Week 13 Saturday Preview and Predictions
Today, NMPreps presents a preview and predictions for the Saturday games in New Mexico high school football. We cover every 5A, 4A, and 3A quarterfinal matchup, highlighting key players to watch. Additionally, our coverage includes a comprehensive preview of the 2A semifinals along with our predictions.
5A Quarterfinal - #2 Artesia Bulldogs vs #7 Los Alamos Hilltoppers
Get ready for an intense showdown in the 5A Quarterfinals as the #2 Artesia Bulldogs clash with the #7 Los Alamos Hilltoppers. The Bulldogs have marched into the quarterfinals with confidence after an impressive 9-1 season and a runner-up finish in District 4-5A. Their potent offense is led by the throwing arm of quarterback Nye Estrada, known for his precision throughout his career. However, it’s not just the air game that makes them formidable; the Bulldogs have a powerful run game spearheaded by Frankie Galindo, a key figure in their chain-moving strategy. On the defensive front, seniors Phillip Finley and David Hammonds are set to track the Hilltoppers' plays, focusing on shutting down their opposition's moves.
Los Alamos, on the other hand, has been on an upward trajectory, surging into the quarterfinals after a triumphant victory against the 10-seed Highland (55-13). Led by the promising junior quarterback Kyle Evenhus, the Hilltoppers boast a robust squad comprising senior Niko Garcia and senior Melaki Gutierrez. Evenhus’s exceptional season, marked by 1616 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, demonstrates the strength of the Hilltoppers' aerial offense, showcased by his 321 yards and 4 touchdowns in their recent win against Highland.
Prediction: Both teams enter the contest with vigor and determination, hungry for a spot in the semifinals. While Los Alamos might have grabbed a playoff victory, their journey to Artesia’s home turf, the famous Bulldog Bowl, promises to be a new experience for the program. However, the Bulldogs’ multifaceted offense and solid defense might prove overwhelming. The prediction tips the scales slightly in Artesia’s favor, with a forecast of a dominant 42-14 win over Los Alamos.
5A Quarterfinal - #4 Goddard Rockets vs #5 Deming Wildcats
Get ready for an electrifying clash as the #4 Goddard Rockets square off against the #5 Deming Wildcats in the 5A Quarterfinals. The Rockets, after an impressive 8-3 overall season, earned a bye in the opening round and are gearing up for a fierce contest. Meanwhile, the Wildcats secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a dominant win against the 12-seed Belen Eagles (40-3), setting the stage for a thrilling rematch from an early-season encounter that saw Goddard emerge victorious (35-12) in Roswell.
The Wildcats, who have encountered some challenges this season, faced their losses against the 2-seed Artesia and the 3-seed Goddard. In their latest win against Belen, it was a display of running back prowess with Isaiah Pizzaro and Danny Cordova each scoring two rushing touchdowns, showcasing the Wildcats' offensive firepower. Defensively, the standout performance of All-New Mexico candidate Sebastian Acuna, with 8 solo tackles and 3 sacks, left a considerable impact by disrupting Belen’s offensive line.
Goddard, anchored by seniors Dominic Ramirez at quarterback and Jon Silva at running back, is aiming to break a two-game skid against tough competition in Roswell and Artesia. The Rockets’ defense notably contained the Wildcats' run game in their first matchup, a factor they'll aim to replicate in their pursuit of a playoff win.
Prediction: In a clash that promises to be close and intense, the prediction edges slightly toward the Wildcats. Ryan Alfaro, who has shone throughout the season, seems poised for an even more impressive showing. Given his dual-threat capabilities demonstrated in the previous encounter, an anticipated performance might just tilt the scales in Deming's favor, with a predicted final score of 24-22.
4A Quarterfinal - #1 Bloomfield Bobcats vs #9 Albuquerque Academy Chargers
The 4A Quarterfinal showdown between the #1 Bloomfield Bobcats and the #9 Albuquerque Academy Chargers promises an intense battle on the field. The Bobcats enter the game undefeated, carrying a remarkable 10-0 record and a 16-game winning streak, a testament to their status as the reigning 4A state champions. In contrast, the Chargers, who look to topple the mighty Bobcats, arrive after a victorious road game against the 8-seed Grants.
In their second encounter of the season, Bloomfield dominated their first match, sealing a decisive win (41-0) in Bloomfield. The Chargers, finishing the season 6-5 overall, have witnessed their offense evolve over the course of the season. Despite shifts, running back Jett Galles has been a standout player, delivering a stellar performance in the previous win against Grants. Brody Whitaker stands out as one of the top players in New Mexico high school football, also a strong candidate for the All-New Mexico list, leading the Chargers' defensive line.
The Bobcats have established themselves as a premier program over the past few years, culminating in their state championship win last year. Blake Spencer stepped into the role under center this season and has impressively amassed over 214 passing yards per game. Drew Perez, one of his primary targets, delivered an exceptional performance in their prior matchup against the Chargers, scoring 172 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Prediction: While the Chargers possess a roster with several talented seniors and have displayed determination, the prediction leans in favor of the Bobcats. Head coach Mike Kovacs has firmly established Bloomfield as a powerhouse, a status they've maintained over the years. The anticipated outcome of this clash tips toward a Bloomfield victory, predicted with a final score of 45-13.
4A Quarterfinal - #2 Lovington Wildcats vs #7 Espanola Valley Sundevils
The upcoming clash between the #2 Lovington Wildcats and the #7 Espanola Valley Sundevils in the 4A Quarterfinal promises an enthralling football spectacle. The Wildcats, with a 7-3 overall record, secured the District 4-4A championship and a coveted bye into the quarterfinals. On the other side, the Sundevils have been making significant strides, clinching only their second District Championship in program history and holding an impressive 8-3 record. They've gained entry into the quarterfinals by defeating the 10-seed St. Pius X Sartans last week.
Espanola Valley heads into the quarterfinals riding high on belief and momentum. Senior running backs Adrick Delon and Jack Purdy have been standout players throughout the season. Delon's extraordinary performance, boasting 1,855 rushing yards and an astounding 31 rushing touchdowns, has been the talk of northern New Mexico football. Meanwhile, Purdy seized the limelight in the previous game, rushing for 220 yards and a pivotal touchdown in their win over SPX.
The Wildcats showcased their prowess in their previous victory over Portales, previously considered the 4A favorite, clinching the district championship. The team has been led by senior quarterback Wyatt Gomez, who boasts an impressive 2,820 passing yards and an outstanding 36 passing touchdowns this season. Complemented by the talents of Demarcus Thompson, Cesar Gonzalez, and Elijah Rivero, the Wildcats' receiving core has amassed over 2,400 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. The Wildcats enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams, and the question remains whether they can sustain this momentum into the semifinals.
Prediction: The forecast suggests that while Espanola Valley's journey is commendable, the Lovington Wildcats, representing the southeast region, operate at a distinctly higher level. The prediction points toward the Wildcats triumphing with a significant lead, with a final score of 52-23.
3A Quarterfinal - #1 St. Michael's Horsemen vs #9 Raton Tigers
In the upcoming 3A Quarterfinal clash, the #1 seeded St. Michael's Horsemen will face off against the #9 Raton Tigers in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Horsemen enter the postseason after securing the District 2-3A championship and boasting an impressive 8-2 overall record. Led by one of the most successful head coaches, Joey Fernandez, St. Michael's is a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. The previous encounter between these teams ended in a 27-24 victory for St. Michael's, intensifying the rivalry as they face off once more in the quarterfinals.
The Raton Tigers have been the embodiment of resilience and progress, showcasing their growth into a formidable program. Last season, they reached the semifinals and continue to exceed expectations. Quarterback Jacob Mattorano has demonstrated consistent performance, passing for 1,617 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Running backs Cannon Walton and Joseph Saenz have been pivotal, accumulating over 1,500 rushing yards and contributing 18 touchdowns, underlining their significance in the Tigers' offense.
The St. Michael's Horsemen have displayed consistent performance and growth throughout the season. Beginning with a preseason rank of #2, they are eyeing another postseason journey after finishing as the 3A runner-ups in consecutive years. Running back Sorren Annon and Matthias Duran have been instrumental in recent games, geared up to make a significant impact in the playoffs. The defensive line, led by Pete Johnson and Ryan Hunt, remains a formidable force, recognized names making their mark in the 2023 postseason.
No Prediction
3A Quarterfinal - #2 Robertson Cardinals vs #7 Socorro Warriors
In the upcoming 3A Quarterfinal showdown, the #2 seeded Robertson Cardinals are set to face off against the #7 Socorro Warriors in what's poised to be an intense and competitive rematch. The Cardinals boast an impressive 8-2 overall record, securing a bye into the quarterfinals after finishing as the District 2-3A runner-up. The Warriors, with a 9-2 overall season record, advanced to this stage following a hard-fought victory over Hope Christian in the first round. The stage is set for a rematch after the Cardinals clinched a 28-13 win over Socorro in their initial encounter.
The story of the Warriors revolves around the multi-talented ATH Isaiah Ocampo. His dynamic performance under center is notable, having accumulated 1,846 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, coupled with an impressive 928 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. Ocampo's versatility and skill set have been pivotal to the Warriors' successes throughout the season.
On the other side, the Robertson Cardinals display remarkable prowess, especially when their game plan is in full swing. ATH Jesse James Gonzales stands out as a key figure, leading the charge with 855 passing yards and 698 rushing yards, contributing 13 touchdowns for the Cardinals. With a roster that includes additional standout athletes like Mateo Gonzales and Mateo Contreras, Robertson is equipped with depth and talent across the board.
Prediction: The forecast for this thrilling clash predicts a victory for the Cardinals. Their inherent talent, bolstered by the depth and prowess displayed by athletes like Gonzales and Contreras, points towards a hard-fought 26-20 win for Robertson. This matchup is expected to deliver an intense battle on the field, showcasing the determination and skill of both the Cardinals and the Warriors as they go head-to-head for a chance to progress further in the 3A playoffs. Football enthusiasts can anticipate an engaging and closely contested game between these competitive sides.
On the other side, the Wildcats, with an 8-3 overall record, have been on a remarkable run, especially after their convincing victory against the Jal Panthers in the quarterfinals. Noteworthy is their defensive resilience, consistently holding opponents to under 16 points per game. Watch out for the standout playmaker Kani Mathis, who's expected to shine in this crucial postseason game.
Prediction: The prediction leans towards an upset in this encounter, favoring the Wildcats. Riding high on momentum and with their impressive win over Jal, Tularosa is forecasted to clinch a 34-33 victory. This game is expected to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the resurgence of Tularosa and the Cardinals' ambition to reclaim their former championship-winning status.
On the other side, the Santa Rosa Lions are charging into the semifinals, fueled by their impressive victory against the Loving Falcons. Laden with talent, especially with ATHs Nicolas Chavez and Jykub Gage showcasing their electrifying prowess this season, the Lions are on the hunt for redemption following their early-season loss to Texico.
Prediction: In a game set to be an instant classic, the prediction tips in favor of the Wolverines, who aim to conclude what they fell short of last year. Anticipate a nail-biting finish, with Texico securing a narrow 23-22 victory. Football enthusiasts can expect a high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat encounter between these fiercely competitive teams.
Today, NMPreps presents a preview and predictions for the Saturday games in New Mexico high school football. We cover every 5A, 4A, and 3A quarterfinal matchup, highlighting key players to watch. Additionally, our coverage includes a comprehensive preview of the 2A semifinals along with our predictions.
5A Quarterfinal - #2 Artesia Bulldogs vs #7 Los Alamos Hilltoppers
Get ready for an intense showdown in the 5A Quarterfinals as the #2 Artesia Bulldogs clash with the #7 Los Alamos Hilltoppers. The Bulldogs have marched into the quarterfinals with confidence after an impressive 9-1 season and a runner-up finish in District 4-5A. Their potent offense is led by the throwing arm of quarterback Nye Estrada, known for his precision throughout his career. However, it’s not just the air game that makes them formidable; the Bulldogs have a powerful run game spearheaded by Frankie Galindo, a key figure in their chain-moving strategy. On the defensive front, seniors Phillip Finley and David Hammonds are set to track the Hilltoppers' plays, focusing on shutting down their opposition's moves.
Los Alamos, on the other hand, has been on an upward trajectory, surging into the quarterfinals after a triumphant victory against the 10-seed Highland (55-13). Led by the promising junior quarterback Kyle Evenhus, the Hilltoppers boast a robust squad comprising senior Niko Garcia and senior Melaki Gutierrez. Evenhus’s exceptional season, marked by 1616 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, demonstrates the strength of the Hilltoppers' aerial offense, showcased by his 321 yards and 4 touchdowns in their recent win against Highland.
Prediction: Both teams enter the contest with vigor and determination, hungry for a spot in the semifinals. While Los Alamos might have grabbed a playoff victory, their journey to Artesia’s home turf, the famous Bulldog Bowl, promises to be a new experience for the program. However, the Bulldogs’ multifaceted offense and solid defense might prove overwhelming. The prediction tips the scales slightly in Artesia’s favor, with a forecast of a dominant 42-14 win over Los Alamos.
5A Quarterfinal - #4 Goddard Rockets vs #5 Deming Wildcats
Get ready for an electrifying clash as the #4 Goddard Rockets square off against the #5 Deming Wildcats in the 5A Quarterfinals. The Rockets, after an impressive 8-3 overall season, earned a bye in the opening round and are gearing up for a fierce contest. Meanwhile, the Wildcats secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a dominant win against the 12-seed Belen Eagles (40-3), setting the stage for a thrilling rematch from an early-season encounter that saw Goddard emerge victorious (35-12) in Roswell.
The Wildcats, who have encountered some challenges this season, faced their losses against the 2-seed Artesia and the 3-seed Goddard. In their latest win against Belen, it was a display of running back prowess with Isaiah Pizzaro and Danny Cordova each scoring two rushing touchdowns, showcasing the Wildcats' offensive firepower. Defensively, the standout performance of All-New Mexico candidate Sebastian Acuna, with 8 solo tackles and 3 sacks, left a considerable impact by disrupting Belen’s offensive line.
Goddard, anchored by seniors Dominic Ramirez at quarterback and Jon Silva at running back, is aiming to break a two-game skid against tough competition in Roswell and Artesia. The Rockets’ defense notably contained the Wildcats' run game in their first matchup, a factor they'll aim to replicate in their pursuit of a playoff win.
Prediction: In a clash that promises to be close and intense, the prediction edges slightly toward the Wildcats. Ryan Alfaro, who has shone throughout the season, seems poised for an even more impressive showing. Given his dual-threat capabilities demonstrated in the previous encounter, an anticipated performance might just tilt the scales in Deming's favor, with a predicted final score of 24-22.
4A Quarterfinal - #1 Bloomfield Bobcats vs #9 Albuquerque Academy Chargers
The 4A Quarterfinal showdown between the #1 Bloomfield Bobcats and the #9 Albuquerque Academy Chargers promises an intense battle on the field. The Bobcats enter the game undefeated, carrying a remarkable 10-0 record and a 16-game winning streak, a testament to their status as the reigning 4A state champions. In contrast, the Chargers, who look to topple the mighty Bobcats, arrive after a victorious road game against the 8-seed Grants.
In their second encounter of the season, Bloomfield dominated their first match, sealing a decisive win (41-0) in Bloomfield. The Chargers, finishing the season 6-5 overall, have witnessed their offense evolve over the course of the season. Despite shifts, running back Jett Galles has been a standout player, delivering a stellar performance in the previous win against Grants. Brody Whitaker stands out as one of the top players in New Mexico high school football, also a strong candidate for the All-New Mexico list, leading the Chargers' defensive line.
The Bobcats have established themselves as a premier program over the past few years, culminating in their state championship win last year. Blake Spencer stepped into the role under center this season and has impressively amassed over 214 passing yards per game. Drew Perez, one of his primary targets, delivered an exceptional performance in their prior matchup against the Chargers, scoring 172 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Prediction: While the Chargers possess a roster with several talented seniors and have displayed determination, the prediction leans in favor of the Bobcats. Head coach Mike Kovacs has firmly established Bloomfield as a powerhouse, a status they've maintained over the years. The anticipated outcome of this clash tips toward a Bloomfield victory, predicted with a final score of 45-13.
4A Quarterfinal - #2 Lovington Wildcats vs #7 Espanola Valley Sundevils
The upcoming clash between the #2 Lovington Wildcats and the #7 Espanola Valley Sundevils in the 4A Quarterfinal promises an enthralling football spectacle. The Wildcats, with a 7-3 overall record, secured the District 4-4A championship and a coveted bye into the quarterfinals. On the other side, the Sundevils have been making significant strides, clinching only their second District Championship in program history and holding an impressive 8-3 record. They've gained entry into the quarterfinals by defeating the 10-seed St. Pius X Sartans last week.
Espanola Valley heads into the quarterfinals riding high on belief and momentum. Senior running backs Adrick Delon and Jack Purdy have been standout players throughout the season. Delon's extraordinary performance, boasting 1,855 rushing yards and an astounding 31 rushing touchdowns, has been the talk of northern New Mexico football. Meanwhile, Purdy seized the limelight in the previous game, rushing for 220 yards and a pivotal touchdown in their win over SPX.
The Wildcats showcased their prowess in their previous victory over Portales, previously considered the 4A favorite, clinching the district championship. The team has been led by senior quarterback Wyatt Gomez, who boasts an impressive 2,820 passing yards and an outstanding 36 passing touchdowns this season. Complemented by the talents of Demarcus Thompson, Cesar Gonzalez, and Elijah Rivero, the Wildcats' receiving core has amassed over 2,400 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. The Wildcats enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams, and the question remains whether they can sustain this momentum into the semifinals.
Prediction: The forecast suggests that while Espanola Valley's journey is commendable, the Lovington Wildcats, representing the southeast region, operate at a distinctly higher level. The prediction points toward the Wildcats triumphing with a significant lead, with a final score of 52-23.
3A Quarterfinal - #1 St. Michael's Horsemen vs #9 Raton Tigers
In the upcoming 3A Quarterfinal clash, the #1 seeded St. Michael's Horsemen will face off against the #9 Raton Tigers in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Horsemen enter the postseason after securing the District 2-3A championship and boasting an impressive 8-2 overall record. Led by one of the most successful head coaches, Joey Fernandez, St. Michael's is a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. The previous encounter between these teams ended in a 27-24 victory for St. Michael's, intensifying the rivalry as they face off once more in the quarterfinals.
The Raton Tigers have been the embodiment of resilience and progress, showcasing their growth into a formidable program. Last season, they reached the semifinals and continue to exceed expectations. Quarterback Jacob Mattorano has demonstrated consistent performance, passing for 1,617 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Running backs Cannon Walton and Joseph Saenz have been pivotal, accumulating over 1,500 rushing yards and contributing 18 touchdowns, underlining their significance in the Tigers' offense.
The St. Michael's Horsemen have displayed consistent performance and growth throughout the season. Beginning with a preseason rank of #2, they are eyeing another postseason journey after finishing as the 3A runner-ups in consecutive years. Running back Sorren Annon and Matthias Duran have been instrumental in recent games, geared up to make a significant impact in the playoffs. The defensive line, led by Pete Johnson and Ryan Hunt, remains a formidable force, recognized names making their mark in the 2023 postseason.
No Prediction
3A Quarterfinal - #2 Robertson Cardinals vs #7 Socorro Warriors
In the upcoming 3A Quarterfinal showdown, the #2 seeded Robertson Cardinals are set to face off against the #7 Socorro Warriors in what's poised to be an intense and competitive rematch. The Cardinals boast an impressive 8-2 overall record, securing a bye into the quarterfinals after finishing as the District 2-3A runner-up. The Warriors, with a 9-2 overall season record, advanced to this stage following a hard-fought victory over Hope Christian in the first round. The stage is set for a rematch after the Cardinals clinched a 28-13 win over Socorro in their initial encounter.
The story of the Warriors revolves around the multi-talented ATH Isaiah Ocampo. His dynamic performance under center is notable, having accumulated 1,846 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, coupled with an impressive 928 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. Ocampo's versatility and skill set have been pivotal to the Warriors' successes throughout the season.
On the other side, the Robertson Cardinals display remarkable prowess, especially when their game plan is in full swing. ATH Jesse James Gonzales stands out as a key figure, leading the charge with 855 passing yards and 698 rushing yards, contributing 13 touchdowns for the Cardinals. With a roster that includes additional standout athletes like Mateo Gonzales and Mateo Contreras, Robertson is equipped with depth and talent across the board.
Prediction: The forecast for this thrilling clash predicts a victory for the Cardinals. Their inherent talent, bolstered by the depth and prowess displayed by athletes like Gonzales and Contreras, points towards a hard-fought 26-20 win for Robertson. This matchup is expected to deliver an intense battle on the field, showcasing the determination and skill of both the Cardinals and the Warriors as they go head-to-head for a chance to progress further in the 3A playoffs. Football enthusiasts can anticipate an engaging and closely contested game between these competitive sides.
2A Semifinals Preview
#1 Eunice Cardinals vs #5 Tularosa Wildcats
In a showdown between the seasoned Eunice Cardinals and the surging Tularosa Wildcats, expect an electrifying clash in the 2A Semifinals. The Cardinals, having had a history of dominance with several state championship appearances and titles, are aiming to return to their former glory after missing the championship game last season. Led by the dynamic sophomore quarterback Elijah Melancon and the rushing prowess of Elijan Woods, the Cardinals have been an offensive force, tallying over 2,200 passing yards and nearly 1,000 rushing yards this season.On the other side, the Wildcats, with an 8-3 overall record, have been on a remarkable run, especially after their convincing victory against the Jal Panthers in the quarterfinals. Noteworthy is their defensive resilience, consistently holding opponents to under 16 points per game. Watch out for the standout playmaker Kani Mathis, who's expected to shine in this crucial postseason game.
Prediction: The prediction leans towards an upset in this encounter, favoring the Wildcats. Riding high on momentum and with their impressive win over Jal, Tularosa is forecasted to clinch a 34-33 victory. This game is expected to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the resurgence of Tularosa and the Cardinals' ambition to reclaim their former championship-winning status.
#2 Texico Wolverines vs #3 Santa Rosa Lions
The Texico Wolverines and the Santa Rosa Lions are set to ignite the field in what's anticipated to be the marquee event of the day. The Wolverines, with a strong showing in the quarterfinals with a dominant 50-0 victory over the Estancia Bears, are motivated to redeem last year's state championship loss to Jal. Quarterback Cade Figg and standout player Alex Fuentes bring their experience and skill, eyeing a definitive win in this anticipated showdown.On the other side, the Santa Rosa Lions are charging into the semifinals, fueled by their impressive victory against the Loving Falcons. Laden with talent, especially with ATHs Nicolas Chavez and Jykub Gage showcasing their electrifying prowess this season, the Lions are on the hunt for redemption following their early-season loss to Texico.
Prediction: In a game set to be an instant classic, the prediction tips in favor of the Wolverines, who aim to conclude what they fell short of last year. Anticipate a nail-biting finish, with Texico securing a narrow 23-22 victory. Football enthusiasts can expect a high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat encounter between these fiercely competitive teams.
