In T or C 7-on-7 today, Animas beat Hatch 31-0.

Curtis Flakes has resigned from his head coaching position at Albuquerque High. KRQE reporting this. More to follow.

Kris Foust is the new Head Coach for Hagerman High School.

What else is opening up or opened?

New Hires for 2016

Espanola - Hired Jose Maes - Former Questa HC

Artesia - Hired Rex Henderson former Varsity assistant at Artesia

Lovington - Hired Anthony Gonzales former Dunbar TX DC

Belen - Hired Greg Hennington former Mayfield OC

Silver - Raul Diaz named head coach at Silver. Was interm when Branson stepped down.

Valley - Hired Judge Chavez

Tularosa - Richard Grace former Onate assistant Coach

Pojoaque - Jorge Oropoza former DC at Espanola

Las Cruces - Mark Lopez former Las Cruces Offensive Coordinator

Socorro - Andrew McCraw - Former Lovington Assistant Coach

Newly Opened After 2015
Laguna Acoma
Navajo Prep

In 10 Years New Mexico HS Football Has These Changes...

Predict the future on New Mexico HS Football.

8/19 Centennial (Scrimmage)
8/26 at Gadsden
9/2 at El Paso Burges
9/9 Silver
9/16 at Artesia
9/23 Tucson Flowing Wells
9/30 at Belen
10/7 Goddard
10/21 Santa Teresa
10/28 at Chaparral
11/4 Alamogordo

Kyle, any word on Rivals changes since Verizon acquired Yahoo??

Volcano Vista WR David Cormier has landed an offer from Northern Illinois. Also has offers from New Mexico and New Mexico State.

Grine: Combine Reactions & Thoughts

The 2016 NMPreps.com Elite Combine finished up last night at 11pm with the offensive linemen taking on the defensive linemen to bring the night to an end with some power and excitement.


Manzano Offensive Linemen Caleb Dimas had a strong showing Friday Night

Onate Has Some Studs This Year

The Knights bring some power this year and during the bench portion of the combine they went to work. Jonathan Villescas (DT/Sr) immediately drew the attention early into the session with a 30-rep combine lead. Shortly, after it was Carlos Banuelos (C/Sr) who pushed out 27 (28) reps. Forest McKee, the top senior linebacker in the state with 28, followed by Josiah Fielder (SS/Sr) with 23. Monroe Young (CB/Sr) who you will also see in the fastest man video competition pumped out 20 reps.

Another Wide Receiver Shined

Senior Cade Hackey (Hatch Valley HS) put on a display against the bigger classifications during the skills portion of the night. He would make a first move and would separate easily from the defense. Not blazing quick but on the move with the combination of his height (6-2) he was nearly unstoppable. He had 11-reps of 185 and a 4.43 shuttle run along with a 40-time 4.79.

Jordan Byrd is the Real Deal

As you seen on twitter or the live updates yesterday Jordan Byrd hit different gears to win the overall fastest man in the competition. Byrd, didn't stop there though, a 4.33-40 Time, he was making highlight plays in the skills session of the night. This young man will be one to watch for the next two years (yes, he is only going to be a junior).

Underrated OL That Stood Out

During the OL/DL session of the night the OL that stood out the most for me was Caleb Dimas (5'10/274/Sr) and he will top my list when it comes to my Top-10 on the day. Dimas, was getting in more reps, moving his feet well and countering anything that the DL brought.

QB That Improved His Stock

When taking a look at the quarterbacks (I will release my Top-10 from the day) there was one player that kept impressing on the night during the skills portion of the event. He has been left off the radar for the most part this preseason but Sebastian Roanhaus, who has big shoes to fill in Clovis, was dominate during this portion. He was hitting receivers with ease and had a strong spin on the ball. If this combine is to get you on the map, well flag planted.

Might of Placed Himself In Top 20

Tyrell Clewis (Clovis) was a name to know and remember during the OL/DL competition as the young man was unstoppable making the highlight reel each time he got down. Clewis' name surely has taken a huge step forward after the competition and could start looking to place himself in consideration for post season award if this is any indication of his athleticism. Not to sure of his recruiting process but the phone will surely be ringing. Clewis also pounded out 28 reps, young man is a beast.

Video of Clewis who repped 185 pounds 28 times

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5A/6A All-Star Football Information

Click here to view 5A/6A Rosters, Schedule & More

Game Date: Wednesday, July 27th, 2016

Game Time: 7:00 pm

Game Location: Nusenda Community Stadium, Albuquerque, NM

Athletes will report on Saturday, July 23rd, 2016 @ 1:00 pm at Nuesenda Community Stadium

ALBUQUERQUE - The annual All-Star game hosted by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association will take place to showcase the top overall athletes from the 2016 class. The first class event is an opportunity for the athletes in New Mexico to play one last game.

The South could have the most passing yards combined for the 2015 season as two quarterbacks led the state in total passing yards. Perhaps one of the top names hails from the two-time 5A state champion Artesia Bulldogs in All-State quarterback Justin Houghtaling. The quarterback was without a doubt one of the top prospects during the 2015 season with 3,375-yards and 36-passing touchdowns. However, edging Houghtaling out for the number one slot comes from Hobbs in Isaac Amaya who aired it out for 3,641-yards and 39-touchdowns.

The south will be led by Santa Teresa head coach in Shae Vierra who will also have plenty of star power in Dante Urrea who rushed for 10 touchdowns and 1,246 yards for the Deming Wildcats. Devin Beard (Hobbs), 1,474-yards and 20 touchdowns, and Julian Segura (Alamogordo) who had 894-yards give more skill position star power.

The North team will be led by head coach Charlie Dotson, who took the Eldorado Eagles to the 2015 State Championship. The North will have University of New Mexico wide receiver commit Marcus Williams from the 2015 State Champion Cleveland Storm. Quarterback Josh Williams from Volcano Vista and Jayce Jackson (Eldorado) will be providing the arm for the night.

Prediction: South 48, North 27

With the resignation of Coach Flakes at Albuquerque High due to scheduling conflict with his job, the question of having coaches as contract coaches has risen to to the top of my mind and has created a plethora of questions for me. There has been several comments on the Coach Flakes thread that stokes these questions and also brought out the "simple stupid" philosophy in me. So NM Preps nation, here we go with questions and possible answers. Weigh in with your thoughts on some or all!

First, why can our education system not afford coaches as teachers? Why can't school districts take a look at candidates for teaching positions who can also be coaches? Doing this seems to be the logical response to not hiring contract coaches.

Or, is the problem deeper in that we do not have men and women coming out of college that want to be coaches with degrees in things like science, math, and English? Are the majority of these college educated coaches having degrees in PE and there are so many PE teachers needed? If this is the case, what is the root cause of this? Is it because PE is a simpler college pan than English, or algebra, or biology?

I know the answer to these questions are not simple. I believe however that if we as a society put a higher premium on teacher/coaches we would have a higher percentage wanting to become a teacher/coach. There are of course many ways to do this with probably the first revolving around salary, but I hear more times than not that coaches are in the profession for the love of it and not for the pay. So is pay the answer? I don't know, but I feel certain that schools that put a premium on hiring teachers that are also coaches are far more successful in not only having winning programs, but also telling their students, parents, and communities that having the men and women that are coaching are also teaching meaning they are with the students full time!

I know I am for not allowing contract coaches - ever - period! NM Preps nation, where do you stand and why??

Sound off!

Matt Moore-MLB Rays (Moriarty)
Mike Dunn-MLB Marlins (PV)
Kenny Giles-MLB Astros (Rio Grande)
Blake Swihart- MLB Red Sox (Cleveland)
Alex Bregman- MLB Astros (Academy)

Jordan Pacheco- Triple A Braves (La Cueva)
Kyle Blanks- Triple A Giants (Moriarty)

Austin House- AA Rockies (La Cueva)
Mitch Garver- AA Twins (La Cueva)

Wade Hinkle- Hi A Tigers (Del Norte)

Jake McCasland- A Giants (PV)
Dominic Moreno- A Tigers (PV)

Jacy Cave- Rookie D-Backs (PV)

Who are the 10 Best Running Backs in NMPreps.com History?

NMPreps.com started in 2005. Who are some of the 10 best RB's in the time frame?

Ronnie Daniels, La Cueva (2007-2010) - Texas Tech University
Daniels, ran for 7.068-yards in his career with 96-career touchdowns. His time at La Cueva was without a doubt top of the list. He also owns the top slot for rushing yards in a single season at 3,024. He only last a single year at Texas Tech.

Brian Mead, Clovis (2004-2006) - New Mexico State University
Not to positive if he ranks in the Top-10 during the span from 2005-2015 but his numbers have to give the young man some consideration. 4,266-career rushing years along with 53-career touchdowns. Only 5-foot-6 and 148-pounds Mead put up huge numbers in the biggest classification in New Mexico.

Per the LC Sun News.

Numbers Reactions: 9 Names From the 2016 Combine
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com

The dust has settled and we continue to release the names of the top players from the state of New Mexico along with El Paso, Texas. The combine featured over 200 of the top players from the region.

The question I received was "who was the best" well in depends on the eye test during the skills portion or the numbers section. Today, I look at the testing section or numbers.

Numbers: Top Overall Prospect
Forest McKee, LB, Onate High School (Las Cruces, NM)
The Line: 28-Reps (3rd), 4.54-40 Time (10), 4.25-Pro Agility (t-12)
Grine: McKee, was the most impressive overall athlete on the day from the eye test but for the sake of staying true to this feature his numbers across the board were the best. He is either in the Top-10 or near the Top-10 in every section. McKee, without a doubt is a D-1, New Mexico 5-Star prospect that will be ranked in the Top-5 when the season kicks off. You can also notice a high character young man that comes to work.

Josiah Fielder, RB, Onate High School (Las Cruces, NM)
The Line: 23-Reps (10th), 4.59-40 Time (13th), 4.15-Pro Agility (6th)
Grine: Fielder, another Onate Knight, had the numbers to impress on the day. The Knights overall had numbers that stick out and we will see another Knight on this list. Fielder, somewhat underrated this offseason will without a doubt put himself in the consideration after improving his stock this week.

Drew Ortiz, QB, St. Pius X (Albuquerque, NM)
The Line: 16-Reps, 4.60-40-Time, 4.28-Pro Agility
Grine: For quarterbacks, Drew Ortiz, from Albuquerque had the best overall numbers in the testing portion. Ortiz, during the skills portion also dominated - even seen running some routes as a WR. Ortiz, was hands down on top of his game and jumped into the consideration or conversation for NMPreps.com Mr. Football Candidates. Only two other QB's came close in the bench press but the closet number was 10 (Angel Gonzales, Centennial HS and Caleb Hatch, Franklin HS).

Jordan Byrd, RB, Manzano High School (Albuquerque, NM)
The Line: 16-Reps, 4.31- 40-Time (Record), 4.29-Pro Agility
Grine: The fastest man on the gridiron, we know that. Byrd has the numbers, the skill and for only being a junior you have to consider the young fella as the next big thing out of New Mexico. He was impressive throughout the day.

Fernando Acosta, DE, Clovis High School (Clovis, NM)
The Line: 22-Reps, 4.72-40, 4.25-Shuttle
Grine: The numbers is what we are looking at right now and for DE, Acosta who is already considered one of the top DE's returning this season had the one of the best lines in this group. Acosta, one to watch definitely proved why we are talking about him.

Monroe Young, DB, Onate High School (Las Cruces, NM)
The Line: 16-Reps, 4.38-40 (3rd), 4.21-Pro Agility (8th)
Grine: When the fastest man competition took place we (I) knew two of the prospects. The man who finished in that group was Monroe Young, who will now never have to endure someone idiot (me) saying who was the third prospect. Across the board Young, like the other two Knights, is among the top of the combine numbers.

Andres Santaella, LB, Gadsden High School (Anthony, NM)
The Line: 16-Reps, 4.93-40, 4.75-Pro Agility
Grine: Okay, not super quick but remind you that this young man will only be a sophomore and has already put up big numbers for his classification group. Of the three LB from 2019, Santaella had the best numbers an we will only keep a closer eye on his progression this season.

Eric Phillips, WR/KR, Franklin High School (El Paso, Texas)
The Line: 12-Reps, 4.49-40, 4.33-Pro Agility
Grine: Franklin High School in El Paso was well represented on Friday night and Phillips is among that list. His numbers are among the top and finished 5th in the 40-time.

Triston Olson, OL, Las Cruces High School (Las Cruces, NM)
The Line: 20-Reps, 5.41-40, 4.66-Pro Agility
Grine: We had to throw an OL out there and Olson was a big man with some good numbers. He showed well during the OL/DL portion but showed some strength and not bad numbers for a 6-foot, 260-pound OL in the pro agility testing.

Boys groups:
1. Manzano, Atrisco Heritage, West Mesa, Rio Rancho
2. Albuquerque High, Volcano Vista, Sandia, Del Norte
3. La Cueva, Valley, Highland, Cleveland
4. Academy, Rio Grande, Cibola, Eldorado

Games start August 22.

So it seems that any dual US/Mex citizens are no longer considered as certified Mexican nationals on their clubs IF they arrrive to play in Liga MX after a certain age. But a young player under 18 or 20 will be counted as a Mexican national citizen....

This wont have a big impact on MLS as a whole I think. I think it will make the younger players have to choose a whole lot sooner. Almost out of high school or at the U19 level, maybe it would affect the development academies more.

http://sbisoccer.com/2016/07/new-liga-mx-rule-affecting-several-american-players

This didnt even make a blip on any news outlets here stateside. Randomly fell upon it looking up EPL Transfer news.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...w-every-mls-match-with-record-crowd-of-35000/

Two things stand out:
A) This was for Crystal Palace!? That shows real community support. I know that ManU vs Barca got like 105,000 in Michigan, but a friendly vs Palace outdrew the NW Rivalry Sounders v Portland....yes Portland's stadium is smaller and if the game was in Seattle, then we have a closer number.

B) This goes back to the pay to play argument on the other threads. So technically, FC Cincinnati can get to the MLS if the can sell enough tickets...not on merit of winning and moving up a ladder.

District 3-6A Predictions for 2016
Joshua J Grine of NMPreps.com

Today, we take a look at District 3-6A and give our predictions for what the 2016 season could bring us. We tackle some questions, ask some at the same time and decide how the district will shape up.

More: District 1-5A | District 2-5A | District 3-5A | District 4-5A | District 5-5A | District 4-6A Predictions

Three Questions That Will Shape The District

1. Three Team Battle for First? Right now the consensus at the top is between the 6A powers Las Cruces High and Mayfield but that never changes but the addition of Centennial from 5A could create a battle of three now. The transition to 6A football will be difficult but unlike other teams that have to move UP in classification would seem daunting however the Hawks are different having one of the best head coaches in New Mexico, one of the best quarterbacks and a program returning after playing for the 5A state championship in 2015. I'm not discarding the other programs but these three are the best in the District and state. Onate, Carlsbad and Hobbs right now have some question marks to be in the conversation this preseason. Gadsden will play David this season as this district overall is a Goliath.

2. 4/5 Bid League? Going to 4-Districts with the realignment could either cause a headache for the state tournament selection or answer the questions to who is worthy of the state tournament. Headache because this district has 5 to 6 teams that could be a playoff team, shoot if Onate was in D4 they would be a favorite to win the district. However, in D3 right now they could miss the state tournament as the 6th best team. The locks are Las Cruces, Mayfield and Centennial as favorites. The group that could be fighting for the last slot is Hobbs, Carlsbad and Onate in our predictions.

3. Who handles the transition the best? We talked about Centennial above and we know of their move up in classification. Next, is the change of head coach at the power in Las Cruces. Legendary head coach Jim Miller resigned after the 2015 season and enter in his longtime assistant Mark Lopez. Most would think the Bulldawgs will be fine but running the show is a lot different in any case and their will be a learning curve. I could see (and you will see my prediction below) that the Dawgs might be the odd man out in the 3-team battle for first.

Grine Prediction Finish

1. #4 Mayfield
2. #8 Centennial
3. #5 Las Cruces
4. #9 Onate
5. #10 Hobbs
6. #16 Carlsbad
7. Gadsden

Explain?: Mayfield.... it's Mayfield. Centennial mentioned above has some depth and key prospects returning and I think with the change of guard at Las Cruces makes them a better pick today. Onate, initially when I sat down to write this feature was going to be my 6th ranked team, I might of mentioned that above. I liked Hobbs as my fourth because Onate has the offense that was on the wrong end of the titter-totter to stacked defense. That is still the same but they do have a 1,100-yard passing QB returning. Maybe the Knights are the dark horse that I should like. Carlsbad should be the most improved team in the state. Hobbs has to replace one of the best QBS in the state last season, could have some growing pains but they have two of the best WR's returning. Gadsden mentioned above has a mountain to climb.

23 Studs to Watch

Isaac Vance, RB, Mayfield
Forest Mckee, LB, Onate
Dante Lopez, QB, Centennial
Torri Locklin, QB, Mayfield (2018)
Jr. Pena, WR, Centennial
Tristan Olson, OL, Las Cruces
Gavin Swinson, WR, Mayfield
Matt Young, LB, Onate
Brandon Baeza, WR, Las Cruces (2018)
Payton Ball, RB, Las Cruces (2018)
Jalen Guerrero, OL/TE, Mayfield
James Martin, DL, Onate
Cason Clay, WR, Hobbs
Chipper Childers, DB, Hobbs
Aaron Compton, WR, Hobbs
Caleb Beaird, LB, Hobbs
Nate Arrington, SS, Carlsbad
Jaykan Willis, LB, Carlsbad
Josiah Fielder, RB, Onate
Joaquin Gutierrez, RB, Centennial
Ryan Beltran, RB, Las Cruces
Jason Stamper, OL, Las Cruces
Monroe Young, DB, Onate (2018)

Girls groups:
1. Eldorado, Highland, Atrisco Heritage, Rio Rancho
2. Del Norte, Manzano, Volcano Vista, Albuquerque High
3. Valley, La Cueva, Rio Grande, Cleveland
4. Sandia, Academy, West Mesa, Cibola

Numbers: Defensive Back Results