Santa Fe Indian Braves 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #83NMPreps continues to release our very 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: 1-9 overall, 0-4 districtPlayoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 58
Points Given Up: 429
Streak into 2024: 7-game losing streak
The Santa Fe Indian Braves had a challenging 2023 season, ending with a seven-game losing streak. After a narrow loss in the opener to Cuba (13-12) and a win over Laguna-Acoma (16-15), their season quickly spiraled downward. They were shut out by Pojoaque (50-0) and suffered heavy defeats to McCurdy (44-15) and Espanola Valley (59-6). In District 2-3A play, they faced stiff competition from eventual state champions St. Michael's, state runner-up Robertson, West Las Vegas, and Raton, scoring just 9 points while conceding 190.
Offensive/Defensive Outlook
The Braves fielded 37 players last season and will graduate only 9 or 10, but the roster's constant turnover raises concerns. Key departures include Leonard Baldonado, a vital player on both sides of the ball. Junior Jacoby Mendoza, who started at quarterback as a sophomore, will bring some stability under center. Juniors Cameron Gutierrez and Jared Velasquez will be key targets at receiver. Matias Martinez is expected to help fill the backfield void left by Baldonado. Alex Tsosie returns as the lone experienced offensive lineman, which could pose challenges. Caleb Martinez, who had early success running the ball, will be a crucial player.Defensively, the Braves must replace several positions. Martinez returns at linebacker alongside sophomore Mylan Archuleta and Caleb Martinez, who will provide experience in the secondary. However, beyond these players, the defense will largely feature new faces.
Realistic Expectations
The Santa Fe Indian Braves face significant uncertainty heading into the 2024 season. Former head coach Bill Moon stepped down at the end of 2023, and a replacement has yet to be announced. The absence of a true summer program and preseason further complicates their situation. Opting to play as an independent team in the new alignment block, they avoid a tough District 2-3A but still face an uphill battle. Realistic expectations suggest a 0-10 or 1-9 season, contingent on their final schedule. Known games include an August 30th home opener against Newcomb and an October 18th matchup against Pojoaque Valley.Continue
2024 Preseason Rankings
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