Who are the top coaches in volleyball

TOP 25: SAVES

1. 5A - Averi Mann (2017/Goddard HS) - 163
2. 4A/A - Alison Troutman (2017/Bloomfield HS) - 142
3. 5A - Bailey Carter (2016/Farmington HS) - 114
4. 5A - Laura Ornelas (2018/Moriarty HS) - 114
5. 6A - Maria Molinar (2017/Rio Grande HS) - 106
6. 6A - Syneca Psyzko (2018/West Mesa HS) - 105
7. 4A/A - Poekwin Garcia (2016/Pojoaque Valley HS) - 104
8. 6A - Michelle Ojeda (2017/Rio Grande HS) - 100
9. 5A - Carolina Maldonado (2016/Roswell HS) - 98
10. 4A/A - Alizabeth Williams (2016/ATC) - 97
11. 5A - Elana Kresl - (2016/Aztec HS) - 95
12. 5A - Tylen Johnson (2016/Lovington HS) - 93
13. 4A/A - Azsjuh Howell (2017/Portales HS) - 89
14. 6A - Aspen Sveum (2018/Manzano HS) - 89
15. 6A - Isabel Gonzales (2016/Sandia HS) - 88
16. 5A - Anna Lemke (2019/Los Alamos HS) - 86
17. 5A - Paige Hunter (2017/Valencia HS) - 85
18. 4A/A - Nicky Litherland (2016/Robertson HS) - 84
19. 6A - Amanda Bryant (2016/Hobbs HS) - 81
20. 4A/A - Abby Arsenault (2016/Sandia Prep) - 80
21. 6A - Janelly Munoz (2016/Albuquerque HS) - 55
22. 6A - Hailey Brady (2017/Clovis HS) - 49
23. 5A - Emerald Russell (2018/Moriarty HS) - 49
24. 6A - Samantha Vargas (2016/Onate HS) - 48
25. 6A - Makenna Luster (2016/Volcano Vista HS) - 41
26. 6A - Angie Ruth (2016/Albuquerque HS) - 30

Today we continue our prep football coverage with a prediction on which teams will be most improved year over year (Their 2014 record is next to the team listed). We're talking big improvements, for example in Class 3A we have Estancia ranked as the most improved team after going 11-3, we think they will be even better during the 2015 season. Same with Cleveland in Class 6A. Teams that are ranked lower, we feel are going to improved, but you're not going to see an extremely large leap in talent year over year.

Class 6A

1. Cleveland 7-4
Login to view embedded media It’s obvious that this year’s Cleveland Storm team has giant potential. Of course saying it and doing it are two different things. Speaking with Head Coach Heath Ridenour on Tuesday, June 16th he knows just like everyone else that they have the horses to run the show, but they still haven’t won any games on their schedule. In-fact, Cleveland enters the 2015 season riding a two-game losing streak following an ugly 1st round playoff loss to district rival Cibola. I will say this:I strongly doubt there is a team in New Mexico that has better skill position players and linemen that this group. Their linemen remind me of Las Cruces’ 2012 team when the Dawgs had Rudy Guerra, Lane Cummings, Taylor Tisby, Jacob Banegas, and Oscar Guzman. This Cleveland Team has 3, maybe 4 D-1 prospects. Henry Hattis one of the best linemen in the west and Quarterback Gabe Ortega who was just offered by UNM. The other two are Marcus Williams a 6-foot-4 receiver and 6-foot-4 junior receiver Adam Cook. Continue reading this preseason preview of the Cleveland Storm Here

2. Las Cruces 6-6
Login to view embedded media Over the past 5-seasons at Las Cruces High School the Bulldawgs have a record of 48-13 with two quarterfinal appearances, one semifinal showing, and two state championships. Their current program prestige is among the top 5 teams in New Mexico under Head Coach Jim Miller who is 6-0 in state title games since taking over in the late 90’s. As you drive up to Las Cruces High School there are construction signs and contraction workers everywhere almost frantically trying to complete the new school in August. Continue read this preseason preview of the Las Cruces Bulldawgs Here

3. Volcano Vista 3-7
Login to view embedded media Last year Volcano Vista missed the 2014 New Mexico High School Football Playoffs going 3-7 on the year after an impressive opening season 18-14 victory over Sandia. Volcano Vista then lost their first 4 out of 5 games, and finally finished 1-3 in district with their only victory coming against Santa Fe. Last year was last year and this year is this year, so with that said, Volcano Vista has been waiting for this group to be seniors for a while now. These current seniors are the young guns that have been brought up in the program, a few players have seen more than two years on varsity. Head Coach Chad Wallin enters his 9th season as Head Coach making the playoffs three times since the 2008 season. Volcano Vista is big up-front, has some very good skill position players, and it would be an absolute shocker if this team misses the playoffs in 2015. “It's been a good summer to start, the attitude is a lot better and the kids are just working hard. It’s a very senior dominate group and that is where the leadership starts for us," said Head Volcano Vista Coach Chad Wallin. Complete Team Preview of Volcano Vista Here

4. Alamogordo 5-5
Login to view embedded media The last time I visited Alamogordo was just before the 2013 season when Dale Hooper had first taken over as Head Coach replacing Tommy Standefer. How much the program has developed since that time, I was thinking if 2013 Alamogordo Team that finished 1-9 on the season was to play this incoming 2015 Alamogordo team the score would probably be 50-0 by half-time. Part of that thought is because Alamogordo just has a solid senior class with many returning already two-year lettermen. Last year the Tigers took baby steps forward starting the year off 5-1 before going 0-3 in district play losing their last 4-games of the season. Continue reading the complete Alamogordo Team Preview Here

5. Hobbs 4-6
Login to view embedded media It’s that simple. In Gleghorn’s first year as head coach the Eagles went 2-8, then in 2013 the Eagles flew into the playoffs with a 8-4 record even beating Clovis that year, last year the Eagles missed the playoffs going 4-6 and 1-2 in district. The outlook for this year’s Eagles is promising with more than 10 returning starters, their offense is led by a quarterback/running back duo and their defense has enough talent to stop anything coming their way, this year is pivotal for the program, a winning season could bring years of continued success, big continued success, but they have to win now. Continue reading our exclusive team preview on Hobbs here

6. West Mesa 2-8
Speaking with both Albuquerque Head Coach Curtis Flakes and Valley Head Coach Enrico Marcelli during the 2nd week of July, both commented that West Mesa should be solid this year. Though the Mustangs were just 2-8 in 2014, They return quite a few marquee players including quarterback Marcos Gonzales, Athlete Domonic Fischer, and 215 pound Defensive End Idan Urrutia who will likely be on our Preseason All-State list. The Mustangs also return one of the state's top field goal kickers in Sabino Morales.

7. Clovis 6-6
For the Clovis Wildcats they are still considered a New Mexico High School Football Power although they have not brought home a state championship since the 2001 season. In 2014, the Wildcats went 6-6 on the season including a playoff win over Sandia before losing to Mayfield 35-21 in the 6A quarterfinals. The good news is that Clovis returns a loaded offensive set of skill position players, but they graduated their entire defense. We have the Wildcats ranked No. 11 out of 100 teams in New Mexico and after Monday, we felt good about that assessment. Continue reading our exclusive preview on Clovis Here

8. Carlsbad 2-8
Lot of change in Carlsbad. Maybe that’s an overstatement, but after a 2-8 season maybe former Head Coach Ron Arrington who by the way did a solid job as head man for several years knew that their needed to be new life pumped into the program. Whatever the case, Gary Bradley the former head coach at Farmington and the former offensive coordinator for the Mayfield Trojans was the right hire for the job. Continue reading our exclusive preview on Carlsbad Here

9. Sandia 6-5
The Sandia Matadors have remained one of Albuquerque’s top high school football programs over the years under Head Football Coach Kevin Barker who is entering his 23rd year as a Head Football Coach (Sandia/Manzano). In the past 10-seasons, the Matadors have reached the playoffs 8 out of 10 times, reaching the finals in 2012. “Our seniors are pretty darn good and have led all the way through our spring and summer workouts. We’re led by Seniors Jimmy Gallegos, Dominic Baca, Jeremiah Loya, and Isaiah Lowery. We return 11 starters overall and we’re excited about the 2015 season,” said Head Sandia Football Coach Kevin Barker. Continue Reading Our Exclusive Preview On Sandia Here

Class 5A

1. Los Lunas 4-7
It's going to be tough to win the district this year for 2nd year head coach Terrell Trantham, but they have enough returning talent that reaching the playoffs is very much likely. Their game starts with returning junior running back O'Maury Samuels who has already been offered by the New Mexico State Aggies. At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, he might be the most complete back in the State of New Mexico and he is only a class of 2017 prospect. Also returning for Los Lunas is Quarterback Hunter Wisneski who busted out a few games last year, also watch for 6-foot-2, 170 pound Trevor Brohard., If they can build a solid line over the summer, Los Lunas is going to be tough to handle in 2015.

2. Roswell 2-8
In 2013 under Jeff Lynn the Coyotes went 6-5, in 2014 the Coyotes went 2-8 missing the playoffs. They did beat Silver 45-12 early in the season, Silver was a final 4 team in Class 4A. However, they lost close games against Moriarty, Ruidoso, and played Goddard close late in the year losing only 21-10. The Coyotes return Dominic Anaya who was an All-State Corner, return Jacob Miley at quarterback who is 6-foot-3, 180, but other than that it's tough to gage these guys early on.

3. Capital 5-5
The Jaguars are going to make a run for the district title this year. There we said it. Bill Moon has built the program up from scratch and this year the Jaguars have enough talent to compete for a slot in the playoffs. Last year they went 5-5 with wins against West Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Bernalillo, Socorro, and Espanola Valley. They return quarterback Augustine Larranaga and Kevin Brown, two game breakers.

4. Piedra Vista 7-5
The Panthers won 7 games during the regular season which was impressive considering how young they were roster wise. They finally graduate quarterback Isaiah Valdez, but return some game breakers like Elijah Gamboa and also have some big linemen: Jose Dominguez is listed at 5-foot-10, 350 pounds, Isiah Billy is 6-foot-0, 265, Doug Frost is 6-foot-0, 245 pounds, Jake Terry is 5-foot-10, 245 pounds. They reached the playoffs last year beating Valencia in the first round 44-21. Piedra Vista has the talent to return in the playoffs in 2015.

5. Espanola 5-5
Espanola Valley is coming off a 5-5 season and things are looking bright entering 2015 under Miguel Medina. Last year Espanola reeled off wins against West Las Vegas, Gallup, Bernalillo, McCurdy, and Questa. They return Marcos Flores at quarterback and a handful of key players that started in 2014.

Class 4A

1. Portales 7-5
The Rams are going to be a team to keep tabs on entering the 2015 season because of their skill position players. Last year the Rams went 7-5 before losing to Silver in the playoffs. Headlining the roster is Bronte Staugaard who had an outstanding year rushing for 1,517-yards and 22 touchdowns, he is going to be a handful each Friday Night.

2. Hot Springs 5-6
The Hot Springs Tigers reached the 2014 playoffs with a 5-5 record and were paired against Cobre in the 1st round losing 49-6. The Tigers return some solid prospects into the season headlined by Nick Moreno at running back and Darin Welty at quarterback.

3. West Las Vegas 3-7
You have to think the Dons are on the come up under Adrian Gonzales as Head Coach. It's been a tough place to win, but West Las Vegas showed some moxy last year beating Taos 20-14 late in the year. They return Miguel Sena at receiver who caught for 799-yards and 7 touchdowns as well as Jordan Martinez who totaled 75 tackles.

Class 3A

1. Estancia 11-3
Is it possible for Estancia to be even better entering the 2015 season? Last year the Bears finished out the season 11-3 beating Clayton 14-6 to win the Class 3A State Title. Their offense racked up 517 points and allowed just 148. Returning is FB/DE/LB Caleb Ortiz at 6-foot-3, 226 pounds, 253 pound linemen Gabe Garcia, 268 pound linemen Michael Garcia, and Adam Lujan who ran for over 500-yards as a junior.

2. Texico 3-8
The Wolverines had a rare down year in 2014 winning just three football games. What we like about Texico headed into the 2015 season is they return a ton of talent. Watch for standout running back Mason Golden who ran for over 1,000-yards as a sophomore last year.

3. Santa Rosa 5-7
The Lions had a rare losing season in 2014 gong 5-7 on the year. After beating Navajo Prep in the 1st round of the playoffs, the Lions were trounced by Clayton 52-0 in the quarterfinals. Returning is 234 pound Matt Chavez up front, but other than that it's tough to tell who will step up. Then again, it's Santa Rosa Football.

For those schools who might not have their games streamed on the NMAA's ProView Network, does any school stream their games live online? I know the state championships are streamed with ProView, but what about regular season games?

If so what platform do you use? YouTube? Ustream? Periscope? Other?

What players are the top 13 players for preseason Miss Volleyball?

Who are the 24 Prospects for Miss Basketball

Returning Stat Leaders For 2015: Quarterbacks
Compiled by Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

Pictured is Artesia Quarterback Justin Houghtaling who threw for 3,436-yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior in 2014

1. Justin Houghtaling - Artesia - 2016 - 3,436-yards, 38 TD’s
2. Kyle Hooper - Alamogordo - 2017 - 2,286-yards, 27 TD's
3. Johnny Plowman - Lordsburg - 2017 - 2,2204-yards, 33 TD’s
4. Drew Ortiz - St. Pius X - 2017 - 2,000-yards, 28 TD's
5. Kameron Miller - Las Cruces - 2016 - 1,960-yards. 20 TD’s
6. Gabe Ortega - Cleveland - 2016 - 1,639-yards, 14 TD’s
7. Ryley Padilla - Albuquerque - 2016 - 1,438-yards, 12 TD’s
8. Daulton Hatley - Clovis - 2016 - 1,255-yards, 12 TD’s
9. Zach Gallegos - Questa - 2016 - 1,123-yards,
10. Josh Williams - Volcano Vista - 2016 - 1,1017-yards, 11 TD’s
11. Marcos Gonzales - West Mesa - 2016 - 924-yards, 7 TD’s
12. Jared Garay - Hatch - 2016 - 866-yards, 12 TD’s
13. Dominic Montano - Escalante - 2016 - 865-yards, 15 TD’s
14. Caleb Meyer-Hagen - Hope - 2016 - 784-yards, 9 TD’s
15. Jonah Leyva - Carlsbad - 2017 - 692-yards, 2 TD’s
16. Brendon Charley - Bloomfield - 2017 - 660-yards, 6 TD’s
17. Hunter Wisneski - Los Lunas - 2017 - 635-yards, 4 TD’s
18. Alejandro Croff - McCurdy - 2016 - 633-yards, 7 TD’s
19. Jaden Dolfin - Tohatchi - 2016 - 533-yards, 2 TD’s
20. Aaron Bean - Atrisco Heritage - 2016 - 499-yards, 7 TD’s
21. Bryan Lopez - Chaparral - 2017 - 466-yards, 3 TD’s

Returning Stat Leaders For 2015: Running Backs
Compiled by Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

Pictured is Bronte Staaguard of Portales who ran for 1,517-yard and scored 22 touchdowns as a junior

1. Dominic Montano - Escalante - 2016 - 2,194-yards, 34 touchdowns
2. AJ Starkovich - Miyamura - 2016 - 1,608-yards, 23 touchdowns
3. Bronte Staaguard - Portales - 2016 - 1,517-yards, 22 touchdowns
4. O'Maury Samuels - Los Lunas - 2017 - 1,356-yards, 14 touchdowns
5. Cisco Mayville - Ruidoso - 2017 - 1,350-yards, 17 touchdowns
6. Aaron Bean - Atrisco Heritage - 2016 - 1,294-yards, 15 touchdowns
7. Micah Gray - Clovis - 2017 - 1,148-yards, 18 touchdowns
8. Adrian Grajeda - Hatch - 2016 - 1,146-yards, 16 touchdowns
9. Blane Ferbrache - Eunice - 2016 - 992-yards, 9 touchdowns
10. Raymond Saucedo - Lordsburg - 2017 - 959-yards, 12 touchdowns
11. Isaac Vance - Mayfield - 2017 - 900-yards, 17 touchdowns
12. Avery See - Del Norte - 2017 - 889-yards, 12 touchdowns
13. Caleb Myer Hagen - Hope - 2016 - 860-yards, 10 touchdowns
14. Jose Zamora - Clayton - 2016 - 844-yards, 11 touchdowns
15. Jimmy Gallegos - Sandia - 2016 - 874-yards, 10 touchdowns

Returning Stat Leaders For 2015: Receivers
Compiled by Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com


Pictured is Alamogordo senior Julian Segura who caught for 660-yards as a junior

1. Dante Alonzo - Navajo Prep - 2016 - 1,005-yards/6 TDs
2. Jacob Esquivel - Lordsburg - 2017 - 895-yards/17 TDs
3. Miguel Sena - West LV - 2016 - 799-yards/7 TDs
4. Miles Hilton - St. Pius X - 2016 - Caught for 743-yards13 TDs
5. Julian Segura - Alamogordo - 2016 - 660-yards/6 TDs
6. Marcus Williams - Cleveland - 2016 - 639-yards/9 TDs
7. Bronte Staugaard - Portales - 2016 - 542-yards/6 TDs
8. Adam Cook - Cleveland - 2017 - 507-yards/3 TDs
9. Tomas Madrid - Questa - 2017 - 503-yards/12 TDs
10. Alex Ramirez - Alamogordo - 2017 - 500-yards/8 TDs
11. Josh Barton - Volcano Vista - 2016 - 468-yards/2 TDs
12. Devin Beard - Hobbs - 2016 - 466-yards/7 TDs
13. Jeremy Padilla - Hobbs - 2016 - 454-yards/8 TDs
14. Isaac Morales - Hagerman - 2017 - 431-yards/4 TDs
15. Bryce Rewalt - Centennial - 2016 - 416-yards/6 TDs
16. Noah Hill - La Cueva - 2016 - 412-yards/6 TDs
17. Tristan Martinez - Escalante - 2017 - 396-yards/6 TDs
18. AJ Starkovich - Miyamura - 2016 - 390-yards/3 TDs
19. Jonathan Martinez - Albuquerque - 2016 - 388-yards/5 TDs
20. Dominick Konstan - Manzano - 2016 - 387-yards/5 TDs
21. Raymond Saucedo - Lordsburg - 2017 - 362-yards/5 TDs
22. Marceo Tortallito - Navajo Prep - 2016 - 359-yards/2 TDs

Have gone to two schools in the past 5-days that don't have a trainer. Are trainers that hard to find? Seems like so much emphasis is going into protecting athletes, yet the districts cannot get trainers to these high schools?

I guess Hobbs isn't the only one...

Story Linked Here Via The USA Today

Coming soon! Featuring the top playmakers from each district. Should be a fun project before the season.

They updated the outside of the field house yesterday

Who are they and why?

Coming Soon

Boys Soccer
Recruiting

Preseason All-State
Top Seniors
Top Juniors
Top Sophomores
Top Freshmen

Rankings
Returning Stat Leaders: Saves

Running Weekly Scoreboard
Players of the Week
Team of the week
Rankings

Girls Soccer
Recruiting

Preseason All-State
Top Seniors
Top Juniors
Top Sophomores
Top Freshmen

Rankings
Returning Stat Leaders: Saves

Running Weekly Scoreboard
Players of the Week
Team of the week
Rankings

Finally the season is here!!

Lots of teams with big aspirations. Everyone starts at 0-0 and 0, cant forget the ties! The hot summer days of conditioning should be done with, team selection should almost be done across the state and teams should be working on team chemistry and developing their style of play.

Titles arent won or lost early on, but trends can develop that lead into district play.

Good luck to all and hope to hear from all areas of the state!

2015 5A Preseason Rankings

Welcome to the 2015 Volleyball season. We are about one month away from the first game of the season, APS schools look to have an opening night of September 1st, 2015. During the month of August we will highlight our 2015 Team Rankings, Player Rankings and look into the season.

Reigning Champs Looking To Add Another

The Centennial Hawks (Las Cruces, NM) were impressive last season going (21-4, 12-0) on their way to the 5A State Title. Looking to put herself among the best in the state of New Mexico and on the early list for the inaugural NMPreps.com Miss Volleyball, Destiny Ruiz (2016/S). However, Ruiz has help in any direction she looks along with another player on the early watch list in 6-foot, Savannah Bush (2016/MB).

The Hawks also bring back a wealth of talent in Iyabo Adeogba (2016/OH) and D'Andra Espinoza (2016/DS) who create a team that could be even better than the title team from last season.

After a 17-7 season the St. Pius X Sartans come in ranked #2 in the NMPreps.com Preseason Rankings. Lead by two second team All-State players in Emily Buford (2016/MH) and Kayla Griego (2017/S). The Sartans graduate plenty but will place a lot on the shoulders of these two players.

Finishing at the rest of the Top-5 we have Albuquerque Academy coming in at the three spot behind two second team All-State players in Alina Vanecek (2016/OH) and Libby Fidal (2016/L) who could be one of the more talented teams heading into the season and looking to improve on the 15-10 finish that resulted in a Elite Eight finish in the State Tournament last season.

At, number four we have Los Lunas that will be looking to solidify itself as a team to take serious in 2015. They have Jordan Holland (2016/MH) a 2014 first-time all-state player who could also be a favorite in the consideration of the 2015 Miss Volleyball. She will team up with a 2014 second team all-state player in Kelsey Bell (2016/S).

Rounding out the five a #5 we have what could be the "dark horse" favorite to win the 2015 title in the Los Alamos Hilltoppers. Only graduation one player off the Elite Eight team that went (13-11, 6-2) this Hilltopper team will be one of the top teams to reckon with in the state of New Mexico. Led by Samantha Melton (2016/S) she will welcome back more talent and experience of the top-5 teams.

Rounding Out The Top-10

Piedra Vista (#6 NMPreps.com 5A Team Rankings) and Espanola Valley (#7) come into the season ready to make believers of two top programs. Piedra Vista went (20-4, 8-0) last season and played in the State Title game falling to Centennial in the championship game. The Panthers welcome back some experience but could be a team that goes either direction. Espanola Valley another Elite Eight team from a season back bring 10-players back to make a case for a serious contender. Celina Naranjo (2016/S) and Kaitlyn Romero (2016/OH) are the two players to keep an eye on this season. The Sundevils went 19-4, 8-0 last season and have the bulletin board material after being placed behind district foe Los Alamos.

At No. 8 is the Goddard Rockets (18-6, 5-1) who played in the Final Four last season giving the Hawks everything that they could handle. Graduating plenty the Rockets welcome back Shaylee Griffin (2016/MB) who will be the face of the 2015 team. Aztec (#9) and Artesia (#10) finish the top 10 this preseason in a talented 2015 5A class of teams.

Aztec has young talent in 2018- Myra McCaskill (S) and 2017 player Vannessa Chavez. A state tournament team last season they hope to use that experience to improve in 2015. The Bulldogs of Artesia bring back two talented players in Justena Galindo (2016/S) and Kayla Ledezma (2017/L).

On The Edge

At No. 11 the Farmington Scorpions could be considered a contender to play in the later rounds of the state tournament. They return two players in Lexie Jackson (2018/L) and Ashley Flack (2016/S) who could create one of the better teams improved after missing the playoffs last season. A dangerous team that should likely be higher on the list is the Roswell Coyotes (#12 NMPreps.com 5A Rankings) who welcome back 10-players and a talented 2016 class. Watch out for the Coyotes as they could be the first team to fly up the rankings.

Maybe a season away the Santa Teresa (No. 13) could be a scary team for the next two years with a talented 2017 class. Madison Leyva (2017), Betel Hernandez (2017) and Maranda Legarreta (2017) create a serious trio. Valencia (No. 14) and Belen (No. 15) finish the 15 teams to watch. Belen has Natasha Hirschfeld (2017) to lead the team.

The Back End

16. Moriarty
17. Lovington
18. Del Norte
19. Bernalillo
20. Gallup
21. Grants
22. Capital
23. Miaymura
24. Chaparral

Grine's Small Take: 5A is loaded with talented and you could put plenty of teams,maybe 12-13 in a hat and place them in the top 10. Several key players return for each team and a deep classification. All-state players return on many of the top-10 teams with some dark horse teams.

Eagles no longer youthful, ready to leave mark
By Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

Login to view embedded media
HOBBS, NEW MEXICO - Now entering his 4th year as Head Coach at Hobbs High School, Charles Gleghorn showed me clips of the offense via their new drone technology, then he showed me their new weight room equipment, on his desk were the plans for the new stadium, signs of a program evolving rapidly. Hobbs wants to win in football badly, no offense but they didn’t built a 15,000 seat football stadium for looks or for city rec games, they didn’t build a state of the art field house and the state’s best weight room to show their school district check books, they built these items to help the football program win.

Hobbs Eagle Overview

It’s that simple. In Gleghorn’s first year as head coach the Eagles went 2-8, then in 2013 the Eagles flew into the playoffs with a 8-4 record even beating Clovis that year, last year the Eagles missed the playoffs going 4-6 and 1-2 in district. The outlook for this year’s Eagles is promising with more than 10 returning starters, their offense is led by a quarterback/running back duo and their defense has enough talent to stop anything coming their way, this year is pivotal for the program, a winning season could bring years of continued success, big continued success, but they have to win now.

“We have a lot of juniors that started for us last year, which means we have a lot of seniors coming back. We are changing a lot of things we do not in game situations, but in practice. Before it was a good way to learn and teach, now we’re cutting the kids loose and expecting the kids to know enough to execute. We’ve made their practice to where they really have to execute better and we’re really excited about that. When I got here in Hobbs, these current seniors were in 8th grade, so this is their 4th year. They used to have to look over to the sidelines and expect me to change the call, now they can get to the line, see the defense, and make adjustments all on their own. We even have sophomores that can do that do, our program is just evolved and it’s something we have worked towards,” Said Charles Gleghorn on the incoming Hobbs Eagles Team.

The Eagles return a two-year starter in Isaac Amaya at quarterback who threw for over 2,000-yards and 20 touchdowns a a junior and also return Jeremy Padilla at running back, their big time home run hitter on offense. They are very deep at the receiver position: Newcomers like Cason Clay, Aaron Compton have looked like great additions to the fold this year, veterans like Brevin Thompson and Jeremiah Brant have show well all summer. Up front watch for two-way interior linemen Jackson Scott who looked quite impressive on Tuesday, Justin Martinez at 230 pounds will be their center.

On the defensive side, you have to really like what Hobbs returns. Adian Mackey is their quick and agile defensive end at 6-foot-0, 240 pounds, likely the top defensive end in the district. Their backers are anchored by Jared Reber at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds along with Chris Kuykendall who is around 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. In the secondary, the Eagles return a ton with Andre Gomez as their best cover guy and Guy Ross Tippy as their safety which brings the wood.

Key Returners

Isaac Amaya - Quarterback - Senior - 5-11, 170
Jeremy Padilla - Running Back - Senior - 5-10, 175
Brevin Thompson - Receiver - Senior - 5-11, 175
Andre Gomez - Defensive Back - Senior - 5-9, 150
Jared Reber - Linebacker - Senior - 6-1, 210
Guy Ross Tippy - Defensive Back - Senior - 6-0, 160
Chris Kuykendall - Linebacker - Senior - 6-2, 210
Jackson Scott - Offensive/Defensive Line - Senior - 6-0, 240
Adrian Mackey - Defensive Linemen - Senior - 6-0, 240

New Names To Know

Jeffery Henderson - Defensive Linemen - Senior - 6-4, 320
Justin Martinez - Offensive Linemen - Senior - 5-11, 230
Justin Santos - Defensive Backs - Senior - 6-0, 150
Chipper Childers - Defensive Back - Junior- 5-10, 155
Cason Clay - Receiver - Junior - 5-11, 152
Jeremiah Brant - Receiver - Senior - 5-9, 170
Aaron Compton - Receiver - Junior - 5-8, 150
Blake Moore - Quarterback - Junior - 5-8, 140

2015 Schedule

“Right off the bat we got Mayfield, we went to Mayfield last year and then we got Artesia in the Bulldog Bowl, the last time we won, but Artesia is going to be very good this year. When you talk about New Mexico High School Football those two programs come up all the time. After that we go to Lubbock Coronado, they are very big and fast, rest of the schedule is the same. Roswell is improving, Goddard is Goddard, we got Lovington here, then district,” Said Gleghorn.

8/28 vs Mayfield
9/04 @ Artesia
9/11 vs Roswell
9/18 @ Onate
9/25 @ Godard
10/02 @ Lubbock Coronado
10/09 vs Lovington
10/23 vs Clovis
10/30 @ Carlsbad
11/06 vs Alamogordo

Senior Quote

After Hobbs’ practice on Tuesday we caught up with Jared Reber the Eagles starting middle linebacker along with Running Back Jeremy Padilla, here is what they had to say. “We are loving two-a-days. Coming out here and working out as a team getting ready to go into the season. Great to be with the group of guys and we’re going into the season ready to take care of business,” Said Reber. “The offense is really well, working hard, we have some newcomers that are working hard. We want to get through two-a-days, it’s special and to think 17-years ago I was little baby just waiting to get her and now it’s time to go,” Said Padilla who will be a two-year starter at running back.

Our Take

It’s just very exciting see what could be in Hobbs. I’ve maybe it to Hobbs every year since 2006 and have seem drastic changes. When people say Gleghorn can’t get the football players out, guess what? Cason Clay and Aaron Compton both won a state basketball title in 2015. Hobbs has gotten stronger, increased their schedule, look at who they are playing in weeks 1 and 2, they have a great chance to do some big things in 2015, but again we’ve thought Hobbs was going to do it up in years past and now they almost appear to be that boom or bust team entering the season. Whether you’re on the Hobbs bandwagon or not, know that this coaching staff has laid a great foundation and is ready to punt up in 2015.

Driving through and around New Mexico this week there are so many dang trains and oil refineries I am surprised no high schools use them for a mascot. Could you imagine: Clovis Freightrunners or Clovis Iron Horses or Clovis Locomotives? Haha. Maybe not Locomotives, but you get it. In my opinion it would be better than just Wildcats. Same with Artesia and their surrounding working environment. Artesia Oilers, Artesia (I can't think of anymore).

What are some other New Mexico High Schools that could use mascot name changes based off their surrounding working industry?

District 5-6A Is Up For Grabs In 2015
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com

Rankings based off our Preseason Top 100 - Click Here

18. Valley

Entering his 4th year as Valley Head Football Coach Enrico Marcelli has a win/loss record of 23-10. After a slow start in 2014 going 0-4, the Vikings won 4 out of their last 5-games on the season and were one-game away from reaching the playoffs. For a school that has just over 1,100 students, the participation numbers for football are extremely high, in-fact Coach Marcelli told us that Valley has over 130 kids out in the entire program in grades 9-12. This season Valley returns 14 starters into the 2015 season, the headline in the spring/early summer has been the recruiting coverage regarding 6-foot-6, 250 pound returning defensive linemen Teton Saltes who has offers from CAL, Iowa State, New Mexico , Oregon, San Diego State, Texas Tech, Washington, and Washington State. While Saltes is a Blue Chip Senior, Valley only has a total of 12 seniors on the roster, one of their smallest groups in years. “Our senior class this year is really small this year, luckily they are all pretty good. We got guys like Teton Saltes, Noah Santistevan, Michael Barboa, and Elijah Naranjo who are all going to make plays. Last year was up and down a little bit, but I think we’ve learned from that, we lacked a little bit of senior leadership, over the summer we have worked on that,” Said Enrico Marcelli. Full Team Preview of the Valley Vikings Here

19. Atrisco Heritage

They Atrisco Heritage Jaguars finally graduate that loaded senior class. Last year the Jaguars won the district title and went 7-4 under Patrick Johnson losing to Las Cruces 36-15 in the 6A 1st round of the playoffs. While they graduate there year starters like: Ricci Alvidrez (RB) and James Romero (DL) they still have talent at one of the state’s largest schools enrollment wise. Quarterback Aaron Bean threw for 499-yards and ran for 1,294-yards and 15 touchdowns, he’s one of the top option quarterbacks in New Mexico and one who can just fly. They also return running back Darius Moore who ran for over 400-yards. Their offensive line has been pretty big over the last few years, but they graduate a ton including: Daniel Perez, Tupac Crum, and Cody Maldonado. Atrisco is trying to make it 4-straight years to the playoffs, something that is quite impressive no matter how you spin it.

22. Albuquerque

The Albuquerque Bulldogs ended a 43-game losing streak during the 2014 season under then first year Head Coach Curtis Flakes. The Bulldogs went on to win 4 games in 2014 and finished district with a record of 3-2, really the Bulldogs were one game away being playoff eligible. That fact in itself is pretty much unbelievable considering Albuquerque had not won since August 28th of 2010. Under Flakes a former Defensive Back at the University of New Mexico and former assistant at Manzano, the practice was crisp, disciplined, and organized. “The first thing we did during the semester after the football season was hit the books. We didn’t lift weights, run plays during our football period, we (the coaches) sat with the kids and used football period as study hour to bring up G.P.A’s. We wanted to make sure their grades were in line before we took the next step in our program,” Said Flakes on Tuesday Morning. The Bulldogs return 18 starters from last season, a lot of these current varsity players have seen time since their sophomore season being pulled up do to lack of numbers. Fast forward to July of 2015, the Bulldogs had well over 60 players out at summer work outs. “There has been a significant amount of change in these young men, now they are very much accountable and up for the challenge to take care of their responsibilities. We are still building a foundation, it’s an every day commitment, it’s a process, it’s going to take some time, but as from a coaching perspective and from the players we are all excited about it,” Commented Flakes. Complete Team Preview on the Albuquerque Bulldogs Linked Here

27. West Mesa

Speaking with both Albuquerque Head Coach Curtis Flakes and Valley Head Coach Enrico Marcelli during the 2nd week of July, both commented that West Mesa should be solid this year. Though the Mustangs were just 2-8 in 2014, They return quite a few marquee players including quarterback Marcos Gonzales, Athlete Domonic Fischer, and 215 pound Defensive End Idan Urrutia who will likely be on our Preseason All-State list. The Mustangs also return one of the state's top field goal kickers in Sabino Morales.

58. Rio Grande
The Ravens will enter the 2015 season with another Head Football Coach. Sam Mascarenas takes over following Pat Quillen who went 1-9 in 2014. Last year the Ravens were outscored 119-429 on the season, their only win came against Highland winning 38-20.

Where are they?

I'll start with a few of the top players in the districts I am most familiar with:

Las Cruces HS:

• Alexis Romo (12th) - Fast, blazing fast, short but well built, strong on the ball. Great finisher when he gets loose.
• Jacobus McClure (12th) - Tall GK, around 6'4" or taller this year, if he kept growing. Makes the goal look really small. Great at dominating anything in the air in the box. With his size, he covers lots of ground in and around the box.

Centennial HS:

• Foster Gbogbo (12th) - the heart and engine of the group as the deep lying CM. Distributes the ball across the field, can start attacks from the deep postition. Doesnt hesitate to join the attack and score some goals.
• Luis Cazares (12th) - As either a winger or an attacking MF, he and Gbogbo form a great tandem. Also can create scoring chances for his teammates by attracting lots of defensive attention

Gadsden HS:

• Juan "Danny" Pantoja (12th) - Dangerous outside back who gets the green light to jump in or start any attack. Super fast that allows him to get up and down the field. Very strong and aggressive.
• Patricio "Paco" Garcia (10th) - at about 6'2" or taller, one of the biggest defenders in the south central area. Young and can read the game, covers lots of ground and can stops lots of offensive chances. Can only improve the next 3 seasons.

Chaparral HS:

• Uriel Rosales (12th) - Fast forward whose work rate is second to none. Will have to tow the offense this year after losing a great senior class from last year.

Los Lunas HS:

• Chris Lovato (12th) - already committed to UNM is a sign of his abilities. Strong, fast, a leader of his teammates. Can score from anywhere on the field (not literally) creates chances out of very little. Will have to carry the load with the graduation of his former partner in crime Alexandro Garcia
• Diego Flores (10th) - young winger, fast and able to be in the right spot for Lovato. Might be the one to watch in 2016 when Lovato has graduated.

Santa Teresa HS:

• Eduardo Duran (11th) - defensive leader, smart center back who can cut out attacks and start them himself. Not afraid to make a run from the back and create overloads in the midfield.
• Carlos Montenegro (12th) - defensive midfielder that likes to orchestrate from a deeper position. Smart and able to work in tandem with Duran when he vacates the CB position.

Here is a stab at a pre-season top 10 for 6A boys:

1. La Cueva
2. Cibola
3. Las Cruces
4. Albuquerque High
5. Volcano Vista
6. Sandia
7. Atrisco Heritage
8. Rio Rancho
9. Eldorado
10. Carlsbad

San Diego Charger Junior Seau and Steelers' Running Back Jerome Bettis headlined the 2015 NFL Hall of Fame class on August 8th in Canton, Ohio. Today the Minnesota Vikings will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason exhibition game, I hear former Artesia Bulldog/Oklahoma Sooner Landry Jones is supposed to see plenty of playing time.

Sunday - August 9th
Steelers vs. Vikings
6PM MST
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
NBC

Ranking the teams I saw last week during my two-a-day tour, based off practice observations and talent on the field.

1. Mayfield
2. Centennial
3. Las Cruces
4. Clovis
5. Onate
6. Hobbs
7. Artesia
8. Alamogordo
9. Goddard
10. Carlsbad

I've personally been to 18 New Mexico High School Football Practices this summer and have spoken with 18 different head coaches. Today, we kick off the week with key quotes from my 2015 New Mexico High School Football Summer Tour.

Preseason Football Page Here

Key Quotes Going Into The Season

Rio Rancho

“We had a great spring and we are really looking forward to seeing how these younger guys step in. We got some seniors that want to prove themselves and we’re excited for the challenge.” said Head Rio Rancho Football Coach David Howes.

Cleveland

“We are really proud of our linemen. They are really committed to the grind as they say, doing the right thing every single day. We are anchored by Nate Garcia our Center, left guard is Demtry Rodriguez a 300 pounder who has some nasty to him, big hang cleaner and big bench guy, at right guard is Santos Taylor at 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, at left tackle is 6-foot-7, 265 pound Henry Hattis, and at right tackle is Daimon Altamirano at 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, who is also our heavyweight wrestler here at Cleveland. The competition aspect for this group is big,” commented Ridenour on a seriously large group of offensive linemen.

Volcano Vista

“It's been a good summer to start, the attitude is a lot better and the kids are just working hard. It’s a very senior dominate group and that is where the leadership starts for us," said Head Volcano Vista Coach Chad Wallin.

Manzano

“We got some new names like: Orlando Perez, Jordan Byrd, and Antonio Padilla, and skill wise overall I liked the way we competed at the UNM 7-On. It’s all about learning right now in the summer time, for right now I think we are where we need to be,” said Manzano Head Football Coach Chad Adcox.

Sandia

“Our seniors are pretty darn good and have led all the way through our spring and summer workouts. We’re led by Seniors Jimmy Gallegos, Dominic Baca, Jeremiah Loya, and Isaiah Lowery. We return 11 starters overall and we’re excited about the 2015 season,” said Head Sandia Football Coach Kevin Barker.

Eldorado

“I think when you have a program with tradition, kids want to win. These seniors want to win, just like last year’s seniors, and hopefully they continue their bond this year,” said Head Eldorado Football Coach Charlie Dotson entering his 8th year at the helm.

Valley

“Our senior class this year is really small this year, luckily they are all pretty good. We got guys like Teton Saltes, Noah Santistevan, Michael Barboa, and Elijah Naranjo who are all going to make plays. Last year was up and down a little bit, but I think we’ve learned from that, we lacked a little bit of senior leadership, over the summer we have worked on that,” Said Enrico Marcelli.

Albuquerque

“There has been a significant amount of change in these young men, now they are very much accountable and up for the challenge to take care of their responsibilities. We are still building a foundation, it’s an every day commitment, it’s a process, it’s going to take some time, but as from a coaching perspective and from the players we are all excited about it,” Commented Flakes.

Clovis

“The attitude of this group is real good, our kids work real hard in the off-season. Attitude and leadership are usually problems we do not have here in Clovis, we’re a little undersized this year, we lost all 11 of our defensive starters, but we do return 6 starters on offense including our quarterback, running back, X, and our tight end. We got a lot of competitions for these positions, in-fact there are 17 positions open and that competition makes for good practice because no one has it made. Kids have to work everyday to earn a position and keep that position,” Said Legendary Clovis Head Football Coach Eric Roanhaus on Monday after the Wildcat’s first official practice of the season.

Artesia

“One of the things we’re real fortunate about this year is that we have a core nucleolus of leaders from last year back from last year’s team so they know what it took to get where you want to be. No doubt though the key every year is to know that last year is now behind us and we’re starting all over again and we feel like our summer program and everything has gone pretty well, we’re excited about getting two-a-days started, and continuing to work hard,” Said Henderson on Monday afternoon regarding this year’s roster.

Hobbs

“We have a lot of juniors that started for us last year, which means we have a lot of seniors coming back. We are changing a lot of things we do not in game situations, but in practice. Before it was a good way to learn and teach, now we’re cutting the kids loose and expecting the kids to know enough to execute. We’ve made their practice to where they really have to execute better and we’re really excited about that. When I got here in Hobbs, these current seniors were in 8th grade, so this is their 4th year. They used to have to look over to the sidelines and expect me to change the call, now they can get to the line, see the defense, and make adjustments all on their own. We even have sophomores that can do that do, our program is just evolved and it’s something we have worked towards,” Said Charles Gleghorn on the incoming Hobbs Eagles Team.

Goddard

"We’ve got to have tough kids here at Goddard, because we are not big and we’re not fast. And when you play teams like Clovis, Carlsbad, Hobbs, and Artesia even the teams in our district are big, we don’t see many teams that are smaller than us, even Fabens, Texas was bigger than us last year. We have to put extra effort into weight training and conditioning and toughness, in the summer we get them conditioned and then we go into the football season with aspirations and hopes, but I tell the kids you better dream that you’re going to hold that blue trophy up against the sky," Said Mike Whalen who is now in his second year as Head Football Coach at Goddard.

Carlsbad

"I've always had my eye on Carlsbad. It's a one-horse town, a small town and I've always liked Carlsbad form the Lake, River, and I love the fact that on Friday Night they close it down for Football. It's a sports town with a lot of athletes, great facilities, and great community support," said first year Carlsbad Coach Gary Bradley.

Alamogordo

“It’s taken a while to get these kids into our weight program, I think that is a huge part and most of these kids started for me my first year here and they played a pretty tough schedule and now as incoming seniors they have a lot of game experience. We also have not changed is how we run the offense and defense, that hasn’t changed in three-years so these kids know everything on both sides of the football,” said Head Alamogordo Football Coach Dale Hooper who is 6-14 in two-years at Alamogordo.

Onate

“Our football savvy and what we are trying to do has really improved. We got into the first game of last year and realized we weren’t near as advanced as we thought we were. Now running our flexblone offense, it’s more cohesive these guys are on the same page and we’re actually executing a lot more of the playbook. Defensively we’ve got two very good defensive ends, we’ve got some good talented linebackers, and I am really excited to see what this year’s defense can do. I think on paper we can be better than last year and that’s exciting,” said second year Head Onate Football Coach Brent Jaquess.

Las Cruces

“It’s a good group, they work hard, we have those 70 kids each and everyday that are committed and understand it’s two-a-days and though it’s been over 100 degrees out here the last few days they have been going hard and I like their effort. We’re going to make some mistakes, but that is why we are practicing and we’re correcting them and they are getting better,” said Jim Miller about his roster going into the 2015 season.

Mayfield

“This is probably one of the best senior leadership groups that we have had and that is saying a lot. These kids, they’re just fantastic kids. They are hard workers, they are committed to what they do, and they get along with everybody. Leadership is a funny thing. Either you have it or you don’t. You can try to develop it and sometime that works, but these guys came into the program as born leaders and I think that starts with the parents. Sometimes you don’t get that nowadays, but these are great kids and I expect great things out of them this year,” Said Bradley on his seniors.

Centennial

“We lost some good seniors last year, we have a lot of kids that have played some football returning, I feel good about the chemistry, feel good about the kids coming back, and we just have to work hard and get better every week. I would say offensive linemen are our strength. We also have some strong leadership right now that is going to be tested. We’ve got a lot of challenging games up ahead, we got 27 seniors that care a lot of this program, and that have been here for 4-years, so I would say leadership is a big strength too,” Said Ocampo on the incoming 2015 team.

Preseason Football Page Here