New Mexico High School Football Week 6 Preview: 8-Man and 6-Man
As Week 6 of the New Mexico high school football season kicks off, excitement builds for the unique 6-Man and 8-Man football games. In this feature, we will break down the upcoming matchups, highlighting key players, team stats, and predictions for what could be pivotal games this weekend. Expect a mix of high-scoring affairs and defensive battles as teams jockey for playoff positioning and continue to shape their seasons.
6-MAN FOOTBALL
The Carrizozo Grizzlies are still in search of their first win this season after a rough start. Through four games, they’ve only managed to score 32 points while conceding a staggering 204. Mountainair, on the other hand, is coming off a morale-boosting 52-12 victory over Da Vinci, Texas. Despite having allowed 138 points over three games, the Mustangs are averaging a respectable 32.3 points per game and will look to ride the momentum from last week. Carrizozo will need a breakthrough on both sides of the ball to pull off a win, but Mountainair appears to have the upper hand.
Prediction: Mountainair 46, Carrizozo 12.
Elida has been impressive so far, averaging 49.2 points per game. However, they’ll face their toughest challenge yet against an undefeated Whiteface team. The Antelopes have been on fire, putting up a staggering 61.5 points per game and winning convincingly at home (2-0). With Elida being 1-1 on the road, this game could be a defining moment for the Tigers. Expect a competitive shootout between these offensive powerhouses, but Whiteface’s home dominance might prove too much for Elida to overcome.
Prediction: Whiteface TX 43, Elida 33.
The Grady Bronchos, sitting at 4-1, enter this matchup as a 20-point favorite, but they can’t afford to underestimate NMSD. Both teasm have similar offensive outputs, averaging around 43 points per game. NMSD’s standout athlete, Alex Gonzalez-Lopez, will look to give the Roadrunners a chance to upset the visiting Bronchos. Grady's balanced attack, however, should carry them through in the end.
Prediction: Grady 34, NMSD 16.
Logan has been dominant, remaining undefeated while averaging an explosive 49.8 points per game. Floyd has struggled offensively, managing just 13.3 points per game. Logan’s trio of stars—Haden Judd (over 100 rushing yards per game), Aydin Kotara (150 yards passing per game), and Payson Nials (16.5 tackles per game)—will likely prove too much for Floyd to handle. This could be a lopsided affair.
Prediction: Logan 54, Floyd 6.
Neither team has been prolific on offense, with Magdalena averaging 21 points per game and Animas slightly behind at 13.8. Magdalena’s Joseph Zamora, a dual-threat quarterback, will need to lead a balanced attack, while Matthew Lopez (14 tackles per game) anchors their defense. Animas will be eager to protect their home turf, but this game could come down to which defense can hold out longer.
Prediction: Magdalena 20, Animas 18.
This game features two solid squads. Roy/Mosquero is undefeated on the road and is averaging 5222 points per game, thanks to their high-octane offense. Dora, strong at home, will look to control the pace behind their standout running back Aaron Combs and quarterback Carson Kircher. Defensively, the COyotes are anchored by Gunnar Tipton and Ashton Davis, who will be tasked with slowing down the Blue’s prolific attack. This could be one of the tightest and most exciting games of the week.
Prediction: Roy/Mosquero 38, Dora 28.
Both teams enter this matchup still in search of their first win. Alamo Navajo has struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, scoring just 28 points all season while giving up a whopping 250. Dulce hasn’t fared much better, scoring 32 points while conceding 145. The bright spot for the Hawks came last week when they managed to score 20 points in a loss, their highest output of the season. Alamo Navajo, meanwhile, has been shut out in its last three games, losing each by mercy rule. Junior Scotty Guerro will be pivotal for Alamo Navajo as they try to secure their first victory.
Prediction: Alamo Navajo 22, Dulce 20.
This is the game of the week and possibly the entire season for 8-Man football. Both teams come into this showdown undefeated and averaging over 50 points per game, promising a high-octane offensive shootout in Las Cruces. Melrose, led by standout Josiah Roybal, has been unstoppable. Roybal is averaging over 230 total yards per game (177 passing), and his supporting cast—Brayden Eldridge and Jaxon Odom—has helped make Melrose a juggernaut.
For Mesilla Valley Christian, Davis Coyle leads the charge as a formidable pocket passer. His primary targets, Mark Dwyer, Jeremiah Sullivan, and Payton Tharp, will look to match Melrose blow for blow. Both teams are explosive, but Melrose’s experience and depth might give them the edge in this monumental clash.
Prediction: Melrose 62, Mesilla Valley 54.
Menaul travels from Albuquerque to take on a powerhouse in Fort Sumner. The Panthers will rely on key players like Carlos Cummins and Diego Carrillo on offense, with Nick Brock standing out on defense. Fort Sumner, however, has been nothing short of dominant this season. They are averaging an astonishing 56 points per game while allowing just 12 points in total over three games.
Fort Sumner’s rising star, sophomore quarterback Jordan Holland, has emerged as a game-changer and will look to continue his stellar play. Given Fort Sumner’s strong defense and dynamic offense, this could be a tough outing for Menaul.
Prediction: Fort Sumner 49, Menaul 8.
Mescalero Apache will face a formidable foe in Gateway Christian, one of the most consistent programs in 8-Man football. The Chiefs, led by Landyn Hiles, have been competitive but will need a near-perfect performance to keep pace with the Warriors. Gateway Christian has been an offensive powerhouse, scoring 217 points and allowing just 70 through four games. Senior leader Ethaniel Wigley has been a force for Gateway Christian, and his play will again be crucial as they aim to notch another win at home.
Prediction: Gateway Christian 50, Mescalero Apache 16.
As Week 6 of the New Mexico high school football season kicks off, excitement builds for the unique 6-Man and 8-Man football games. In this feature, we will break down the upcoming matchups, highlighting key players, team stats, and predictions for what could be pivotal games this weekend. Expect a mix of high-scoring affairs and defensive battles as teams jockey for playoff positioning and continue to shape their seasons.
6-MAN FOOTBALL
Carrizozo Grizzlies (0-4) at Mountainair Mustangs (1-2)
Friday, 7 p.m.The Carrizozo Grizzlies are still in search of their first win this season after a rough start. Through four games, they’ve only managed to score 32 points while conceding a staggering 204. Mountainair, on the other hand, is coming off a morale-boosting 52-12 victory over Da Vinci, Texas. Despite having allowed 138 points over three games, the Mustangs are averaging a respectable 32.3 points per game and will look to ride the momentum from last week. Carrizozo will need a breakthrough on both sides of the ball to pull off a win, but Mountainair appears to have the upper hand.
Prediction: Mountainair 46, Carrizozo 12.
Elida Tigers (4-1) at Whiteface TX Antelopes (4-0)
Friday, 7:30 p.m.Elida has been impressive so far, averaging 49.2 points per game. However, they’ll face their toughest challenge yet against an undefeated Whiteface team. The Antelopes have been on fire, putting up a staggering 61.5 points per game and winning convincingly at home (2-0). With Elida being 1-1 on the road, this game could be a defining moment for the Tigers. Expect a competitive shootout between these offensive powerhouses, but Whiteface’s home dominance might prove too much for Elida to overcome.
Prediction: Whiteface TX 43, Elida 33.
Grady Bronchos (4-1) at New Mexico School for the Deaf Roadrunners (2-2)
Tuesday, 3 p.m.The Grady Bronchos, sitting at 4-1, enter this matchup as a 20-point favorite, but they can’t afford to underestimate NMSD. Both teasm have similar offensive outputs, averaging around 43 points per game. NMSD’s standout athlete, Alex Gonzalez-Lopez, will look to give the Roadrunners a chance to upset the visiting Bronchos. Grady's balanced attack, however, should carry them through in the end.
Prediction: Grady 34, NMSD 16.
Logan Longhorns (5-0) at Floyd Broncos (1-3)
Friday, 6 p.m.Logan has been dominant, remaining undefeated while averaging an explosive 49.8 points per game. Floyd has struggled offensively, managing just 13.3 points per game. Logan’s trio of stars—Haden Judd (over 100 rushing yards per game), Aydin Kotara (150 yards passing per game), and Payson Nials (16.5 tackles per game)—will likely prove too much for Floyd to handle. This could be a lopsided affair.
Prediction: Logan 54, Floyd 6.
Magdalena Steers (1-2) at Animas Panthers (1-3)
Friday, 6 p.m.Neither team has been prolific on offense, with Magdalena averaging 21 points per game and Animas slightly behind at 13.8. Magdalena’s Joseph Zamora, a dual-threat quarterback, will need to lead a balanced attack, while Matthew Lopez (14 tackles per game) anchors their defense. Animas will be eager to protect their home turf, but this game could come down to which defense can hold out longer.
Prediction: Magdalena 20, Animas 18.
Roy/Mosquero Blue (3-1) at Dora Coyotes (2-1)
Friday, 7 p.m.This game features two solid squads. Roy/Mosquero is undefeated on the road and is averaging 5222 points per game, thanks to their high-octane offense. Dora, strong at home, will look to control the pace behind their standout running back Aaron Combs and quarterback Carson Kircher. Defensively, the COyotes are anchored by Gunnar Tipton and Ashton Davis, who will be tasked with slowing down the Blue’s prolific attack. This could be one of the tightest and most exciting games of the week.
Prediction: Roy/Mosquero 38, Dora 28.
8-MAN FOOTBALL
Alamo Navajo Cougars (0-5) at Dulce Hawks (0-4)
Friday, 7 p.m.Both teams enter this matchup still in search of their first win. Alamo Navajo has struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, scoring just 28 points all season while giving up a whopping 250. Dulce hasn’t fared much better, scoring 32 points while conceding 145. The bright spot for the Hawks came last week when they managed to score 20 points in a loss, their highest output of the season. Alamo Navajo, meanwhile, has been shut out in its last three games, losing each by mercy rule. Junior Scotty Guerro will be pivotal for Alamo Navajo as they try to secure their first victory.
Prediction: Alamo Navajo 22, Dulce 20.
Melrose Buffaloes (5-0) at Mesilla Valley Christian SonBlazers (5-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.This is the game of the week and possibly the entire season for 8-Man football. Both teams come into this showdown undefeated and averaging over 50 points per game, promising a high-octane offensive shootout in Las Cruces. Melrose, led by standout Josiah Roybal, has been unstoppable. Roybal is averaging over 230 total yards per game (177 passing), and his supporting cast—Brayden Eldridge and Jaxon Odom—has helped make Melrose a juggernaut.
For Mesilla Valley Christian, Davis Coyle leads the charge as a formidable pocket passer. His primary targets, Mark Dwyer, Jeremiah Sullivan, and Payton Tharp, will look to match Melrose blow for blow. Both teams are explosive, but Melrose’s experience and depth might give them the edge in this monumental clash.
Prediction: Melrose 62, Mesilla Valley 54.
Menaul Panthers (3-1) at Fort Sumner Foxes (3-0)
Friday, 6 p.m.Menaul travels from Albuquerque to take on a powerhouse in Fort Sumner. The Panthers will rely on key players like Carlos Cummins and Diego Carrillo on offense, with Nick Brock standing out on defense. Fort Sumner, however, has been nothing short of dominant this season. They are averaging an astonishing 56 points per game while allowing just 12 points in total over three games.
Fort Sumner’s rising star, sophomore quarterback Jordan Holland, has emerged as a game-changer and will look to continue his stellar play. Given Fort Sumner’s strong defense and dynamic offense, this could be a tough outing for Menaul.
Prediction: Fort Sumner 49, Menaul 8.
Mescalero Apache Chiefs (2-2) at Gateway Christian Warriors (3-1)
Friday, 7 p.m.Mescalero Apache will face a formidable foe in Gateway Christian, one of the most consistent programs in 8-Man football. The Chiefs, led by Landyn Hiles, have been competitive but will need a near-perfect performance to keep pace with the Warriors. Gateway Christian has been an offensive powerhouse, scoring 217 points and allowing just 70 through four games. Senior leader Ethaniel Wigley has been a force for Gateway Christian, and his play will again be crucial as they aim to notch another win at home.
Prediction: Gateway Christian 50, Mescalero Apache 16.
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