New Mexico High School Football 4A Preseason Rankings
NMPreps 2023 preseason rankings for the 2023 New Mexico high school football season. #nmpreps
#1 (27) Bloomfield Bobcats
(4A): The Bloomfield Bobcats have become a 4A powerhouse under the leadership of Mike Kovacs. Their high-powered offense, which averaged 42.5 points per game in 2022, helped them win the 4A state championship with a 12-1 overall record. However, the team will have to face the challenge of playing without quarterback Ryan Sharpe, who graduated in 2023 after passing for 2,541 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. Fortunately, the Bobcats have a talented group of players that can step up to fill the void. Drew Perez, Jesse Seitzinger, and George Rascon Jr. are the sparks of the offense. In 2022, they combined for over 2,000 yards receiving and 29 receiving touchdowns. Perez had 1,102 yards and 17 touchdowns, Seitzinger had 592 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Rascon Jr. had 535 yards and 4 touchdowns. Seitzinger also had 708 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns for the Bobcats. Although there are questions about who will replace Sharpe at quarterback, Blake Spencer could be the solution. As a backup, Spencer threw for 674 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2022. On the defensive side of the ball, Seitzinger, J Gutierrez, and McKell Colbert lead a talented group that allowed only 11 points per game in 2022, including 7 points in the state championship game against Silver. In conclusion, the Bloomfield Bobcats lost some key players, including their quarterback, but they have plenty of talented players on both sides of the ball. This makes them a favorite to repeat as champions in 2023.
#2 (28) Portales Rams
(4A): The Portales Rams are primed to take a step forward this year after going 9-3 overall in '22. The Rams return a good core of players, including 2025 quarterback Paxton Culpepper. The quarterback threw for 2,290 yards with 27 passing touchdowns last season. Culpepper connected for 1,832 yards to his top three targets in '22 -- all three return this season with Zane Mayberry (2024), Tommy Lopez (2025), and Andru Ontiveros (2024). This offense could become one of the most explosive units in 4A football this season. Manny Chavez (2025), Devin Diaz (2024), and Nehemiah Yorfee (2024) will guide a very experienced and talented defense for the Rams this season. Chavez led the way with 137 total tackles last season and is consider one of the top MLB in the class. Portales has plenty to like on both sides of the ball this season and easily could have been the top choice.
#3 (29) Lovington Wildcats
(4A): The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with a 5-7 overall (3-0 district) record and winners of a state playoff game. It's a close call between Lovington and Portales for the district championship, the Wildcats went 2-0 last season against Portales. Replacing Ashton Aranda from last season will prove to be a huge task. Aranda passed for 1,943 yards and 19 passing touchdowns. He would also add 760 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs. Three offensive players looking to make a huge impact this fall -- Ondalis Cardenas (2025)/RB), Cesar Gonzalez (2024/WR), and Alec Holguin (2025/WR). Cardenas rushed for 612 yards as a sophomore in '22. Holguin led the team in receiving yards with 616 yards and 5 touchdowns. 2024 DE Demarcus Thompson is one of the top players returning in 4A football and will guide the defense for the Wildcats. Thompson finished with 7.5 sacks and 46 total tackles in '22. Joshua Carrasco (2024) led the team in total tackles last season with 70. The Wildcats are ready to make a run at the state championship in 2023.
#4 (37) Albuquerque Academy Chargers
(4A): New head coach David Lee is the right pick to continue building the Chargers into a top tier 4A football program. The Chargers are coming of a 7-5 overall, 1-2 district season reaching the state quarterfinals. Carter Speegle (2024), Brody Whitaker (2024), and David Logan Lee (2024) lead the charger in returning prospects. Whitaker and Lee guide the defense after playing big roles last season and early favorites for our preseason All-New Mexico team. Whitaker is a top-40 prospect this season and returns after 105 total tackles and 13 sacks as a junior. Speegle is the lone spark from a talented offense last season that will need to replace its quarterback, leading rushers and leading receivers. Speegle a talented receiver had 240 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games for the Chargers. The Chargers do have some questions regarding their offense but the foundation has been established to make another run at the top with the hiring of assistant head coach David Lee. The district remains difficult with top southern programs Lovington and Portales along with the battles with Bernalillo.
#5 (38) Silver Colts
(4A): 11-2 record and a state championship appearance in '22, two highs for the Colts football program. The Colts were dominant all season long only allowing 68 total points that included six shutout wins. The offense also showed out averaging over 35 points per game and had three rushers over 500 yards on the season. All three have now graduated and the Colts will have a handful of openings for starting positions when Fall kicks-off. 2024 Adan Jacquez gained some experience last season playing behind that talented 2023 class. Jacquez had reps at quarterback throwing for 387 yards and a touchdown last season. He also added 136 yards rushing and 3 TDs. Perhaps the player that could be on the preseason All-New Mexico watch list is Julian Richard (2024) who led the team in receiving yards with 710 and 7 touchdowns. Over to that tough defensive unit from last season. Despite losing some very talented players and several starters the Colts will look to Julian Richard (2024), Diego Lucero (2024) and Anthony Rico (2024) in the secondary. Lucero and Rico each had 4 INTs on the season. The Colts graduate plenty, they are likely to take a step back from the achievements of last season but head coach Jerome Ortiz has built a tough program.
#6 (39) Aztec Tigers
(4A): The goal is a winning record. It last happened in 2019 when the Tigers went 8-4 overall and reached the quarterfinals. Second year head coach Hank Strauss led the Tigers to a 5-7 overall record last season and reached the quarterfinals after defeating Valencia in the first round. The key at making a run this season will go on the shoulders of senior Baylor Seabolt who had over 1,000 total yards (643 receiving, 333 rushing, 87 passing). Seabolt reached the end-zone 12 times for the Tigers and will see his numbers improve taking on a bigger role. Landon Frost (2024) and Justin Bixler (2024) are two other playmakers to keep an eye on this season for the Tigers offense. An obvious question will be under center as Marcquis Henry graduate this Fall after passing for 1,376 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense the Tigers will look to the leadership of Seabolt who led the team in total tackles. Talan Olguin (2024), Jayden Godbay (2024), and Simeon Cardenas (2024) provide plenty of depth on the defense. The Tigers have experience returning, they'll find a new QB, and could be an early riser. The Tigers open with Miyamura again in '23, a game they won in '22, then play three consecutive weeks against Colorado teams before rounding out non-district gams vs Silver, at St. Michael's and then host Taos. The Tigers went 2-5 in non-district games.
#7 (43) Valencia Jaguars
(4A): A fresh start for the program under new head coach LeDarrius Cage. The Jaguars are coming off a season in which they finished 4-7 overall and 2-1 in district. They also reached the playoffs falling in the first round. There will be some rebuilding for the Jaguars with the loss of do all quarterback Ryan Garcia (726) who led the team in passing yards and rushing yards (496). The receiving core will virtually be new this season as well with the top two leaders gone. Looking ahead Daniel Villegas (2024) returns after some experience, in seven games he rushed for nearly 400 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tyler Farless (2025) and Damien Estrada (2024) have the most experience at receiver for the Jaguars last season. The OL will feature starter Andrew Rightley (2024) who could be an early riser on our list. The defense will need to replace top LB Adriano Ortiz from '22. The defense takes the biggest hit and we will see plenty of new faces filling voids from last season. The Jaguars made a splash of a hire this off-season but the rebuilding process could take time. Graduation hit the Jaguars hard and they will have an inexperienced squad.
#8 (44) Moriarty Pintos
(4A): The Pintos have won 15 games in the last two seasons and are coming off an 8-win season that includes a playoff win. The strong start to the season, going 4-1, guided their playoff bid. The run game was the strength last season and they return a wealth of prospects in the backfield. The duo of Amare Gonzales (2024) and Santiago Chavez (2024) could be the force that rides them into a deeper playoff run this season. Chavez led the team in rushing yards with 917 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Gonzales a dual threat QB rushed for 388 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Dominic Montano (2025) and Corban Pearce (2025) return to the OL after much experience as sophomores. Solomon Souza-Kennedy (2024) and Jace McCutcheon (2024) will team up with Gonzales, Chavez, and Pearce on an experienced defense. The Pintos have some key pieces returning and could be a top four team in class 4A by the end of the season. The schedule is a good mixture of playoff level teams and games that they are favored. They had four shutout wins last season and averaged over 32 points per game.
#9 (45) St. Pius X Sartans
(4A): A fresh start for the program under new head coach Curtis Flakes should get the Sartans back on track in '23. Although the Sartans are coming off dismal season going 2-9 overall and 1-2 in district play, Flakes track record shows success in building programs. Plenty of holes to fill on the Sartans roster this season after graduating key starters. 2024 ATH Moosie Neel produce numbers last season and led the team in receiving yards (371 yards). Peyton Underwood (2024) and Brian Thomas (2025) will get more touches this fall at their positions. Neel, Leon Sutulov (2024), and Aaron Guzman (2024) led the defense last season and are key players for the Sartans heading into the preseason. The Sartans played an above strength in schedule last season and if they can flip some of their close losses they could be a quick rebound, back to above .500 like in 2021 (8-3 overall). They made the winning hire, now it turns to the getting it done on the field.
#10 (46) Taos Tigers
(4A): Taos quietly rushed out to a 10-win season in 2022. After dropping the opening game the Tigers pulled off 10-straight wins, it included a district championship (4-0) and a playoff win over Academy to reach to the 4A semifinals. The big void to fill is in the form of quarterback Daemon Ely who led the team in rushing yards (1,001 yards, 16 rushing TDs) and of course passing yards - 1,361 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns. Looking forward Mateo Salazar (2025) rushing for 359 yards on 25 carries for the Tigers. Noah Washington (2024) was second in receiving yards with 362. Washington and Salazar are also two prospects to watch on defense for the Tigers this season. Kelan Maes (2025) and Jedrek Jozwiak (2025) are two sophomores that are sure to shine on the defensive front for the team this season. If the schedule flips over from last season, the Tigers could be in good position for another 10-win season. The schedule strength is not very high which could lead to another DC and playoff win. Finding a QB will be the question leading into the opening game.
#11 (48) Kirtland Central Broncos
(4A): The Broncos dropped four of their final five games to end the 2022 season at 4-6 overall. The season did include a state playoff appearance though and hoping for a promise start to 2023. The Broncos offense returns 2025 quarterback Bryle Matthews who finished with 862 yards and 4 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. Matthews also rushed for 628 yards and 8 touchdowns. Leading rusher Demusico Edsitty (2024) returns this season, the junior rushed for 658 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. Top receiving target Noah Dineyazhe (2024) had 464 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns for the Broncos last season. Elijah Grey (2024) and Jesse Foutz (2025) will lead a defense that lost several starters to graduation. Grey had 55 total tackles and 4.5 sacks last season. The Broncos should float around 4/5 wins again this season and might improve their 1-2 (2022) to 2-1, if they can beat Aztec or Bloomfield in district play this season.
#12 (57) Bernalillo Spartans
(4A): Two things in regards to the Bernalillo Spartans 2022 season. First, they had to spend the entire season in a rebuild after graduating key players from the 2021 roster that finished 5-6 overall. Next, they improved their overall schedule strength dropping weaker teams for playoff level teams. The Spartans went 2-8 overall and 0-3 in district play. All 8-losses came at the hands of a team that reached the state playoffs and to a team that finished .500 or above. They also moved into a new district with Albuquerque Academy and added southeast schools Portales and Lovington. Good news as the rebuild process included 2025 quarterback Uriel Castro who passed for 1,281 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. Diego Molinar (2024) was the number two RB last season and returns after earning 256 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Castro also returns his top two targets at receiver including Mason Espinda (2024) who led the team with 712 yards and 4 touchdowns. Espinda, Molinar, and Shawn Armijo (2024) return as key players on defense. The Spartans will play the end of the two year schedule. 2-4 wins is the likelihood but in 2022 they still earned a playoff spot and nearly upset Academy in the opening round (7-6 score).
#13 (62) Espanola Valley Sundevils
(4A): Perhaps the surprise team of 2022 was the Sundevils improving their win total by 5-games -- 1-9 overall in 2021 to 6-4 in 2022. Head coach Tylon Wilder was an underrated hire heading into the 2022 season but made huge strides in his first season at the helm. Adrick Deleon (2024) returning at receiver along Alex Chavez (2024) who is another prospect on the rise only expected to see his numbers increase on both sides of the ball. Chavez rushed for over 700-yards last season. If 2022 proved anything it was that the Sundevils have continued to make improvements to their football program. Will that lead to a playoff birth in 2023?
#14 (63) Pojoaque Valley Elks
(4A): The Elks took a major dip last season, after going 5-4 overall in 2021, they finished without a win in 2022 (0-9 overall, 0-3 district). The Elks had six shoutout losses last season and only scored 20 points total through the 2022 season. There's no easy fix for new first time head coach Zeke Villegas. The former Capital AD takes over the Elks program and will have to build from scratch. They also lost one of their promising 2025 running backs who transferred to Cleveland (Rio rancho). Top player from last season Adam Pacheco graduated this Spring. Plenty of departures as the Elks enter a new era. Ethan Meloy-Chavez (2024) provides immediate help after leading the receiving core last season and was a leader on defense.
#15 (68) Grants Pirates
(4A): The Pirates are 2-18 over the last two years, winning 1-game each season over Gallup. The program is currently searching for their next head coach after parting ways with Brandon Hernandez. The Pirates have a lot of ground to make up after allowing four shutouts and being outscored 373 to 74 last season. The talent did drop after the 2020 season and have been in a rebuild of both numbers and experience. Julian Padilla (2024), Tristin Fernandez (2026), and Andres Lazos (2025) provide some immediate help for the offense and could usher in the next talented group. Brandon Small (2024), Larry Meador (2024) and Aaron Jimenez (2024) return as starters on the defense. The Pirates have an opportunity to make strides this season but need to act fast on a hire
#16 (69) Shiprock Chieftains
(4A): Head coach Anthony Clah has proven to be a good choice to lead the Chieftains. He led the team to a 4-6 overall record last season, playing as a 4A Independent. They lose key players from last season but have optimism surrounding some contributors. Austin King (2024) earned plenty of key reps last season passing for 335-yards along with rushing for 128-yards. Receiver Alexavier Yazzie (2024) also returns after gaining 364-yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. Yazzie, Ethan Howe (2025), and Xavion Smith (2025) return as starters to the defense. The Chieftains will play as an independent again this season.
#17 (70) Gallup Bengals
(4A): It's no secret that Gallup High School is one of the toughest jobs in 4A football, and it could be another season in the cellar. The Bengals went 0-10 overall in 2022 and are 1-19 over the two-year span. Another coaching change will only set them back further. Overall the Bengals had seven shutout games and finished the season with 31 total points scored while giving up 445 points to opponents. Looking forward the Bengals welcome back Brett Baker (2024) and Trelin Bruner (2024) two players that contributed in big ways for a senior laden squad. The Bengals welcome new head coach Robbie Bornholdt, who was hired in late April. Bornholdt coached primarily in the Hobbs and Lovington area over the last 16 years.
NMPreps 2023 preseason rankings for the 2023 New Mexico high school football season. #nmpreps
#1 (27) Bloomfield Bobcats
(4A): The Bloomfield Bobcats have become a 4A powerhouse under the leadership of Mike Kovacs. Their high-powered offense, which averaged 42.5 points per game in 2022, helped them win the 4A state championship with a 12-1 overall record. However, the team will have to face the challenge of playing without quarterback Ryan Sharpe, who graduated in 2023 after passing for 2,541 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. Fortunately, the Bobcats have a talented group of players that can step up to fill the void. Drew Perez, Jesse Seitzinger, and George Rascon Jr. are the sparks of the offense. In 2022, they combined for over 2,000 yards receiving and 29 receiving touchdowns. Perez had 1,102 yards and 17 touchdowns, Seitzinger had 592 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Rascon Jr. had 535 yards and 4 touchdowns. Seitzinger also had 708 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns for the Bobcats. Although there are questions about who will replace Sharpe at quarterback, Blake Spencer could be the solution. As a backup, Spencer threw for 674 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2022. On the defensive side of the ball, Seitzinger, J Gutierrez, and McKell Colbert lead a talented group that allowed only 11 points per game in 2022, including 7 points in the state championship game against Silver. In conclusion, the Bloomfield Bobcats lost some key players, including their quarterback, but they have plenty of talented players on both sides of the ball. This makes them a favorite to repeat as champions in 2023.
#2 (28) Portales Rams
(4A): The Portales Rams are primed to take a step forward this year after going 9-3 overall in '22. The Rams return a good core of players, including 2025 quarterback Paxton Culpepper. The quarterback threw for 2,290 yards with 27 passing touchdowns last season. Culpepper connected for 1,832 yards to his top three targets in '22 -- all three return this season with Zane Mayberry (2024), Tommy Lopez (2025), and Andru Ontiveros (2024). This offense could become one of the most explosive units in 4A football this season. Manny Chavez (2025), Devin Diaz (2024), and Nehemiah Yorfee (2024) will guide a very experienced and talented defense for the Rams this season. Chavez led the way with 137 total tackles last season and is consider one of the top MLB in the class. Portales has plenty to like on both sides of the ball this season and easily could have been the top choice.
#3 (29) Lovington Wildcats
(4A): The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with a 5-7 overall (3-0 district) record and winners of a state playoff game. It's a close call between Lovington and Portales for the district championship, the Wildcats went 2-0 last season against Portales. Replacing Ashton Aranda from last season will prove to be a huge task. Aranda passed for 1,943 yards and 19 passing touchdowns. He would also add 760 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs. Three offensive players looking to make a huge impact this fall -- Ondalis Cardenas (2025)/RB), Cesar Gonzalez (2024/WR), and Alec Holguin (2025/WR). Cardenas rushed for 612 yards as a sophomore in '22. Holguin led the team in receiving yards with 616 yards and 5 touchdowns. 2024 DE Demarcus Thompson is one of the top players returning in 4A football and will guide the defense for the Wildcats. Thompson finished with 7.5 sacks and 46 total tackles in '22. Joshua Carrasco (2024) led the team in total tackles last season with 70. The Wildcats are ready to make a run at the state championship in 2023.
#4 (37) Albuquerque Academy Chargers
(4A): New head coach David Lee is the right pick to continue building the Chargers into a top tier 4A football program. The Chargers are coming of a 7-5 overall, 1-2 district season reaching the state quarterfinals. Carter Speegle (2024), Brody Whitaker (2024), and David Logan Lee (2024) lead the charger in returning prospects. Whitaker and Lee guide the defense after playing big roles last season and early favorites for our preseason All-New Mexico team. Whitaker is a top-40 prospect this season and returns after 105 total tackles and 13 sacks as a junior. Speegle is the lone spark from a talented offense last season that will need to replace its quarterback, leading rushers and leading receivers. Speegle a talented receiver had 240 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games for the Chargers. The Chargers do have some questions regarding their offense but the foundation has been established to make another run at the top with the hiring of assistant head coach David Lee. The district remains difficult with top southern programs Lovington and Portales along with the battles with Bernalillo.
#5 (38) Silver Colts
(4A): 11-2 record and a state championship appearance in '22, two highs for the Colts football program. The Colts were dominant all season long only allowing 68 total points that included six shutout wins. The offense also showed out averaging over 35 points per game and had three rushers over 500 yards on the season. All three have now graduated and the Colts will have a handful of openings for starting positions when Fall kicks-off. 2024 Adan Jacquez gained some experience last season playing behind that talented 2023 class. Jacquez had reps at quarterback throwing for 387 yards and a touchdown last season. He also added 136 yards rushing and 3 TDs. Perhaps the player that could be on the preseason All-New Mexico watch list is Julian Richard (2024) who led the team in receiving yards with 710 and 7 touchdowns. Over to that tough defensive unit from last season. Despite losing some very talented players and several starters the Colts will look to Julian Richard (2024), Diego Lucero (2024) and Anthony Rico (2024) in the secondary. Lucero and Rico each had 4 INTs on the season. The Colts graduate plenty, they are likely to take a step back from the achievements of last season but head coach Jerome Ortiz has built a tough program.
#6 (39) Aztec Tigers
(4A): The goal is a winning record. It last happened in 2019 when the Tigers went 8-4 overall and reached the quarterfinals. Second year head coach Hank Strauss led the Tigers to a 5-7 overall record last season and reached the quarterfinals after defeating Valencia in the first round. The key at making a run this season will go on the shoulders of senior Baylor Seabolt who had over 1,000 total yards (643 receiving, 333 rushing, 87 passing). Seabolt reached the end-zone 12 times for the Tigers and will see his numbers improve taking on a bigger role. Landon Frost (2024) and Justin Bixler (2024) are two other playmakers to keep an eye on this season for the Tigers offense. An obvious question will be under center as Marcquis Henry graduate this Fall after passing for 1,376 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense the Tigers will look to the leadership of Seabolt who led the team in total tackles. Talan Olguin (2024), Jayden Godbay (2024), and Simeon Cardenas (2024) provide plenty of depth on the defense. The Tigers have experience returning, they'll find a new QB, and could be an early riser. The Tigers open with Miyamura again in '23, a game they won in '22, then play three consecutive weeks against Colorado teams before rounding out non-district gams vs Silver, at St. Michael's and then host Taos. The Tigers went 2-5 in non-district games.
#7 (43) Valencia Jaguars
(4A): A fresh start for the program under new head coach LeDarrius Cage. The Jaguars are coming off a season in which they finished 4-7 overall and 2-1 in district. They also reached the playoffs falling in the first round. There will be some rebuilding for the Jaguars with the loss of do all quarterback Ryan Garcia (726) who led the team in passing yards and rushing yards (496). The receiving core will virtually be new this season as well with the top two leaders gone. Looking ahead Daniel Villegas (2024) returns after some experience, in seven games he rushed for nearly 400 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tyler Farless (2025) and Damien Estrada (2024) have the most experience at receiver for the Jaguars last season. The OL will feature starter Andrew Rightley (2024) who could be an early riser on our list. The defense will need to replace top LB Adriano Ortiz from '22. The defense takes the biggest hit and we will see plenty of new faces filling voids from last season. The Jaguars made a splash of a hire this off-season but the rebuilding process could take time. Graduation hit the Jaguars hard and they will have an inexperienced squad.
#8 (44) Moriarty Pintos
(4A): The Pintos have won 15 games in the last two seasons and are coming off an 8-win season that includes a playoff win. The strong start to the season, going 4-1, guided their playoff bid. The run game was the strength last season and they return a wealth of prospects in the backfield. The duo of Amare Gonzales (2024) and Santiago Chavez (2024) could be the force that rides them into a deeper playoff run this season. Chavez led the team in rushing yards with 917 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Gonzales a dual threat QB rushed for 388 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Dominic Montano (2025) and Corban Pearce (2025) return to the OL after much experience as sophomores. Solomon Souza-Kennedy (2024) and Jace McCutcheon (2024) will team up with Gonzales, Chavez, and Pearce on an experienced defense. The Pintos have some key pieces returning and could be a top four team in class 4A by the end of the season. The schedule is a good mixture of playoff level teams and games that they are favored. They had four shutout wins last season and averaged over 32 points per game.
#9 (45) St. Pius X Sartans
(4A): A fresh start for the program under new head coach Curtis Flakes should get the Sartans back on track in '23. Although the Sartans are coming off dismal season going 2-9 overall and 1-2 in district play, Flakes track record shows success in building programs. Plenty of holes to fill on the Sartans roster this season after graduating key starters. 2024 ATH Moosie Neel produce numbers last season and led the team in receiving yards (371 yards). Peyton Underwood (2024) and Brian Thomas (2025) will get more touches this fall at their positions. Neel, Leon Sutulov (2024), and Aaron Guzman (2024) led the defense last season and are key players for the Sartans heading into the preseason. The Sartans played an above strength in schedule last season and if they can flip some of their close losses they could be a quick rebound, back to above .500 like in 2021 (8-3 overall). They made the winning hire, now it turns to the getting it done on the field.
#10 (46) Taos Tigers
(4A): Taos quietly rushed out to a 10-win season in 2022. After dropping the opening game the Tigers pulled off 10-straight wins, it included a district championship (4-0) and a playoff win over Academy to reach to the 4A semifinals. The big void to fill is in the form of quarterback Daemon Ely who led the team in rushing yards (1,001 yards, 16 rushing TDs) and of course passing yards - 1,361 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns. Looking forward Mateo Salazar (2025) rushing for 359 yards on 25 carries for the Tigers. Noah Washington (2024) was second in receiving yards with 362. Washington and Salazar are also two prospects to watch on defense for the Tigers this season. Kelan Maes (2025) and Jedrek Jozwiak (2025) are two sophomores that are sure to shine on the defensive front for the team this season. If the schedule flips over from last season, the Tigers could be in good position for another 10-win season. The schedule strength is not very high which could lead to another DC and playoff win. Finding a QB will be the question leading into the opening game.
#11 (48) Kirtland Central Broncos
(4A): The Broncos dropped four of their final five games to end the 2022 season at 4-6 overall. The season did include a state playoff appearance though and hoping for a promise start to 2023. The Broncos offense returns 2025 quarterback Bryle Matthews who finished with 862 yards and 4 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. Matthews also rushed for 628 yards and 8 touchdowns. Leading rusher Demusico Edsitty (2024) returns this season, the junior rushed for 658 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. Top receiving target Noah Dineyazhe (2024) had 464 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns for the Broncos last season. Elijah Grey (2024) and Jesse Foutz (2025) will lead a defense that lost several starters to graduation. Grey had 55 total tackles and 4.5 sacks last season. The Broncos should float around 4/5 wins again this season and might improve their 1-2 (2022) to 2-1, if they can beat Aztec or Bloomfield in district play this season.
#12 (57) Bernalillo Spartans
(4A): Two things in regards to the Bernalillo Spartans 2022 season. First, they had to spend the entire season in a rebuild after graduating key players from the 2021 roster that finished 5-6 overall. Next, they improved their overall schedule strength dropping weaker teams for playoff level teams. The Spartans went 2-8 overall and 0-3 in district play. All 8-losses came at the hands of a team that reached the state playoffs and to a team that finished .500 or above. They also moved into a new district with Albuquerque Academy and added southeast schools Portales and Lovington. Good news as the rebuild process included 2025 quarterback Uriel Castro who passed for 1,281 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. Diego Molinar (2024) was the number two RB last season and returns after earning 256 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Castro also returns his top two targets at receiver including Mason Espinda (2024) who led the team with 712 yards and 4 touchdowns. Espinda, Molinar, and Shawn Armijo (2024) return as key players on defense. The Spartans will play the end of the two year schedule. 2-4 wins is the likelihood but in 2022 they still earned a playoff spot and nearly upset Academy in the opening round (7-6 score).
#13 (62) Espanola Valley Sundevils
(4A): Perhaps the surprise team of 2022 was the Sundevils improving their win total by 5-games -- 1-9 overall in 2021 to 6-4 in 2022. Head coach Tylon Wilder was an underrated hire heading into the 2022 season but made huge strides in his first season at the helm. Adrick Deleon (2024) returning at receiver along Alex Chavez (2024) who is another prospect on the rise only expected to see his numbers increase on both sides of the ball. Chavez rushed for over 700-yards last season. If 2022 proved anything it was that the Sundevils have continued to make improvements to their football program. Will that lead to a playoff birth in 2023?
#14 (63) Pojoaque Valley Elks
(4A): The Elks took a major dip last season, after going 5-4 overall in 2021, they finished without a win in 2022 (0-9 overall, 0-3 district). The Elks had six shoutout losses last season and only scored 20 points total through the 2022 season. There's no easy fix for new first time head coach Zeke Villegas. The former Capital AD takes over the Elks program and will have to build from scratch. They also lost one of their promising 2025 running backs who transferred to Cleveland (Rio rancho). Top player from last season Adam Pacheco graduated this Spring. Plenty of departures as the Elks enter a new era. Ethan Meloy-Chavez (2024) provides immediate help after leading the receiving core last season and was a leader on defense.
#15 (68) Grants Pirates
(4A): The Pirates are 2-18 over the last two years, winning 1-game each season over Gallup. The program is currently searching for their next head coach after parting ways with Brandon Hernandez. The Pirates have a lot of ground to make up after allowing four shutouts and being outscored 373 to 74 last season. The talent did drop after the 2020 season and have been in a rebuild of both numbers and experience. Julian Padilla (2024), Tristin Fernandez (2026), and Andres Lazos (2025) provide some immediate help for the offense and could usher in the next talented group. Brandon Small (2024), Larry Meador (2024) and Aaron Jimenez (2024) return as starters on the defense. The Pirates have an opportunity to make strides this season but need to act fast on a hire
#16 (69) Shiprock Chieftains
(4A): Head coach Anthony Clah has proven to be a good choice to lead the Chieftains. He led the team to a 4-6 overall record last season, playing as a 4A Independent. They lose key players from last season but have optimism surrounding some contributors. Austin King (2024) earned plenty of key reps last season passing for 335-yards along with rushing for 128-yards. Receiver Alexavier Yazzie (2024) also returns after gaining 364-yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. Yazzie, Ethan Howe (2025), and Xavion Smith (2025) return as starters to the defense. The Chieftains will play as an independent again this season.
#17 (70) Gallup Bengals
(4A): It's no secret that Gallup High School is one of the toughest jobs in 4A football, and it could be another season in the cellar. The Bengals went 0-10 overall in 2022 and are 1-19 over the two-year span. Another coaching change will only set them back further. Overall the Bengals had seven shutout games and finished the season with 31 total points scored while giving up 445 points to opponents. Looking forward the Bengals welcome back Brett Baker (2024) and Trelin Bruner (2024) two players that contributed in big ways for a senior laden squad. The Bengals welcome new head coach Robbie Bornholdt, who was hired in late April. Bornholdt coached primarily in the Hobbs and Lovington area over the last 16 years.
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