Bernalillo Spartans 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #35
NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps
2023 Playoffs: 4A State Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 292
Points Given Up: 204
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-4A
The Spartans' winning streak extended to 6-0 after defeating 4A Moriarty (14-7) and securing a hard-fought 20-14 victory over 4A Taos. However, their undefeated run came to an end at the hands of 5A Los Alamos, who handed them their first loss of the season with a 26-19 score. This defeat marked the end of their non-district play, leaving the Spartans with an impressive 6-1 record.
As district play commenced, the Spartans faced a challenging stretch, suffering back-to-back losses. Lovington proved too strong, defeating Bernalillo 47-26, and Portales compounded their woes with a 38-0 shutout. Despite these setbacks, the Spartans rallied to finish the regular season on a high note, delivering a resounding 50-14 victory over Albuquerque Academy. This win secured their spot in the playoffs with a 7-3 overall record.
Entering the playoffs as the 5-seed, the Spartans started with a dominant 52-0 win over 12-seed Valencia in the first round. However, their playoff journey was cut short in the quarterfinals with a rematch against district foe Portales. Despite a valiant effort, the Spartans fell 17-0, ending their season with an 8-4 overall record.
Link: Sign Up For A Premium Subscription - Use Code 30RIVALS!
This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #35
NMPreps continues to release our early New Mexico high school football preseason rankings to get you ready for the 2024 season. We will rank all 89 teams scheduled to play in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications, competing in 11-man football. #nmpreps
2023 Season Review
Record: 8-4 overall, 1-2 district2023 Playoffs: 4A State Quarterfinals
Points Scored: 292
Points Given Up: 204
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 1-4A
2023 Season Recap: Strong Start, Tough Finish
The Bernalillo Spartans kicked off the 2023 season with a blazing start, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable force in New Mexico high school football, bouncing back from a 2-8 overall 2022 season. They began their campaign with a thrilling 12-6 victory over 5A Valley, setting the tone for what would be an impressive early run. The momentum continued with a 26-18 win against 4A Espanola Valley, followed by back-to-back dominant performances against 5A opponents: a 55-3 blowout over Albuquerque-Del Norte and an 18-14 nail-biter against Albuquerque-Highland.The Spartans' winning streak extended to 6-0 after defeating 4A Moriarty (14-7) and securing a hard-fought 20-14 victory over 4A Taos. However, their undefeated run came to an end at the hands of 5A Los Alamos, who handed them their first loss of the season with a 26-19 score. This defeat marked the end of their non-district play, leaving the Spartans with an impressive 6-1 record.
As district play commenced, the Spartans faced a challenging stretch, suffering back-to-back losses. Lovington proved too strong, defeating Bernalillo 47-26, and Portales compounded their woes with a 38-0 shutout. Despite these setbacks, the Spartans rallied to finish the regular season on a high note, delivering a resounding 50-14 victory over Albuquerque Academy. This win secured their spot in the playoffs with a 7-3 overall record.
Entering the playoffs as the 5-seed, the Spartans started with a dominant 52-0 win over 12-seed Valencia in the first round. However, their playoff journey was cut short in the quarterfinals with a rematch against district foe Portales. Despite a valiant effort, the Spartans fell 17-0, ending their season with an 8-4 overall record.
Link: Sign Up For A Premium Subscription - Use Code 30RIVALS!
2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch
The Bernalillo Spartans' offense will lean heavily on quarterback Uriel Castro (2025), who had a stellar season last year, throwing for 2,078 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 162 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Nathan Encinias (2025) is expected to step into a bigger role, filling the shoes of graduated seniors Mason McChriston and Diego Molinar. Last season, McChriston was the team's top receiving target, amassing 955 yards and 13 touchdowns.This is premium content. Please subscribe to view.
