District 1-4A (Northwest District) Preview
TEAMS: Aztec, Bloomfield, Gallup, Kirtland Central, Shiprock
NMPreps will continue to release team rankings for each classification in New Mexico. We are less than two months away from the first game and we get you started. In 4A we will release by district and then with ranking all 18-teams in the classification.
Projected Order of Finish
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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 season.
Related
District 1-4A (Northwest District) Preview
District 2-4A (Northern District) Preview
District 3-4A (Southern District) Preview
District 4-4A (Central District) Preview
TEAMS: Aztec, Bloomfield, Gallup, Kirtland Central, Shiprock
NMPreps will continue to release team rankings for each classification in New Mexico. We are less than two months away from the first game and we get you started. In 4A we will release by district and then with ranking all 18-teams in the classification.
Projected Order of Finish
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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 season.
Related
District 1-4A (Northwest District) Preview
District 2-4A (Northern District) Preview
District 3-4A (Southern District) Preview
District 4-4A (Central District) Preview
