NMPreps.com's 3A Team Rankings - June/July 2019
J. Grine | NMPreps Site Manager
No. 22 Wingate Bears
2018 Record: 1-8 overall, 1-3 district Head Coach: Billy Badonie Jr.
The good news for the Bears is the return of 25 of their 32 man roster from last season. That provides some experience and depth but then again a school like Wingate might have an entirely new group of student-athletes in the halls. The bad news for the Bears (could have went old school movie Bad News Bears here) is the fact that they just won't challenge the upper level 3A teams. They made strides last season and had 'narrow' losses - well they kept them competitive - and did win the final game of the season for a carry over affect.
No. 21 Tohatchi Cougars
2018 Record: 4-6 overall, 1-3 district Head Coach: Landoll Benally
Tohatchi did start the 2018 season winning 3 of the first 4 games but dropping 5 of the last 6 would be the difference between them going under .500, again. The Cougars final loss on the season to Wingate, to close out district play left a bad taste in the mouth of the Cougars. Good news for the Cougars will be the return of Rayshawn Whitney (2021/ATH) who made some difference making plays early in the season when the Cougars pulled out wins. The Cougars will also return quarterback DeAngelo Hunch (2023) who played well during his freshman campaign and helped the Cougars and nearly had them at 4-0 to start the season before dropping a 18-16 contest to Albuquerque Academy. Biggest question for the Cougars will be staying healthy and progressing all season long, can they?
No. 20 Crownpoint Eagles
2018 Record: 2-8 overall, 2-2 district Head Coach: Roderick Harlan
The Crownpoint Eagles return one of the better prospects in this district with running quarterback Jesse Andis (2020) who threw for just 300-yards last season but he used his legs to gain just over 700 yards. He totaled for 4 touchdowns but hopes that a year under his belt could propel the Eagles. The defense takes a minor hit losing their top two leaders but welcome back some 2020 prospects that hope to carry them forward. They did pull of two wins in district to finish third led by their two best offensive nights. The defense struggled last season and had five mercy rule games. Improving on D and getting some depth is a necessity this offseason.
No. 19 Thoreau Hawks
2018 Record: 3-6 overall, 2-2 district Head Coach: DeJong DeGroat
The Thoreau Hawks are the fourth team from district 1-3A to make our countdown. The Hawks took a step back from a 5-5 season in 2017 but the excitement should come from them returning 33 players off their 37 man roster in 2018. The Hawks also return a nice athlete in Cordell Platero (2020) who has played a role for two years now on the Hawks roster. Replacing quarterback Bradley Largo will provide some challenges for the Hawks but have enough pieces returning to make a run at the district title in what is a one bid league.
No. 18 Laguna-Acoma Hawks
2018 Record: 4-6 overall, 0-3 district Head Coach:
The Hawks could be one of the early risers in 3A football with a running back unit returning with the top three guys totaling for over 1,700 yards. David Carr (2020) and Joseph Garcia (2020) both went for over 700 yards last season with over 250 carries between the two backs. The Hawks went winless in district play and didn't earn a 3A win last season but hopeful to make a move in district play. Staying healthy and having an OL to block for the backs, they run the ball, several of the good teams 3A and down run the ball well - you have to be better than some of the best and doing what they do best...running. That was a long sentence but if the Hawks are going to improve they'll need to put points on the board and improve defensively. They picked up a game against Santa Fe Indian in week two that should show their early fate. Update (7/2): David McGee Sr. is the reported new head coach for the Hawks.
No. 17 Santa Fe Indian Braves
2018 Record: 3-7 overall, 0-4 district Head Coach: Carl Vigil
The good news for the Braves is the return of quarterback Shaun Riley (2020) who didn't toss it a lot but went for 625 yards. They also return Izell Latoma (2020) who rushed for 422 yards last season. Yes, the numbers don't jump out at you but they do have experienced skill position players returning and that is a positive. Latoma is also one of the better returning defensive players for the Braves and could be the focal point for the Braves hopefully jumping to 4 or 5 wins. A quick view at the schedule features their non-district slate against: Cuba, Pojoaque Valley, Wingate, Laguna-Acoma, and Thoreau. That could be 4 wins but the struggle will be in district play with the likes of West Las Vegas, Robertson and St. Michael's along with Raton.
No. 16 Navajo Prep Eagles
2018 Record: 6-4 overall, 2-1 district Head Coach: Roderick Denetso
After a slow start out the gate in the 2018 season the Eagles would finish the season with 2 wins and finish as runner up in district play. The Eagles graduate eight players from last season and are likely in a rebuild mode that will have them here as the ceiling with a deep floor setting. Denetso, returned to the sidelines with Navajo Prep after spending the 2011-2015 season as the head coach. After a 6-4 season the program looks to be in a great position for a bright future but could be in a rebuilding position this coming 2019 season.
No. 15 Cuba Rams
2018 Record: 5-5 overall, 1-2 district Head Coach: Gilbert Dominiguez
The Cuba Rams went .500 last season and have established a good foundation for Rams football. After a 1-9 season in 2016 the Rams have won 10-games in the last two years with hopes to keep things going in this direction. Bad news is they will have to do it without Shylar Castillo who played well on the defensive line in 2018. The good news is they return 20 of the 27 man roster from last season and the return of Jeremy Segura (2020) should be a huge bright spot for the Rams. A return to the playoffs is the goal, winning the non-district schedule and going 2-1 is the absolute must.
No. 14 Zuni Thunderbirds
2018 Record: 7-4 overall, 4-0 district Head Coach: Joseph Claunch
The nearly pulled off a playoff win in 2018 with a narrow 22-20 loss to Tularosa in the first round. The Zuni Thunderbirds had a season to remember in terms of the history of this football program that once had to cancel their season with the lack of players. They now featured a 30 plus roster last season and hoping for a continued build of this program. There will be a rebuild next season as they graduate a strong group and half of the roster. They will have to fill plenty of big holes left.
No. 13 Tucumcari Rattlers
2018 Record: 2-8 overall, 0-3 district Head Coach: Wayne Ferguson
Yes, it's tough to place a 2-win team above others that finished above .500. However, you have to take a look at the schedule of the Rattlers and you will notice a list full of playoff teams and a tough district that features the reigning state champs. The Rattlers have to replace Rod Dunlap next season, a tough task, but only have to replace five players off last years roster. They return a strong group of players and young core that should start the step forward back to getting near .500 and back to the playoffs.
No. 12 Hot Springs Tigers
2018 Record: 4-6 overall, 0-3 district Head Coach: Daniel Terrazas
The Tigers have some experience returning after a 4-win season. The good news is some athletes in skilled positions that could provide a few wins early. They do have to replace Gerson Montoya at receiver but the return of quarterback Benito Villa (2020) will provide some excitement and help hitting targets down field, out of the option. We don't have a schedule yet but non-district games against Thoreau (season opener), Crownpoint and Albuquerque Academy could provide 3-wins there, if predicting. The story will be earning a win during district play against Hatch Valley, Socorro or Cobre. The season ending loss to Cobre kept them out of the playoffs in 2018, that can't happen again in 2019.
No. 11 Cobre Indians
2018 Record: 3-8 overall, 1-2 district Head Coach: Jerry Martinez
Winning two of the last four games was enough for the Indians to punch a ticket to the state tournament in 2018. The big win game on the final night of the regular season against Hot Springs, 42-28. Don't read too much into the fact that they only won three games, yes three wins doesn't say playoffs, but you have to credit the Indians for playing a very tough schedule with the likes of Robertson, Silver, Santa Teresa and Deming last season. The Indians could be another 3-5 win team that could make the playoffs and upset a team. Geographically they have to play some tough teams like those mentioned but don't take them lightly if you draw them in the first round.
No. 10 Raton Tigers
2018 Record: 5-6 overall, 1-3 district Head Coach: Tory Giacomo
Perhaps the most interesting team that we've come across to this point, Raton does lose their starting quarterback, running back (and back-up), and top defensive player from last season. What makes them interesting is that they replace them with some of the youngest 'experienced' group of players. Matthew Quartieri and Dylan Quartieri both lead the charge on defense, both are class of 2022, and started as freshmen last season. Jesse Kelley (2022) passed for 206-yards last season as a freshmen for the Tigers as a back-up. Cayden Walton (2023) rushed for 372-yards last season, as an 8th grader. So, what we are intrigued by is the fact of how young this team is but they are experienced. Yes, they'll take some hits against the favorites in St. Michael's, West Las Vegas, and Robertson however, I wouldn't be worried as a Tigers fan with the future looking so bright.
No. 9 New Mexico Military Institute Colts
2018 Record: 4-5 overall, 1-2 district Head Coach: Randy Montoya
Head coach Randy Montoya has things going in the right direction, and the Colts seemed poised to return to the playoffs in 2019. Linebacker Arturo Cuen (2020) returns this season, providing the Colts with one of the top linebackers in 3A football. Add in Riley Robertson (2020) in the trenches and the Colts are a serious threat to improve their 4-5 season. The offense takes a minor hit with the graduation to key players, and replacing RB Jalil Brown is a tall task, but a few 2020 prospects have a chance to collectively fill that void.
No. 8 Tularosa Wildcats
2018 Record: 6-6 overall, 2-1 district Head Coach: Richard Grace
The Tularosa Wildcats are coming off a 6-6 campaign that feature an up and down type of year. They won the games they 'should' have won last season and also earned a playoff win. Their losses featured the likes of two state champions (Dexter in 3A and Eunice in 2A) along with playoff teams Hatch Valley, Hope Christian, Socorro, and Ruidoso. The excitement and name to know when it comes to the success Tularosa will have next season is in Traiton Griffin (2020), a mobile quarterback that threw for over 1,000 yards and rushed for another 860. He reached the end zone 21 times, 13 of those on the ground. The defense also returns studs in Cade Christian (2020) and Donathan Coates (2021) along with Griffin to provide the strength for the Wildcats next season.
No. 7 Hope Christian Huskies
2018 Record: 11-1 overall, 3-0 district Head Coach: Gary Beck
This will likely seem 'too high' for a team that went 10-0 in the regular season in 2018 with a semifinal showing. The Huskies, however, graduate plenty off that talented team from last season. They will have to replace quarterback Nick Henry, who passed for 1500 yards last season along with do-everything Vince Quezada who passed, rushed, played receiver, kicked, and was the top defender on the team. The Huskies will surely miss a talent like Quezada who was considered one of the top 3A players in 2018. The Huskies played a strong schedule with the likes of Portales (4A), West Las Vegas (4A), and Bloomfield (4A) all top level teams in 4A football. The good news for the Hukies, during a rebuild, will be playing in a lower level district and could be another .500 type season, which is a good position to be in during a rebuild.
No. 6 Hatch Valley Bears
2018 Record: 6-6 overall, 2-1 district Head Coach: Louis Howell
Juan Chairez has graduated and the Bears are looking to the future with plenty of excitement. 2019 starts year three of head coach Louis Howell, who has led the Bears during the transition from the 2016 title. The Bears are 14-11 under Howell and looking to move back into the four of the very open 3A classification. Quarterback Oscar Gonzales (2021) returns after a nice sophomore campaign passing for 984 yards and rushing for another 468. He totaled for 14 touchdowns, all three numbers should improve and the best years are ahead for the 2021 quarterback. Carson Franzoy (2020) and Ethan Riggs (2020) will guide the defense and look to make the Bears a threat in 2019.
No. 5 Socorro Warriors
2018 Record: 9-2 overall, 3-0 district Head Coach: Damien Ocampo
The Warriors are back in the drivers seat of this district that features Hatch Valley and Cobre. The Warriors went 9-2 overall last season and 3-0 during district play claiming their first district championship since 2009, during Ocampos first tenure before he stepped away in 2012. 9-2 also matches the highest win total of this decade which they reached in 2011. The Warriors are thinking a big playoff push behind the likes of 2020 quarterback Payson Hicks who finds himself ranked high on the QB list for 2019. Hicks threw for 1,331 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Also, in the backfield will be Andrew Garcia (2020) who rushed for 745 yards along with Hicks' top target Nathaniel Fresquez (2021) who was on the receiving end of 658 yards.
No. 4 Dexter Demons
2018 Record: 11-2 overall, 3-0 district Head Coach: Arturo Duran
State Champions
Not a single person, outside of the Demons, picked them to win or confidently spoke about them winning the title in 2018. The Demons even floated high (7-10 range) in the rankings leading up to the post season. Well, the Demons made a run and won six in a row to their State Championship. The only losses last season were to 2A power Eunice and 4A's Portales Rams. The bad news: quarterback Jarren Amaro has graduated he leaves the void of a 2,046 passing and 546 rushing quarterback (31 total touchdowns). Nick Cobos also leaves a big void in the backfield, he rushed for 961-yards last season. Good news: Although the Demons will graduate a talented class (2019) the Demons return a pair of offensive pieces from the 2021 class in Marco Munoz (ATH) and Ricardo Contreras (RB). The defense also returns a solid duo in Javin Marquez and Marvin Johnson. This may by low for the Demons and could have a ceiling as high as 8-rank but fourth spot is a solid slot for a team that has a quality mixture of state champs.
No. 3 Robertson Cardinals
2018 Record: 11-3 overall, 3-1 district Head Coach: Leroy Gonzalez
The Robertson Cardinals have reached four consecutive state champions, including last season falling to Dexter (22-12); they have a record of 44-9 in the last four years. Head coach Leroy Gonzalez has created a power in the Robertson program (2013 state champions) and although they will again have to replace key players that departed with graduation many feel that they will find themselves in the mix come November. Antonio Padilla (ATH/2020) is the offensive name to know for the Cardinals this season after over 1,200 yards between rushing and receiving last season. The defense will feature Estevan Marquez (2020) who led the team in total tackles last season. Like, Dexter, the Cardinals have a wide range of ceiling and floor this coming season. They will be "under the radar" based on who they lost but with a head coach that has coached in the final game five times in the last six years you have to keep that ceiling open.
No. 2 St. Michael's Horsemen
2018 Record: 6-5 overall, 3-1 district Head Coach: Joey Fernandez
The St. Michael's Horsemen graduate plenty of go-to players from last season but that is the same debate for many teams in the top-10. If last season was any indication for this new classification (yes, football is the only alignment that the NMAA got right) with the parity they've created. Back to the Horsemen, they welcome back a few newcomers this season and a rising quarterback on the radar. This could be high right now for a Horsemen that will look for a new identity next season but this could be a special season for the Horsemen.
No. 1 West Las Vegas Dons
2018 Record: 8-5 overall, 3-1 district Head Coach: Adrian Gonzales
I know many don't like coming into the season preseason ranked number one. Then there are some that welcome the challenge because it is a testament to what they have built. The West Las Vegas Dons football team has never been in this situation. They welcome back the top rated quarterback in 3A football - John Balizan (2020) - and have surrounding pieces to make them as the team to watch. The Dons reached the semifinals last season and, yes, they have to replace some studs in the backfield but it would be crazy not to have them as a team to beat.
J. Grine | NMPreps Site Manager
No. 22 Wingate Bears
2018 Record: 1-8 overall, 1-3 district Head Coach: Billy Badonie Jr.
The good news for the Bears is the return of 25 of their 32 man roster from last season. That provides some experience and depth but then again a school like Wingate might have an entirely new group of student-athletes in the halls. The bad news for the Bears (could have went old school movie Bad News Bears here) is the fact that they just won't challenge the upper level 3A teams. They made strides last season and had 'narrow' losses - well they kept them competitive - and did win the final game of the season for a carry over affect.
No. 21 Tohatchi Cougars
2018 Record: 4-6 overall, 1-3 district Head Coach: Landoll Benally
Tohatchi did start the 2018 season winning 3 of the first 4 games but dropping 5 of the last 6 would be the difference between them going under .500, again. The Cougars final loss on the season to Wingate, to close out district play left a bad taste in the mouth of the Cougars. Good news for the Cougars will be the return of Rayshawn Whitney (2021/ATH) who made some difference making plays early in the season when the Cougars pulled out wins. The Cougars will also return quarterback DeAngelo Hunch (2023) who played well during his freshman campaign and helped the Cougars and nearly had them at 4-0 to start the season before dropping a 18-16 contest to Albuquerque Academy. Biggest question for the Cougars will be staying healthy and progressing all season long, can they?
No. 20 Crownpoint Eagles
2018 Record: 2-8 overall, 2-2 district Head Coach: Roderick Harlan
The Crownpoint Eagles return one of the better prospects in this district with running quarterback Jesse Andis (2020) who threw for just 300-yards last season but he used his legs to gain just over 700 yards. He totaled for 4 touchdowns but hopes that a year under his belt could propel the Eagles. The defense takes a minor hit losing their top two leaders but welcome back some 2020 prospects that hope to carry them forward. They did pull of two wins in district to finish third led by their two best offensive nights. The defense struggled last season and had five mercy rule games. Improving on D and getting some depth is a necessity this offseason.
No. 19 Thoreau Hawks
2018 Record: 3-6 overall, 2-2 district Head Coach: DeJong DeGroat
The Thoreau Hawks are the fourth team from district 1-3A to make our countdown. The Hawks took a step back from a 5-5 season in 2017 but the excitement should come from them returning 33 players off their 37 man roster in 2018. The Hawks also return a nice athlete in Cordell Platero (2020) who has played a role for two years now on the Hawks roster. Replacing quarterback Bradley Largo will provide some challenges for the Hawks but have enough pieces returning to make a run at the district title in what is a one bid league.
No. 18 Laguna-Acoma Hawks
2018 Record: 4-6 overall, 0-3 district Head Coach:
The Hawks could be one of the early risers in 3A football with a running back unit returning with the top three guys totaling for over 1,700 yards. David Carr (2020) and Joseph Garcia (2020) both went for over 700 yards last season with over 250 carries between the two backs. The Hawks went winless in district play and didn't earn a 3A win last season but hopeful to make a move in district play. Staying healthy and having an OL to block for the backs, they run the ball, several of the good teams 3A and down run the ball well - you have to be better than some of the best and doing what they do best...running. That was a long sentence but if the Hawks are going to improve they'll need to put points on the board and improve defensively. They picked up a game against Santa Fe Indian in week two that should show their early fate. Update (7/2): David McGee Sr. is the reported new head coach for the Hawks.
No. 17 Santa Fe Indian Braves
2018 Record: 3-7 overall, 0-4 district Head Coach: Carl Vigil
The good news for the Braves is the return of quarterback Shaun Riley (2020) who didn't toss it a lot but went for 625 yards. They also return Izell Latoma (2020) who rushed for 422 yards last season. Yes, the numbers don't jump out at you but they do have experienced skill position players returning and that is a positive. Latoma is also one of the better returning defensive players for the Braves and could be the focal point for the Braves hopefully jumping to 4 or 5 wins. A quick view at the schedule features their non-district slate against: Cuba, Pojoaque Valley, Wingate, Laguna-Acoma, and Thoreau. That could be 4 wins but the struggle will be in district play with the likes of West Las Vegas, Robertson and St. Michael's along with Raton.
No. 16 Navajo Prep Eagles
2018 Record: 6-4 overall, 2-1 district Head Coach: Roderick Denetso
After a slow start out the gate in the 2018 season the Eagles would finish the season with 2 wins and finish as runner up in district play. The Eagles graduate eight players from last season and are likely in a rebuild mode that will have them here as the ceiling with a deep floor setting. Denetso, returned to the sidelines with Navajo Prep after spending the 2011-2015 season as the head coach. After a 6-4 season the program looks to be in a great position for a bright future but could be in a rebuilding position this coming 2019 season.
No. 15 Cuba Rams
2018 Record: 5-5 overall, 1-2 district Head Coach: Gilbert Dominiguez
The Cuba Rams went .500 last season and have established a good foundation for Rams football. After a 1-9 season in 2016 the Rams have won 10-games in the last two years with hopes to keep things going in this direction. Bad news is they will have to do it without Shylar Castillo who played well on the defensive line in 2018. The good news is they return 20 of the 27 man roster from last season and the return of Jeremy Segura (2020) should be a huge bright spot for the Rams. A return to the playoffs is the goal, winning the non-district schedule and going 2-1 is the absolute must.
No. 14 Zuni Thunderbirds
2018 Record: 7-4 overall, 4-0 district Head Coach: Joseph Claunch
The nearly pulled off a playoff win in 2018 with a narrow 22-20 loss to Tularosa in the first round. The Zuni Thunderbirds had a season to remember in terms of the history of this football program that once had to cancel their season with the lack of players. They now featured a 30 plus roster last season and hoping for a continued build of this program. There will be a rebuild next season as they graduate a strong group and half of the roster. They will have to fill plenty of big holes left.
No. 13 Tucumcari Rattlers
2018 Record: 2-8 overall, 0-3 district Head Coach: Wayne Ferguson
Yes, it's tough to place a 2-win team above others that finished above .500. However, you have to take a look at the schedule of the Rattlers and you will notice a list full of playoff teams and a tough district that features the reigning state champs. The Rattlers have to replace Rod Dunlap next season, a tough task, but only have to replace five players off last years roster. They return a strong group of players and young core that should start the step forward back to getting near .500 and back to the playoffs.
No. 12 Hot Springs Tigers
2018 Record: 4-6 overall, 0-3 district Head Coach: Daniel Terrazas
The Tigers have some experience returning after a 4-win season. The good news is some athletes in skilled positions that could provide a few wins early. They do have to replace Gerson Montoya at receiver but the return of quarterback Benito Villa (2020) will provide some excitement and help hitting targets down field, out of the option. We don't have a schedule yet but non-district games against Thoreau (season opener), Crownpoint and Albuquerque Academy could provide 3-wins there, if predicting. The story will be earning a win during district play against Hatch Valley, Socorro or Cobre. The season ending loss to Cobre kept them out of the playoffs in 2018, that can't happen again in 2019.
No. 11 Cobre Indians
2018 Record: 3-8 overall, 1-2 district Head Coach: Jerry Martinez
Winning two of the last four games was enough for the Indians to punch a ticket to the state tournament in 2018. The big win game on the final night of the regular season against Hot Springs, 42-28. Don't read too much into the fact that they only won three games, yes three wins doesn't say playoffs, but you have to credit the Indians for playing a very tough schedule with the likes of Robertson, Silver, Santa Teresa and Deming last season. The Indians could be another 3-5 win team that could make the playoffs and upset a team. Geographically they have to play some tough teams like those mentioned but don't take them lightly if you draw them in the first round.
No. 10 Raton Tigers
2018 Record: 5-6 overall, 1-3 district Head Coach: Tory Giacomo
Perhaps the most interesting team that we've come across to this point, Raton does lose their starting quarterback, running back (and back-up), and top defensive player from last season. What makes them interesting is that they replace them with some of the youngest 'experienced' group of players. Matthew Quartieri and Dylan Quartieri both lead the charge on defense, both are class of 2022, and started as freshmen last season. Jesse Kelley (2022) passed for 206-yards last season as a freshmen for the Tigers as a back-up. Cayden Walton (2023) rushed for 372-yards last season, as an 8th grader. So, what we are intrigued by is the fact of how young this team is but they are experienced. Yes, they'll take some hits against the favorites in St. Michael's, West Las Vegas, and Robertson however, I wouldn't be worried as a Tigers fan with the future looking so bright.
No. 9 New Mexico Military Institute Colts
2018 Record: 4-5 overall, 1-2 district Head Coach: Randy Montoya
Head coach Randy Montoya has things going in the right direction, and the Colts seemed poised to return to the playoffs in 2019. Linebacker Arturo Cuen (2020) returns this season, providing the Colts with one of the top linebackers in 3A football. Add in Riley Robertson (2020) in the trenches and the Colts are a serious threat to improve their 4-5 season. The offense takes a minor hit with the graduation to key players, and replacing RB Jalil Brown is a tall task, but a few 2020 prospects have a chance to collectively fill that void.
No. 8 Tularosa Wildcats
2018 Record: 6-6 overall, 2-1 district Head Coach: Richard Grace
The Tularosa Wildcats are coming off a 6-6 campaign that feature an up and down type of year. They won the games they 'should' have won last season and also earned a playoff win. Their losses featured the likes of two state champions (Dexter in 3A and Eunice in 2A) along with playoff teams Hatch Valley, Hope Christian, Socorro, and Ruidoso. The excitement and name to know when it comes to the success Tularosa will have next season is in Traiton Griffin (2020), a mobile quarterback that threw for over 1,000 yards and rushed for another 860. He reached the end zone 21 times, 13 of those on the ground. The defense also returns studs in Cade Christian (2020) and Donathan Coates (2021) along with Griffin to provide the strength for the Wildcats next season.
No. 7 Hope Christian Huskies
2018 Record: 11-1 overall, 3-0 district Head Coach: Gary Beck
This will likely seem 'too high' for a team that went 10-0 in the regular season in 2018 with a semifinal showing. The Huskies, however, graduate plenty off that talented team from last season. They will have to replace quarterback Nick Henry, who passed for 1500 yards last season along with do-everything Vince Quezada who passed, rushed, played receiver, kicked, and was the top defender on the team. The Huskies will surely miss a talent like Quezada who was considered one of the top 3A players in 2018. The Huskies played a strong schedule with the likes of Portales (4A), West Las Vegas (4A), and Bloomfield (4A) all top level teams in 4A football. The good news for the Hukies, during a rebuild, will be playing in a lower level district and could be another .500 type season, which is a good position to be in during a rebuild.
No. 6 Hatch Valley Bears
2018 Record: 6-6 overall, 2-1 district Head Coach: Louis Howell
Juan Chairez has graduated and the Bears are looking to the future with plenty of excitement. 2019 starts year three of head coach Louis Howell, who has led the Bears during the transition from the 2016 title. The Bears are 14-11 under Howell and looking to move back into the four of the very open 3A classification. Quarterback Oscar Gonzales (2021) returns after a nice sophomore campaign passing for 984 yards and rushing for another 468. He totaled for 14 touchdowns, all three numbers should improve and the best years are ahead for the 2021 quarterback. Carson Franzoy (2020) and Ethan Riggs (2020) will guide the defense and look to make the Bears a threat in 2019.
No. 5 Socorro Warriors
2018 Record: 9-2 overall, 3-0 district Head Coach: Damien Ocampo
The Warriors are back in the drivers seat of this district that features Hatch Valley and Cobre. The Warriors went 9-2 overall last season and 3-0 during district play claiming their first district championship since 2009, during Ocampos first tenure before he stepped away in 2012. 9-2 also matches the highest win total of this decade which they reached in 2011. The Warriors are thinking a big playoff push behind the likes of 2020 quarterback Payson Hicks who finds himself ranked high on the QB list for 2019. Hicks threw for 1,331 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Also, in the backfield will be Andrew Garcia (2020) who rushed for 745 yards along with Hicks' top target Nathaniel Fresquez (2021) who was on the receiving end of 658 yards.
No. 4 Dexter Demons
2018 Record: 11-2 overall, 3-0 district Head Coach: Arturo Duran
State Champions
Not a single person, outside of the Demons, picked them to win or confidently spoke about them winning the title in 2018. The Demons even floated high (7-10 range) in the rankings leading up to the post season. Well, the Demons made a run and won six in a row to their State Championship. The only losses last season were to 2A power Eunice and 4A's Portales Rams. The bad news: quarterback Jarren Amaro has graduated he leaves the void of a 2,046 passing and 546 rushing quarterback (31 total touchdowns). Nick Cobos also leaves a big void in the backfield, he rushed for 961-yards last season. Good news: Although the Demons will graduate a talented class (2019) the Demons return a pair of offensive pieces from the 2021 class in Marco Munoz (ATH) and Ricardo Contreras (RB). The defense also returns a solid duo in Javin Marquez and Marvin Johnson. This may by low for the Demons and could have a ceiling as high as 8-rank but fourth spot is a solid slot for a team that has a quality mixture of state champs.
No. 3 Robertson Cardinals
2018 Record: 11-3 overall, 3-1 district Head Coach: Leroy Gonzalez
The Robertson Cardinals have reached four consecutive state champions, including last season falling to Dexter (22-12); they have a record of 44-9 in the last four years. Head coach Leroy Gonzalez has created a power in the Robertson program (2013 state champions) and although they will again have to replace key players that departed with graduation many feel that they will find themselves in the mix come November. Antonio Padilla (ATH/2020) is the offensive name to know for the Cardinals this season after over 1,200 yards between rushing and receiving last season. The defense will feature Estevan Marquez (2020) who led the team in total tackles last season. Like, Dexter, the Cardinals have a wide range of ceiling and floor this coming season. They will be "under the radar" based on who they lost but with a head coach that has coached in the final game five times in the last six years you have to keep that ceiling open.
No. 2 St. Michael's Horsemen
2018 Record: 6-5 overall, 3-1 district Head Coach: Joey Fernandez
The St. Michael's Horsemen graduate plenty of go-to players from last season but that is the same debate for many teams in the top-10. If last season was any indication for this new classification (yes, football is the only alignment that the NMAA got right) with the parity they've created. Back to the Horsemen, they welcome back a few newcomers this season and a rising quarterback on the radar. This could be high right now for a Horsemen that will look for a new identity next season but this could be a special season for the Horsemen.
No. 1 West Las Vegas Dons
2018 Record: 8-5 overall, 3-1 district Head Coach: Adrian Gonzales
I know many don't like coming into the season preseason ranked number one. Then there are some that welcome the challenge because it is a testament to what they have built. The West Las Vegas Dons football team has never been in this situation. They welcome back the top rated quarterback in 3A football - John Balizan (2020) - and have surrounding pieces to make them as the team to watch. The Dons reached the semifinals last season and, yes, they have to replace some studs in the backfield but it would be crazy not to have them as a team to beat.
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