Feature 2024 Best/Worst Case Scenario: Cibola Cougars

[J Grine]

NMPreps Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the 2024 New Mexico High School Football Season: Cibola Cougars

NMPreps continues our fan-favorite annual feature as we review all of the schedules in New Mexico high school football with our Best & Worst Case Scenario for the 2024 season. #nmpreps

2024 Schedule​

• 8/23 - vs Albuquerque - Coin Flip/Underdog
• 8/30 - vs Sandia - Underdog
• 9/6 - vs Eldorado - Underdog
• 9/13 - at Carlsbad - Underdog
• 9/19 - vs Clovis - Underdog
• 10/4 - at Rio Rancho* - Underdog
• 10/11 - vs Cleveland* - Underdog
• 10/18 - at Farmington* - Underdog
• 10/26 - vs Piedra Vista* - Underdog
• 11/1 - at Volcano Vista* - Underdog

The Cougars enter the 2024 season on a 15-game losing streak following an 0-10 season in 2023. While opportunities for victory seem far-fetched, here is their chance to end the streak.

Best Case Scenario: 1-9 overall, 0-5 district​

To break their losing streak, the Cougars need to seize the opportunity on opening night against the Albuquerque High Bulldogs. They might also keep it close against Sandia, having narrowly lost 10-6 in the final game last season. Facing new District 1-6A members Farmington and Piedra Vista, whom they played last season as part of their non-district schedule, offers a chance for more competitive games. Farmington defeated them 39-0 and Piedra Vista 41-7 last season, but with improvements, these games could be closer.

Worst Case Scenario: 0-10 overall, 0-5 district​

The Cougars also face a 7-game district losing streak over the last two years, compounded by the NMAA district alignment block. With a newly formed district that includes familiar foes Cleveland, Rio Rancho, and Volcano Vista, as well as new additions Farmington and Piedra Vista, a worst case scenario would see the Cougars' losing streak extend to 25 games.

Final Thoughts: (Over/Under 0.5 Wins)​

The Cougars were a young team last season and remain a work in progress, likely facing another tough year. While predicting a winless season is harsh, we give our NMPreps early prediction of a 1-9 overall record, believing they can surprise at least one team on their schedule. Key returning players like quarterback Noah Carroll (2026) and defensive standouts Antonio Salcido (2025), Hayes Baum (2026), and Voltaire Venegas (2025) could help propel them to a victory.

Please submit your schedule to grinejosh@yahoo.com or in the following thread: 2024 Schedule Release