Feature Top Running Backs Lighting Up New Mexico High School Football

[J Grine]

Top Running Backs Lighting Up New Mexico High School Football

New Mexico high school football has seen a plethora of outstanding running backs this season. These players have showcased their skills on the field, consistently delivering impressive performances. In this three-part feature, we'll shine a spotlight on some of the top running backs who have been lighting up the stat sheet in the 2023 season. Let's kick things off with the first set of talented ball carriers:

Alijah Gonzales, Volcano Vista High School (ABQ)

• Year: 2024
• Class: 6A

Aijah Gonzales, standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 190 pounds, is a powerhouse of a running back with the agility to bulldoze through defensive lines. His consistency is remarkable, having exceeded 100 rushing yards in seven out of eight games this season. His lowest showing, a 90-yard performance, was still impressive considering he had only 14 carries in that game. Gonzales has accumulated 1,247 rushing yards and scored 12 rushing touchdowns this season, placing him at the top of the list. The highlight of his season was a spectacular 230-yard rushing performance with four rushing touchdowns in a victory over Eldorado.

Bryce Sanchez, Roswell High School

• Year: 2024
• Class: 5A

Bryce Sanchez, a 5-foot-10, 220-pound running back for the top-ranked Roswell Coyotes, is a must-watch player whose stock in New Mexico high school football is skyrocketing. Fresh off a sensational 188-yard rushing night against the previously undefeated Artesia Bulldogs, Sanchez is an extraordinary combination of strength and power. His running style is nothing short of a force of nature, as he plows through defenders who dare to stand in his path.

Harris Mbueha, Sue V. Cleveland High School (Rio Rancho)

• Year: 2024
• Class: 6A

Although somewhat under the radar, Harris Mbueha is a running back that should not be overlooked. As a key player for the top-ranked 6A team in New Mexico high school football, Mbueha has already amassed 932 rushing yards in seven games this season. One of his standout performances was a 250-yard rushing night in which he scored three rushing touchdowns against Volcano Vista in a convincing 35-12 victory. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 190 pounds, this senior running back has been steadily making his presence known.

Charles Lopez-Burton, Valley High School (ABQ)

• Year: 2024
• Class: 5A

Charles Lopez-Burton brings power, size, and solid speed to the running back position. His straight-line ability has proven time and again that he can break away for substantial gains. Lopez-Burton boasts an impressive resume with 1,239 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns this season. He's had two spectacular games with over 300 rushing yards, including a 328-yard, 3-touchdown performance against Belen and a 306-yard, 3-touchdown outing against Manzano.

Adrick DeLeon, Espanola Valley High School

• Year: 2024
• Class: 4A

Adrick DeLeon has been the driving force behind the Espanola Valley Sundevils' resurgence. In a recent game against the Taos Tigers, he put on a remarkable performance, rushing for 324 yards and scoring five touchdowns in a 38-25 win. DeLeon has accumulated an impressive 1,430 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns throughout the season, consistently exceeding the 100-yard mark in all eight games. Notably, his last two games featured over 250 rushing yards, highlighting his impressive consistency. The Sundevils are on a four-game winning streak and are now sitting at 5-3 overall this season, a significant accomplishment for a program historically at the bottom of the class.

Nicolas Chavez, Santa Rosa High School

• Year: 2024
• Class: 2A

Nicolas Chavez, a dynamic Class 2A running back, is making waves with 1,657 rushing yards and an astonishing 24 rushing touchdowns this season. The Santa Rosa Lions hold an impressive 8-1 overall record, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the 2A state championship. Chavez's remarkable season includes an explosive performance where he rushed for 309 yards and scored five touchdowns against Estancia on September 29th. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 170 pounds, Chavez also stands out as one of the top defensive players in his classification.

Joshua Calhoon, Estancia High School

• Year: 2024
• Class: 2A

Senior running back Joshua Calhoon has put up a remarkable season for the Estancia Bears, accumulating a total of 1,863 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He has consistently surpassed the 150-yard mark in all eight games, with six of those games featuring over 200 rushing yards. His recent performance was a stunning 330-yard rushing night, which included four rushing touchdowns. Adding to his impressive resume, Calhoon has also demonstrated his versatility by passing for 350 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Saul Armendariz, Hobbs High School

• Year: 2024
• Class: 6A

Saul Armendariz's stock is on the rise following his extraordinary performance in week nine. In that game, he rushed for a whopping 347 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns against Alamogordo. This feat not only helped Hobbs secure a victory but also shattered the school's single-game rushing record. Armendariz's exceptional talent kept the Eagles in playoff contention and showcased his potential as a game-changer. With 854 rushing yards to his name this season, he continues to be a driving force for Hobbs.

These remarkable running backs are lighting up the stat sheet in New Mexico high school football, showcasing their skills, power, and consistency on the field. Stay tuned for the next installment in this series, featuring more outstanding ball carriers who have left their mark on the gridiron this season. Feel free to add players and nominations to Publisher Joshua Grine at 505-414-4313.

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