2A SEMIFINAL PREVIEW
The 2021 New Mexico high school football 2A semifinal preview. #nmpreps
JAL PANTHERS vs TEXICO WOLVERINES
#1 Jal
Record: 9-1
Points For: 418
Points Against: 149
Scoop: One thing that has been certain with Dusty Giles led teams, the head coach of the Jal Panthers, is that they will run that football. This season they've relied on a junior duo of Alexavier Carreon and Jacob Lujan. Both players have rushed for over 1,000 yards each and 33 touchdowns combined - Carreon with 17 and Lujan with 16.
#4 Texico
Record: 5-4
Points For: 384
Points Against: 301
Scoop: The Wolverines enter the semifinal game riding a 4-game win streak and looking to erase an opening night loss to the Jal Panthers (63-56). Both teams have shown the ability to get into the endzone. The name to know here is Cade Collins (2022) who is coming off a 260-yard rushing night in the quarterfinals against Capitan. You also have to keep an eye on quarterback Cade Figg (2024) who gets out for big runs as well.
NMPreps Prediction: Jal 54, Texico 45
TULAROSA WILDCATS vs EUNICE CARDINALS
Date: Saturday
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Tularosa
#2 Tularosa
Record: 7-0
Points For: 263
Points Against: 28
Scoop: The Tularosa has had an intriguing season this year with an undefeated record that includes a month break of games from September to October. They've also recorded four shutouts and all but Capitan on October 8th scored in double digits. This is arguably the game to answer the question of just how good the Wildcats are this season, and yes this preseason most expected them to have a great season.
#3 Eunice
Record: 7-3
Points For: 369
Points Against: 210
Scoop: The Eunice Cardinals have been the power in 2A football winning the last three state championships (2017, 18, & 19). They'll look to continue their post season success this weekend along with continue their three game win streak for a possible showdown with district rival Jal. The thing to enjoy about Eunice is the balanced attack with quarterback Conagher Pierce (2022) who has tossed for over 2,000 yards this season and Micah Tibbett nearly the 1,000-yard rushing mark (8 yards away). We should add that Pierce also has 594 rushing yards.
NMPreps Prediction: Eunice 40, Tularosa 37
