing smart and stopping several weapons will need to be a must.
Line: Belen -14
Prediction: Belen 34, Highland 10
No. 23 Roswell (1-0) at No. 41 Gadsden (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Anthony, NM)
Preview: Many times we use the terms contender/pretender. Gadsden hasn't been ranked since the magical season in which they were over .500. This could be the game to keep them ranked or fall back out after a one week visit. Roswell, crushed Ruidoso last week and they have some work to do proving that this could be a season that you see the Coyotes play deep into the playoffs. Gadsden will have to play near perfect on defense to stop the Roswell Coyotes who lit up the scoreboard last week.
Line: Roswell -14
Prediction: Roswell 35, Gadsden 10
No. 24 Farmington (0-1) at No. 37 Del Norte (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Albuquerque)
Preview: Neither team started their 2015 season the way they have envisioned over the long summer months. Redemption time with playoff implications involved with this game as both teams were favored to win their District Championship. Del Norte found some production putting up 14 points in the second half and hope that carries over to a quicker start. Farmington has QB Becenti who played well against Piedra Vista. If we had to pick we would go Farmington defense but Del Norte is still waiting for pieces to be released. Toss up.
Line: Farmington -3
Prediction: Farmington 23, Del Norte 20
No. 25 Moriarty (1-0) vs No. 44 Los Alamos (1-0)
Game Info: Friday, September 2nd. 7pm
Preview: The Moriarty Pintos, ranked 1st in 4A football, opened their season last week like any number one team in their respected classification should with a 47-0 shutout that could have been over early. Led by running backs John Paul Carmona, who had a 50 yard touchdown run and Elijah Tapia who had his own that went for 70 yards could look to move the ball again with Los Alamos. Los Alamos also opened in convincing fashion with a 63-24 beating of Pojoaque Valley. Hilltoppers rely on senior quarterback Nicholas Quarteri who hit targets Travis Gonzales and Ryan McNiel on several occasions.
Line: Moriarty -12
Prediction: Moriarty 32, Los Alamos 18
No. 26 West Mesa (1-0) vs No. 21 St. Pius X (1-0)
Game Info: Friday, Sept. 2nd. 7pm
Preview: One team was expected to win, the other should have been favored - predicted against - but got the job done. Most expected 21st ranked St. Pius X to run over unranked Highland last week - they did. West Mesa was predicted to be upset to Del Norte last week, even though the line favored them - they didn't. This week we get to see if the Mustangs are for real and always we get to determine if the Sartans are a Top-5 team in 5A. Dominic Fischer played well as expected along with Gabe Trujillo rushing for 91-yards. Can West Mesa have enough offensive power against a really good St. Pius X defense, also will they be able to contain next level quarterback Drew Ortiz of St. Pius X?
Line: St. Pius X -13
Prediction: St. Pius X 27, West Mesa 13
No. 27 Hatch Valley (1-0) vs. No. 47 Ruidoso (0-1)
Game Info: Friday, Sept 2nd. 7pm (Hatch)
Preview: Results were as expected for both teams last week. Hatch would roll, we said by 30 (it was 29 in one half of football). Ruidoso would struggle against a 5A team that is a sleeper to reach the semi-finals. Hatch relied on several of their prospects including 2-touchdowns and 64-yards receiving from Cade Hackey. Shane Carson added 109 rushing, 173 passing and 9-tackles on the day. Ruidoso, didn't have much in terms of stats to produce as they allowed a rushing team in Roswell run all over the field. Now they have to stop both the run and mobile quarterback who has a great target on the outside.
Line: Hatch Valley -15
Prediction: Hatch Valley 31, Ruidoso 14
No. 28 Robertson (1-0) at Cobre (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 6pm (Cobre)
Preview: Robertson wanted to start the season with some momentum after falling in the state finals in 2015, mission accomplished. A, 27-26 win over 3A power and two-time defending champion Estancia ending their 17-game win streak. The match up doesn't get any easier as they hit the road, putting many miles on the bus heading to the southwest corner of New Mexico to take on the Cobre Indians (0-1) who fell in the opening week to a solid program from Arizona. This one has playoff preview potential for these two and will be a shootout between the finesse of Robertson vs the brute power of the Cobre Indians.
Line: Robertson -6
Prediction: Robertson 21, Cobre 18
No. 29 Portales (1-0) vs No. 48 Lovington (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Lovington)
Game Info: Look solely at the rankings one would be quick (many have already in this weeks pick 'em) to take the Rams in this contest. However, the Wildcats showed some fight in the second half of their game against a good Denver City (Texas) team. Portales, misses some of the athletes that they had in the backfield last season and it could show more this week, they played well on D last week in a shutout but their offense needs to be better against an unknown Wildcats team that will only get better as the season progresses.
Line: Portales -5
Prediction: Lovington 24, Portales 21 (UPSET ALERT)
No. 30 St. Michael's (1-0) at No. 31 Capital (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Capital)
Preview: The Horsemen won, didn't dominate against Santa Fe last week. Capital, well they had a false start in the opener against a 5A power. The Horsemen could have their hands full as they transition this season as the depth is not as strong as it was during the title years. Joey Fernandez and Xavier Vigil will look to shake week one dust into a statement win as still the best team in Santa Fe. Capital will look to its own set of backfield prospects to earn back some of the respect that they have earned the last two years. Case of who has the better run attack or better defense. Capital has plenty of questions marks with the D, St. Mikes maybe a little more gas in the tank on O.
Line: St. Mikes -1
Prediction: Capital 28, St. Mikes 27
No. 31 Capital (0-1) vs. No. 30 St. Michael's (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Capital)
Preview: The Horsemen won, didn't dominate against Santa Fe last week. Capital, well they had a false start in the opener against a 5A power. The Horsemen could have their hands full as they transition this season as the depth is not as strong as it was during the title years. Joey Fernandez and Xavier Vigil will look to shake week one dust into a statement win as still the best team in Santa Fe. Capital will look to its own set of backfield prospects to earn back some of the respect that they have earned the last two years. Case of who has the better run attack or better defense. Capital has plenty of questions marks with the D, St. Mikes maybe a little more gas in the tank on O.
Line: St. Mikes -1
Prediction: Capital 28, St. Mikes 27
No. 32 Valley (0-1) vs No. 14 Sandia (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Milne)
Preview: The Valley Vikings were shutout, along with most of the teams in their district (4-6A) last week. The challenge only grows with a match up against one of the best teams in the classification in Sandia (1-0) who has already shutout one district opponent 50-0 in Rio Grande last week. The many weapons of Sandia could cause for a headache to the Vikings. If they had troubles running against the Hawks of Volcano Vista, they have plenty to worry about with a Sandia defense that has next level prospects Jacob Barnhill (DE) and Ben Bertram (DE) sitting ready to pounce on their more run attach offense. It would be hard, we did it last week, to pick the Matadors as a predicted 50-0 win so we add in a second half score for Valley to keep you here longer. Valley, has a bright future just not this week.
Line: Sandia -30
Prediction: Sandia 50, Valley 7.
No. 33 Atrisco Heritage Academy (0-1) vs No. 8 Onate (0-1)
Game Info: Saturday. 1pm (Community)
Preview: The outcomes, growing trend for previews between 25-35, was as expected. Onate was picked by several to upset but most new that Cleveland would eventually win. Atrisco was deemed to high this spring in the Top-25 and that much proved we were wrong. They were dominated in their opener. This one has the potential to be over early as the Jaguars struggled offensively while Onate brings plenty of punch to their D. We won't forget that Atrisco could find issues with running back Josiah Fielder as well, who can use this as the breakout game.
Line: Onate -25
Prediction: Onate 44, Atrisco Heritage 6
No. 34 Estancia (0-1) vs Eunice (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Eunice)
Preview: The Bears look to start their streak over as they take on Eunice during week two. The Cardinals of Eunice dropped their opener for the second consecutive season to Hobbs Junior Varsity. Estancia will come out of their loss hungry than a Bears after hibernation. Look for Estancia running back Juan Sosa to improve on his 125-yards rushing from last week. Both teams can put up points when needed but Estancia a little more seasoned in close battles, granted they dropped a close one last week but prediction is that won't happen again.
Line: Estancia -10
Prediction: Estancia 24, Eunice 12
No. 35 Lordsburg (1-0) vs Anthony, Texas (0-1)
Game Info;
Preview: The two programs met last season, a 20-13 win by Lordsburg. The problem for the Anthony Wildcats is they face a Mavericks team a year older, a year stronger and a year better. A majority of the roster returns for Lordsburg once again and this one by be closer to a two touchdown win for the Macvericks but the Mavericks will have to do this one on the road this season. Excitement surrounds Lordsburg as a 2A champion favorite and a 2-0 start (outside of New Mexico) is what they need to continue to make believers - believing.
Line: Lordsburg -9
Prediction: Lordsburg 28, Anthony 12
No. 36 Albuquerque (0-1) vs No. 42 Valencia (0-1)
Game Info: Saturday. 1pm (Milne)
Preview: Both teams will need every possible win, this is one of those games that you need. It could potentially be a struggle for both programs come district play and this will be one of the games that you have to win. Also, both teams went scoreless in their openers so we are still left with question marks on the offense. Defensively, they could both use some work but if you had to find the edge I would go Valencia D over Albuquerque D for the win in this contest. Also, Valencia might find some holes for the run game.
Line: -6
Prediction: Valencia 12, Albuquerque 6
No. 37 Del Norte (0-1) vs No. 24 Farmington (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Albuquerque)
Preview: Neither team started their 2015 season the way they have envisioned over the long summer months. Redemption time with playoff implications involved with this game as both teams were favored to win their District Championship. Del Norte found some production putting up 14 points in the second half and hope that carries over to a quicker start. Farmington has QB Becenti who played well against Piedra Vista. If we had to pick we would go Farmington defense but Del Norte is still waiting for pieces to be released. Toss up.
Line: Farmington -3
Prediction: Farmington 23, Del Norte 20
No. 38 Miyamura (1-0) vs Rio Grande (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Gallup)
Preview: Miyamura played well in the opener with a win over Grants (0-1), 36-6. Quarterback Matt Chavez played well in the opener and he will once again play into the deciding factor of this outcome. Rio Grande was shutout, to a very good Sandia team. They have a running back who will only get better. Look for that to happen in this game.
Line: Miyamura -18
Prediction: Miyamura 35, Rio Grande 12
No. 39 Silver (0-1) vs Bowie, Texas (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 8pm (Silver City)
Preview: Bowie took a 26-6 victory at home last season and might provide more trouble for a Silver program during these transitional years. Silver the season against one of the more difficult opponents they'll face this season in Round Valley Arizona with evidence by a 70-13 loss on the road. Bowie doesn't pour on the points, so Silver has a chance in a low scoring affair.
Line: Bowie -6
Prediction: Bowie 18, Silver 12
No. 40 Aztec (0-1) vs Durango, Colorado (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Aztec)
Preview: The Tigers were tamed last week by a bigger, faster and stronger Tiger in week one, a 64-20 loss to Los Lunas. Well, the heat only gets hotter as the Demons of Durango will be just as tough. The Demons took a convincing win last season and unless Aztec pass game improves and the defense puts up more of a fight we could see another run away.
Lines: Aztec +14
Prediction: Durango 31, Aztec 24
No. 41 Gadsden (1-0) vs No. 23 Roswell (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Anthony, NM)
Preview: Many times we use the terms contender/pretender. Gadsden hasn't been ranked since the magical season in which they were over .500. This could be the game to keep them ranked or fall back out after a one week visit. Roswell, crushed Ruidoso last week and they have some work to do proving that this could be a season that you see the Coyotes play deep into the playoffs. Gadsden will have to play near perfect on defense to stop the Roswell Coyotes who lit up the scoreboard last week.
Line: Roswell -14
Prediction: Roswell 35, Gadsden 10
No. 42 Valencia (0-1) at No. 36 Albuquerque (0-1)
Game Info: Saturday. 1pm (Milne)
Preview: Both teams will need every possible win, this is one of those games that you need. It could potentially be a struggle for both programs come district play and this will be one of the games that you have to win. Also, both teams went scoreless in their openers so we are still left with question marks on the offense. Defensively, they could both use some work but if you had to find the edge I would go Valencia D over Albuquerque D for the win in this contest. Also, Valencia might find some holes for the run game.
Line: -6
Prediction: Valencia 12, Albuquerque 6
No. 43 Escalante (1-0) vs No. 49 Espanola Valley (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm. (Escalante)
Preview: In a strange way both teams need this game. Espanola needs it to avoid a complete breakdown of what they built last season. Escalante for the small school division. Each season folks claim that either small schools could beat some lower big schools or on the other end of the debate small schools shouldn't be considered in the Top-50. Well both are ranked in the 40's and we get to see one of the better offensive teams in Escalante take on an Espanola Valley team looking for an identity.
Line; Escalante -2
Prediction: Escalante 14, Espanola Valley 13
No. 44 Los Alamos (1-0) vs No. 25 Moriarty (1-0)
Game Info: Friday, September 2nd. 7pm
Preview: The Moriarty Pintos, ranked 1st in 4A football, opened their season last week like any number one team in their respected classification should with a 47-0 shutout that could have been over early. Led by running backs John Paul Carmona, who had a 50 yard touchdown run and Elijah Tapia who had his own that went for 70 yards could look to move the ball again with Los Alamos. Los Alamos also opened in convincing fashion with a 63-24 beating of Pojoaque Valley. Hilltoppers rely on senior quarterback Nicholas Quarteri who hit targets Travis Gonzales and Ryan McNiel on several occasions.
Line: Moriarty -12
Prediction: Moriarty 32, Los Alamos 18
No. 45 Kirtland Central (1-0) vs Snowflake, Arizona (2-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Farmington)
Preview: This one could be one of the tougher challenges to overcome for Kirtland Central. When you schedule games you schedule wins, coin flips and get you better games. Last week was the win this week the get better game. Bryson Dowdy passed for 171-yards and ran for 53 last week. The backfield also seen sophomore Thomas run for 98 with senior Curley run for 89. The trio will have to play just as good if not better to steal a win here.
Line: Kirtland Central +10
Prediction: Snowflake 28, Kirtland Central 14
No. 46 Bloomfield (0-1) vs Bayfield, Colorado (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Bloomfield)
Preview: The road doesn't appear to get any better as the Bloomfield Bobcats take on the Bayfield team that went 12-0 last season. Good news is that the Wildcats graduated several of their key players last season. However, this one could be a close match up as Bayfield is a bit inexperienced and will rebuilding. They lost their opener 19-0 to San Juan, Utah.
Line: Bayfield -1
Prediction: Bloomfield 22, Bayfield 20
No. 47 Ruidoso (0-1) at No. 27 Hatch Valley (1-0)
Game Info: Friday, Sept 2nd. 7pm (Hatch)
Preview: Results were as expected for both teams last week. Hatch would roll, we said by 30 (it was 29 in one half of football). Ruidoso would struggle against a 5A team that is a sleeper to reach the semi-finals. Hatch relied on several of their prospects including 2-touchdowns and 64-yards receiving from Cade Hackey. Shane Carson added 109 rushing, 173 passing and 9-tackles on the day. Ruidoso, didn't have much in terms of stats to produce as they allowed a rushing team in Roswell run all over the field. Now they have to stop both the run and mobile quarterback who has a great target on the outside.
Line: Hatch Valley -15
Prediction: Hatch Valley 31, Ruidoso 14
No. 48 Lovington (0-1) vs No. 29 Portales
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Lovington)
Game Info: Look solely at the rankings one would be quick (many have already in this weeks pick 'em) to take the Rams in this contest. However, the Wildcats showed some fight in the second half of their game against a good Denver City (Texas) team. Portales, misses some of the athletes that they had in the backfield last season and it could show more this week, they played well on D last week in a shutout but their offense needs to be better against an unknown Wildcats team that will only get better as the season progresses.
Line: Portales -5
Prediction: Lovington 24, Portales 21 (UPSET ALERT)
No. 49 Espanola Valley (0-1) at No. 43 Escalante (1-0)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm. (Escalante)
Preview: In a strange way both teams need this game. Espanola needs it to avoid a complete breakdown of what they built last season. Escalante for the small school division. Each season folks claim that either small schools could beat some lower big schools or on the other end of the debate small schools shouldn't be considered in the Top-50. Well both are ranked in the 40's and we get to see one of the better offensive teams in Escalante take on an Espanola Valley team looking for an identity.
Line; Escalante -2
Prediction: Escalante 14, Espanola Valley 13
No. 50 Hope Christian (1-0) at Taos (0-1)
Game Info: Friday. 7pm (Taos)
Preview: One program could be considered the sleeper, the other maybe a long season in the future. Hope Christian is ranked for the first time this season and has one of the better of the unknown rosters in 4A football. We really liked Deshawn Lee this summer as a wide receiver and has the potential to solidify himself as one of the best players in 4A. Neal Taylor, who rushed for 157-yards is also looking for the respect this season. A 2-0 start will bring the attention this Husky team could have in 2016.
Line: Hope -10
Prediction: Hope Christian 27, Taos 12
