4A New Mexico HS Football Preseason Rankings
NMPreps preview all four districts in New Mexico high school football Class 4A. Now, we take a look at the rankings from top to bottom as we kick off the 2021 season today.
1.) Lovington Wildcats (last season: 4-1 overall)
The Lovington Wildcats are returning as the 4A Bowl State Champions, a 37-19 win over Bloomfield High School. Head coach Anthony Gonzales continues to rebuild this once power into one of the top programs in 4A football again. Looking forward to the 2021 season the Wildcats have some holes to fill with a great group going out. Those positions will be at quarterback, running back, and also some upfront. Key pieces returning will be a three-headed monster at receiver in Isaac Hinson (2021), Adam Aguilera (2021), and Tayten Hillard (2021).
2.) Portales Rams (last season: 4-1 overall)
The Portales Rams were arguably the second-best team in 4A football last season behind Lovington. The Rams went 4-1 overall and 16-2 over the two last two seasons; in 2019 they won the last official state championship in this classification. It's no doubt that head coach Jaime Ramirez is at the top of the list of top head coaches in the state and classification. He will have to again replace some weapons and this time that includes do-all quarterback Baylor Diaz. Diaz was one of the top-ranked mobile quarterbacks in New Mexico last season. Braydon Mignard (2021), Brandon Blidi (2021), and Hagen Rains (2021) all return and create a seriously tough defense for the Rams.
3.) Ruidoso Warriors (last season: 1-4 overall)
The Ruidoso Warriors and head coach Kief Johnson are looking to an improved Fall 2021 season after going 1-4 last season. When I say improved it looks at the record but the Warriors played a difficult slate of games with all three district teams being tough last season along with adding Alamogordo to the list. The Warriors like the other teams in the district will have a new quarterback under center and the Warriors, who run the ball, have some options. Top running back Braxton Hall (2021) along with Griffin Hooker (2021) return after getting some touches during the Spring. Kago Sandoval (2022) and Mike Sandoval (2021) return on offense as well providing them with some nice options.
4.) St. Pius X Sartans (last season: 1-3 overall, 0-2 district)
The Sartans return some top talent in the district and we look forward to watching running back Marco Ybarra (2022/RB-LB). Others to keep an eye on this season that made an impact last season are Cian Jones (2022/QB), Dominic Esparza (2022/ATH), and Joaquin Medina (2022/LB). They have some skilled players returning but the concern could be the line and defense.
5.) Silver Colts (last season: 2-1 overall)
The Colts had some weapons last season and they really showed how good they were in the final game of the season. The Colts beat Kirtland Central in the bowl game, 40-7 in a game of what could have been a special season at Silver. Now they must replace a handful of those key pieces including Walker Wenzel a do-all quarterback that will play at WNMU. Returning, the Colts turn to some youth in Aidan Granado (2023) who rushed for 84-yards (4.4 ypc) and 95 receiving yards playing behind some really good talent. Owen Hooper (2022), and Mason Lockett (2022) along with Walter Woodward (2023) form a sound defense that could become the strength of this season's team.
6.) Bloomfield Bobcats (2-3 overall)
New head coach Mike Kovacs is a good hire, but the former Bloomfield coordinator may need a year or two to rebuild the program back into state championship contention. The Bobcats dropped to 2-3 overall last season and yes they played for the 4A 'Bowl Championship but it was a step back last season from their 12-1 state runner-up season in 2019. This year could likely be a bigger step back as they graduated much of their top guys and they have delivered their best Bobcat years recently they could be a bubble when it comes to the state playoffs. It's not all bad news for new head coach Kovacs however as he'll have tough-as-nails running back/linebacker Diego Snell-Martinez (2022) returning for his senior season. Snell-Martinez is one of two players to have contributed to the 12-1 season with playing experience, then a sophomore.
7.) Taos Tigers (3-1 overall)
The only team with a winning record coming from this district the Taos Tigers are looking to make another push at a late postseason push. The Tigers won the state championship four years ago and a return to the top is on their mind. The good news is welcoming back 6-foot-6 quarterback Daemon Ely (2023) who has seen action for two seasons, last Spring being called in as QB-1. The rest of the roster will be going through some overturn with the graduation to all four All-State players from the roster last season. Lenoard Archuleta (2023/TE) and Warren Gomez (2022/G).
8.) Moriarty Pintos (1-4 overall)
The Pintos only captured a single win out of the Spring season but played a quality slate of games with the likes of Taos, Portales, and St. Pius X. The Pintos an early favorite to contend for the District Championship have a healthy return of running backs. Cayden Dunn (2022) rushed for 255-yards last season and 4-touchdowns. Matthew Romero (2023), 179-yards and 2 touchdowns, along with Erick Wolf (2023), 136-yards and a touchdown also return in the backfield for the Pintos. Having those three returning is huge for a program that runs the ball 90% of the time. Jason Garcia (2022) also welcomes back an experienced defense led by the linebacker.
9.) Bernalillo Spartans (last season: 4-0 overall, 2-0 district)
The Spartans had a season to remember during the Spring. Head coach John Cobos won coach of the year in New Mexico and the team went a perfect 4-0. Well, Fall 2021 could be the start of a rebuild as they will have many holes to fill this coming season. Tristen Ludi-Herrera (ATH/2022) and Kevin Chavez (MLB/2022) will provide immediate help this coming season but they could be surrounded by inexperience and youth.
10.) Aztec Tigers (1-4 overall)
The Aztec Tigers and head coach Eric Stovall are trending up this season and with Bloomfield and Kirtland Central question marks, it could be an opportunity for the Tigers to climb back up. 2023 quarterback Marcquies Henry is likely to be back under center after only two games during the Spring. He passed for 309-yards and a touchdown before his senior was cut short. Talents Ryan Ray (2022) and Tristen McNeal (2023) also make a return and you could be looking at the favorite to win the district this season.
11.) Grants Pirates (last season: 3-1 overall, 1-1 district)
The Pirate ship has docked and many familiar faces have stepped off the ship including arguably their best head coach in the last twenty years in Rio Thompson who not only gave life to the program he also sent a handful to the next level. Enter Pirate alumnus Brandon Hernandez, great hire for what the Pirates need during a transition, who has been an assistant at West Mesa most recently. Also, the Pirates must replace the second-ranked QB in the state in Brandon Furbee who is now at Farmington HS. We should also add they graduated Terrell Hocker who was top-3 in the state for rushing yards. We can't go without giving a name to watch and that player is Tyler Everhart (2022) who has all of the tools to be playing at the next level.
12.) Albuquerque Academy Chargers (last season: 2-2 overall)
The Chargers enter the central district this season and have been on a steady incline under head coach Shaun Gehres. After going 2-2 last season they hope to continue their build of the Chargers program, one that once played for a state championship (2010). Looking forward to the Chargers return quarterback Andres Rivera (2023) who threw for 728-yards and 6-touchdowns during the short 4-game covid season in the Spring. Add in his top three targets in Kellen Gehres (2023), Mark McIntosh (2022), and Tyler Wilson (2022), and the Chargers could be a surprise squad.
13.) Pojoaque Valley Elks (2-2 overall)
After an 0-2 start during the Spring season the Elks reeled off two wins over Valencia (36-22) and Espanola Valley (50-0). The Elks program has been in the cellar for a few years but are entering the Fall 2021 season with some excitement. Quarterback Adam Pacheco (2023) returns under center after throwing for 647-yards and 8-touchdowns as a sophomore. Anthony Meloy-Chavez (2022) returns at WR along with D'sean Martinez (2022), Jacob Sullivan (2022), and JC Fordham. Meloy-Chavez also had 5 carries and accounted for 52-yards (10.4 average) at running back. The four returning receivers each had over 100-yards receiving with Meloy-Chavez (194) and Martinez (197) leading the way.
14.) Kirtland Central Broncos (3-2 overall)
Well, I searched, but somehow can't seem to have an update on the Kirtland Central Broncos' new head coach. Have they been hired? If not, it's late. Also, it could be a long overhaul for the Broncos as the roster was hit by back-to-back big graduating classes. Add in a new head coach with limited time with the team and this could be the start of a major rebuild. Elijah Jenks (2022) was at quarterback last season but not too sure if he stays at KC.
15.) Valencia Jaguars (last season: 0-3 overall)
The Jaguars hit a low last season and dropped all three games. It's hard to tell what went wrong last season but this is an area that could have been highly impacted by the pandemic (and everything that has to do with players not in school). Head coach Wesley Shank is one of the best and although this building project is taking a bit longer, the Jaguars should be back within a few years. They had some youth in 2019 that we liked and if they have developed some they could be a force. Matthew Chavez (2023), Rey Garcia (2023), and Nate Rodriguez (2022) are some that come to mind as they look to rebound this Fall.
16.) Espanola Valley Sundevils (0-3 overall)
The Sundevils searched for a new head coach prior to the season and struggled to an 0-3 season. The Sundevils also struggled on both ends of the ball only scoring 6 points and gave up 160 on the year in three games. Plenty of the struggles was a numbers game last season with limited players, a new system, and experience. The good news will be the return of several underclassmen that gained varsity experience during the Spring season. The bad news is that they could still be outsized and outnumbered.
17.) Gallup Bengals (0-5 overall)
Gallup is a tough job. They are on to another head coach after Nick Winkler decided to step down. New head coach Andrew Rodriguez steps in and looks to bring some stability to a program that has been a consistent cellar team. 6-foot-1 ATH Perry Ellerbe returns for the Bengals and is the lone hope. The good news for the Bengals is that if there was a year to upset or make a run in district play this would be that season.
18.) Shiprock Chieftains (3-2 overall)
The Chieftains won three games during the Spring and although that brings some much-needed confidence into the 2021 Fall season, it could be a battle at the end. However, like we've mentioned district 1 in 4A football has an open door for any team willing to run through it. In a league with one bid, you can expect a narrow ending to this one. Shiprock only had 19 players on their roster last season with five underclassmen. That type of turnover could be the result of a bottom looking up the season.
NMPreps preview all four districts in New Mexico high school football Class 4A. Now, we take a look at the rankings from top to bottom as we kick off the 2021 season today.
1.) Lovington Wildcats (last season: 4-1 overall)
The Lovington Wildcats are returning as the 4A Bowl State Champions, a 37-19 win over Bloomfield High School. Head coach Anthony Gonzales continues to rebuild this once power into one of the top programs in 4A football again. Looking forward to the 2021 season the Wildcats have some holes to fill with a great group going out. Those positions will be at quarterback, running back, and also some upfront. Key pieces returning will be a three-headed monster at receiver in Isaac Hinson (2021), Adam Aguilera (2021), and Tayten Hillard (2021).
2.) Portales Rams (last season: 4-1 overall)
The Portales Rams were arguably the second-best team in 4A football last season behind Lovington. The Rams went 4-1 overall and 16-2 over the two last two seasons; in 2019 they won the last official state championship in this classification. It's no doubt that head coach Jaime Ramirez is at the top of the list of top head coaches in the state and classification. He will have to again replace some weapons and this time that includes do-all quarterback Baylor Diaz. Diaz was one of the top-ranked mobile quarterbacks in New Mexico last season. Braydon Mignard (2021), Brandon Blidi (2021), and Hagen Rains (2021) all return and create a seriously tough defense for the Rams.
3.) Ruidoso Warriors (last season: 1-4 overall)
The Ruidoso Warriors and head coach Kief Johnson are looking to an improved Fall 2021 season after going 1-4 last season. When I say improved it looks at the record but the Warriors played a difficult slate of games with all three district teams being tough last season along with adding Alamogordo to the list. The Warriors like the other teams in the district will have a new quarterback under center and the Warriors, who run the ball, have some options. Top running back Braxton Hall (2021) along with Griffin Hooker (2021) return after getting some touches during the Spring. Kago Sandoval (2022) and Mike Sandoval (2021) return on offense as well providing them with some nice options.
4.) St. Pius X Sartans (last season: 1-3 overall, 0-2 district)
The Sartans return some top talent in the district and we look forward to watching running back Marco Ybarra (2022/RB-LB). Others to keep an eye on this season that made an impact last season are Cian Jones (2022/QB), Dominic Esparza (2022/ATH), and Joaquin Medina (2022/LB). They have some skilled players returning but the concern could be the line and defense.
5.) Silver Colts (last season: 2-1 overall)
The Colts had some weapons last season and they really showed how good they were in the final game of the season. The Colts beat Kirtland Central in the bowl game, 40-7 in a game of what could have been a special season at Silver. Now they must replace a handful of those key pieces including Walker Wenzel a do-all quarterback that will play at WNMU. Returning, the Colts turn to some youth in Aidan Granado (2023) who rushed for 84-yards (4.4 ypc) and 95 receiving yards playing behind some really good talent. Owen Hooper (2022), and Mason Lockett (2022) along with Walter Woodward (2023) form a sound defense that could become the strength of this season's team.
6.) Bloomfield Bobcats (2-3 overall)
New head coach Mike Kovacs is a good hire, but the former Bloomfield coordinator may need a year or two to rebuild the program back into state championship contention. The Bobcats dropped to 2-3 overall last season and yes they played for the 4A 'Bowl Championship but it was a step back last season from their 12-1 state runner-up season in 2019. This year could likely be a bigger step back as they graduated much of their top guys and they have delivered their best Bobcat years recently they could be a bubble when it comes to the state playoffs. It's not all bad news for new head coach Kovacs however as he'll have tough-as-nails running back/linebacker Diego Snell-Martinez (2022) returning for his senior season. Snell-Martinez is one of two players to have contributed to the 12-1 season with playing experience, then a sophomore.
7.) Taos Tigers (3-1 overall)
The only team with a winning record coming from this district the Taos Tigers are looking to make another push at a late postseason push. The Tigers won the state championship four years ago and a return to the top is on their mind. The good news is welcoming back 6-foot-6 quarterback Daemon Ely (2023) who has seen action for two seasons, last Spring being called in as QB-1. The rest of the roster will be going through some overturn with the graduation to all four All-State players from the roster last season. Lenoard Archuleta (2023/TE) and Warren Gomez (2022/G).
8.) Moriarty Pintos (1-4 overall)
The Pintos only captured a single win out of the Spring season but played a quality slate of games with the likes of Taos, Portales, and St. Pius X. The Pintos an early favorite to contend for the District Championship have a healthy return of running backs. Cayden Dunn (2022) rushed for 255-yards last season and 4-touchdowns. Matthew Romero (2023), 179-yards and 2 touchdowns, along with Erick Wolf (2023), 136-yards and a touchdown also return in the backfield for the Pintos. Having those three returning is huge for a program that runs the ball 90% of the time. Jason Garcia (2022) also welcomes back an experienced defense led by the linebacker.
9.) Bernalillo Spartans (last season: 4-0 overall, 2-0 district)
The Spartans had a season to remember during the Spring. Head coach John Cobos won coach of the year in New Mexico and the team went a perfect 4-0. Well, Fall 2021 could be the start of a rebuild as they will have many holes to fill this coming season. Tristen Ludi-Herrera (ATH/2022) and Kevin Chavez (MLB/2022) will provide immediate help this coming season but they could be surrounded by inexperience and youth.
10.) Aztec Tigers (1-4 overall)
The Aztec Tigers and head coach Eric Stovall are trending up this season and with Bloomfield and Kirtland Central question marks, it could be an opportunity for the Tigers to climb back up. 2023 quarterback Marcquies Henry is likely to be back under center after only two games during the Spring. He passed for 309-yards and a touchdown before his senior was cut short. Talents Ryan Ray (2022) and Tristen McNeal (2023) also make a return and you could be looking at the favorite to win the district this season.
11.) Grants Pirates (last season: 3-1 overall, 1-1 district)
The Pirate ship has docked and many familiar faces have stepped off the ship including arguably their best head coach in the last twenty years in Rio Thompson who not only gave life to the program he also sent a handful to the next level. Enter Pirate alumnus Brandon Hernandez, great hire for what the Pirates need during a transition, who has been an assistant at West Mesa most recently. Also, the Pirates must replace the second-ranked QB in the state in Brandon Furbee who is now at Farmington HS. We should also add they graduated Terrell Hocker who was top-3 in the state for rushing yards. We can't go without giving a name to watch and that player is Tyler Everhart (2022) who has all of the tools to be playing at the next level.
12.) Albuquerque Academy Chargers (last season: 2-2 overall)
The Chargers enter the central district this season and have been on a steady incline under head coach Shaun Gehres. After going 2-2 last season they hope to continue their build of the Chargers program, one that once played for a state championship (2010). Looking forward to the Chargers return quarterback Andres Rivera (2023) who threw for 728-yards and 6-touchdowns during the short 4-game covid season in the Spring. Add in his top three targets in Kellen Gehres (2023), Mark McIntosh (2022), and Tyler Wilson (2022), and the Chargers could be a surprise squad.
13.) Pojoaque Valley Elks (2-2 overall)
After an 0-2 start during the Spring season the Elks reeled off two wins over Valencia (36-22) and Espanola Valley (50-0). The Elks program has been in the cellar for a few years but are entering the Fall 2021 season with some excitement. Quarterback Adam Pacheco (2023) returns under center after throwing for 647-yards and 8-touchdowns as a sophomore. Anthony Meloy-Chavez (2022) returns at WR along with D'sean Martinez (2022), Jacob Sullivan (2022), and JC Fordham. Meloy-Chavez also had 5 carries and accounted for 52-yards (10.4 average) at running back. The four returning receivers each had over 100-yards receiving with Meloy-Chavez (194) and Martinez (197) leading the way.
14.) Kirtland Central Broncos (3-2 overall)
Well, I searched, but somehow can't seem to have an update on the Kirtland Central Broncos' new head coach. Have they been hired? If not, it's late. Also, it could be a long overhaul for the Broncos as the roster was hit by back-to-back big graduating classes. Add in a new head coach with limited time with the team and this could be the start of a major rebuild. Elijah Jenks (2022) was at quarterback last season but not too sure if he stays at KC.
15.) Valencia Jaguars (last season: 0-3 overall)
The Jaguars hit a low last season and dropped all three games. It's hard to tell what went wrong last season but this is an area that could have been highly impacted by the pandemic (and everything that has to do with players not in school). Head coach Wesley Shank is one of the best and although this building project is taking a bit longer, the Jaguars should be back within a few years. They had some youth in 2019 that we liked and if they have developed some they could be a force. Matthew Chavez (2023), Rey Garcia (2023), and Nate Rodriguez (2022) are some that come to mind as they look to rebound this Fall.
16.) Espanola Valley Sundevils (0-3 overall)
The Sundevils searched for a new head coach prior to the season and struggled to an 0-3 season. The Sundevils also struggled on both ends of the ball only scoring 6 points and gave up 160 on the year in three games. Plenty of the struggles was a numbers game last season with limited players, a new system, and experience. The good news will be the return of several underclassmen that gained varsity experience during the Spring season. The bad news is that they could still be outsized and outnumbered.
17.) Gallup Bengals (0-5 overall)
Gallup is a tough job. They are on to another head coach after Nick Winkler decided to step down. New head coach Andrew Rodriguez steps in and looks to bring some stability to a program that has been a consistent cellar team. 6-foot-1 ATH Perry Ellerbe returns for the Bengals and is the lone hope. The good news for the Bengals is that if there was a year to upset or make a run in district play this would be that season.
18.) Shiprock Chieftains (3-2 overall)
The Chieftains won three games during the Spring and although that brings some much-needed confidence into the 2021 Fall season, it could be a battle at the end. However, like we've mentioned district 1 in 4A football has an open door for any team willing to run through it. In a league with one bid, you can expect a narrow ending to this one. Shiprock only had 19 players on their roster last season with five underclassmen. That type of turnover could be the result of a bottom looking up the season.
