NMPreps Official Week 8 Thursday Preview: Predictions & Game Breakdowns
As Week 8 of New Mexico High School Football approaches, Thursday night is set to feature some high-stakes matchups, particularly in the 6A division. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the games lined up for Thursday night:INSIDE THE TOP 25
#1 La Cueva (6-0) vs #11 Los Lunas (4-1)
6A Football. Wilson Stadium, 7:00 PM
This District 2-6A matchup could very well determine the district champion. Both teams are 3-0 in district play, with La Cueva boasting a perfect 6-0 record on the season. Their wins include triumphs over tough opponents like Volcano Vista (21-0) and Sandia (42-19). Los Lunas comes into the game at 4-1, having lost only to Cleveland (55-7), but with solid wins over Farmington (37-28) and West Mesa (54-21). La Cueva's offense is led by Arizona State commit Cameron Dyer, who has accumulated 1,915 total yards and 23 touchdowns across six games. He’s coming off an efficient game against Eldorado, throwing for 230 yards and 5 TDs. Bears receiver Tanner Montano continues to be a major weapon and could have another 100-yard game. Los Lunas relies on a ground game spearheaded by Jaggar Casillas (347 yards) and QB Kaiden Reese, who has 277 rushing yards and 536 passing yards. However, they face a tough challenge against La Cueva’s defense.
Prediction: La Cueva 54, Los Lunas 7
Grine’s Take: La Cueva’s defense will be hard to break, but Reese might manage to break free for one score.
#4 Volcano Vista (5-1) vs #15 Farmington (3-3)
6A Football. Nusenda Community Stadium, 7:00 PM
This District 1-6A battle features a Volcano Vista team looking to continue their hot streak, coming off a 48-7 win over Piedra Vista. Their only loss this season came against La Cueva (21-0). Senior QB Ilijah Hanson has 887 passing yards and 9 TDs, while the rushing attack is anchored by Mason Gurule and standout freshman Dangelo Mitchell. Farmington has shown flashes, with wins over Clovis and Durango, CO, but they’ve also been shut out twice, including last week’s 50-0 loss to Cleveland. They’ll need to rely on weapons like Taushaun King and Michael Beck to have any chance against Volcano Vista’s balanced attack.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 44, Farmington 27
Grine’s Take: Farmington’s Beck is a star, but Volcano Vista’s balance on both sides of the ball should guide them to a comfortable win.
OUTSIDE THE TOP 25
Silver (2-5) at Chaparral (2-5)
4A Football. 7:00 PM
Both teams enter this game with identical 2-5 records, but Chaparral is 1-2 in district play and can still make a historic push for the playoffs. Silver, 0-3 in district, has been competitive but has struggled to finish games, particularly against district leaders like Portales and St. Pius X. Chaparral’s defense is anchored by one of 4A’s top defenders, Manny Rodriguez, and if they can keep Silver’s offense in check, they might be able to eke out a close win.
Prediction: Chaparral 14, Silver 13
Grine’s Take: My gut says Silver could finally break through, but their offensive struggles give me pause. I’m leaning slightly toward Silver getting the win.
New Mexico Military Institute (4-2) at El Paso-Cathedral, TX (4-1)
3A Football. 7:00 PM
NMMI will try to rebound from last week’s 38-0 loss to Dexter by hitting the road to face a strong Cathedral team out of El Paso. Cathedral has averaged 45 points per game this season, led by standout defender Ignacio Gomez. NMMI will lean on senior RB Tegin Maloney and senior QB Cole Seidenberger, who has 9 rushing TDs this season.
Prediction: NMMI 33, Cathedral 30
Grine’s Take: NMMI has to reignite their offense after last week’s shutout. This will be a close game, but I think NMMI pulls it off.
Cuba (1-5) at Navajo Prep (4-1)
2A Football. 7:00 PM
Navajo Prep is a contender for the District 1-2A title and is coming off an impressive start to district play. Cuba, on the other hand, picked up their first win last week over Hozho Academy, 26-8 starting district play 1-0. However, Xavier Nez of Navajo Prep is a player to watch, and he should lead his team to another district victory.
Prediction: Navajo Prep 35, Cuba 7
Grine’s Take: Cuba might make it interesting early calling it 7-6 Cuba lead after one, but Navajo Prep should pull away by the second half.
