Shiprock Chieftains 2024 Season Preview
NMPreps Preseason Ranking: #86
NMPreps 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, 0-0 district (independent)
Playoffs: Missed
Points Scored: 117
Points Given Up: 333
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
The Chieftains faced significant challenges in 2023, starting the season with a seven-game losing streak before securing their lone win against the new Gallup school, Hozho Academy, with an 18-0 victory. Despite a tough season, the Chieftains showed resilience, narrowly losing to Albuquerque-Rio Grande 22-13 and competing closely with Mountain View (Arizona) in a 48-41 defeat and Crownpoint in a 28-21 loss.
Offensive and Defensive Outlook
Shiprock will see several key players return for the 2024 season, including two-way starter Elijah Shorthair (2026), who played both quarterback and linebacker as a sophomore. Antonio James, a standout linebacker from the class of 2025, will be crucial in bolstering the defense and providing stability for new head coach Jeremy Wooten. James also began last season as the starting quarterback. Another essential player will be OL/DL Ashten Shirley, a senior who will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. The team will need to replace key graduates Austin King, Alexavier Yazzie, and Keenan Jim.
Realistic Expectations
The Chieftains haven't had a winning season since 2017 but have renewed optimism under new leadership. They scored a significant off-season victory by hiring former Newcomb head coach Jeremy Wooten. Wooten, a Texas native, led Newcomb to a District 1-3A title in 2022 with an 8-3 overall record, a 3-0 mark in district play, and a playoff appearance. The Chieftains hope that Wooten's quick success at Newcomb will translate to a turnaround at Shiprock as they join the newly formed District 1-3A. While challenges remain, there is a renewed sense of hope and potential for improvement in the 2024 season. Our early preseason prediction is 1-9 for the Chieftains, again depends on their schedule.
