District 4-6A 2016 Predictions
Grine of NMPreps.com
A majority of us look at this district and automatically see Valley as the favorite with their recent success in the state. However, other programs have steadily improved or have been there the entire time like Atrisco Heritage Academy who return several key players. West Mesa though might have the best returning core next season with 21-returning players who started last season including a Top prospect in the state of New Mexico.
Most of the preseason attention will be focused on West Mesa and defending champion Atrisco Heritage Academy but Highland is the team that could be the dark horse who shouldn't be overlooked. The Hornets return a quality mix of prospects that could take them to the next step in 4-6A.
It is likely that Rio Grande and Albuquerque will be in the cellar this season, Albuquerque could be in for a dip this season after recent success.
Trips Right: Three Questions That Will Dictate The District
1. West Mesa or Atrisco? The two teams finished 1-2 last season with Atrisco taking the District and earning the bid. West Mesa, however returns a core that can't be overlooked. As mentioned in their preview they have several returning starters including ATH Dominic Fischer who will be taking snaps at QB this season. We give the edge to West Mesa because of the core returning while Atrisco has some holes to fill.
2. Is Highland Ready To Make The Jump? The love this preseason will not be or has not been to this point in favor of the Hornets. However, they have some dark horse returning players and maybe a highlight reel in Daniel Horton who is non-stop making huge plays. Could be in talks for player of the year for District 4-6A.
3. New Coach: Will Judge Chavez Have A Quick Impact? Yes, he will have the Vikings ready but the dip they took last season could mirror this season for their District finish. The coach is fired up and a veteran that will have them on the rise in a short few years again but the roster depth might have them at 2-wins.
District 4-6A Early Outlook
Albuquerque Bulldogs (Coming Soon)
Atrisco Heritage Academy Jaguars (Coming Soon)
Highland Hornets (NMPreps.com Top 50: Not Ranked)
Rio Grande Ravens (NMPreps.com Top 50: Not Ranked)
Valley Vikings (NMPreps.com Top 50: #24)
West Mesa Mustangs (NMPreps.com Top 50: #33)
Predicted Finish
West Mesa 5-0
Atrisco Heritage Academy 4-1
Highland 3-2
Valley 2-3
Albuquerque 1-4
Rio Grande 0-5
Explanation: I go outside their early outlook as I bank on West Mesa. Maybe, my biggest buy low team to reach the state tournament at this point.
District Awards
Player of the Year Nominations: Dominic Fischer (West Mesa), Daniel Horton (Highland), Isaiah Chavez (Valley)
QB of the Year: Isaiah Chavez (Valley)
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Garduno (West Mesa)
Coach of the Year: Stacey Washington (Highland) or Ron McMath (West Mesa)
Grine of NMPreps.com
A majority of us look at this district and automatically see Valley as the favorite with their recent success in the state. However, other programs have steadily improved or have been there the entire time like Atrisco Heritage Academy who return several key players. West Mesa though might have the best returning core next season with 21-returning players who started last season including a Top prospect in the state of New Mexico.
Most of the preseason attention will be focused on West Mesa and defending champion Atrisco Heritage Academy but Highland is the team that could be the dark horse who shouldn't be overlooked. The Hornets return a quality mix of prospects that could take them to the next step in 4-6A.
It is likely that Rio Grande and Albuquerque will be in the cellar this season, Albuquerque could be in for a dip this season after recent success.
Trips Right: Three Questions That Will Dictate The District
1. West Mesa or Atrisco? The two teams finished 1-2 last season with Atrisco taking the District and earning the bid. West Mesa, however returns a core that can't be overlooked. As mentioned in their preview they have several returning starters including ATH Dominic Fischer who will be taking snaps at QB this season. We give the edge to West Mesa because of the core returning while Atrisco has some holes to fill.
2. Is Highland Ready To Make The Jump? The love this preseason will not be or has not been to this point in favor of the Hornets. However, they have some dark horse returning players and maybe a highlight reel in Daniel Horton who is non-stop making huge plays. Could be in talks for player of the year for District 4-6A.
3. New Coach: Will Judge Chavez Have A Quick Impact? Yes, he will have the Vikings ready but the dip they took last season could mirror this season for their District finish. The coach is fired up and a veteran that will have them on the rise in a short few years again but the roster depth might have them at 2-wins.
District 4-6A Early Outlook
Albuquerque Bulldogs (Coming Soon)
Atrisco Heritage Academy Jaguars (Coming Soon)
Highland Hornets (NMPreps.com Top 50: Not Ranked)
Rio Grande Ravens (NMPreps.com Top 50: Not Ranked)
Valley Vikings (NMPreps.com Top 50: #24)
West Mesa Mustangs (NMPreps.com Top 50: #33)
Predicted Finish
West Mesa 5-0
Atrisco Heritage Academy 4-1
Highland 3-2
Valley 2-3
Albuquerque 1-4
Rio Grande 0-5
Explanation: I go outside their early outlook as I bank on West Mesa. Maybe, my biggest buy low team to reach the state tournament at this point.
District Awards
Player of the Year Nominations: Dominic Fischer (West Mesa), Daniel Horton (Highland), Isaiah Chavez (Valley)
QB of the Year: Isaiah Chavez (Valley)
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Garduno (West Mesa)
Coach of the Year: Stacey Washington (Highland) or Ron McMath (West Mesa)
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