3A Rank (Top 92) Team
#1 (30) Robertson Cardinals
(3A): Picking between Robertson, St. Michael's, and Ruidoso for the top spot in 3A football was a tough prediction. Consider it a complete toss up for the three top teams in the class with Robertson having a similar storyline being hit by graduation and the need to fills voids. One name to know entering the season is 2025 running back Jesse James Gonzalez who rushed for 768 yards and 8 touchdowns as a sophomore. Nathan Gonzalez (2025) and Mateo Contreras (2024) are two other players that will play big roles on offense for the Cardinals this Fall. Conner Ebell (2025) and Dmario Gallegos (2024) lead a talented defense returning for the Cardinals. Despite the loss of some key players the defense will have a healthy amount of experience to make a run at the state title.
#2 (31) St. Michael's Horsemen
(3A): The St. Michael's Horsemen fresh off back to back trips to the state championship game are looking to make another run at the final weekend in November. 20 victories over the last two seasons for the Horsemen and now the hurdle turns to the final game after falling to Ruidoso (2022) and Robertson (2021) in consecutive years. The Horsemen have plenty of positions to fill, on offense QB, RB, TE, and WR have all graduated. Three players that will move into bigger roles this season -- Lucas Gurule (2024), Reyes Baros (2024), and Cole Sandoval (2024). The 2022 team was talented and it could be a season to develop new players into new roles. The defense also looking to fill holes because of graduation. Mathias Duran (2024) is a name to become familiar with and will have a big impact on the '23 Horsemen. St. Michael's lost plenty but Joey Fernandez is among the best in New Mexico high school football and will have the Horsemen fighting for another run at the title.
#3 (32) Ruidoso Warriors
(3A): Former Cleveland (Rio Rancho) assistant coach Greg Crow inherits a team that went 12-1 and won the 3A New Mexico high school football state championship. Make no mistake, former head coach Kief Johnson is going to be missed. However, Crow - a first-time coach - brings plenty of excitement to the Warriors program. The building part, gone is Cody Pritchett a dynamic QB that passed for 1,936 yards and rushed for another 571 yards. RB Kaden Sago has graduated after putting up 1,739 rushing yards and 24 TDs. New Mexico Mr. Football runner up Dalton Trapp has also graduated. Crow's roster is in good hands with 2024 WR Logan Sandoval who led the team in receiving yards -- 945 yards and 12 TDs. 2025 RB Jaydin Ramirez returns after rushing for 312 yards as a sophomore taking only 52 carries. Cannon Cuellar (2024) is another that could see his numbers increase this season, he had 133 receiving yards and 2 TDs on 8 receptions. The defense takes a major hit with Trapp gone along with other all-state members Pritchett, Sago, and Gavin Hall. Look for returning starters Trenton Hall (2025), Diego Baca (2025), Jaydin Ramirez (2025), and Timothy Sanchez (2024) to move them forward. The Ruidoso Warriors lose plenty and perhaps the biggest piece being Kief Johnson. They've made a solid hire, key returning players, and could be another 8-10 win team during the regular season.
#4 (50) Socorro Warriors
(3A): Coach Damien Ocampo has guided Socorro to a 21-3 record over the last two season including winning 11-straight in 2022, finishing 11-1 overall. With that in mind, the Warriors will have some major holes to fill as we enter the 2023 season. Marcus Armijo is a difficult task to replace after nearly a combined 2,500 passing and rushing yards. Alex Amaro (2024) and Isaiah Ocampo (2025) are bright studs, with limited touches, that will be trusted into starting roles. The defense also takes a major hit and the overhaul looks to 2025 players David Gutierrez and Cenyon Scarbrough. The pair played in nine games for the Warriors and combined for over 50 total tackles. The Warriors have some question marks, will have newcomers, but another district championship and possible playoff run could be likely. We know they'll be well coached, prepared, and with their record they'll be in the top-four seed conversation.
#5 (51) Hope Christian Huskies
(3A): After a 7-5 mark and playoff win in 2021, the Huskies seemed poised for another successful season in wins last year. However, the Huskies went 4-6-1 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. The Huskies relied heavy on the run game and will have to replace leading rusher Brent Miller. The Huskies will look to rising ATH Ronnie Gilletti (2025) who showed promise last season playing under center. Nicholas Degraffeneid (2024) is expected to get more carries this season and move up the depth chart into the number one slot. When they decide to throw the ball a majority of targets went to 2025 Breylon Williams who finished with 228 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2022. Next level talent Jacob Baca will anchor the OL/DL for the Huskies as he enters his senior season. The Huskies could be the dark-horse in 3A football this season and float back around the 7-win total.
#6 (54) West Las Vegas Dons
(3A): A major transition is underway in Las Vegas. After a 6-6 record and playoff win last season, the Dons parted ways with one of their most successful head coaches - Adrian Gonzales. Patrick Rodriguez enters as the new head coach after being an assistant with NMHU and previously at West Las Vegas. He inherits a solid roster that includes quarterback CJ Perea (2025) who passed for 2,016 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Ethan Tafoya (2025/RB) and Pablo Montano (2024/WR) round out a core on offense returning. Tafoya and Montano also head up the defense. Patrick Rodriguez (2025), Carlo Lucero (2026) and Mark Balizan (2025) will be key players moving forward. The Dons have talent going into the season and we will be watching as they adapt to their new head coach.
#7 (56) New Mexico Military Institute Colts
(3A) The Colts started the 2022 season 4-1 and looked to make the state playoffs. They dropped four straight before winning the final game, ending 5-5 overall and missing state. The Colts have a new head coach, in a former HC, for the 2023 season. John O'Mera takes over the Colts program. Leonardo Lopez (2024) returns with some experience at running back last season. The Colts offense went through quarterback Juan Badillo but has since graduated. The offensive line was big last season but will also need to replace some key players. Gabriel Richardson (2024/OL-DL) and Samuel McCargish (2025/OL-DL) will provide help up front for the Colts. Steven Griego (2024) and William Rosser (2024) return on defense for the Colts this season. The goal for the Colts will be staying around .500 and pushing for a playoff spot.
#8 (59) Raton Tigers
(3A): A few plays short of playing for the 3A state championship. That sums up a 9-4 (overall) 2022 season for the Raton Tigers. Now, let the rebuild start as they graduate NMPreps/Rivals New Mexico Mr. Football award winner Cayden Walton. The running back leaves behind a void in the amount of 3,123 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. The Tigers will use a group of underclassmen along with 2024 Jacob Mattorano, who has the most experience with 30 carries for 108 yards and 3 touchdowns. At receiver Cannon Walton (2025) and Wd Hyer (2024) provide some experience with both having over 300-yards receiving in 2022. Hyer, Mattorano, and Isaac Garcia (2024) will be the experience on defense for the Tigers this season. Garcia led the team in sacks with 3 on the season and Hyer leads the returners with 98 total tackles last season. Another player to keep an eye on the season is Wyatt Berry who had 4 picks last season. The Tigers lost a lot but they have some key pieces that will make an immediate impact.
#9 (60) Dexter Demons
(3A): Dexter finished the 2022 season at 5-6 overall, 3-1 in district with a state playoff appearance. The Demons went 4-1 to end the season after 1-5 start to the regular season. Kaesn George (2025) returns at running back after rushing for 490 yards and 4 touchdowns on 82 carries as a sophomore in 2022. George also led the team in receiving yards with 188 along with 2 receiving TDs. Kevin Villalobos (2024) showed plenty of promise last season rushing for 456 yards and passing for another 532 yards. Villalobos has the opportunity to be one of the early risers this season. Garret Gonzalez (2026) and Omar Lopez (2025) are two key players for this season that will continue to develop with more reps. Ivandre Aguilar (2025) and Devin Munoz (2025) along with Gonzalez will anchor a solid defense returning for the Demons this season. Dexter has the pieces returning to make a run and make things interesting this season. Playoff team with chances at reaching the quarterfinal/semifinal round.
#10 (71) Hatch Valley Bears
(3A): There was considerable progress in Hatch last year under now former head coach Louis Howell. Hatch Valley finished 2021 with a record of 1-9 overall but improved to 6-4-1 with a playoff appearance last Fall. The Bears will have some ground to make after losing all-state running back Layton Gillis who graduated this Spring. Gillis rushed for 1,741-yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Jacob Gomez (2024) showed signs of being a go-to guy this Fall. He passed for 567-yards and 7-touchdowns for the Bears. The defense will be the strength for an incoming head coach with Frank Angel (2024), Adan Gutierrez (2024), and Waylon Apodaca (2024) returning with plenty of experience. Two-way player Omar Gonzalez (2026) could be the next top talent for the Bears after a successful freshmen season. Hatch first needs a head coach, but 2023 could be a step back after the success they had in 2022.
#11 (72) Cobre Indians
(3A):After going 3-8 (overall) in 2021 the Cobre Indians took steps in the right direction improving their record to 5-7 (overall). They have consecutive seasons at 2-1 in district finishing runner-up but reaching the state playoffs. 2022 was a big year of improvements that also resulted in a playoff win over Dexter (35-22) in the first round. Jesse James Dominguez (2024/LB), Cesar Jimenez (2024/DE), Niko Trujillo (2024/WR) and Gavin Chuy (2024/WR-CB) are the top players to watch this coming season. The Indians have enough key prospects to make a run and push the limit at .500 or better. The roster makeup puts them as a favorite to be a plus one playoff team (win a playoff game).
#12 (74) Hot Springs Tigers
(3A): The Hot Springs Tigers started the Philip Camp era going 2-8 overall, 0-3 in district. The Tigers won back-to-back games before dropping all three in district play to Cobre, Socorro, and Hatch Valley. Struggling on both sides of the ball the offense was shutout in four games, while only scoring 40 points in the other four losses (10 ppg in losses). Looking forward the Tigers return 2024 quarterback Kaiden Lanham who passed for 1,085-yards and 11 touchdowns last season as a junior. Lanham also rushed for 254 yards and a touchdowns. Tristan Polanco (2026) and Ashton Garcia (2025) both return at receiver after gaining over 400 yards combined and 6 touchdowns between the pair. The defense graduates a majority of contributors from last season and could struggle early on. Polanco is one of the most experienced players returning after earning 28 total tackles and 2.5 sacks as a freshman in 2022. The Tigers went 1-4 against 3A competition (1-3 against 2A and 0-2 vs Texas) and could be looking at a similar position in 2023. The offense should be better with some experience but will have troubles in district play along with a non-district schedule featuring tough 2A powers (Eunice, Tularosa). The early over/under could have the Tigers looking at 1.5. Update: Hot Springs has hired a new head coach.
#13 (75) Thoreau Hawks
(3A) The Hawks are coming off a record 9-3 overall and reached the state quarterfinals after winning a first round game (over Hope Christian). From 2016-2020 the Hawks won 10 games. The last two years they have 15-wins, a playoff win, and plenty of promise looking forward to the 2023 season. Head coach Erik Loera has quickly built some of the best years in Hawks history. More good news for the Hawks? Starting running back Ray Long (2024) returns after rushing for nearly 1,000-yards and 11-touchdowns (in nine games). Quarterback Isaac Bear Eagle (2024) also returns along with his number one target Elijah Trickey (2024). Will the 2023 season be the best one yet? A return to the playoffs is the likely prediction and will be in a battle with Crownpoint for another district championship (3-0 in 2022). Early prediction, we have the Hawks at 8-wins.
#14 (76) Newcomb Skyhawks
(3A) The Skyhawks went 8-3 overall last season and won District 1-3A with a perfect 3-0 record. The Skyhawks also coming off a playoff bid reaching the first round. Jeremy Wooten found early success in his first season at the helm, the Texas native took over the program prior to the 2022 season. The bad news for the Skyhawks will look to rebuild their roster after departing seniors leave voids in crucial positions -- quarterback, running back, and receivers. The Skyhawks will be young, they'll have some experience, but it could be growing pains this season.
#15 (77) Crownpoint Eagles
(3A): The Eagles are coming off back-to-back five win seasons. However, going 1-2 in district play has kept them out of the playoffs. The good news for the program and head coach Roderick Harlan is the return of quarterback Johnathan Antonio (2024). Antonio showed the ability to make things happen out of the backfield. Also, bringing plenty of experience is Calian Tenequer-Joe (2025) who started at running back for the Eagles last season. LaVontae Robinson (2025) will also bring experience from the receiving core. Can this be the season to take over the district? The Eagles have an early prediction of 5-wins but a good chance we will see them making a leap forward and the playoffs are the goal. For head coach Harlan it is a longtime coming after guiding and building this football program to the competitive level it has been playing.
#16 (78) Tohatchi Cougars
(3A): Head coach Darrick Henry and the Cougars are coming off a a successful two-year run winning 11-games. After a 2-4 start to the 2022 campaign the Cougars would win 3 of the final four games to finish 5-5 overall and 2-1 in district play. The good news entering the season will be the return of quarterback Elijah Johnson (2025). As a sophomore Johnson played well and displayed some promise at the position and experience will only help in his development. A nice target for Johnson is Adriano Begay (2025) who also excelled as a sophomore last season. The Cougars are in position to battle for another district championship in 2023 and sit around 5/6 wins.
#17 (79) Wingate Bears
(3A): After going 0-8 during the 2021 season the Bears turned a corner last season improving their record to 5-5 overall and 2-1 in district play. The Bears finished the season 4-1 after starting 1-4. Another positive was only featuring six seniors on the roster last season with hopes of bringing back twenty two experienced players. Third-year head coach AD Jim has done a solid job in just two-years to rebuild (or build) after not playing football in 2020. The Bears will have to replace two year quarterback Leshane Wyaco but they hope with the amount of players returning next season, they'll again battle for a district championship. Looking ahead at their schedule they'll open with Navajo Prep on August 24th. The earliest prediction we have is 4-5 overall (+1, -1).
#18 (83) Santa Fe Indian Braves
(3A): The Braves enter the 2023 season riding a 6-game losing streak -- they were outscored 317 to 32 during those final games. Adding more to the struggle will be having to replace their number one option for the run-heavy offense. Leonard Baldonado (2024) will move into the slot after gaining 187-yards last season on 31 carries (6.0). Not a lot of experience but did break out for a few long runs. Baldonado and Caleb Martinez (2025) will also anchor the defense for the Braves who will have some returners to what was an inexperienced and youthful defense in 2022. The Braves should be improved but they will again but in an uphill battle against their difficult district. 2 to 3 wins is the likely.
#19 (84) Cuba Rams
(3A): After a promising start to the season winning 2 of the first 3 the Rams finished on a 7 game losing streak. Now they look to improve after a 2-8 overall season and much of that could be on the shoulders of quarterback Richard Lopez. The 2026 prospect finished with 600 passing yards and nearly 200 yards rushing as a freshman (8 games played). Lye Castillo (2024) and Garrick Roe (2026) are two talented players that earned key playing experience last season. Exceeding last year's two wins would be a good goal for 2023 in the building efforts of young talent.
#20 (86) Navajo Prep Eagles
(3A): The Eagles finished with a 1-8 record (1-2 district), as the programs lone with came at home against Zuni High School. Outside of the win and two 8-point losses (at Crownpoint, and at Tohatchi) the other games were decided by 14 or more points with two shutout losses. Navajo Prep also had a posting for a new head coach but no announcement has been made on a new head coach. This could lead to another struggling season with plenty of uncertainty. The bright side for the Eagles will be on the shoulders of 2025 player Xavier Nez who led as QB last season. His top target Lane Wilson (2024) also set to return could provide some help.
#21 (88) Tucumcari Rattlers
(3A): The Rattlers played one of the tougher schedules in the class that led to an 0-10 overall record. The Rattlers will also be on their third head coach in three years. They will return a handful of experience after playing a handful of 2025, 2026 players. The process could take some time though and will need stability.
#22 (89) Zuni Thunderbirds
(3A): The Thunderbirds will enter the 2023 on an eight game losing streak (1-9 overall, 0-3 district in 2022). The lone win coming against Cuba, 28-6, in late August. The good news will be featuring a handful of three-year lettermen and providing some experience.
#1 (30) Robertson Cardinals
(3A): Picking between Robertson, St. Michael's, and Ruidoso for the top spot in 3A football was a tough prediction. Consider it a complete toss up for the three top teams in the class with Robertson having a similar storyline being hit by graduation and the need to fills voids. One name to know entering the season is 2025 running back Jesse James Gonzalez who rushed for 768 yards and 8 touchdowns as a sophomore. Nathan Gonzalez (2025) and Mateo Contreras (2024) are two other players that will play big roles on offense for the Cardinals this Fall. Conner Ebell (2025) and Dmario Gallegos (2024) lead a talented defense returning for the Cardinals. Despite the loss of some key players the defense will have a healthy amount of experience to make a run at the state title.
#2 (31) St. Michael's Horsemen
(3A): The St. Michael's Horsemen fresh off back to back trips to the state championship game are looking to make another run at the final weekend in November. 20 victories over the last two seasons for the Horsemen and now the hurdle turns to the final game after falling to Ruidoso (2022) and Robertson (2021) in consecutive years. The Horsemen have plenty of positions to fill, on offense QB, RB, TE, and WR have all graduated. Three players that will move into bigger roles this season -- Lucas Gurule (2024), Reyes Baros (2024), and Cole Sandoval (2024). The 2022 team was talented and it could be a season to develop new players into new roles. The defense also looking to fill holes because of graduation. Mathias Duran (2024) is a name to become familiar with and will have a big impact on the '23 Horsemen. St. Michael's lost plenty but Joey Fernandez is among the best in New Mexico high school football and will have the Horsemen fighting for another run at the title.
#3 (32) Ruidoso Warriors
(3A): Former Cleveland (Rio Rancho) assistant coach Greg Crow inherits a team that went 12-1 and won the 3A New Mexico high school football state championship. Make no mistake, former head coach Kief Johnson is going to be missed. However, Crow - a first-time coach - brings plenty of excitement to the Warriors program. The building part, gone is Cody Pritchett a dynamic QB that passed for 1,936 yards and rushed for another 571 yards. RB Kaden Sago has graduated after putting up 1,739 rushing yards and 24 TDs. New Mexico Mr. Football runner up Dalton Trapp has also graduated. Crow's roster is in good hands with 2024 WR Logan Sandoval who led the team in receiving yards -- 945 yards and 12 TDs. 2025 RB Jaydin Ramirez returns after rushing for 312 yards as a sophomore taking only 52 carries. Cannon Cuellar (2024) is another that could see his numbers increase this season, he had 133 receiving yards and 2 TDs on 8 receptions. The defense takes a major hit with Trapp gone along with other all-state members Pritchett, Sago, and Gavin Hall. Look for returning starters Trenton Hall (2025), Diego Baca (2025), Jaydin Ramirez (2025), and Timothy Sanchez (2024) to move them forward. The Ruidoso Warriors lose plenty and perhaps the biggest piece being Kief Johnson. They've made a solid hire, key returning players, and could be another 8-10 win team during the regular season.
#4 (50) Socorro Warriors
(3A): Coach Damien Ocampo has guided Socorro to a 21-3 record over the last two season including winning 11-straight in 2022, finishing 11-1 overall. With that in mind, the Warriors will have some major holes to fill as we enter the 2023 season. Marcus Armijo is a difficult task to replace after nearly a combined 2,500 passing and rushing yards. Alex Amaro (2024) and Isaiah Ocampo (2025) are bright studs, with limited touches, that will be trusted into starting roles. The defense also takes a major hit and the overhaul looks to 2025 players David Gutierrez and Cenyon Scarbrough. The pair played in nine games for the Warriors and combined for over 50 total tackles. The Warriors have some question marks, will have newcomers, but another district championship and possible playoff run could be likely. We know they'll be well coached, prepared, and with their record they'll be in the top-four seed conversation.
#5 (51) Hope Christian Huskies
(3A): After a 7-5 mark and playoff win in 2021, the Huskies seemed poised for another successful season in wins last year. However, the Huskies went 4-6-1 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. The Huskies relied heavy on the run game and will have to replace leading rusher Brent Miller. The Huskies will look to rising ATH Ronnie Gilletti (2025) who showed promise last season playing under center. Nicholas Degraffeneid (2024) is expected to get more carries this season and move up the depth chart into the number one slot. When they decide to throw the ball a majority of targets went to 2025 Breylon Williams who finished with 228 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2022. Next level talent Jacob Baca will anchor the OL/DL for the Huskies as he enters his senior season. The Huskies could be the dark-horse in 3A football this season and float back around the 7-win total.
#6 (54) West Las Vegas Dons
(3A): A major transition is underway in Las Vegas. After a 6-6 record and playoff win last season, the Dons parted ways with one of their most successful head coaches - Adrian Gonzales. Patrick Rodriguez enters as the new head coach after being an assistant with NMHU and previously at West Las Vegas. He inherits a solid roster that includes quarterback CJ Perea (2025) who passed for 2,016 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Ethan Tafoya (2025/RB) and Pablo Montano (2024/WR) round out a core on offense returning. Tafoya and Montano also head up the defense. Patrick Rodriguez (2025), Carlo Lucero (2026) and Mark Balizan (2025) will be key players moving forward. The Dons have talent going into the season and we will be watching as they adapt to their new head coach.
#7 (56) New Mexico Military Institute Colts
(3A) The Colts started the 2022 season 4-1 and looked to make the state playoffs. They dropped four straight before winning the final game, ending 5-5 overall and missing state. The Colts have a new head coach, in a former HC, for the 2023 season. John O'Mera takes over the Colts program. Leonardo Lopez (2024) returns with some experience at running back last season. The Colts offense went through quarterback Juan Badillo but has since graduated. The offensive line was big last season but will also need to replace some key players. Gabriel Richardson (2024/OL-DL) and Samuel McCargish (2025/OL-DL) will provide help up front for the Colts. Steven Griego (2024) and William Rosser (2024) return on defense for the Colts this season. The goal for the Colts will be staying around .500 and pushing for a playoff spot.
#8 (59) Raton Tigers
(3A): A few plays short of playing for the 3A state championship. That sums up a 9-4 (overall) 2022 season for the Raton Tigers. Now, let the rebuild start as they graduate NMPreps/Rivals New Mexico Mr. Football award winner Cayden Walton. The running back leaves behind a void in the amount of 3,123 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. The Tigers will use a group of underclassmen along with 2024 Jacob Mattorano, who has the most experience with 30 carries for 108 yards and 3 touchdowns. At receiver Cannon Walton (2025) and Wd Hyer (2024) provide some experience with both having over 300-yards receiving in 2022. Hyer, Mattorano, and Isaac Garcia (2024) will be the experience on defense for the Tigers this season. Garcia led the team in sacks with 3 on the season and Hyer leads the returners with 98 total tackles last season. Another player to keep an eye on the season is Wyatt Berry who had 4 picks last season. The Tigers lost a lot but they have some key pieces that will make an immediate impact.
#9 (60) Dexter Demons
(3A): Dexter finished the 2022 season at 5-6 overall, 3-1 in district with a state playoff appearance. The Demons went 4-1 to end the season after 1-5 start to the regular season. Kaesn George (2025) returns at running back after rushing for 490 yards and 4 touchdowns on 82 carries as a sophomore in 2022. George also led the team in receiving yards with 188 along with 2 receiving TDs. Kevin Villalobos (2024) showed plenty of promise last season rushing for 456 yards and passing for another 532 yards. Villalobos has the opportunity to be one of the early risers this season. Garret Gonzalez (2026) and Omar Lopez (2025) are two key players for this season that will continue to develop with more reps. Ivandre Aguilar (2025) and Devin Munoz (2025) along with Gonzalez will anchor a solid defense returning for the Demons this season. Dexter has the pieces returning to make a run and make things interesting this season. Playoff team with chances at reaching the quarterfinal/semifinal round.
#10 (71) Hatch Valley Bears
(3A): There was considerable progress in Hatch last year under now former head coach Louis Howell. Hatch Valley finished 2021 with a record of 1-9 overall but improved to 6-4-1 with a playoff appearance last Fall. The Bears will have some ground to make after losing all-state running back Layton Gillis who graduated this Spring. Gillis rushed for 1,741-yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Jacob Gomez (2024) showed signs of being a go-to guy this Fall. He passed for 567-yards and 7-touchdowns for the Bears. The defense will be the strength for an incoming head coach with Frank Angel (2024), Adan Gutierrez (2024), and Waylon Apodaca (2024) returning with plenty of experience. Two-way player Omar Gonzalez (2026) could be the next top talent for the Bears after a successful freshmen season. Hatch first needs a head coach, but 2023 could be a step back after the success they had in 2022.
#11 (72) Cobre Indians
(3A):After going 3-8 (overall) in 2021 the Cobre Indians took steps in the right direction improving their record to 5-7 (overall). They have consecutive seasons at 2-1 in district finishing runner-up but reaching the state playoffs. 2022 was a big year of improvements that also resulted in a playoff win over Dexter (35-22) in the first round. Jesse James Dominguez (2024/LB), Cesar Jimenez (2024/DE), Niko Trujillo (2024/WR) and Gavin Chuy (2024/WR-CB) are the top players to watch this coming season. The Indians have enough key prospects to make a run and push the limit at .500 or better. The roster makeup puts them as a favorite to be a plus one playoff team (win a playoff game).
#12 (74) Hot Springs Tigers
(3A): The Hot Springs Tigers started the Philip Camp era going 2-8 overall, 0-3 in district. The Tigers won back-to-back games before dropping all three in district play to Cobre, Socorro, and Hatch Valley. Struggling on both sides of the ball the offense was shutout in four games, while only scoring 40 points in the other four losses (10 ppg in losses). Looking forward the Tigers return 2024 quarterback Kaiden Lanham who passed for 1,085-yards and 11 touchdowns last season as a junior. Lanham also rushed for 254 yards and a touchdowns. Tristan Polanco (2026) and Ashton Garcia (2025) both return at receiver after gaining over 400 yards combined and 6 touchdowns between the pair. The defense graduates a majority of contributors from last season and could struggle early on. Polanco is one of the most experienced players returning after earning 28 total tackles and 2.5 sacks as a freshman in 2022. The Tigers went 1-4 against 3A competition (1-3 against 2A and 0-2 vs Texas) and could be looking at a similar position in 2023. The offense should be better with some experience but will have troubles in district play along with a non-district schedule featuring tough 2A powers (Eunice, Tularosa). The early over/under could have the Tigers looking at 1.5. Update: Hot Springs has hired a new head coach.
#13 (75) Thoreau Hawks
(3A) The Hawks are coming off a record 9-3 overall and reached the state quarterfinals after winning a first round game (over Hope Christian). From 2016-2020 the Hawks won 10 games. The last two years they have 15-wins, a playoff win, and plenty of promise looking forward to the 2023 season. Head coach Erik Loera has quickly built some of the best years in Hawks history. More good news for the Hawks? Starting running back Ray Long (2024) returns after rushing for nearly 1,000-yards and 11-touchdowns (in nine games). Quarterback Isaac Bear Eagle (2024) also returns along with his number one target Elijah Trickey (2024). Will the 2023 season be the best one yet? A return to the playoffs is the likely prediction and will be in a battle with Crownpoint for another district championship (3-0 in 2022). Early prediction, we have the Hawks at 8-wins.
#14 (76) Newcomb Skyhawks
(3A) The Skyhawks went 8-3 overall last season and won District 1-3A with a perfect 3-0 record. The Skyhawks also coming off a playoff bid reaching the first round. Jeremy Wooten found early success in his first season at the helm, the Texas native took over the program prior to the 2022 season. The bad news for the Skyhawks will look to rebuild their roster after departing seniors leave voids in crucial positions -- quarterback, running back, and receivers. The Skyhawks will be young, they'll have some experience, but it could be growing pains this season.
#15 (77) Crownpoint Eagles
(3A): The Eagles are coming off back-to-back five win seasons. However, going 1-2 in district play has kept them out of the playoffs. The good news for the program and head coach Roderick Harlan is the return of quarterback Johnathan Antonio (2024). Antonio showed the ability to make things happen out of the backfield. Also, bringing plenty of experience is Calian Tenequer-Joe (2025) who started at running back for the Eagles last season. LaVontae Robinson (2025) will also bring experience from the receiving core. Can this be the season to take over the district? The Eagles have an early prediction of 5-wins but a good chance we will see them making a leap forward and the playoffs are the goal. For head coach Harlan it is a longtime coming after guiding and building this football program to the competitive level it has been playing.
#16 (78) Tohatchi Cougars
(3A): Head coach Darrick Henry and the Cougars are coming off a a successful two-year run winning 11-games. After a 2-4 start to the 2022 campaign the Cougars would win 3 of the final four games to finish 5-5 overall and 2-1 in district play. The good news entering the season will be the return of quarterback Elijah Johnson (2025). As a sophomore Johnson played well and displayed some promise at the position and experience will only help in his development. A nice target for Johnson is Adriano Begay (2025) who also excelled as a sophomore last season. The Cougars are in position to battle for another district championship in 2023 and sit around 5/6 wins.
#17 (79) Wingate Bears
(3A): After going 0-8 during the 2021 season the Bears turned a corner last season improving their record to 5-5 overall and 2-1 in district play. The Bears finished the season 4-1 after starting 1-4. Another positive was only featuring six seniors on the roster last season with hopes of bringing back twenty two experienced players. Third-year head coach AD Jim has done a solid job in just two-years to rebuild (or build) after not playing football in 2020. The Bears will have to replace two year quarterback Leshane Wyaco but they hope with the amount of players returning next season, they'll again battle for a district championship. Looking ahead at their schedule they'll open with Navajo Prep on August 24th. The earliest prediction we have is 4-5 overall (+1, -1).
#18 (83) Santa Fe Indian Braves
(3A): The Braves enter the 2023 season riding a 6-game losing streak -- they were outscored 317 to 32 during those final games. Adding more to the struggle will be having to replace their number one option for the run-heavy offense. Leonard Baldonado (2024) will move into the slot after gaining 187-yards last season on 31 carries (6.0). Not a lot of experience but did break out for a few long runs. Baldonado and Caleb Martinez (2025) will also anchor the defense for the Braves who will have some returners to what was an inexperienced and youthful defense in 2022. The Braves should be improved but they will again but in an uphill battle against their difficult district. 2 to 3 wins is the likely.
#19 (84) Cuba Rams
(3A): After a promising start to the season winning 2 of the first 3 the Rams finished on a 7 game losing streak. Now they look to improve after a 2-8 overall season and much of that could be on the shoulders of quarterback Richard Lopez. The 2026 prospect finished with 600 passing yards and nearly 200 yards rushing as a freshman (8 games played). Lye Castillo (2024) and Garrick Roe (2026) are two talented players that earned key playing experience last season. Exceeding last year's two wins would be a good goal for 2023 in the building efforts of young talent.
#20 (86) Navajo Prep Eagles
(3A): The Eagles finished with a 1-8 record (1-2 district), as the programs lone with came at home against Zuni High School. Outside of the win and two 8-point losses (at Crownpoint, and at Tohatchi) the other games were decided by 14 or more points with two shutout losses. Navajo Prep also had a posting for a new head coach but no announcement has been made on a new head coach. This could lead to another struggling season with plenty of uncertainty. The bright side for the Eagles will be on the shoulders of 2025 player Xavier Nez who led as QB last season. His top target Lane Wilson (2024) also set to return could provide some help.
#21 (88) Tucumcari Rattlers
(3A): The Rattlers played one of the tougher schedules in the class that led to an 0-10 overall record. The Rattlers will also be on their third head coach in three years. They will return a handful of experience after playing a handful of 2025, 2026 players. The process could take some time though and will need stability.
#22 (89) Zuni Thunderbirds
(3A): The Thunderbirds will enter the 2023 on an eight game losing streak (1-9 overall, 0-3 district in 2022). The lone win coming against Cuba, 28-6, in late August. The good news will be featuring a handful of three-year lettermen and providing some experience.
