As Week 10 of the New Mexico high school football season approaches, there are several intriguing storylines and questions to ponder. With playoffs on the horizon, every game holds immense significance, and these are the top five questions to watch:
1. Battle of the Running Backs: Thursday night promises a showdown between two standout running backs - Niko Garcia of Los Alamos (2024) and Charles Lopez-Burton of Valley (2024). Garcia has accumulated 671 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns this season, while Lopez-Burton stands atop the class with an impressive 1,239 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Which of these dynamic backs will have the bigger Thursday night?
2. Belen's Quest for a Win: The Belen Eagles have faced a challenging season with an 0-8 record so far. They'll be taking on the Miyamura Patriots (3-5 overall) in what could be their last real shot at securing a win this season. With the formidable Piedra Vista Panthers (No. 3 in 5A football) up next, can Belen avoid a winless season and finally taste victory this weekend?
3. Close Action in District 4-5A: In District 4-5A, most are expecting Roswell (8-0 overall, 1-0 district) to dominate against Mayfield (4-4 overall, 0-1 district). However, the Trojans may have other plans. The NMPreps line has yet to be set, but can Mayfield make this a close battle? Meanwhile, Goddard (6-2 overall, 1-0 district) has shown they can be a threat in the district. Can they take advantage of Artesia Bulldogs (7-1 overall, 0-1 district), who recently suffered their first loss of the season?
4. Game of the Week: Rio Rancho at Volcano Vista: The spotlight falls on a thrilling contest between Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista, both sitting at 6-2 overall. Rio Rancho boasts a 2-0 record in District 1-6A, while Volcano Vista (1-1 in District play) has already faced Cleveland. Keep an eye on top running backs Rayce Ramirez (Rio Rancho) and Alijah Gonzales (Volcano Vista). Also, watch for under-the-radar players like Andrew Gustafson (Rio Rancho) with 50 total tackles and Adam Jaramillo (Volcano Vista), who leads the team with 3 sacks. This game will have a significant impact on playoff seeding.
5. Playoff Implications Galore: Several games have the potential to reshape playoff hopes and seeds. In District 2-4A, Pojoaque Valley and Taos will battle it out to keep their playoff dreams alive. Espanola Valley, led by standout RB Aldrick Deleon, is in the postseason picture and could disrupt Moriarty's district championship bid. In District 3-4A, Grants (4-4 overall, 0-1 District) and Valencia (4-4 overall, 0-1 District) face off, with the winner securing a potential playoff berth. Lastly, the matchup between the undefeated Bloomfield Bobcats (8-0 overall) and the Aztec Tigers (5-3 overall) has immense implications, potentially locking up a 1-seed in 4A football or shifting the playoff landscape.
Week 10 is brimming with anticipation, as teams vie for playoff berths, seeding, and the chance to etch their names in New Mexico high school football. The answers to these questions will unfold on the gridiron, providing football fans with another thrilling week of action.
1. Battle of the Running Backs: Thursday night promises a showdown between two standout running backs - Niko Garcia of Los Alamos (2024) and Charles Lopez-Burton of Valley (2024). Garcia has accumulated 671 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns this season, while Lopez-Burton stands atop the class with an impressive 1,239 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Which of these dynamic backs will have the bigger Thursday night?
2. Belen's Quest for a Win: The Belen Eagles have faced a challenging season with an 0-8 record so far. They'll be taking on the Miyamura Patriots (3-5 overall) in what could be their last real shot at securing a win this season. With the formidable Piedra Vista Panthers (No. 3 in 5A football) up next, can Belen avoid a winless season and finally taste victory this weekend?
3. Close Action in District 4-5A: In District 4-5A, most are expecting Roswell (8-0 overall, 1-0 district) to dominate against Mayfield (4-4 overall, 0-1 district). However, the Trojans may have other plans. The NMPreps line has yet to be set, but can Mayfield make this a close battle? Meanwhile, Goddard (6-2 overall, 1-0 district) has shown they can be a threat in the district. Can they take advantage of Artesia Bulldogs (7-1 overall, 0-1 district), who recently suffered their first loss of the season?
4. Game of the Week: Rio Rancho at Volcano Vista: The spotlight falls on a thrilling contest between Rio Rancho and Volcano Vista, both sitting at 6-2 overall. Rio Rancho boasts a 2-0 record in District 1-6A, while Volcano Vista (1-1 in District play) has already faced Cleveland. Keep an eye on top running backs Rayce Ramirez (Rio Rancho) and Alijah Gonzales (Volcano Vista). Also, watch for under-the-radar players like Andrew Gustafson (Rio Rancho) with 50 total tackles and Adam Jaramillo (Volcano Vista), who leads the team with 3 sacks. This game will have a significant impact on playoff seeding.
5. Playoff Implications Galore: Several games have the potential to reshape playoff hopes and seeds. In District 2-4A, Pojoaque Valley and Taos will battle it out to keep their playoff dreams alive. Espanola Valley, led by standout RB Aldrick Deleon, is in the postseason picture and could disrupt Moriarty's district championship bid. In District 3-4A, Grants (4-4 overall, 0-1 District) and Valencia (4-4 overall, 0-1 District) face off, with the winner securing a potential playoff berth. Lastly, the matchup between the undefeated Bloomfield Bobcats (8-0 overall) and the Aztec Tigers (5-3 overall) has immense implications, potentially locking up a 1-seed in 4A football or shifting the playoff landscape.
Week 10 is brimming with anticipation, as teams vie for playoff berths, seeding, and the chance to etch their names in New Mexico high school football. The answers to these questions will unfold on the gridiron, providing football fans with another thrilling week of action.
