6A Quarterfinal Preview:#2 Centennial vs #7 Rio Rancho
Centennial enters the 6A quarterfinals with an undefeated 10-0 record, showcasing one of the most explosive offenses in New Mexico. The Hawks have dominated on both sides of the ball, averaging nearly 49 points per game while allowing just 21. Centennial’s ground game is led by Zaiden Davis, who has racked up 138.8 rushing yards per game, while their defense is anchored by Joseph Bitar and a strong pass rush. The Hawks’ balanced offense and stingy defense make them one of the most formidable teams in the state, with a complete effort that’s hard to beat.
Rio Rancho, at 7-4, will look to pull the upset after falling to Centennial earlier in the season, 43-27. The Rams have shown resilience, with Jace Pitt and Micah Takahashi leading the offense. Rio Rancho’s strength lies in their balanced attack, averaging 368.4 total yards per game, but they’ll need to significantly improve their defensive performance to keep pace with Centennial's high-powered offense. The Rams will need standout performances from key players like JJ Arellano and Pitt to match Centennial’s firepower and pull off the upset. However, given Centennial’s dominance and home-field advantage, the Hawks are the favorites in this matchup. Prediction: Centennial 45, Rio Rancho 24 Grine's Pick: Centennial advances to the semifinals.
6A Quarterfinal Preview: #3 Cleveland vs. #6 Los Lunas
Cleveland enters this 6A quarterfinal matchup against Los Lunas with a dominant 9-1 record and a high-powered offense that averages 45.8 points per game. The Storm’s offense is led by quarterback Jordan Hatch, who has been prolific in the passing game, throwing for 172.8 yards per game. They also have a strong rushing attack with Juan Munoz averaging 74 yards per game. Cleveland has been a juggernaut this season, winning all of their district games and outscoring opponents by a wide margin. Their defense has also been solid, allowing only 109 points on the year. Cleveland's dominant win over Los Lunas earlier this season (55-7) will give them confidence heading into this game.
Los Lunas, however, comes into the matchup with an 8-2 record and plenty of fight. The Tigers have been explosive on offense, averaging 33.2 points per game, led by standout rusher Jordan Howard, who puts up 72.3 yards per game. Quarterback Kaiden Reese has been efficient in the passing game with 93.2 yards per game, and wide receiver J'den Howard has been a reliable target. The Tigers will need to tighten up their defense to contain Cleveland’s offense and avoid another lopsided result. Los Lunas will rely on their balance and depth to try and pull off the upset, but they will need to avoid turnovers and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way to keep pace with the high-scoring Storm. Score Prediction: Cleveland 42, Los Lunas 21 Grine's Pick: Cleveland advances to the semifinals.
6A Quarterfinal Preview: #4 Volcano Vista vs. #5 Las Cruces **GAME OF THE NIGHT**
Kickoff: Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, @ 7 p.m. (Nusenda Stadium, Albuquerque)
Tournament: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships - 6A
Overview:
This matchup features two high-powered teams with a lot to prove. Volcano Vista (8-2) edged out Las Cruces (8-3) in their early-season meeting, rallying late to secure a narrow 27-24 victory. Both teams have shown growth since then, setting the stage for a highly competitive rematch.
Las Cruces Bulldogs:
Las Cruces boasts a prolific offense that averages 40.8 points per game, led by QB Gunnar Guardiola, who puts up 178.0 passing yards per game, and RB Daniel Amaro, who leads the rushing attack with 120.7 yards per game and 16.7 points per game. The Bulldogs’ offense starts fast, averaging nearly 28 points by halftime, and will look to overwhelm Volcano Vista early.
Defensively, Las Cruces relies on playmakers like LB Daniel Rios, who averages 8.1 tackles per game. The unit will need to contain Volcano Vista’s balanced offense and prevent explosive plays.
Volcano Vista Hawks:
The Hawks are powered by QB Ilijah Hansen, who contributes 147.7 passing yards per game, and RB Mason Gurule, who averages 70.2 rushing yards per game. While Volcano Vista scores fewer points overall (29.2 per game), their defense has been rock solid, allowing just 118 points all season.
Their late-game composure could be the deciding factor, as they average 10.4 points in the fourth quarter, showing a knack for finishing strong. On defense, Justin Martinez anchors the pass rush with 1.0 sacks per game.
Key Matchup:
The battle in the trenches will be pivotal. Volcano Vista’s defensive front needs to disrupt Amaro and the Las Cruces running game, while the Bulldogs must pressure Hansen and limit big plays from Gurule and WR Devin Dunkin.
Prediction:
Both teams have the talent to win, but Volcano Vista’s defensive consistency and their ability to make second-half adjustments give them a slight edge. Expect a close game that may come down to a final drive. Volcano Vista 28, Las Cruces 24. Grine’s Pick: Volcano Vista
5A Quarterfinal Preview: #1 Roswell vs. #9 Highland
Top-seeded Roswell (8-1) faces a determined Highland (7-4) team coming off an upset victory in the first round. The Coyotes boast a balanced offensive attack, scoring 38.2 points per game, and have a defense that has held opponents to under 200 points this season. Roswell’s postseason experience and home-field advantage could prove decisive.
Highland relies heavily on star RB Amiri Mumba, who averages an incredible 189.4 rushing yards per game and has carried the Hornets' offense. To have a shot, Highland needs a massive performance from Mumba and will have to slow down Roswell’s explosive scoring early.
Prediction:
Roswell’s depth and ability to score in all phases of the game make them the overwhelming favorite. Highland’s reliance on Mumba may not be enough to keep up. Roswell 41, Highland 21 Grine's Pick: Roswell
5A Quarterfinal Preview: #6 Mayfield vs. #3 Deming
Mayfield (5-6) faces Deming (8-2) in a rematch of a thrilling regular-season game that Deming narrowly won, 29-27. Deming’s offense, powered by Ryan Alfaro’s 146.4 rushing yards per game, has been the cornerstone of their success. Mayfield will counter with QB Luke Linnan and RB Anthony Nevarez, key players in their 32.3 points-per-game offense.
The game will likely hinge on Mayfield’s ability to slow down Deming’s run-heavy attack and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Expect another close contest, as both teams have proven they can compete under pressure.
Prediction:
Deming’s ground game and home-field advantage should propel them to another hard-fought victory. Deming 31, Mayfield 28 Grine's Pick: Deming
4A Quarterfinal Preview: #6 Española Valley vs. #3 Taos
Española Valley (8-3) looks to avenge a 27-7 loss to Taos (7-3) earlier this season in district play. Taos dominated that matchup with a strong defensive showing, holding Española Valley scoreless for three quarters. This game features two run-heavy offenses, with Española Valley averaging 256.9 rushing yards per game and Taos relying on dual-threat quarterback Evan Salazar (161.6 total yards per game).
Taos will lean on its home-field advantage and disciplined defense, while Española Valley will need a standout performance from Victor Parra to break through. If Taos can replicate its defensive success from the regular season, they should secure a spot in the semifinals.
Prediction:
Taos’ balanced attack and previous success against Española Valley give them the edge. Taos 24, Española Valley 14 Grine's Pick: Taos
4A Quarterfinal Preview: #12 Chaparral vs. #4 Bernalillo
Chaparral (4-7) comes into the quarterfinals riding high after a stunning upset over #5 Portales, but they face a tough challenge in Bernalillo (8-2), which is undefeated at home this season. Chaparral’s offense, led by QB Israel Nieto (136.2 passing yards per game), will need to find ways to break through a Bernalillo defense allowing just 11.7 points per game.
Bernalillo’s offense, led by Uriel Castro’s efficient passing (208.5 yards per game), will test a Chaparral defense that has struggled this season, giving up 328 points in 11 games. Despite their underdog status, Chaparral will aim to carry the momentum of last week’s upset into another challenging matchup.
Prediction:
Bernalillo’s balance and home-field dominance should carry the day, but Chaparral won’t go down without a fight. Bernalillo 34, Chaparral 17 Grine's Pick: Bernalillo
3A Quarterfinal Preview: #2 Dexter vs. #7 Hatch Valley
Dexter (10-0) enters this game as one of the top teams in Class 3A, boasting an undefeated record and dominant scoring average of 43.7 points per game. The Demons previously crushed Hatch Valley (7-4) in a 60-6 regular-season win, with their dynamic offense led by QB C.J. Granados and RB Omar Loya.
Hatch Valley, relying on Orrin Russell's 104.6 rushing yards per game, must find a way to control the tempo and prevent Dexter from pulling away early. Dexter’s defense, which has allowed just 69 points all season, will be a tough obstacle for Hatch to overcome.
Prediction:
Dexter's balanced attack and prior dominance make them the clear favorite to advance to the semifinals. Dexter 48, Hatch Valley 13 Grine's Pick: Dexter
3A Quarterfinal Preview: #5 NMMI vs. #4 Socorro
The New Mexico Military Institute (8-3) faces Socorro (8-2) in a 3A quarterfinal showdown. These teams recently clashed in a high-scoring affair, with Socorro narrowly escaping with a 42-35 win. Both offenses are potent, with NMMI averaging 37.5 points per game, driven by a dominant rushing attack, while Socorro’s balanced offense, led by dual-threat Isaiah Ocampo, averages 38.0 points.
NMMI’s defense will need to slow down Ocampo, who accounted for 236.2 passing yards per game this season, while Socorro must contain NMMI’s Cohen Tomasits, averaging 87 rushing yards per game. With both teams boasting explosive playmakers, this game could come down to who controls the tempo and minimizes mistakes.
Prediction:
Socorro’s home-field advantage and balanced attack give them the edge, but it’s close again. Socorro 38, NMMI 31 Grine's Pick: Socorro
