Week 11: Top-25 Game Previews
The final weekend of the regular season for New Mexico High School football is here. Most teams will play their final game, some have plenty on the line to keep playoffs hopes alive and others are positioning for a top seed in the playoffs.
More: 3-Months Free to NMPrepscom | Las Cruces-Mayfield 50 Years
Top-25 Previews
No. 1 Rio Rancho (9-0) vs Piedra Vista (5-4), Friday, 7pm
Points For: RR 409, PV 173
Points Against: RR 103, PV 216
Player: Josh Foley (RR), Elijah Gamboa (PV).
X-Factor: Rio Rancho D-Line.
Preview: The Rio Rancho Rams are one of the most dominating teams in New Mexico this season and will be overwhelming favorites. Piedra Vista has two players on the ground in Gamboa and Avery Norton but the X-factor is the Rams D-Line that will likely limit any movement in the chains.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 57, Piedra Vista 7
No. 2 Cleveland (8-1) vs No. 5 Volcano Vista (7-2), Friday, 7pm
Points For: CHS 359, VV 351
Points Against: CHS 230, VV 191
Players: Angelo Trujillo (CHS), Chris Streetz (VV)
X-Factor: Cleveland in the Trenches
Preview: If it wasn't for 20,000 fans and New Mexico's prize game to watch this could be the game of the week. We know the offensive weapons on both ends but Volcano Vista could struggle with our x-factor in the OL/DL line for Cleveland being one of the best, should hold the Hawks under the average of 39-points a game.
Prediction: Cleveland 42, Volcano Vista 27.
No. 3 Las Cruces (8-1) vs No. 8 Mayfield (5-4), Friday, 7pm
Points For: LC 363, MHS 300
Points Against: LC 180, MHS 211
Players: Payton Ball (LC), Gavin Swinson (MHS)
X-Factor: Stopping Ball (not the ball).
Preview: The game that is highly anticipated each year by 20,000 fans. Las Cruces is home to the most watched game in New Mexico (college included). One player who has been not been given the recognition that he deserves but Payton Ball is the x-factor because he has been known to win games.
Prediction: Las Cruces 37, Mayfield 30
No. 4 Manzano (7-2) vs Sandia (3-6), Friday, 7pm
Points For: MHS 292, SHS 204
Points Against: MHS 143, SHS 237
Players: Jordan Byrd (MHS), Jacob Archibeque (SHS)
X-Factor: Manzano Special Teams
Preview: Weird to see an x-factor being special teams but the Monarchs have athletes, athletes that have some serious gears. We have seen them get great field position and break free for points. Sandia a special team will provide a fight in their season ending game but this season just got away from them.
Prediction: Manzano 33, Sandia 14
No. 6 Centennial (7-2) vs No. 7 Onate (6-3), Thursday, 7pm
Points For: CHS 320, OHS 284
Points Against: CHS 224, OHS 203
Players: Aaron Sanchez (OHS), JR Pena (CHS)
X-Factor: Ground Attack, Stops.
Preview: Make it for back-to-back must see games in Las Cruces this weekend. This game moved to Thursday night provides with all of the punch in a headline game. Centennial brings the air attack and sound run game while Onate has three weapons on O with a stout D. The deference maker will be what team makes the stop on D.
Prediction: Centennial 35, Onate 34
No. 9 Clovis (6-3) vs No. 10 La Cueva (6-3), Friday, 7pm
Points For: CHS 278, LC 302
Points Against: CHS 162, LC 159
Players: Chris Campbell (LC), Micah Gray (CHS)
X-Factor: Clovis Defense
Preview: The Clovis Wildcats have one of the most underrated defensive units in the state. Outside of Rio Rancho, the Wildcats have held opponents to under their scoring average. La Cueva will have their own x-factor in being one of the better passing teams that Clovis has faced and could be the x-factor that affects the game.
Prediction: Clovis 27, La Cueva 24.
Previews: 10-25
No. 12 Roswell (7-2) vs No. 13 Goddard (6-3): Another close game on Friday night putting two programs evenly matched and with plenty of playoff implications. Prediction: Roswell 42-39.
No. 14 Artesia (7-2) vs Lovington (1-8): The Bulldogs will go deep into the roster in the game, preparing for the playoffs. Taylor Null (QB) should find the end zone early before taking a rest. Prediction: Artesia 50-0.
No. 15 Eldorado (4-5) vs Santa Fe (0-9): Eldorado needs a win, Eldorado should move along easily in this contest. The Eagles offense can fly when they take off. Prediction: Eldorado 50-0.
No. 16 Belen (7-2) vs Grants (5-4): Grants has struggled big when facing Fab 50 or Top-25 teams. Belen has an offense that could get moving and can get over the Pirates secondary for several scores. Prediction: Belen 35-14.
No. 17 Robertson (9-0) vs Pojoaque Valley (4-5): Robertson is solid on both ends of the ball and should move along easily in this contest. Robertson defense only allows 14 points per game, Pojoaque is allowing 33 points per game. This one will end early. Prediction: Robertson 50-0.
No. 18 Los Lunas (6-3) vs Valencia (1-7-1): A new rivalry in New Mexico, but the game will not resemble that of a rivalry game. Los Lunas has too many weapons and too good this season. They started to get the engine going again last week ending their 3-game skid, should end quick. Prediction: Los Lunas 50-0.
No. 19 Carlsbad (3-6) vs Hobbs (2-7): Carlsbad could double their win total with a win here (2-wins in 2015). The Carlsbad run attack is good, will have to be great losing their QB but they will need to get into the endzone. Hobbs has Gavin Hardison-Cayson Clay connection that might be too much for the Cavemen. Prediction: Hobbs 42-21.
No. 20 Estancia (9-1) vs Laguna-Acoma (6-3): Estancia has the only candidate for the NMPreps.com Mr. Football from 3A football. Ezekiel Tapia is not only the x-factor, he is y and z ability to run through the Hawks defense. Prediction: Estancia 44-7.
No. 21 Alamogordo (5-4) vs Deming (0-9): Alamogordo could be hitting the right stride heading into the playoffs. Starters will get some rest this week but look for Dee Smith (RB) and Kyle Hooper (QB) to be in the Top Performers list. Prediction: Alamogordo 50-0.
No. 22 Portales (8-1) vs New Mexico Military Institute (3-6): NMMI is in the conversation for a playoff spot. Win or lose they could still be in the playoffs, however an upset would solidify their spot. Portales is too good though and the defense will stop an underrated NMMI run attack. Prediction: Portales 42-10.
No. 23 Aztec (6-3) vs Miyamura (7-2): Aztec might be the biggest surprise of the season and this passing attack has been solid. Cody Smith (Aztec) could find himself in the conversation for 5A player of the year. Prediction: Aztec 34-27.
No. 24 Moriarty (8-1) vs Ruidoso (5-4): The Pintos dropped their first game of the season but this defense proved its worth last week. They have to stop Ruidoso's top RB, they should be fine in that containment. Prediction: Moriarty 24-14.
No. 25 Farmington (3-5-1) vs Bloomfield (4-5): The Scorpions have played well recently but will need to show better on defense to avoid a potential upset from Bloomfield. However, Bloomfield, who has struggled early at times on offense will need to hit all cylinders. Prediction: Farmington 37-27.
Outside The Top-25
Last Chance Game: Valley (3-6) vs Highland (1-7-1): Valley, if you can believe it, has a chance to win the district with a win here and Atrisco Heritage Academy loss.
Planting Seeds: Cobre (5-4) takes on Socorro, avoiding an upset here could put them in the Top-4 seeds, giving them a bye.
Home Game: St Mikes (6-3) takes on West Las Vegas for a chance at a high seed.
Rebound Game: Hatch Valley (7-2) was upset last week, it shocked all of us. They should be fine against Hot Springs but can't let a loss get contagious.
District Championship/Playoff Spot: Atrisco Heritage Academy (3-5) and Albuquerque (5-4) are both (3-1) in district play, with one spot to give for the playoffs from this district, consider this the river card.
Schedule
Thursday, November 3rd
Highland vs Valley
Onate vs Centennial
Rio Grande vs West Mesa
Friday, November 4th
Alamogordo vs Deming
Artesia vs Lovington
Atrisco Heritage vs Albuquerque
Belen vs Grants
Capital vs Los Alamos
Capitan vs Eunice
Carlsbad vs Hobbs
Chaparral vs Santa Teresa
Clayton vs Texico
Cleveland vs Volcano Vista
Crownpoint vs Zuni
Farmington vs Bloomfield
Goddard vs Roswell
Hatch Valley vs Hot Springs
Jal vs Fort Sumner
Kirtland Central vs Gallup
La Cueva vs Clovis
Laguna vs Estancia
Las Cruces vs Mayfield
Logan vs Mountainair
Loving vs Tularosa
Manzano vs Sandia
McCurdy vs Dulce
Menaul vs Dora
Mescalero vs Cloudcroft
Miyamura vs Aztec
Navajo Prep vs Shiprock
Newcomb vs Tohatchi
Piedra Vista vs Rio Rancho
Pojoaque Valley vs Robertson
Portales vs NMMI
Ramah vs Carrizozo
Ruidoso vs Moriarty
Socorro vs Cobre
Taos vs Bernalillo
Thoreau vs Wingate
Tucumcari vs Raton
Valencia vs Los Lunas
Saturday, November 5th
Lake Arthur vs Animas
Lordsburg vs Escalante
Santa Fe vs Eldorado
Vaughn vs San Jon
West Las Vegas vs St. Michael's
The final weekend of the regular season for New Mexico High School football is here. Most teams will play their final game, some have plenty on the line to keep playoffs hopes alive and others are positioning for a top seed in the playoffs.
More: 3-Months Free to NMPrepscom | Las Cruces-Mayfield 50 Years
Top-25 Previews
No. 1 Rio Rancho (9-0) vs Piedra Vista (5-4), Friday, 7pm
Points For: RR 409, PV 173
Points Against: RR 103, PV 216
Player: Josh Foley (RR), Elijah Gamboa (PV).
X-Factor: Rio Rancho D-Line.
Preview: The Rio Rancho Rams are one of the most dominating teams in New Mexico this season and will be overwhelming favorites. Piedra Vista has two players on the ground in Gamboa and Avery Norton but the X-factor is the Rams D-Line that will likely limit any movement in the chains.
Prediction: Rio Rancho 57, Piedra Vista 7
No. 2 Cleveland (8-1) vs No. 5 Volcano Vista (7-2), Friday, 7pm
Points For: CHS 359, VV 351
Points Against: CHS 230, VV 191
Players: Angelo Trujillo (CHS), Chris Streetz (VV)
X-Factor: Cleveland in the Trenches
Preview: If it wasn't for 20,000 fans and New Mexico's prize game to watch this could be the game of the week. We know the offensive weapons on both ends but Volcano Vista could struggle with our x-factor in the OL/DL line for Cleveland being one of the best, should hold the Hawks under the average of 39-points a game.
Prediction: Cleveland 42, Volcano Vista 27.
No. 3 Las Cruces (8-1) vs No. 8 Mayfield (5-4), Friday, 7pm
Points For: LC 363, MHS 300
Points Against: LC 180, MHS 211
Players: Payton Ball (LC), Gavin Swinson (MHS)
X-Factor: Stopping Ball (not the ball).
Preview: The game that is highly anticipated each year by 20,000 fans. Las Cruces is home to the most watched game in New Mexico (college included). One player who has been not been given the recognition that he deserves but Payton Ball is the x-factor because he has been known to win games.
Prediction: Las Cruces 37, Mayfield 30
No. 4 Manzano (7-2) vs Sandia (3-6), Friday, 7pm
Points For: MHS 292, SHS 204
Points Against: MHS 143, SHS 237
Players: Jordan Byrd (MHS), Jacob Archibeque (SHS)
X-Factor: Manzano Special Teams
Preview: Weird to see an x-factor being special teams but the Monarchs have athletes, athletes that have some serious gears. We have seen them get great field position and break free for points. Sandia a special team will provide a fight in their season ending game but this season just got away from them.
Prediction: Manzano 33, Sandia 14
No. 6 Centennial (7-2) vs No. 7 Onate (6-3), Thursday, 7pm
Points For: CHS 320, OHS 284
Points Against: CHS 224, OHS 203
Players: Aaron Sanchez (OHS), JR Pena (CHS)
X-Factor: Ground Attack, Stops.
Preview: Make it for back-to-back must see games in Las Cruces this weekend. This game moved to Thursday night provides with all of the punch in a headline game. Centennial brings the air attack and sound run game while Onate has three weapons on O with a stout D. The deference maker will be what team makes the stop on D.
Prediction: Centennial 35, Onate 34
No. 9 Clovis (6-3) vs No. 10 La Cueva (6-3), Friday, 7pm
Points For: CHS 278, LC 302
Points Against: CHS 162, LC 159
Players: Chris Campbell (LC), Micah Gray (CHS)
X-Factor: Clovis Defense
Preview: The Clovis Wildcats have one of the most underrated defensive units in the state. Outside of Rio Rancho, the Wildcats have held opponents to under their scoring average. La Cueva will have their own x-factor in being one of the better passing teams that Clovis has faced and could be the x-factor that affects the game.
Prediction: Clovis 27, La Cueva 24.
Previews: 10-25
No. 12 Roswell (7-2) vs No. 13 Goddard (6-3): Another close game on Friday night putting two programs evenly matched and with plenty of playoff implications. Prediction: Roswell 42-39.
No. 14 Artesia (7-2) vs Lovington (1-8): The Bulldogs will go deep into the roster in the game, preparing for the playoffs. Taylor Null (QB) should find the end zone early before taking a rest. Prediction: Artesia 50-0.
No. 15 Eldorado (4-5) vs Santa Fe (0-9): Eldorado needs a win, Eldorado should move along easily in this contest. The Eagles offense can fly when they take off. Prediction: Eldorado 50-0.
No. 16 Belen (7-2) vs Grants (5-4): Grants has struggled big when facing Fab 50 or Top-25 teams. Belen has an offense that could get moving and can get over the Pirates secondary for several scores. Prediction: Belen 35-14.
No. 17 Robertson (9-0) vs Pojoaque Valley (4-5): Robertson is solid on both ends of the ball and should move along easily in this contest. Robertson defense only allows 14 points per game, Pojoaque is allowing 33 points per game. This one will end early. Prediction: Robertson 50-0.
No. 18 Los Lunas (6-3) vs Valencia (1-7-1): A new rivalry in New Mexico, but the game will not resemble that of a rivalry game. Los Lunas has too many weapons and too good this season. They started to get the engine going again last week ending their 3-game skid, should end quick. Prediction: Los Lunas 50-0.
No. 19 Carlsbad (3-6) vs Hobbs (2-7): Carlsbad could double their win total with a win here (2-wins in 2015). The Carlsbad run attack is good, will have to be great losing their QB but they will need to get into the endzone. Hobbs has Gavin Hardison-Cayson Clay connection that might be too much for the Cavemen. Prediction: Hobbs 42-21.
No. 20 Estancia (9-1) vs Laguna-Acoma (6-3): Estancia has the only candidate for the NMPreps.com Mr. Football from 3A football. Ezekiel Tapia is not only the x-factor, he is y and z ability to run through the Hawks defense. Prediction: Estancia 44-7.
No. 21 Alamogordo (5-4) vs Deming (0-9): Alamogordo could be hitting the right stride heading into the playoffs. Starters will get some rest this week but look for Dee Smith (RB) and Kyle Hooper (QB) to be in the Top Performers list. Prediction: Alamogordo 50-0.
No. 22 Portales (8-1) vs New Mexico Military Institute (3-6): NMMI is in the conversation for a playoff spot. Win or lose they could still be in the playoffs, however an upset would solidify their spot. Portales is too good though and the defense will stop an underrated NMMI run attack. Prediction: Portales 42-10.
No. 23 Aztec (6-3) vs Miyamura (7-2): Aztec might be the biggest surprise of the season and this passing attack has been solid. Cody Smith (Aztec) could find himself in the conversation for 5A player of the year. Prediction: Aztec 34-27.
No. 24 Moriarty (8-1) vs Ruidoso (5-4): The Pintos dropped their first game of the season but this defense proved its worth last week. They have to stop Ruidoso's top RB, they should be fine in that containment. Prediction: Moriarty 24-14.
No. 25 Farmington (3-5-1) vs Bloomfield (4-5): The Scorpions have played well recently but will need to show better on defense to avoid a potential upset from Bloomfield. However, Bloomfield, who has struggled early at times on offense will need to hit all cylinders. Prediction: Farmington 37-27.
Outside The Top-25
Last Chance Game: Valley (3-6) vs Highland (1-7-1): Valley, if you can believe it, has a chance to win the district with a win here and Atrisco Heritage Academy loss.
Planting Seeds: Cobre (5-4) takes on Socorro, avoiding an upset here could put them in the Top-4 seeds, giving them a bye.
Home Game: St Mikes (6-3) takes on West Las Vegas for a chance at a high seed.
Rebound Game: Hatch Valley (7-2) was upset last week, it shocked all of us. They should be fine against Hot Springs but can't let a loss get contagious.
District Championship/Playoff Spot: Atrisco Heritage Academy (3-5) and Albuquerque (5-4) are both (3-1) in district play, with one spot to give for the playoffs from this district, consider this the river card.
Schedule
Thursday, November 3rd
Highland vs Valley
Onate vs Centennial
Rio Grande vs West Mesa
Friday, November 4th
Alamogordo vs Deming
Artesia vs Lovington
Atrisco Heritage vs Albuquerque
Belen vs Grants
Capital vs Los Alamos
Capitan vs Eunice
Carlsbad vs Hobbs
Chaparral vs Santa Teresa
Clayton vs Texico
Cleveland vs Volcano Vista
Crownpoint vs Zuni
Farmington vs Bloomfield
Goddard vs Roswell
Hatch Valley vs Hot Springs
Jal vs Fort Sumner
Kirtland Central vs Gallup
La Cueva vs Clovis
Laguna vs Estancia
Las Cruces vs Mayfield
Logan vs Mountainair
Loving vs Tularosa
Manzano vs Sandia
McCurdy vs Dulce
Menaul vs Dora
Mescalero vs Cloudcroft
Miyamura vs Aztec
Navajo Prep vs Shiprock
Newcomb vs Tohatchi
Piedra Vista vs Rio Rancho
Pojoaque Valley vs Robertson
Portales vs NMMI
Ramah vs Carrizozo
Ruidoso vs Moriarty
Socorro vs Cobre
Taos vs Bernalillo
Thoreau vs Wingate
Tucumcari vs Raton
Valencia vs Los Lunas
Saturday, November 5th
Lake Arthur vs Animas
Lordsburg vs Escalante
Santa Fe vs Eldorado
Vaughn vs San Jon
West Las Vegas vs St. Michael's
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