Team Rankings 2024 Preseason Rankings: Silver Colts

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Silver Colts 2024 Preseason Preview
NMPreps Preseason Rank: #30

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: 9-3 overall, 3-0 district
2023 Playoffs: 4A State Semifinals
Points Scored: 386
Points Given Up: 172
Streak into 2024: 1-game losing streak
2024 Classification: District 2-4A

2023 Season Recap: Silver's Steady March to the Semifinals​

The Silver Colts continue to quietly be one of the more consistent winning programs in New Mexico high school football, winning 27 games over the last three seasons, including the 2023 season with a 9-3 overall record and a trip to the state semifinals. The season started with a tough road trip to 6A Alamogordo, where they fell 36-29 in a hard-fought battle against the 6A program. Then came a five-game win streak with dominant wins over 5A Miyamura (53-0), 3A Cobre (36-0), 6A Santa Fe (35-0), 4A Aztec (14-7), and 5A Deming (29-7). They hit a bump in the road against the eventual top seed in the 4A state playoffs, the Bloomfield Bobcats, losing 28-0, finishing their non-district schedule at 5-2.

The Colts quietly rebounded with another four-game winning streak, going 3-0 in district play and securing the District Championship with wins over Grants (40-7), St. Pius X (46-0), and Valencia (50-28). As the 3-seed in the state playoffs, they defeated Aztec 28-14 in the quarterfinals but fell to the eventual state champion Lovington 45-26 in the semifinals, capping off a strong season at 9-3 overall.

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2024 Outlook: Offensive & Defensive Players to Watch​

The Silver Colts face a challenging transition in 2024 after the departure of dynamic quarterback Adan Jacquez, who threw for 2,048 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding 601 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground. Replacing Jacquez will be no small task, but the Colts have a history of reloading effectively, as they did after losing a talented backfield prior to the 2023 season.

The offensive line will be anchored by rising star Luke Stailey (2026), a 6'1" lineman on the early watch list, alongside Josiah Campos (2025) at center. However, the Colts' offense will be largely untested with no other quarterbacks having reps under center. The running back position is also uncertain, with minimal experience returning outside of a few carries by Izaiden Baca (2027) and Angel Chacon (2025). On the outside, receivers Mekhi Grant, David Jimenez, and Junior Casaus (all from the 2025 class) had limited touches last season but could step up to fill key roles.

Defensively, the Colts face a similar challenge with many departures but have some returning talent. Joseph Verdugo (2025), who recorded 53 total tackles last season, will be a key leader, supported by Luke Sandoval (2026) and David Palomarez. Baca and Casaus will also be expected to contribute significantly on both sides of the ball.

With new faces stepping into critical roles, the 2024 season will test the Colts' ability to rebuild and maintain their competitive edge.

Realistic Expectations and Predictions​

The Silver Colts enter the 2024 season with a preseason rank of #30, largely based on their recent track record of success. However, with the graduation of another key class, the Colts could be in for a significant rebuild this year. The lack of experience on both sides of the ball may lead to early challenges, especially as they navigate a newly formed District 2-4A that features several programs on the rise. Portales, St. Pius X, and Albuquerque Academy all return with strong talent, and Valencia could also be a factor, making it a tough road for the Colts. Manzano and Chaparral round out the district, but the Colts could struggle against the top contenders, potentially going 0-4 against that group.

Their non-district schedule provides some opportunities for success, opening with Santa Teresa and Gallup before facing regional rivals Deming and Cobre. While the Colts may face adversity this season, the NMPreps prediction leans toward a potential rebound. Given the makeup of their schedule, favoring the rebuild, a 5-5 overall record seems like a realistic outcome for the 2024 season. I could be convinced in a 6-4 overall record but will wait to see them after district play.

More Previews: New Mexico HS Football 2024 Preseason Rankings (link)

 

[TheBlackandSilver]

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