Feature Grine Breaks Down District 2-6A Race as Week 8 Approaches

[J Grine]

Grine Breaks Down District 2-6A Race as Week 8 Approaches

District 2-6A has been dominated by one team from the start of the season: La Cueva. Ranked No. 1 for eight consecutive weeks, the Bears have shown no signs of slowing down as they march toward a potential undefeated season. However, there’s more intrigue in this district beyond La Cueva’s dominance, with teams like Los Lunas, Albuquerque High, and Sandia battling for playoff positioning. As we head into Week 8, here’s a breakdown of the district’s key players and potential playoff scenarios.

La Cueva: The Unstoppable Force​

LACueva (6-0, 3-0 district) has been nothing short of dominant all season, outscoring opponents 251-85. Their latest victory, a 56-7 thrashing of Eldorado, was a statement to the rest of the district. With six straight wins, including victories over top teams like Volcano Vista and Farmington, La Cueva has firmly established itself as the team to beat. Their offense has been unstoppable, led by a balanced attack that can beat teams on the ground and through the air. On the other side of the ball, their defense has been equally suffocating, giving up just 40 points in district play so far.

With the district title in sight, La Cueva’s remaining schedule looks manageable. If they continue playing at this level, they’ll not only claim the district crown but also enter the state playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed. The question isn’t whether La Cueva will win the district, but how far they’ll go in the postseason.

Los Lunas: The Best of the Rest​

Los Lunas (4-1, 3-0 district) has quietly put together an impressive season, sitting just behind La Cueva in the district standings. The Tigers have won four straight games, including a convincing 28-7 win over Albuquerque High last week. Their lone loss came at the hands of Cleveland, but since then, Los Lunas has looked sharp on both sides of the ball.

While it’s unlikely Los Lunas will catch La Cueva, they are in excellent position to secure the second spot in District 2-6A and a solid seed in the state playoffs. If they can maintain their current form, a deep playoff run could be in the cards. However, they’ll need to stay focused, as their next fewgames will be crucial in locking up that second-place finish.

West Mesa: A Sleeper in the Race for Third​

West Mesa (3-3, 1-2 district) is still very much in the hunt for third place in the district, despite two tough losses to top teams Los Lunas and La Cueva. The Mustangs have shown resilience this season, with big wins over St. Pius X, Mayfield, and Atrisco Heritage. Their most recent victory, a 22-16 win over Atrisco Heritage, has kept them in the thick of the playoff race.

With a strong offensive unit, West Mesa has the tools to finish strong and challenge for third place. If they can capitalize on their remaining games and earn some key wins, they could secure a playoff spot, proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with in District 2-6A.

The Battle for Third Place: West Mesa, Albuquerque High, Sandia, and Eldorado​

The race for third place is wide open, with several teams still in the hunt. West Mesa currently has the edge, but Albuquerque High (4-2, 2-1 district), Sandia (3-3, 2-1 district), and Eldorado (3-3, 1-2 district) are all within striking distance.

• Albuquerque High (4-2, 2-1 district) has had a solid season, with key wins over Valley, Alamogordo, and Santa Fe. Their loss to Los Lunas in Week 7 dropped them out of second place contention, but they remain in the race for third. The Bulldogs will need a strong finish, and their matchup with West Mesa will be pivotal.
• Sandia (3-3, 2-1 district) has rebounded after a rough start to district play, winning two straight games against Santa Fe and Atrisco Heritage. The Matadors’ defense has been stellar, allowing just 62 points in district competition, but they’ll need to keep up their momentum to challenge for a playoff spot.
• Eldorado (3-3, 1-2 district) started the season strong but has hit a rough patch with back-to-back losses to Los Lunas and La Cueva. At 1-2 in district play, the Eagles need to turn things around quickly if they want to stay in the playoff conversation. Their defense will need to step up, and they’ll need to pull off a few upsets to keep their hopes alive.

Atrisco Heritage and Santa Fe: Out of the Picture​

Atrisco Heritage (1-5, 0-3 district) and Santa Fe (2-4, 0-3 district) are both effectively out of playoff contention. Atrisco Heritage has struggled mightily in district play, with their only win coming against Rio Grande, while Santa Fe has been unable to gain traction this season. Both teams will look to play spoiler in the final weeks of the season, but their playoff hopes are slim.

Playoff Outlook: How Many Teams Will Make It?​

With La Cueva and Los Lunas looking like locks for playoff spots, the big question is how many other teams from District 2-6A will earn a bid. West Mesa, Albuquerque High, Sandia, and Eldorado are all in contention for third place, and depending on how the rest of the season shakes out, we could see as many as four teams from this district in the playoffs.

Much will depend on how West Mesa, Albuquerque High, and Sandia fare in their remaining games. The head-to-head matchups between these teams will be critical in determining who earns the third playoff spot, and potentially a fourth, depending on the overall state rankings.

Key Games to Watch​

• West Mesa vs. Albuquerque High: A key game for both teams’ playoff chances. A win for West Mesa would solidify their position in the top three, while a win for Albuquerque would keep them in the hunt.
• Eldorado vs. Albuquerque High: Eldorado needs this game to stay alive in the playoff race, while Albuquerque High will be looking to secure their position.
• Los Lunas vs. La Cueva: Los Lunas has a chance to challenge La Cueva’s dominance, but the Bears are heavy favorites.