2023 4A State Championship Team Preview: No. 2 Lovington Wildcats
Record: 9-3 overall, 3-0 District 4-4A
Overview: The Lovington Wildcats step into the contest with a 9-3 overall record, and all three losses have been against formidable opponents, including the top-ranked teams in 5A football, Roswell and Artesia, along with a loss to Seminole, Texas. Riding a six-game win streak, they secured their spot in the state championship game with a 29-21 victory over Portales, clinching the 2023 District 4-4A Championship.
Bid: Automatic - District Champion
Path to the State Championship: In the quarterfinals, the Wildcats delivered a dominant performance, defeating 7-seed Espanola Valley 52-0. They continued their impressive run in the semifinals, securing a 45-26 victory against 3-seed Silver, both games played on their home turf in Lovington.
Last State Championship Game Appearance: The Lovington Wildcats secured the state championship in 2021 with a commanding 41-21 victory over Ruidoso. Before this recent triumph, the Wildcats celebrated their last state championship appearance and win at the conclusion of a three-peat from 2009 to 2011, under the guidance of then-head coach Jamie Quinones.
Head Coach: Anthony Gonzales assumed leadership of the Wildcats program in 2016, arriving from Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite a challenging start with a 1-win season in 2016, Gonzales has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, consistently improving the win total each year. The progression culminated in a stellar 10-win season in 2021, and although facing a setback with a 5-7 season in 2022, he swiftly rebounded, guiding the team to an impressive 9-3 record in the current season.
Recent History Vs Opponent (Three-year Glance): Over the past three years, the Wildcats have maintained a perfect record against their state championship opponent, Portales, with a 4-0 record. The current win streak stands at five, dating back to the Spring 2020 season.
Offensive Players to Watch:
3A Championship Team Preview: St. Michael's
3A Championship Team Preview: Robertson
Record: 9-3 overall, 3-0 District 4-4A
Overview: The Lovington Wildcats step into the contest with a 9-3 overall record, and all three losses have been against formidable opponents, including the top-ranked teams in 5A football, Roswell and Artesia, along with a loss to Seminole, Texas. Riding a six-game win streak, they secured their spot in the state championship game with a 29-21 victory over Portales, clinching the 2023 District 4-4A Championship.
Bid: Automatic - District Champion
Path to the State Championship: In the quarterfinals, the Wildcats delivered a dominant performance, defeating 7-seed Espanola Valley 52-0. They continued their impressive run in the semifinals, securing a 45-26 victory against 3-seed Silver, both games played on their home turf in Lovington.
Last State Championship Game Appearance: The Lovington Wildcats secured the state championship in 2021 with a commanding 41-21 victory over Ruidoso. Before this recent triumph, the Wildcats celebrated their last state championship appearance and win at the conclusion of a three-peat from 2009 to 2011, under the guidance of then-head coach Jamie Quinones.
Head Coach: Anthony Gonzales assumed leadership of the Wildcats program in 2016, arriving from Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite a challenging start with a 1-win season in 2016, Gonzales has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, consistently improving the win total each year. The progression culminated in a stellar 10-win season in 2021, and although facing a setback with a 5-7 season in 2022, he swiftly rebounded, guiding the team to an impressive 9-3 record in the current season.
Recent History Vs Opponent (Three-year Glance): Over the past three years, the Wildcats have maintained a perfect record against their state championship opponent, Portales, with a 4-0 record. The current win streak stands at five, dating back to the Spring 2020 season.
Offensive Players to Watch:
- Wyatt Gomez (2024): Considered one of the top quarterbacks in New Mexico, Gomez boasts 3,292 passing yards and an impressive 45 passing touchdowns this season.
- Demarcus Thompson (2024): The standout senior receiver, earning college offers, has accumulated 1,147 receiving yards and an outstanding 18 receiving touchdowns.
- Camon Ochoa (2025): The junior running back has contributed 684 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.
- Cesar Gonzalez (2024): A key receiver with 988 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
- Elijah Rivero (2026): Another impactful receiver with 709 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
- Ealan Clayton (2024): Leading the team in total tackles with 102 (72 assisted), Clayton is a force on defense with 12 tackles for loss (TFL) and 4.5 sacks.
- Demarcus Thompson (2024): The standout receiver also excels on defense, ranking as a top linebacker with 68 total tackles (39 solo), 36.5 TFL, and a state-leading 17.5 sacks.
- Kyler Reeves (2026): Second on the team with 71 total tackles and 12.5 TFL.
- Patrick Sanchez (2026): Contributing with 5.5 sacks on the season and 12 quarterback hurries.
- Jayden Gutierrez (2026): The sophomore standout with a team-high 4 interceptions on the season.
- Alec Holguin (2025): Notching 3 interceptions for the Wildcats, showcasing their ball-hawking ability.
- Dynamic Quarterback: Wyatt Gomez, recognized as one of the top quarterbacks in the state, brings a dynamic passing game to the Wildcats. His ability to make plays through the air adds a critical dimension to Lovington's offense.
- Versatile Offensive Weapons: With playmakers like Demarcus Thompson, Camon Ochoa, Cesar Gonzalez, and Elijah Rivero, the Wildcats boast a versatile and explosive offensive arsenal. Their ability to score points through various avenues puts pressure on opposing defenses.
- Sack Leader and Defensive Playmaker: Demarcus Thompson's dual role as a standout receiver and a top-ranked linebacker adds a unique dynamic to Lovington's defense. His state-leading 17.5 sacks and playmaking abilities make him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the field.
Related
4A Championship Team Preview: Portales3A Championship Team Preview: St. Michael's
3A Championship Team Preview: Robertson
