NMPreps Thursday Predictions and Picks
Joshua J. Grine, the publisher of NMPreps, offers his selections, and the staff unveils their game predictions for tonight's lineup of matches.
New Mexico High School Football #nmpreps
Grine's Record: 278-60 (82.25%)
Week 9: 30-6
Week 8: 28-5
Week 7: 23-9
Week 6: 22-8
Week 5: 30-8
Week 4: 40-5
Week 3: 32-9
Week 2: 40-6
Week 1: 33-4
Game of the Night: Los Alamos (7-1, 1-0) vs Valley (5-3, 2-0)
As the New Mexico high school football season reaches its climax, the District 2-5A championship game is upon us, and it promises to be a showdown for the ages. The Los Alamos Hilltoppers, ranked No. 8 in the Week 10 NMPreps Rankings for 5A football, are gearing up to take on the Valley Vikings, who are sitting at No. 9 in the same rankings. With a District title and a prime playoff seed hanging in the balance, this clash is the epitome of high-stakes football.
Why the Hilltoppers
The Hilltoppers have been a force to be reckoned with this season, boasting an impressive 7-1 overall record and a 1-0 start in District 2-5A. Their offensive prowess is evident in the 251 points they've scored, while their defensive might is highlighted by allowing just 76 points against. These numbers have helped them secure the coveted No. 5 Freeman Rating in 5A football, showcasing their consistency and dominance on both sides of the ball.
Explosive Offense and Balanced Attack: The Hilltoppers have displayed an impressive offensive prowess throughout the season. Quarterback Kyle Evenhus (2025) has orchestrated a dynamic passing game, accumulating 1,120 passing yards and connecting on 13 touchdown passes. His ability to efficiently move the ball through the air adds a significant dimension to the Los Alamos offensive strategy. Running back Niko Garcia (2024) has been a ground game force, rushing for 671 yards and tallying 10 touchdowns while maintaining an impressive average of 5 yards per carry. Los Alamos's ability to balance their offensive attack, combining a potent air game with a strong running game, can make them a formidable challenge for the Valley defense to contain.
Robust Defensive Lineup: Los Alamos's formidable defensive lineup adds another layer of strength to their game. Led by linebacker Kyler Young (2024), who has accumulated an astounding 100 total tackles this season, the Hilltoppers are adept at stopping opposing offenses. Furthermore, linebacker Jackson Blair (2024) and defensive end Matthew Brousseau (2025) have contributed significantly to the defense. Blair's remarkable 58 total tackles and 12 sacks highlight his capability to disrupt the opposing offense and put pressure on the quarterback. He is also on track to be considered for the All-New Mexico defense. With a solid core of linebackers and defensive linemen, the Hilltoppers can limit the scoring opportunities for the Vikings.
Why the Vikings
Valley's well-rounded strengths on both sides of the ball, spearheaded by their potent ground game, adaptable quarterback, and formidable defense, have positioned them as formidable contenders. In their bid to claim the District 2-5A championship and secure a valuable home game in the playoffs, the Valley Vikings have the necessary tools and experience to best the Los Alamos Hilltoppers.
Dominance on the Ground: Valley boasts an exceptional ground game led by the top-ranked running back, Charles Lopez-Burton (2024). With a staggering 1,239 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, Lopez-Burton is averaging an impressive 10.2 yards per carry and an astonishing 177 yards per game. In the first two district games, he demonstrated his ability to take over contests, rushing for 306 yards against Manzano and 172 yards against Del Norte, accumulating three touchdowns in each of those games. This remarkable running back is a constant threat to break for big gains and consistently find the end zone. The Los Alamos defense will undoubtedly face a formidable challenge containing Lopez-Burton and his dynamic running style.
A Balanced Offensive Attack: Valley's quarterback, Julian Butkivich (2025), brings versatility to the Viking offense. He has passed for 696 yards and connected on seven passing touchdowns this season, showcasing his ability to move the chains through the air. Butkivich isn't limited to just passing; he's also a dual-threat quarterback who has rushed for 162 yards and added a valuable rushing touchdown. Complementing Lopez-Burton's rushing prowess, Butkivich's multi-faceted skill set adds depth to Valley's offensive arsenal. The ability to threaten both on the ground and through the air can keep the Los Alamos defense on its heels, searching for ways to stop the Vikings.
Battle-Tested Resilience: Valley's 5-3 overall record is a testament to their battle-tested nature. Two of their three losses came against formidable opponents: 6A Los Lunas (6-2 overall) and 4A Portales (8-0 overall). These losses, while difficult, have provided valuable experience and have prepared the Vikings for tough, high-stakes matchups like the one they'll face against Los Alamos. Having faced top-tier competition earlier in the season, Valley is no stranger to adversity and has the resilience to face any challenge head-on.
Solid Defensive Prowess: Valley's strength isn't limited to their offensive juggernaut. On the defensive front, Lopez-Burton continues to shine, contributing with 61 total tackles and five sacks. His impact on the game extends beyond the offensive side of the ball. Daniel Valdez (2024) leads the team in total tackles with an impressive 68, ensuring that he's a prominent presence in thwarting opponents' advances. Christian Powell (2025) complements this strong defense with 39 total tackles and an incredible seven sacks on the opposing quarterback. Their collective tenacity and ability to generate pressure can significantly disrupt the Hilltoppers' offensive rhythm and serve as a vital component in Valley's quest for victory
Score Prediction: Valley Vikings 24, Los Alamos Hilltoppers 20
In this District 2-5A championship clash, I predict the Valley Vikings to come out on top with a score of 24-20. While both teams have shown their strengths, I believe Valley's powerful rushing attack, led by Charles Lopez-Burton, will play a pivotal role in securing the victory. Lopez-Burton's exceptional running skills and Valley's ability to move the ball effectively on the ground should help them control the game's tempo.
Moreover, Valley's defense, featuring standout players like Charles Lopez-Burton and Daniel Valdez, has demonstrated its ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities. I expect them to step up and keep Los Alamos's offensive production in check.
While Los Alamos is a strong team, I think Valley's ability to control the ground game and play solid defense will give them the advantage they need to secure the District 2-5A championship. The score prediction reflects a closely contested match, but I believe Valley will emerge victorious with a well-executed game plan.
Joshua J. Grine, the publisher of NMPreps, offers his selections, and the staff unveils their game predictions for tonight's lineup of matches.
New Mexico High School Football #nmpreps
| GAME | GRINE'S PICK | FAVORITE LINE | NMPREPS PREDICTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad (2-6) at Las Cruces (4-4) | Las Cruces | Las Cruces, -15.5 | Las Cruces 35, Carlsbad 14 |
| Chaparral (0-7) at Deming (5-3) | Deming | Deming, -51 | Deming 50, Chaparral 0 |
| Del Norte (1-7) at Manzano (1-7) | Manzano | Manzano, -24.5 | Manzano 35, Del Norte 6 |
| Los Alamos (7-1) at Valley (5-3) | Valley | Valley -2.5 | Valley 24, Los Alamos 20 |
| Hot Springs (3-5) at Cobre (5-2) | Cobre | Cobre, -35.5 | Cobre 44, Hot Springs 7 |
Grine's Record: 278-60 (82.25%)
Week 9: 30-6
Week 8: 28-5
Week 7: 23-9
Week 6: 22-8
Week 5: 30-8
Week 4: 40-5
Week 3: 32-9
Week 2: 40-6
Week 1: 33-4
Game of the Night: Los Alamos (7-1, 1-0) vs Valley (5-3, 2-0)
As the New Mexico high school football season reaches its climax, the District 2-5A championship game is upon us, and it promises to be a showdown for the ages. The Los Alamos Hilltoppers, ranked No. 8 in the Week 10 NMPreps Rankings for 5A football, are gearing up to take on the Valley Vikings, who are sitting at No. 9 in the same rankings. With a District title and a prime playoff seed hanging in the balance, this clash is the epitome of high-stakes football.
Why the Hilltoppers
The Hilltoppers have been a force to be reckoned with this season, boasting an impressive 7-1 overall record and a 1-0 start in District 2-5A. Their offensive prowess is evident in the 251 points they've scored, while their defensive might is highlighted by allowing just 76 points against. These numbers have helped them secure the coveted No. 5 Freeman Rating in 5A football, showcasing their consistency and dominance on both sides of the ball.
Explosive Offense and Balanced Attack: The Hilltoppers have displayed an impressive offensive prowess throughout the season. Quarterback Kyle Evenhus (2025) has orchestrated a dynamic passing game, accumulating 1,120 passing yards and connecting on 13 touchdown passes. His ability to efficiently move the ball through the air adds a significant dimension to the Los Alamos offensive strategy. Running back Niko Garcia (2024) has been a ground game force, rushing for 671 yards and tallying 10 touchdowns while maintaining an impressive average of 5 yards per carry. Los Alamos's ability to balance their offensive attack, combining a potent air game with a strong running game, can make them a formidable challenge for the Valley defense to contain.
Robust Defensive Lineup: Los Alamos's formidable defensive lineup adds another layer of strength to their game. Led by linebacker Kyler Young (2024), who has accumulated an astounding 100 total tackles this season, the Hilltoppers are adept at stopping opposing offenses. Furthermore, linebacker Jackson Blair (2024) and defensive end Matthew Brousseau (2025) have contributed significantly to the defense. Blair's remarkable 58 total tackles and 12 sacks highlight his capability to disrupt the opposing offense and put pressure on the quarterback. He is also on track to be considered for the All-New Mexico defense. With a solid core of linebackers and defensive linemen, the Hilltoppers can limit the scoring opportunities for the Vikings.
Why the Vikings
Valley's well-rounded strengths on both sides of the ball, spearheaded by their potent ground game, adaptable quarterback, and formidable defense, have positioned them as formidable contenders. In their bid to claim the District 2-5A championship and secure a valuable home game in the playoffs, the Valley Vikings have the necessary tools and experience to best the Los Alamos Hilltoppers.
Dominance on the Ground: Valley boasts an exceptional ground game led by the top-ranked running back, Charles Lopez-Burton (2024). With a staggering 1,239 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, Lopez-Burton is averaging an impressive 10.2 yards per carry and an astonishing 177 yards per game. In the first two district games, he demonstrated his ability to take over contests, rushing for 306 yards against Manzano and 172 yards against Del Norte, accumulating three touchdowns in each of those games. This remarkable running back is a constant threat to break for big gains and consistently find the end zone. The Los Alamos defense will undoubtedly face a formidable challenge containing Lopez-Burton and his dynamic running style.
A Balanced Offensive Attack: Valley's quarterback, Julian Butkivich (2025), brings versatility to the Viking offense. He has passed for 696 yards and connected on seven passing touchdowns this season, showcasing his ability to move the chains through the air. Butkivich isn't limited to just passing; he's also a dual-threat quarterback who has rushed for 162 yards and added a valuable rushing touchdown. Complementing Lopez-Burton's rushing prowess, Butkivich's multi-faceted skill set adds depth to Valley's offensive arsenal. The ability to threaten both on the ground and through the air can keep the Los Alamos defense on its heels, searching for ways to stop the Vikings.
Battle-Tested Resilience: Valley's 5-3 overall record is a testament to their battle-tested nature. Two of their three losses came against formidable opponents: 6A Los Lunas (6-2 overall) and 4A Portales (8-0 overall). These losses, while difficult, have provided valuable experience and have prepared the Vikings for tough, high-stakes matchups like the one they'll face against Los Alamos. Having faced top-tier competition earlier in the season, Valley is no stranger to adversity and has the resilience to face any challenge head-on.
Solid Defensive Prowess: Valley's strength isn't limited to their offensive juggernaut. On the defensive front, Lopez-Burton continues to shine, contributing with 61 total tackles and five sacks. His impact on the game extends beyond the offensive side of the ball. Daniel Valdez (2024) leads the team in total tackles with an impressive 68, ensuring that he's a prominent presence in thwarting opponents' advances. Christian Powell (2025) complements this strong defense with 39 total tackles and an incredible seven sacks on the opposing quarterback. Their collective tenacity and ability to generate pressure can significantly disrupt the Hilltoppers' offensive rhythm and serve as a vital component in Valley's quest for victory
Score Prediction: Valley Vikings 24, Los Alamos Hilltoppers 20
In this District 2-5A championship clash, I predict the Valley Vikings to come out on top with a score of 24-20. While both teams have shown their strengths, I believe Valley's powerful rushing attack, led by Charles Lopez-Burton, will play a pivotal role in securing the victory. Lopez-Burton's exceptional running skills and Valley's ability to move the ball effectively on the ground should help them control the game's tempo.
Moreover, Valley's defense, featuring standout players like Charles Lopez-Burton and Daniel Valdez, has demonstrated its ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities. I expect them to step up and keep Los Alamos's offensive production in check.
While Los Alamos is a strong team, I think Valley's ability to control the ground game and play solid defense will give them the advantage they need to secure the District 2-5A championship. The score prediction reflects a closely contested match, but I believe Valley will emerge victorious with a well-executed game plan.
