Week 1 New Mexico High School Football Thursday Night Preview
6A FOOTBALL
Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (0-0) at Sandia Matadors (0-0)
The two Albuquerque area based schools will open the 2022 season with a Thursday night east vs west match-up. Sandia went 5-5 overall last season and look to 2023 running back Malachi Thymes to take the lead this season. Thymes went for over 1,000-yards rushing last season. Atrisco Heritage, near the bottom of the 6A preseason rankings, will return after going 2-7 last season. The Jaguars will look to ATH Marquise Renfro (2024) who did well on both sides of the ball.
Santa Fe Demons (0-0) at West Mesa Mustangs (0-0)
The Demons make the 45-minute drive to Albuquerque to take on the West Mesa Mustangs. Both teams looking to notch an early season win as they build for the future. Santa Fe had success last season winning 6-games but will need to replace some studs that guided them in 2021. West Mesa hired head coach Landrick Brody over the summer and will look to returners Elijah Espinoza (2023) and Isaiah Ontiveros (2023).
5A FOOTBALL
Bernalillo Spartans (0-0) vs Valley Vikings (0-0)
As we've mentioned this one will be best described by Hank Williams Jr. "Family Traditions". Although, they are now opponents, the two head coaches John Cobos (Bernaillo) and Billy Cobos (Valley) won't be living the lyrics of this song--just the title as family members. (4A) Bernalillo returns after going 5-6 overall and reaching the playoffs in 2021, a 14-6 loss to Albuquerque Academy. Jacob Pino returns under center for the Spartans after passing for 1,271-yards and 11-touchdowns. Billy Cobos takes over this season with the retirement of Judge Chavez over the summer. The (5A) Valley Vikings went 4-7 overall last season and made the playoffs falling 56-14 in the first round to Goddard. They have some hype surrounding seniors Ricky Henderson (RB) and Caeden Jojola (QB) who are outstanding athletes. This duo should do well in 2022 leading the Vikings.
4A FOOTBALL
Albuquerque Academy Chargers (0-0) at Rio Grande Ravens (0-0)
This could make for a quick Thursday night for the top-ranked Albuquerque Academy Chargers as they face independent Rio Grande High School Academy features some of the top New Mexico high school football this season with many eyes on senior quarterback Andres Rivera (2023) who threw for 2,500-yards in 2021. His supporting cast will also share the spotlight with Cole Conway (RB), Kellan Gehres (WR) on offense and Brody Whitaker (2024/DE), and Dalton Lee (2024/CB-LB) holding it down on defense. Rio Grande enters the season after going 0-9 last season and currently riding an 11-game losing streak with their last win coming on November 1st, 2019 over Shiprock.
Bernalillo Spartans (0-0) vs Valley Vikings (0-0)
As we've mentioned this one will be best described by Hank Williams Jr. "Family Traditions". Although, they are now opponents, the two head coaches John Cobos (Bernaillo) and Billy Cobos (Valley) won't be living the lyrics of this song--just the title as family members. (4A) Bernalillo returns after going 5-6 overall and reaching the playoffs in 2021, a 14-6 loss to Albuquerque Academy. Jacob Pino returns under center for the Spartans after passing for 1,271-yards and 11-touchdowns. Billy Cobos takes over this season with the retirement of Judge Chavez over the summer. The (5A) Valley Vikings went 4-7 overall last season and made the playoffs falling 56-14 in the first round to Goddard. They have some hype surrounding seniors Ricky Henderson (RB) and Caeden Jojola (QB) who are outstanding athletes. This duo should do well in 2022 leading the Vikings.
3A FOOTBALL
Crownpoint Eagles (0-0) at Valley, Arizona (0-0)
The Eagles are looking to build off a 5-win season (2 FF) in 2021. Mohamed Fakron (2024), Malikye Begay (2023), and Matthew Silago (2023) return after being integral pieces to the roster last season. Valley High School Pirates out of Sanders, Arizona are coming off a 1-6 overall season in 2021 and riding a 6-game losing streak.
Santa Fe Indian Braves (0-0) at Cuba Rams 0-0)
The two renewed their opening game match-up of northern football programs. Cuba went 7-3 overall last season but look to avenge a 32-18 loss to SFIS in 2021. Santa Fe Indian went on to win four of its next five games finishing 5-5 overall last season. They lost a talented player in Fenxy Morningdove but look to 2024 RB Taylor Torivio who rushed for over 600-yards as a sophomore.
Tucumcari Rattlers (0-0) at Jal Panthers (0-0)
Easy to like the 2A top level program Jal in this contest against the 3A Tucumcari Rattlers. Jal returns fresh off a trip to the 2021 2A state championship and 10-win season. They also welcome back perhaps one of the best duos in all New Mexico high school football in Jacob Lujan (2023) and Alexavier Carreon (2023). They combined for over 3,000 yards rushing and over 50 total touchdowns. Tucumcari went 1-9 overall last season and welcome in a new head coach this season after longtime head coach Wayne Ferguson resigned. Donnie Garcia takes over the program, a longtime assistant coach in Tucumcari.
Wingate Bears (0-0) at Belen-J.V
The Wingate Bears football program has struggled and returns after going 0-8 overall last season. They are actually riding an 18-game losing streak after going 0-10 in 2019 (they did not play in the abbreviated spring 2020 season). Their last win came on the final game of the 2018 season, 24-20 over Tohatchi on November 2nd, 2018.
2A FOOTBALL
Jal Panthers (0-0) vs Tucumcari Rattlers (0-0)
Easy to like the 2A top level program Jal in this contest against the 3A Tucumcari Rattlers. Jal returns fresh off a trip to the 2021 2A state championship and 10-win season. They also welcome back perhaps one of the best duos in all New Mexico high school football in Jacob Lujan (2023) and Alexavier Carreon (2023). They combined for over 3,000 yards rushing and over 50 total touchdowns. Tucumcari went 1-9 overall last season and welcome in a new head coach this season after longtime head coach Wayne Ferguson resigned. Donnie Garcia takes over the program, a longtime assistant coach in Tucumcari.
Loving Falcons (0-0) at Carlsbad-J.V.
How will the Loving Falcons respond to a 1-win season in 2021? Kaleb Rodriguez (2024) returns at quarterback after passing for 962-yards as a sophomore. Although he has work to go and limiting turnovers will be key for the Falcons this season. Drew Welletto (2024) also returns in the backfield, the RB rushed for 609-yards as a sophomore. Amari Benavidez (2023) anchors an experienced defense, the DE led the team in total sacks with 6.
6A FOOTBALL
Atrisco Heritage Jaguars (0-0) at Sandia Matadors (0-0)
The two Albuquerque area based schools will open the 2022 season with a Thursday night east vs west match-up. Sandia went 5-5 overall last season and look to 2023 running back Malachi Thymes to take the lead this season. Thymes went for over 1,000-yards rushing last season. Atrisco Heritage, near the bottom of the 6A preseason rankings, will return after going 2-7 last season. The Jaguars will look to ATH Marquise Renfro (2024) who did well on both sides of the ball.
Santa Fe Demons (0-0) at West Mesa Mustangs (0-0)
The Demons make the 45-minute drive to Albuquerque to take on the West Mesa Mustangs. Both teams looking to notch an early season win as they build for the future. Santa Fe had success last season winning 6-games but will need to replace some studs that guided them in 2021. West Mesa hired head coach Landrick Brody over the summer and will look to returners Elijah Espinoza (2023) and Isaiah Ontiveros (2023).
5A FOOTBALL
Bernalillo Spartans (0-0) vs Valley Vikings (0-0)
As we've mentioned this one will be best described by Hank Williams Jr. "Family Traditions". Although, they are now opponents, the two head coaches John Cobos (Bernaillo) and Billy Cobos (Valley) won't be living the lyrics of this song--just the title as family members. (4A) Bernalillo returns after going 5-6 overall and reaching the playoffs in 2021, a 14-6 loss to Albuquerque Academy. Jacob Pino returns under center for the Spartans after passing for 1,271-yards and 11-touchdowns. Billy Cobos takes over this season with the retirement of Judge Chavez over the summer. The (5A) Valley Vikings went 4-7 overall last season and made the playoffs falling 56-14 in the first round to Goddard. They have some hype surrounding seniors Ricky Henderson (RB) and Caeden Jojola (QB) who are outstanding athletes. This duo should do well in 2022 leading the Vikings.
4A FOOTBALL
Albuquerque Academy Chargers (0-0) at Rio Grande Ravens (0-0)
This could make for a quick Thursday night for the top-ranked Albuquerque Academy Chargers as they face independent Rio Grande High School Academy features some of the top New Mexico high school football this season with many eyes on senior quarterback Andres Rivera (2023) who threw for 2,500-yards in 2021. His supporting cast will also share the spotlight with Cole Conway (RB), Kellan Gehres (WR) on offense and Brody Whitaker (2024/DE), and Dalton Lee (2024/CB-LB) holding it down on defense. Rio Grande enters the season after going 0-9 last season and currently riding an 11-game losing streak with their last win coming on November 1st, 2019 over Shiprock.
Bernalillo Spartans (0-0) vs Valley Vikings (0-0)
As we've mentioned this one will be best described by Hank Williams Jr. "Family Traditions". Although, they are now opponents, the two head coaches John Cobos (Bernaillo) and Billy Cobos (Valley) won't be living the lyrics of this song--just the title as family members. (4A) Bernalillo returns after going 5-6 overall and reaching the playoffs in 2021, a 14-6 loss to Albuquerque Academy. Jacob Pino returns under center for the Spartans after passing for 1,271-yards and 11-touchdowns. Billy Cobos takes over this season with the retirement of Judge Chavez over the summer. The (5A) Valley Vikings went 4-7 overall last season and made the playoffs falling 56-14 in the first round to Goddard. They have some hype surrounding seniors Ricky Henderson (RB) and Caeden Jojola (QB) who are outstanding athletes. This duo should do well in 2022 leading the Vikings.
3A FOOTBALL
Crownpoint Eagles (0-0) at Valley, Arizona (0-0)
The Eagles are looking to build off a 5-win season (2 FF) in 2021. Mohamed Fakron (2024), Malikye Begay (2023), and Matthew Silago (2023) return after being integral pieces to the roster last season. Valley High School Pirates out of Sanders, Arizona are coming off a 1-6 overall season in 2021 and riding a 6-game losing streak.
Santa Fe Indian Braves (0-0) at Cuba Rams 0-0)
The two renewed their opening game match-up of northern football programs. Cuba went 7-3 overall last season but look to avenge a 32-18 loss to SFIS in 2021. Santa Fe Indian went on to win four of its next five games finishing 5-5 overall last season. They lost a talented player in Fenxy Morningdove but look to 2024 RB Taylor Torivio who rushed for over 600-yards as a sophomore.
Tucumcari Rattlers (0-0) at Jal Panthers (0-0)
Easy to like the 2A top level program Jal in this contest against the 3A Tucumcari Rattlers. Jal returns fresh off a trip to the 2021 2A state championship and 10-win season. They also welcome back perhaps one of the best duos in all New Mexico high school football in Jacob Lujan (2023) and Alexavier Carreon (2023). They combined for over 3,000 yards rushing and over 50 total touchdowns. Tucumcari went 1-9 overall last season and welcome in a new head coach this season after longtime head coach Wayne Ferguson resigned. Donnie Garcia takes over the program, a longtime assistant coach in Tucumcari.
Wingate Bears (0-0) at Belen-J.V
The Wingate Bears football program has struggled and returns after going 0-8 overall last season. They are actually riding an 18-game losing streak after going 0-10 in 2019 (they did not play in the abbreviated spring 2020 season). Their last win came on the final game of the 2018 season, 24-20 over Tohatchi on November 2nd, 2018.
2A FOOTBALL
Jal Panthers (0-0) vs Tucumcari Rattlers (0-0)
Easy to like the 2A top level program Jal in this contest against the 3A Tucumcari Rattlers. Jal returns fresh off a trip to the 2021 2A state championship and 10-win season. They also welcome back perhaps one of the best duos in all New Mexico high school football in Jacob Lujan (2023) and Alexavier Carreon (2023). They combined for over 3,000 yards rushing and over 50 total touchdowns. Tucumcari went 1-9 overall last season and welcome in a new head coach this season after longtime head coach Wayne Ferguson resigned. Donnie Garcia takes over the program, a longtime assistant coach in Tucumcari.
Loving Falcons (0-0) at Carlsbad-J.V.
How will the Loving Falcons respond to a 1-win season in 2021? Kaleb Rodriguez (2024) returns at quarterback after passing for 962-yards as a sophomore. Although he has work to go and limiting turnovers will be key for the Falcons this season. Drew Welletto (2024) also returns in the backfield, the RB rushed for 609-yards as a sophomore. Amari Benavidez (2023) anchors an experienced defense, the DE led the team in total sacks with 6.
