21 Up 21 Down: Analyzing the First 20 Teams in NMPreps' 2024 New Mexico High School Football Preseason Rankings
As the 2024 New Mexico high school football season approaches, NMPreps is counting down all 89 teams set to compete in the newly aligned 6A-2A classifications. We've previewed the first 21 teams, highlighting key players, potential movements, and early predictions. Here's a closer look at these teams and their outlooks for the upcoming season.#69 Estancia Bears (2A)
2024 Preview: The Bears face a tough road ahead with key departures and a challenging schedule. Despite losing star player Joshua Calhoon, returning seniors Justin Rubio and Marcos Lucero, along with junior Tristan Pebley, will be crucial. Their early prediction sees them finishing 2-8, potentially dropping in the rankings as the season progresses. Continue Here.#70 Hatch Valley Bears (3A)
2024 Preview: Hatch Valley enters a new 7-team district with a favorable non-district schedule. Key players like Omar Gonzalez and Franklin Williams will lead the team. The Bears are predicted to finish 5-5, with a shot at securing a playoff spot depending on district performance. Continue Here.#71 Gallup Bengals (3A)
2024 Preview: Coming off a 1-9 season, the Bengals look to improve with nearly their entire roster returning. Key players include wide receiver Frank Martinez and running back Samuel Hernandez. Dropping down to 3A and entering District 1-3A could help them turn things around. A realistic expectation is a 4-4 record, with potential for significant improvement. Continue Here.#72 Chaparral Lobos (4A)
2024 Preview: The Lobos aim to end a 41-game losing streak with experienced players like Manny Rodriguez leading the way. Young talents gaining experience could finally turn the tide for Chaparral. An early prediction sees them at 1-9, but with hopes of securing at least one victory to break the streak. Continue Here.#73 Legacy Academy Silverbacks (2A)
2024 Preview: Legacy Academy transitions from 8-man to 11-man football with a talented roster. Junior quarterback Lorenzo Sedillo-Urban, who passed for 1,343 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, will be a key player. They could surprise many in their first season in Class 2A. Continue Here.#74 Thoreau Hawks (3A)
2024 Preview: The Hawks look to build on the promise shown by sophomore Saige Westmoreland, who rushed for 405 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. Their performance will hinge on the development of young talents. Continue Here.#75 Tucumcari Rattlers (2A)
2024 Preview: The Rattlers face a challenging season but have the potential to compete if key players step up. With a mix of returning talent and new faces, they aim to improve their standings in 2A football. Continue Here.#76 Cuba Rams (2A)
2024 Preview: Quarterback Richard Lovato, who passed for 1,102 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, will be the spark for the Rams. If he can build on his sophomore performance, the Rams could contend for a district title. Continue Here.#77 McCurdy Bobcats (2A)
2024 Preview: Excitement surrounds McCurdy with the return of dual-threat quarterback Jeremaya Roybal. His performance will be critical in leading the Bobcats to success this season. Continue Here.#78 Navajo Prep Eagles (2A)
2024 Preview: The Eagles are poised to make improvements with a mix of returning players and promising newcomers. Their focus will be on building a competitive team in 2A football. Continue Here.#79 Crownpoint Eagles (3A)
2024 Preview: Crownpoint aims to solidify their team with returning players who gained valuable experience last season. Key players will need to step up to make a significant impact in their district. Continue Here.#80 Newcomb Skyhawks (2A)
2024 Preview: The Skyhawks look to improve with a roster that includes both experienced players and young talent. Their focus will be on developing a cohesive unit to compete in 2A football. Continue Here.#81 Tohatchi Cougars (3A)
2024 Preview: The Cougars are set to build on their returning players' experience. Key positions will need to be filled, but the potential for growth is evident. Continue Here.#82 Hot Springs Tigers (3A)
2024 Preview: Talented athlete Tristan Polanco, who accounted for three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in a backup role, will be a key player for the Tigers. Their success will depend on developing depth across the roster. Continue Here.#83 Santa Fe Indian Braves (3A)
2024 Preview: The Braves aim to improve with a mix of returning talent and new players. Their focus will be on building a competitive team to climb the rankings. Continue Here.#84 Wingate Bears (3A)
2024 Preview: The Bears look to make strides with a roster that includes some experienced players and promising newcomers. Continue Here.#85 Zuni Thunderbirds (3A)
2024 Preview: The Thunderbirds face a challenging season but have the potential to improve with key returning players. Their performance will hinge on how well they can integrate new talents. Continue Here.#86 Shiprock Chieftains (3A)
2024 Preview: Shiprock aims to turn things around with a focus on developing their young players. The key to their success will be building a cohesive unit. Continue Here.#87 Capitan Tigers (2A)
2024 Preview: The Tigers look to improve with returning players who gained experience last season. Their focus will be on competing effectively in 2A football. Continue Here.#88 Laguna-Acoma Hawks (2A)
2024 Preview: The Hawks face a challenging season but have the potential to grow with key returning players. Continue Here.#89 Hozho Academy (2A)
2024 Preview: Hozho Academy enters the 2024 season with a focus on building their program. Their success will depend on the development of their young players and creating a strong foundation for the future. Continue Here.Key Players to Watch
Manny Rodriguez (Chaparral Lobos, Class of 2025): Rodriguez, one of the top defensive players in the district, returns after recording 141 total tackles (91 solo) last season. His leadership and experience will be vital for a Lobos team eager to end their long losing streak.Lorenzo Sedillo-Urban (Legacy Academy, Class of 2026): The junior quarterback had an impressive sophomore season with 1,343 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, along with 374 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. He will be a key player as Legacy Academy transitions to 11-man football.
Jeremaya Roybal (McCurdy Bobcats, Class of 2025): Roybal, a dual-threat quarterback, excelled last season and will be crucial for the Bobcats. His standout performance against Cuba, where he rushed for 293 yards and four touchdowns, highlights his potential.
Richard Lovato (Cuba Rams, Class of 2025): Lovato, who passed for 1,102 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, will lead the Rams. His ability to build on last season's performance could guide Cuba to a district title.
Saige Westmoreland (Thoreau Hawks, Class of 2026): Westmoreland showed promise as a sophomore, rushing for 405 yards and 3 touchdowns. His development will be key for the Hawks.
Tristan Polanco (Hot Springs Tigers, Class of 2026): Polanco returns after passing for 237 yards and rushing for 124 yards in a backup role, accounting for three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns. He will be a crucial player for the Tigers.
Potential Movements and Early Predictions
Estancia Bears (#69): With a tough schedule and key departures, the Bears might drop into the 70s early on.Legacy Academy (#73): Loaded with talent, Legacy Academy turned heads last season in 8-man football. They could once again impress in their first season of Class 2A football playing 11-man.
Chaparral Lobos (#72): The Lobos have the potential to break their 41 game losing streak this season with experienced players like Rodriguez and young talents. A 1-9 overall record is predicted, but securing a win would be a significant victory.
