TEAM CAPSULES
No. 5 New Mexico Military Colts
Record: 8-2 overall, 3-0 in District 4-3A (1st)
Points For: 350 (35.0 per game)
Points Against: 106 (10.6 per game)
Preview: The New Mexico Military Colts enter the 2023 New Mexico high school football state playoffs on a four-game winning streak, determined to make their mark. With a season defined by resilience and notable victories, they've solidified their spot as a strong contender. The Colts' impressive 8-2 overall record showcases their ability to thrive in high-stakes situations. Their only losses came in a narrow 13-12 battle against Loving and a competitive clash with 2A powerhouse Texico (30-8) early in the season. One of their standout moments was a significant 22-8 upset win over Dexter, a team positioned for a top seed in the playoff bracket. This victory not only earned the Colts a place in the playoffs but secured the District 4-3A championship. Steering the Colts' offense is Cole Seidenberger (2025), a versatile playmaker who has excelled in both passing and rushing. Seidenberger has contributed 546 passing yards and 678 rushing yards, accumulating 20 total touchdowns, with an impressive 13 of them stemming from his rushing game. The Colts boast a potent rushing attack led by Cohen Tomasits (2025), who has amassed 709 yards and contributed 5 touchdowns this season. Supported by key contributors like Leonardo Lopez (2024), Alejandro Piedras (2026), and Alex Sanchez (2025), they've collectively gained over 2500 rushing yards and scored 37 touchdowns. Tomasits isn't just a force on offense; he's a key player on the defensive front, showcasing his well-rounded abilities. He's recorded 36 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss (TFL), and 1 sack this season. The Colts' defensive unit has been a stronghold, with players like Steven Griego (2024) leading the way with 52 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Piedras, a remarkable two-way player, tops the team in sacks with 3 while also contributing 30 total tackles.
No. 6 Dexter Demons
Record: 8-2 overall, 3-1 in district 4-3A (2nd)
Points For: 418 (41.8 average)
Points Against: 173 (17.3 average)
Preview: The Dexter Demons soared to the top of their classification with a remarkable 5-0 start to the season, securing impressive victories over West Las Vegas (40-27), Jal (30-6), and a nail-biting win against Eunice (44-43). Their unbeaten streak was finally halted with a home loss to Robertson (42-14), followed by a district win against Hope Christian (54-12) before they stumbled against NMMI (22-8), resulting in a second-place finish in the district. The Demons concluded the regular season on a high note, triumphing over Tucumcari (62-7) and Ruidoso (60-14), earning them an at-large bid for the postseason. This season, the freshman quarterback, CJ Granados, demonstrated his prowess by amassing 1,246 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns, while also contributing 297 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Kaesn George (2025) and Julio Manzanares (2024) formed a formidable running back duo, with Manzanares leading the way, amassing 878 rushing yards and an impressive 14 rushing touchdowns, while George added 461 rushing yards. In the passing game, Granados had a wealth of reliable targets, with George and Manzanares emerging as the his top options on short passes, boasting 527 and 346 receiving yards, respectively. The Dexter defense showcases standout players, including Enrique Sena (2026), Jason Richards (2025), and Ivandre Aguilar (2025), all of whom are set to return next season. Sena stands out with an astounding 13 total sacks and 17 tackles for loss (TFL), while Aguilar leads the team with 48 total tackles, promising a strong foundation for the future.
No. 7 Socorro Warriors
Record: 8-2 overall, 2-1 in District 3-3A (2nd)
Points For: 337 (33.7 average)
Points Against: 176 (17.6 average)
Preview: The Socorro Warriors found their stride after an early-season loss to Robertson and managed to string together six consecutive wins. A notable victory was a thrilling 29-21 win over first-round opponent Hope Christian, and an overtime triumph (27-21) over Raton showcased their resilience. Despite falling to district champion Cobre, they finished the regular season strong with victories over Hatch Valley and Hot Springs. Rising star Isaiah Ocampo leads the offensive charge, amassing impressive statistics of 1,846 passing yards and 928 rushing yards, contributing to 31 total touchdowns, 25 being passing touchdowns. Complementing Ocampo, Chase Boykin and Cenyon Scarborough provide valuable support in the backfield, each accumulating over 300 rushing yards. Ocampo's primary receiving targets, Jay Lee and Alex Amaro, have been prolific with Lee boasting 847 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns, while Amaro has contributed 718 yards. The Warriors' defense features senior Kaden Down, who leads the team in total tackles with 52, closely followed by the tenacious Junior Gutierrez (2025) with 51 total tackles. Boykin and Scarborough also play pivotal roles on the defensive side, contributing 49 and 48 total tackles, respectively. The Socorro Warriors enter the playoffs with a well-rounded team and a determination to make their mark in the postseason after exiting in the semifinals as the 1-seed in 2022.
No. 8 Thoreau Hawks
Record: 7-3 overall, 3-0 District 5-3A (1st)
Points For: 311 (31.1 average)
Points Against: 162 (16.2 average)
Preview: The Thoreau Hawks successfully defended their District 5-3A championship this season, concluding district play with a perfect 3-0 record. They are back in the playoffs, aiming for a repeat of their 2022 first-round victory when they entered as the 5-seed. This season's journey began with a strong 2-0 start, securing wins against Zuni and Tucumcari. While they faced adversity with losses to Kirtland Central, McCurdy, and West Las Vegas, the Hawks rebounded with victories over Tohatchi and Newcomb. The highlight of their season was a pivotal 24-6 victory over the Cuba Rams, a win that may have played a role in keeping Cuba out of the playoffs in this one-bid league. Quarterback Isaac Bear Eagle (2024) commands the Hawks' offense, amassing 1,101 passing yards and 293 rushing yards, contributing to an impressive total of 22 touchdowns, 16 of which are passing touchdowns. Running backs Ray Long (2024) and Saige Westmoreland (2026) provide valuable support in the backfield, with Long accumulating 403 rushing yards and Westmoreland adding 397. The Hawks' defense, anchored by Taven Tahe (2024), Isaac Woody (2024), Wade Plummer (2024), and Irvin Tom (2026), is a formidable unit. Tahe leads the team with an impressive 8 interceptions this season, while Plummer tops the charts in total tackles with 54 and has secured 3 sacks.
No. 9 Raton Tigers
Record: 4-6 overall, 1-3 District 2-3A (4th)
Points For: 271 (27.1 average)
Points Against: 205 (20.5 average)
Preview: The Raton Tigers have emerged as one of the most formidable 4th-place finishers in any district this season, competing in the challenging 2-3A district against top-seeded teams like St. Michael's (1st), Robertson (2nd), and West Las Vegas (4th). The Tigers faced an early-season setback with a 0-2 start, falling to Eunice and Guymon, Oklahoma. However, they bounced back with victories over Trinidad, Colorado, Tucumcari, and Escalante. Following a hard-fought 27-21 overtime loss to Socorro on the road, the Tigers struggled in district play, securing their sole district win over Santa Fe Indian and facing losses on the road against West Las Vegas and St. Michael's. The Tigers had to reload this season after losing NMPreps/Rivals New Mexico Mr. Football Cayden Walton but quarterback Jacob Mattorano (2024) leads the Tigers' offense with an impressive 1,502 passing yards and 17 touchdowns this season. In the backfield, running backs Joseph Saenz (2025) and Cannon Walton (2025) have played pivotal roles in the team's resurgence. Saenz has accumulated 586 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, while Walton has contributed 482 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. The receiving corps, guided by Wyatt Berry (2025), has provided solid support, with Berry leading the team with 424 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns. On the defensive side, key contributors include Isaac Garcia (2024) and WD Hyer (2024). Garcia boasts 88 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, while the versatile Wyatt Berry has showcased his two-way prowess with 7 interceptions this season.
No. 10 Hope Christian Huskies
Record: 4-6 overall, 2-2 in District 4-3A (3rd)
Points For: 215 (21.5 average)
Points Against: 307 (30.7 average)
Preview: The Hope Christian Huskies commenced the 2023 season with a strong 2-0 start, showcasing their potential with victories over McCurdy and Hatch Valley. However, they faced a formidable series of opponents, including several playoff teams in 4A and 3A, leading to a challenging six-game losing streak. Their ability to bounce back with wins against Tucumcari and Ruidoso demonstrated their resilience, securing a third-place finish in their district. behind NMMI (5) and Dexter (6). The Huskies' sophomore standout, RJ Montoya, commands the offense with 1,313 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns while also contributing 297 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns this season. Elijah Saiz (2024) leads the team in rushing with 549 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. Joseph Marek (2024) and Breylon Williams (2025) serve as Montoya's primary receiving targets, with Marek amassing 380 receiving yards and Williams contributing 318. On the defensive front, 2024 All-New Mexico nominee, Jacob Baca, solidifies the Huskies' defense with an impressive stat line of 89 total tackles (30 solo), 25 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. The Hope Christian Huskies are battle-tested and ready to face the challenges of the postseason.
No. 11 Hatch Valley Bears
Record: 5-5 overall, 1-2 in District 3-3A (3rd)
Points For: 304 (30.4 average)
Points Against: 236 (23.6 average)
Preview: In Coach Manny Rodriguez's inaugural season at the helm, the Hatch Valley Bears encountered a slow start, with a 1-3 record early on, which included a commanding victory over Laguna-Acoma (50-0) but was followed by three consecutive losses. However, they rebounded impressively, securing three consecutive wins to stand at 4-3 as they entered district play. The Bears opened district 3-3A with a resounding victory over Hot Springs (48-0) but concluded the regular season with back-to-back losses to Socorro (37-20) and Cobre (40-0). Despite their setbacks, their strong performance was enough to earn them an at-large bid to the playoffs. Hatch Valley's ground game has been a linchpin of their success this season, amassing over 1,825 yards and 24 touchdowns. Key contributors include Orin Russell (2025), Omar Gonzalez (2026), and Frank Angel (2024), along with quarterback Jacob Gomez (2024), all playing vital roles in the Bears' offensive attack. Russell leads the team with 478 rushing yards, followed by Gonzalez with 413 and Angel with 320. Gomez has demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities with 433 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 983 passing yards, and 14 passing touchdowns, making him a dynamic playmaker for Hatch Valley.
No. 12 Navajo Prep Eagles
Record: 5-5 overall, 3-0 in District 1-3A (1st)
Points For: 294 (29.4 per game)
Points Against: 375 (37.5 per game)
Preview: The Navajo Prep Eagles have been a team of determination and resilience in the 2023 season. Despite a challenging start that saw them at 0-3, they mounted an inspiring comeback, culminating in a District Championship. Their remarkable turnaround earned them a 3-game win streak and secured the title with a thrilling 38-36 overtime victory over the reigning District Champion, the Newcomb Skyhawks. This dramatic win not only granted them the District Championship but also punched their ticket to this season's state tournament, where they enter as the last seed. Quarterback Xavier Nez (2025) played a pivotal role in their recent success, shining in the crucial victory over Newcomb. Nez boasts a season total of 1,028 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns, showcasing his growth and impact on the team. In the rushing game, Joshua Wells (2024) has been a reliable option for the Eagles, accumulating 647 yards and contributing 3 touchdowns this season. Wells' versatility extends to the receiving game, with 303 receiving yards, adding depth to the Eagles' offensive arsenal. The Eagles feature a dynamic set of targets in Lane Wilson (2024), Kohl Johnson (2026), and Wallen Descheeny (2024), each making valuable contributions as receivers. With their District Championship win and newfound momentum, the Navajo Prep Eagles are ready to embrace the challenges of the state tournament.
PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS
(5) New Mexico Military vs (12) Navajo Prep
In this first-round clash, the No. 5 NMMI Colts take on the No. 12 Navajo Prep Eagles. The Colts come into the game with an impressive 8-2 overall record, securing the second seed in District 4-3A. They boast a high-scoring offense led by quarterback Cole Seidenberger and a formidable rushing attack.
On the other side, the Navajo Prep Eagles had a roller-coaster season, finishing 5-5 but clinching a district championship in District 1-3A. Their resurgence in the latter part of the season earned them a spot in the playoffs.
Keys to the Game:
For NMMI, their path to victory involves unleashing their potent offensive weapons, with Seidenberger at the helm. The offense should make the most of their dynamic rushing duo, Cohen Tomasits and Leonardo Lopez. Defensively, they must control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the Eagles' offensive rhythm. Navajo Prep must rely on quarterback Xavier Nez to lead the offense effectively. They should establish their ground game with Joshua Wells and create opportunities for their receiving targets, including Lane Wilson and Kohl Johnson. On the defensive side, they need to make key stops and create turnovers.
Prediction:
In a matchup where the Colts' powerful offense faces off against the Eagles' district-champion grit, NMMI is the favorite. Their balanced offensive attack and solid defense make them a formidable contender. NMMI secures a solid win in the first round, with a final score of 48-6, advancing to the next stage of the playoffs.
(6) Dexter Demons vs. (11) Hatch Valley Bears
In this first-round showdown, the No. 6 Dexter Demons face off against the No. 11 Hatch Valley Bears. The Demons enter the game with an impressive 8-2 overall record, finishing as the runner-up in District 4-3A. They showcased a high-powered offense, led by freshman quarterback CJ Granados and a dynamic rushing attack. The Bears, on the other hand, endured a challenging season but managed to secure a playoff spot with a 5-5 record. Their offense heavily relies on a ground game orchestrated by quarterback Jacob Gomez, who has also demonstrated his ability as a dual-threat quarterback.
Keys to the Game:
For Dexter, their key to victory lies in the hands of their explosive offense, making the most of Granados' passing and their dynamic backfield duo of Kaesn George and Julio Manzanares. The defense needs to remain disciplined and limit the Bears' ground attack. Hatch Valley must establish their run game early with Gomez, Orin Russell, and Omar Gonzalez to control the clock and keep Dexter's potent offense off the field. Defensively, they need to create turnovers and capitalize on Dexter's mistakes.
Prediction:
In a matchup that pits Dexter's explosive offense against Hatch Valley's resolute run game, the Demons have the edge. The depth of their offensive playmakers and the solid performance of their defense make them a formidable force. Dexter wins this first-round clash convincingly, with a final score of 42-14, advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
(7) Socorro Warriors vs. (10) Hope Christian Huskies
In this first-round clash, the No. 7 Socorro Warriors take on the No. 10 Hope Christian Huskies. The Warriors enter the game with an impressive 8-2 overall record, securing the second seed in District 3-3A. They possess a high-powered offense led by quarterback Isaiah Ocampo and a strong defensive unit. On the other side, the Hope Christian Huskies have battled through a challenging season, finishing 4-6 and clinching the third seed in District 4-3A. Despite a tough schedule, they've shown resilience and determination.
Keys to the Game:
For Socorro, their path to victory involves exploiting the offensive talents of Isaiah Ocampo, who has been a dual-threat force all season. Their defense must focus on containment and disrupting Hope Christian's offensive rhythm. Hope Christian will rely on defensive standout Jacob Baca who will look to slow this Socorro run attack.
Prediction:
Socorro is the favorite in this matchup, with a potent offense and a strong defensive presence. Expect the Warriors to secure a win in the first round with a final score of 26-22, advancing to the quarterfinals creating a rematch with No. 2 Robertson.
(8) Thoreau Hawks vs. (9) Raton Tigers
In this first-round showdown, the No. 8 Thoreau Hawks, fresh off defending their District 5-3A championship take on the No. 9 Raton Tigers. Thoreau, having secured their District 5-3A championship with a 7-3 overall record, faces off against Raton, an underdog from a challenging District 2-3A with a 4-6 record.
Keys to the Game:
For Thoreau, victory hinges on their ability to maintain offensive consistency. Quarterback Isaac Bear Eagle's (2024) leadership will be crucial, and they must make the most of the dynamic duo of Ray Long (2024) and Saige Westmoreland (2026) in the backfield. On the defensive side, Thoreau should rely on playmakers like Taven Tahe (2024), Isaac Woody (2024), Wade Plummer (2024), and Irvin Tom (2026) to disrupt Raton's offensive rhythm.
Raton, the resilient underdogs, boasts a size and strength advantage. Their battle-tested experience has prepared them for this playoff showdown. With a variety of offensive options, including quarterback Jacob Mattorano (2024), Joseph Saenz (2025), and Cannon Walton (2025), Raton will exploit the Thoreau Hawks' vulnerabilities and showcase their offensive prowess.
Prediction:
In this first-round clash, Raton's physical prowess, battle-tested mentality, and versatile offensive options will lead them to a convincing 38-13 victory. This would set up a rematch with 1-seed St. Michael's in the quarterfinals.
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