2024 NMPreps 3A New Mexico High School Football Rankings and Season Preview
The 3A division of New Mexico high school football is set for an exciting season with a mix of returning powerhouses and rising teams. The new alignment for the 2024 and 2025 seasons brings Gallup, Shiprock, and Pojoaque Valley down from 4A, while districts are now combined into three: District 1-3A, District 2-3A, and District 3-3A. Notably, St. Michael's, Cobre, and Dexter, initially set to move down due to enrollment, successfully petitioned to stay in 3A. Here’s a look at the top twenty teams and players to watch this season, along with the new alignment and predictions.
Top 10 Teams in 3A
1. St. Michael's Horsemen (2023: 11-2)- 2024 Outlook: The Horsemen, led by quarterback Reed Bass and running back Soren Annon, are poised for another standout season. With a solid offensive and defensive lineup, including top prospect Ryan Hunt, they are favorites to make a deep playoff run.
- 2024 Outlook: Dual-threat quarterback Jesse James Gonzales leads a talented roster aiming for the state championship. With key players like Paul Duran and Nathaniel Gonzales returning, the Cardinals are strong contenders.
- 2024 Outlook: Senior quarterback CJ Perea and a solid core of returners position the Dons as a strong team in 2024. They have the potential to exceed expectations and make a significant playoff run.
- 2024 Outlook: The Colts, led by quarterback Cole Seidenberger and running back Cohen Tomasits, are poised for another successful season. Their depth and experience make them formidable contenders for the district title and state playoffs.
- 2024 Outlook: Dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Ocampo leads a deep and experienced roster. The Warriors are expected to be a top-four seed in the state playoffs, with a strong chance of contending for the championship.
- 2024 Outlook: With quarterback RJ Montoya returning, the Huskies aim to improve on last season's record. Their challenging schedule will test their resilience, but they have the potential to sneak into the playoffs.
- 2024 Outlook: Despite losing key players, the Indians have a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. They face a rebuilding season but have the potential to make a playoff run.
- 2024 Outlook: Dexter, with a standout quarterback, is a sleeper team poised to make a significant impact this season. Their potential to reach the state championship game makes them a team to watch.
- 2024 Outlook: Moving down from 4A, the Elks have a standout running back and are potential movers and shakers in the 3A division. Their performance this season will be closely watched.
- 2024 Outlook: Coming off a tough season, the Warriors aim to rebuild and improve. With a new alignment, they have the opportunity to rise in the rankings.
BACK TEN
11. Hatch Valley Bears- Offense/Defense Outlook: The Bears return key players like Omar Gonzalez and Orrion Russell. Their defense needs improvement to reduce the points allowed. Realistic expectations suggest a 5-5 season, with potential to secure a playoff spot based on district performance.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Struggled last season but return most of their roster. Key players include Frank Martinez and Samuel Hernandez. Realistic expectations suggest a 4-4 season, marking significant improvement and progress.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Significant graduations will challenge the Hawks, but returning players like Saige Westmoreland and Jordan Calladitto show promise. Realistic expectations predict a 5-5 season.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Return several key underclassmen like McKenzie Tsosie and Lavontae Robinson. Realistic expectations suggest a 4-6 or 5-5 season, with potential to be competitive in District 1-3A.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Return a solid roster with standout Adriano Begay. Realistic expectations range from 5 to 8 wins, with a 6-4 season being likely.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Need a new head coach but have promising returning players like Tristan Polanco. Realistic expectations suggest a 2-5 win season, contingent on new leadership.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Face significant uncertainty with key departures and a need for a new head coach. Realistic expectations suggest a 0-10 or 1-9 season.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Return several key players like LaDanion Begay and Eric Woodman. Realistic expectations suggest a 3-7 season, with potential to finish the season at .500.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Return most of their roster but need to replace key players like Kole Eriacho. Realistic expectations suggest a 3-7 season, with potential for up to five wins based on a favorable schedule.
- Offense/Defense Outlook: Return key players like Elijah Shorthair and Antonio James, with new head coach Jeremy Wooten bringing renewed optimism. Realistic expectations suggest a 1-9 season.
Predictions and Analysis
Crystal Ball Preseason Predictions: 2024
As the 2024 high school football season approaches, the excitement builds around the potential playoff contenders in the 3A division. Here's a look at the 12 teams predicted to secure playoff spots, including the top seeds and those on the bubble.- Final Four: St. Michael's, Robertson, Dexter, Socorro
- Dark Horse: West Las Vegas, NMMI - QBs to Watch
- Sleeper In The Title Game: Dexter with a stud QB
- Potential Movers and Shakers: Hatch Valley, Pojoaque Valley
Top Four Seeds
1. Robertson (Auto Bid) - A perennial powerhouse, Robertson is expected to clinch an automatic bid and secure a top-four seed but I don't think it's the first time Robertson and preseason No. 1 St. Mikes meets.2. St. Michael's (At-Large) - Another top-tier team, St. Michael's is projected to earn an at-large bid and a top-four seed.
3. Socorro (Auto Bid) - Socorro is set to grab an automatic bid, placing them in the top four seeds. Their balanced attack and solid defense make them a tough opponent.
4. Dexter (At-Large) - Dexter rounds out the top four seeds with an at-large bid. Their strong showing in recent seasons suggests they have the talent and coaching to make a deep playoff run.
Mid-Seed Contenders
5. West Las Vegas (At-Large) - Projected as the fifth seed, West Las Vegas is expected to earn an at-large bid.6. NMMI (At-Large) - The New Mexico Military Institute is predicted to secure the sixth seed with an at-large bid.
7. Cobre (At-Large) - As the seventh seed, Cobre is anticipated to grab an at-large bid. Is it a total rebound or do they have some pieces?
Lower Seed Contenders
8. Thoreau (Auto Bid) - Thoreau is expected to earn an automatic bid and the eighth seed. 1-3A is a one bid league and if they go 6-0 in district play they could potentially even be a 5-seed.9. Hatch Valley (At-Large) - Predicted to be the ninth seed, Hatch Valley is likely to secure an at-large bid.
10. Hope Christian (At-Large) - Hope Christian is set to be the tenth seed with an at-large bid. They haven't shown how solid they can be.
11. Pojoaque Valley (At-Large) - The eleventh seed is expected to be Pojoaque Valley, earning an at-large bid. Sleeper if they face, say, a Thoreau in the opening round.
Bubble Teams
12/13. Ruidoso/Gallup (At-Large) - The final playoff spot is a toss-up between Ruidoso and Gallup, with either team likely securing an at-large bid. Gallup's potential to be the runner-up in District 1-3A gives them an edge, but both teams need to prove themselves throughout the season to claim the twelfth seed.Bubble Watch:
14. Hot Springs - Hot Springs remains on the bubble, with the potential to break into the playoffs if they can string together some key wins during the season.
Cellar Teams:
- Crownpoint, Tohatchi, Wingate, Zuni, Shiprock: Teams on the outside looking in unless they can beat out Gallup or Thoreau.
- Santa Fe Indian: As an independent they can't qualify for the state playoffs. I wonder if they can petition to be back in a district in 2025?
Stay tuned to NMPreps for ongoing coverage and updates throughout the season.
You can find the full team previews here: 2024 Team Previews
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