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Top 25 Preview
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com
No. 1 Cleveland vs. Onate
It’s military appreciate night in Rio Rancho as the No. 1 ranked Storm takes on Onate who is currently 0-2. The Storm defeated El Paso Del Valley 52-36 in week 2, a tough win on the road. Quarterback Gabe Ortega has been money and their defensive line has been worth the hype. Last week running back Landry Hayes had his first big game of the year rushing for over 100-yards and 3 touchdowns.
No. 2 Mayfield @ Carlsbad
The Trojans make the long drive to Carlsbad Friday Night and the Storyline is Michael Bradley the Head Coach of Mayfield vs. Gary Bradley his younger brother the first year Coach of Carlsbad. Though Mayfield is highly favored in this one, sibling rivalries are fun to watch. The Trojans are coming off a wild 69-49 victory over El Paso Franklin in which Running Back Isaac Vance rushed for more than 250-yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Expecting Ralph Boywer to be packed.
No. 3 Centennial vs. Del Norte
The Hawks are 2-0 on the season and coming off a 55-6 win over Gadsden in week 2. Quarterback Dante Lopez has already accounted for 6 touchdowns and the defense has been led by Jake Boykin at linebacker who has 16 tackles through two games. Del Norte is better than Gadsden having beaten Albuquerque High last weekend 21-14, but the Hawks are the strong favorite once again, especially with the game being at the Field of Dreams.
No. 4 Las Cruces vs. Volcano Vista
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs earned their first win of the season last week blasting La Cueva 46-7. It was an ugly game, the first game was cut short, their next game is on a Saturday, so it’s been a weird start for the Bulldawgs. Despite the non-fluidity, the Bulldawgs looked strong against La Cueva with quarterback Kameron Miller racking up three touchdowns. Their secondary has been questioned all summer, time for either the critics to be right or for Las Cruces to shut them up against a very dangerous pass happy Volcano crew.
No. 5 Volcano Vista @ Las Cruces
During our summer preview of Volcano Vista, we titled the story “the time is now” as we felt this was going to be Volcano Vista’s best team maybe ever. In the first two weeks of play Volcano Vista has been on fire rolling past Sandia 37-3 and then taking care of Manzano 34-17, the score was closer than the actually game. Three year starter Josh Williams has some outstanding targets and the defense has been A+++. Big test on the road, are they for real? We’ll know Saturday around 5PM.
No. 6. Artesia vs. Valencia
It’s homecoming in Artesia, the parade down main street will be in full effect for the Bulldogs who are coming off a monster 38-28 victory over Hobbs in week 2. Last weekend they dropped a ton of balls, but still Quarterback Justin Houghtaling threw for 406 and scored 5 touchdowns. Their defense has proven to be top notch with Carlos Carrasco who has 3 interceptions and Codey Scott who has 8.5 sacks leading the way. The Jaguars are coming off a big victory over West Mesa and are led by first year coach Collin Justiss.
No. 7 Eldorado Eagles defeated West Mesa 49-8
The Eldorado Eagles moved to 3-0 on the season defeating West Mesa Thursday Night 49-8. Through three games, the Eagles have outscored the competition by a combined 156-8. The Eagles got on the board in the first thanks to a Dominic Sandoval 35-yard touchdown, then a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jayce Jackson to Isaiah Martinez. The Eagles led 35-0 after a Dominic Sandoval touchdown, then made it 49-0 in the 4th quarter when Noah Sweitzer returned a blocked field goal 80-yards for a score. The Eagles will take on Volcano Vista, Mayfield, and Cleveland in weeks 4, 5, and 6.
No. 8 Rio Rancho vs. La Cueva
The Ram’s 14 game winning streak was snapped last week losing to El Paso Americas 33-14. Turnovers plagued week 2, but don’t count the Ram’s out just yet of making another strong run, they have plenty of talent to remain in the top 10 and are the strong favorites against La Cueva. If their run defense is ready, they should be able to take care of a young Bear’s team in week 3.
No. 9. Clovis vs. Atrisco Heritage
The Clovis Wildcats are 2-0 on the season after a lackluster win in week 2 defeating Cibola 14-6. It’s military appreciation night in Clovis, in-fact the Wildcats who recently got their C decals will also be wearing a Osprey Decal (United States Military Helicopter). For two weeks in a row junior running back Micah Gray has hit the 130-yard mark, but it still seems like we have yet to see what the Wildcat’s can really do, expecting them to open it up against 0-2 Atrisco Heritage.
No. 10 Alamogordo Tigers @ Highland
The Alamogordo Tigers have been untouchable in their first two weeks of play defeating Valencia 55-0 and beating Los Lunas 46-7. Last weekend Junior Tiger Quarterback Kyle Hooper threw for 420-yards and account for 6 touchdowns, Alex Ramirez racked up 134-yards including a punt return for a touchdown, and Julian Segura had his first big game of the year hauling in 9 receptions for 157-yards. They are again the favorite against 1-1 Highland, next week things heat up when they host the Mayfield Trojans.
No. 11 Hobbs vs. Roswell
The Eagles who are now 0-2 on the season have lost to No. 2 in 6A the Mayfield Trojans and No. 2 in 5A the Artesia Bulldogs by a combined 17 points. Not bad losses at all and their strength of schedule should prepare them for a very tough district when we head down the stretch. The positives have been the play of Isaac Amaya who hasn’t made too many mistakes along with Running Back Jeremy Padilla who looks like a showstopper each time he gets the football. The bad news is they have allowed over 1,000-yards of offense and 79 points in two games. Roswell doesn’t seem like a cakewalk either.
No. 12 Sandia vs. Albuquerque
Which Sandia team is going to show up this weekend? The team that ran past Atrisco Heritage last weekend 51-6 or the team that got waxed by Volcano Vista in week 1 37-3? No idea, but what we do know is that Jimmy Gallegos, a senior at Sandia accounted for 5 touchdowns last week and if he gets fed the ball enough against the Bulldogs, he’ll likely do the same. Sandia is the big favorite, should not have a problem picking up win number two.
No. 13. Onate @ Cleveland
The Knights have played a tough pre-district schedule losing to Centennial, then to El Paso Eastlake, then having to travel to Rio Rancho in week 3 to take on the No. 1 ranked Storm. The good news is they are scoring 24.0 per game, the bad news is they are allowing 35 points per game and if they haven’t tightened things up this week, Cleveland is going to score double that average. Best shot Onate has Friday night is to hold the football and establish long drives that keep the Storm’s offense on the sidelines.
No. 14 La Cueva @ Rio Rancho
The Bears played Las Cruces the best they could last week losing 46-7 and eventually, the Bears are going to have their vengeance in a few years as they are super young. They take on Rio Rancho this weekend, the two teams have played a total of just once, with Rio Rancho wining last year. Similar to Onate vs. Cleveland, La Cueva has to keep the Ram’s off the field and honestly, Chris Campbell looked solid at quarterback making some good throws against the Bulldawgs. Tough road to climb in week 3 for the Bears.
No. 15 Cibola Cougars vs. Valley
The Cougars are better than expected beating Albuquerque in week 1 37-7 and taking Clovis down to the wire losing just 14-6. This weekend, they play in almost a must win game against Valley, you never know where the two teams will fall come district time and district placement matters if you want to make the playoffs. Kayzon Martin blew up in week one scoring 5 touchdowns, didn’t hear much from him in week 2.
No. 16 Manzano defeated Rio Grande 55-14
Thursday Night the Manzano Monarchs won their first game of the season defeating Rio Grande by 41 points. The Monarchs are now 1-2 on the season, Rio Grande moves to 3. On the night Jordan Byrd and Orlando Perez each scored 2 touchdowns.
No. 17 St. Pius X @ Gallup
The Sartans now 3-0 on the season after defeating the Los Alamos Hilltoppers 46-0 will head to Gallup in week 3. Last weekend Quarterback Drew Ortiz who is just a junior at St. Pius X had a monster week passing for 215-yards, rushing for 180-yards, and accounting for 6 touchdowns. Expecting the Sartans to make it a short night in Bengal Country.
No. 18 Valley Vikings vs. Cibola
The Valley Vikings are hanging around in the NMPreps.com Top 25 by threads after being blown out by Rio Rancho in week 1 and by Eldorado 55-0 in week 2. This is a winnable game against Cibola and there is a bit of rivalry here as Valley Head Coach Enrico Marcelli used to be an assisted at Cibola a few years ago. Watch for Valley Running Back Michael Barboa to get things going.
No. 19 Piedra Vista Panthers @ Durango, Colorado
The Week 2 NMPreps.com Team of the Week was Piedra Vista after defeating Goddard in week two 34-16. The Panthers now 2-0 on the season will play regional rival Durango who is coming off wins against Luthern and Aztec last week winning 53-14. Last weekend Piedra Vista was led by Elijah Gamboa who threw for 61-yards, ran for 121-yards, and scored two touchdowns and also by Matt Gonzales who reeled off a punt return for a touchdown.
No. 20 Goddard vs. Los Lunas
The Rockets will open up at home underneath the lights of the Wool Bowl 0-2, something that hasn’t happened in quite some time. What better time to get back to business than at home? The Rockets lost to Clovis in week one 34-14 and lost to Piedra Vista 34-16 in week 2. This weekend they host Los Lunas who has one of the most dangerous running backs in the land in O’Muary Samuels who has an offer from New Mexico State and is also being recruited by New Mexico.
No. 21 Deming @ Silver
Deming jumped back into the Top 25 rankings after defeating the Carlsbad Cavemen last weekend 41-34. Dante Urrea a senior at Deming scored 6 touchdowns last week, earning him a spot on the NMPreps.com All-New Mexico Team. A regional rivalry against Silver is always a toss up.
No. 22 Carlsbad vs. Mayfield
The Cavemen now 0-2 under 1st year Head Coach Gary Bradley will host the No. 2 Ranked Mayfield Trojans at Ralph Bowyer. Gary going against his older brother Michael is a great storyline, especially with their father Jim Bradley Sr. passing away earlier this year. Expecting Mayfield to roll, but you never know on Friday Nights.
No. 23 Miyamura @ Bayfield. Colorado
The Miyamura Patriots keep winning and enter their match up against Bayfield 2-0 after beating Montezuma-Cortez last weekend. Running Back AJ Starkovich has over 300-yards in just two-games. Bayfield is 1-0 beating Kirtland Central in week 1 43-0.
No. 24 Farmington vs. Belen
The Farmington Scorpions are 2-0 after scoring 63 points last weekend to beat Kirtland Central. They take on 0-2 Belen at Hutchinson Stadium.
No. 25 Hatch vs. Lordsburg
No. 1 in Class 4A Hatch Valley will take on No. 2 from Class 3A in Lordsburg. The Bears have rolled past their first two opponents Dexter and Ruidoso by a combined score of 89-14. Lordsburg, likely still one-year away from being the favorite has outscored their first two opponents by a combined 109-0. Watch for Adrian Grajeda from Hatch and Johnny Plowman from Lordsburg.
Week 3 Preview - 5 Storylines To Watch This Weekend
By: Kyle Henderson of NMpreps.com
1. Volcano Vista @ Las Cruces aka First Big Time Game of The Season
The Volcano Vista Hawks will take their 2-0 record to the Field of Dreams this Saturday to play Las Cruces 1-1 in the first big time match up of the season. The Hawks have ran through their first two opponents defeating Sandia 37-3 and Manzano 34-17. This game features two three year starting quarterbacks in Josh Williams of Volcano Vista vs. Kameron Miller of Las Cruces. Williams has accounted for 6 touchdowns and more than 400-yards of offense, Miller who holds offers from New Mexico and New Mexico State has thrown for 338-yards, 3 touchdowns, and ran for 134-yards with two touchdowns. Game is Saturday at the Field of Dreams at 1PM MST.
2. 0-2 Teams That Should Win This Weekend
Hobbs now 0-2 after losing to Mayfield and Artesia will take on a much improved Roswell Coyotes team. Despite their early season losses, the Eagles are still ranked No. 11 in the NMPreps.com Top 25. The Manzano Monarchs have played Cleveland and Volcano Vista to start the season, they finally get a break this weekend taking on winless Rio Grande. The Goddard Rockets are 0-2 and will play their first game at the Wool Bowl this weekend against 0-2 Los Lunas. Now while some Goddard faithful feel it’s the new jersey’s to blame for their 0-2 start, we feel it’s the fact they lost to two quality football teams. Clovis is 2-0 and Piedra Vista is 2-0. The Lovington Wildcats are 0-2 and will take on winless Ruidoso, the Wildcats have been beat in back to back weeks by Portales and Estancia. 0-2 Robertson takes on Santa Rosa and should be able to hold off the Single Wing for a second year in a row.
3. Contender or Pretender
The Centennial Hawks are hot no doubt, but have played two teams early on with a combined record of 0-4, this week they take on another non-ranked team in 1-1 Del Norte. You could make the same case for Artesia who is also 2-0 and has also beaten two teams which are a combined 0-4, this week they take on Valencia. With those stats pointed out, Centennial beat a good Onate team and Artesia beat a good Hobbs team, so we are thinking contender for each team. Eldorado, Clovis, and Alamogordo are each teams you could consider pretenders at this point. Are they good teams, absolutely. However, their early season schedules have not told us anything. Eldorado beat winless Valley and beat winless Rio Grande by way of mercy rule. Clovis beat Goddard who is 0-2 and then beat Cibola just 14-6 in Albuquerque. Alamogordo has shined early on, but their wins come against 0-2 Los Lunas and 1-1 Valencia. Until these teams win some marquee 6A games, consider each a pretender.
4. Small School Premier Match Ups
No. 1 in Class 4A Hatch Valley will take on No. 2 from Class 3A in Lordsburg. The Bears have rolled past their first two opponents Dexter and Ruidoso by a combined score of 89-14. Lordsburg, likely still one-year away from being the favorite has outscored their first two opponents by a combined 109-0. Watch for Adrian Grajeda from Hatch and Johnny Plowman from Lordsburg. No. 1 in Class 3A Estancia will take on Tucumcari who upset Texico last weekend. The Bears have been dominate beating Class 5A loving ton 32-27 and beating Navajo Prep 54-20 last week.
5. List of the Undefeated Teams
Alamogordo 2-0
Alamo Navajo 2-0
Animas 2-0
Artesia 2-0
Bloomfield 2-0
Carrizozo 2-0
Centennial 2-0
Clayton 2-0
Cleveland 2-0
Clovis 2-0
Eldorado 2-0
Escalante 2-0
Espanola 2-0
Estancia 2-0
Farmington 2-0
Gateway Christian 2-0
Grady/San Jon 2-0
Grants 2-0
Hatch 2-0
Hope 2-0
Hot Springs 2-0
Laguna 1-0
Lake Arthur 1-0
Lordsburg 2-0
Magdalena 2-0
Mayfield 2-0
Melrose 2-0
Miyamura 2-0
NMMI 2-0
Piedra Vista 2-0
Portales 2-0
St. Mike’s 2-0
St. Pius X 2-0
Volcano Vista 2-0
5 Questions For Top-25 Teams Heading into Week 3
By: Josh Grine of NMPreps.com
1. Is No. 9 Clovis a viable pick for Final Four?
The evidence is not the 'greatest' right now. The Wildcats, mentioned in the 5 story lines for the weekend, had a slow week two showing against a Cibola team that many think won't be a playoff team in 2015. QB Daulton Hatley had a big run of 26-yards in the win over Cibola but not much out. But they need a big win this weekend against Atrsico Heritage Academy for anyone to take them serious. Can they run the table in their district with a surging Alamogordo and a team that still could win many down the road in 0-2 Hobbs. The question with the Cats we have is will they turn up the points against the likes of Cleveland (week four) and both mentioned teams in District who can put up points in hurry. Right now, the answer is likely no to a final four team. The jury is still out.
2. Mr. Football Wrapped Up After Two Weeks for No. 2 Mayfield Runningback?
Isaac Vance, the Mayfield Trojans ran for 268-yards with 5 rushing touchdowns, 74 receiving yards with 1 touchdown against EP Franklin. His name is all over the headlines for providing yard after yard, tweet after tweet and getting all the love in Southern New Mexico. Yes, NMP Nation we still have many weeks to go but man the dude is my vote two weeks in a row. Who is behind him right now, with the chances of catching him? You be the jury on that answer? I guess the answer can Vance continue the hot start this weekend as he leads the No. 2 Trojans against Carlsbad? Does he need another 200+ game against an 0-2 team to stay hot on the voting list?
3. No. 15 Cibola or No. 14 La Cueva who is the playoff team, week 2 could still leave question marks?
Cibola and La Cueva didn't put up points against tough(er) competition during week-2. Does that make them both teams in the conversation of 'pretender' in regards to being a state tournament team? Cibola will have to find ways to score against Volcano vista, Rio Rancho and Cleveland who all could score in a hurry. Bright side in week three we will need them to put up points and dominate against a Valley team that has seen better starts. La Cueva gets the chance to prove this question with a match-up with Rio Rancho in week 2. Can they score though to keep up with the Rams?
4. Will No. 8 Rio Rancho show that they can still put up those points, they have a big chance?
The Rams only scored 21-points in the loss last weekend, the lowest in two years. The Rams square off with fellow Top-25 team La Cueva (No. 14) this weekend and will hope to prove to us that they are still the scoring machine from a season (maybe two) ago. Can they rebound from a slow offensive night in terms of a team that has been provides basketball score finals on Friday night. If they don't can we still consider them a favorite to win or be a final four team without a dominating performance?
5. Can (Bubble No. 26) Roswell stop an offensive team in No. 11 Hobbs?
The Coyotes held a first half lead last week against Canyon Texas before folding in the second half losing the contest. Well the Coyotes stomped Ruidoso who hasn't been much on the O side of the ball and Canyon who scored around it's average of 28 plus points but what happens against an Eagles team who can score in the 50's or 60's. Does the bubble stop and they are not a 5A favorite? The Coyotes will need to not only stop an offensive machine in Hobbs but also they will need to provide scoring (13 last weekend) will not be enough.
Thursday Night Recap
Eldorado 49, West Mesa 8
The Eldorado Eagles moved to 3-0 on the season defeating West Mesa Thursday Night 49-8. Through three games, the Eagles have outscored the competition by a combined 156-8. The Eagles got on the board in the first thanks to a Dominic Sandoval 35-yard touchdown, then a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jayce Jackson to Isaiah Martinez. The Eagles led 35-0 after a Dominic Sandoval touchdown, then made it 49-0 in the 4th quarter when Noah Sweitzer returned a blocked field goal 80-yards for a score. The Eagles will take on Volcano Vista, Mayfield, and Cleveland in weeks 4, 5, and 6.
El Paso Eldorado 65, Gadsden 7
The El Paso Eldorado Aztecs were leading Gadsden 62-0 at the half and were taking victory formation in the 3rd quarter as they moved to 3-0 on the night. Gadsden scored late in the 4th quarter when Sergio Ramos connected with John Hernandez for a 46-yard touchdown. The Panthers have opened with an very tough schedule: 1-1 Del Valle, 2-0 Centennial, and 3-0 El Paso El Dorado.
Manzano 55, Rio Grande 14
Thursday Night the Manzano Monarchs won their first game of the season defeating Rio Grande by 41 points. The Monarchs are now 1-2 on the season, Rio Grande moves to 0-3.
Week 2 All-New Mexico Selections
Week 2 Offensive Selections
QB - Justin Houghtaling - Artesia - Threw for 406-yards, two touchdowns, and ran for 3 touchdowns
against Hobbs
QB - Dante Urrea - Deming - Ran for 236-yards and scored 6 touchdowns against Carlsbad
RB - Isaac Vance - Mayfield - Ran for 268-yards with 5 rushing touchdowns, 74 receiving yards with 1 touchdown against EP Franklin
RB - Jimmy Gallegos - Sandia - Ran for 195-yards, 80-yards receiving, 3 rushing touchdowns, 2 receiving touchdowns, 1 interception
WR - JR Pena - Centennial - 79-yards receiving and 2 touchdowns against Gadsden
WR - David Cormier - Volcano Vista - Caught touchdown pass against Manzano
WR - Tyler Sarracino - Laguna Acoma - 6 receptions for 129-yards and a touchdown
OL - Cleveland Storm - Storm had a solid showing down in El Paso racking up big yards and helping their skill guys score 4 touchdowns on the ground.
Week 2 Defensive Selections
DL - Codey Scott - Artesia - Had 5.5 sacks against Hobbs (8.5 this year), 6 tackles
DL - Nick Mourning - Volcano Vista - Had monster game on defense against Manzano
DL - Antonio Norton - Tucumcari - 8 assisted tackles, 6 solo tackles, 4 quarterback sacks, 3 tackles for loss against Texico
LB - Seth Martinez - Clayton - 12 tackles against Eunice
LB - Jake Boykin - Centennial - 9 total tackles against Gadsden
LB - Isaiah De La Rosa - Roswell - 10 tackles, 1 for loss against Canyon
DB - Brandon Beaza - Las Cruces - touchdown catch and two interceptions against La Cueva
DB - Carlos Carrasco - Artesia - Had interception against Hobbs (3rd on the year)
DB - Darion Ontiveros - Portales - 2 interceptions against Lovington
DB - Chross Jaramillo - St. Mike's - 150 yd rushing w/ 88 yd TD, 2-2 passing w/ 66 yd. TD pass, 45 yd. receiving, 1 2pt. conversion, and 2 picks on Defense and forced fumble for TD.
Week 2 Special Teams Selections
PR - Alex Ramirez - Alamogordo - Accounted for 170-yards of offense, 3 touchdowns against Los Lunas, punt return for touchdown against Los Lunas
PR - Matt Gonzales - Piedra Vista - Returned punt 85-yards for a touchdown against Goddard
KR - Rowdy Allen - Melrose - Returned kick for touchdown against Cloudcroft
Top 25 Preview
By: Kyle Henderson of NMPreps.com
No. 1 Cleveland vs. Onate
It’s military appreciate night in Rio Rancho as the No. 1 ranked Storm takes on Onate who is currently 0-2. The Storm defeated El Paso Del Valley 52-36 in week 2, a tough win on the road. Quarterback Gabe Ortega has been money and their defensive line has been worth the hype. Last week running back Landry Hayes had his first big game of the year rushing for over 100-yards and 3 touchdowns.
No. 2 Mayfield @ Carlsbad
The Trojans make the long drive to Carlsbad Friday Night and the Storyline is Michael Bradley the Head Coach of Mayfield vs. Gary Bradley his younger brother the first year Coach of Carlsbad. Though Mayfield is highly favored in this one, sibling rivalries are fun to watch. The Trojans are coming off a wild 69-49 victory over El Paso Franklin in which Running Back Isaac Vance rushed for more than 250-yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Expecting Ralph Boywer to be packed.
No. 3 Centennial vs. Del Norte
The Hawks are 2-0 on the season and coming off a 55-6 win over Gadsden in week 2. Quarterback Dante Lopez has already accounted for 6 touchdowns and the defense has been led by Jake Boykin at linebacker who has 16 tackles through two games. Del Norte is better than Gadsden having beaten Albuquerque High last weekend 21-14, but the Hawks are the strong favorite once again, especially with the game being at the Field of Dreams.
No. 4 Las Cruces vs. Volcano Vista
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs earned their first win of the season last week blasting La Cueva 46-7. It was an ugly game, the first game was cut short, their next game is on a Saturday, so it’s been a weird start for the Bulldawgs. Despite the non-fluidity, the Bulldawgs looked strong against La Cueva with quarterback Kameron Miller racking up three touchdowns. Their secondary has been questioned all summer, time for either the critics to be right or for Las Cruces to shut them up against a very dangerous pass happy Volcano crew.
No. 5 Volcano Vista @ Las Cruces
During our summer preview of Volcano Vista, we titled the story “the time is now” as we felt this was going to be Volcano Vista’s best team maybe ever. In the first two weeks of play Volcano Vista has been on fire rolling past Sandia 37-3 and then taking care of Manzano 34-17, the score was closer than the actually game. Three year starter Josh Williams has some outstanding targets and the defense has been A+++. Big test on the road, are they for real? We’ll know Saturday around 5PM.
No. 6. Artesia vs. Valencia
It’s homecoming in Artesia, the parade down main street will be in full effect for the Bulldogs who are coming off a monster 38-28 victory over Hobbs in week 2. Last weekend they dropped a ton of balls, but still Quarterback Justin Houghtaling threw for 406 and scored 5 touchdowns. Their defense has proven to be top notch with Carlos Carrasco who has 3 interceptions and Codey Scott who has 8.5 sacks leading the way. The Jaguars are coming off a big victory over West Mesa and are led by first year coach Collin Justiss.
No. 7 Eldorado Eagles defeated West Mesa 49-8
The Eldorado Eagles moved to 3-0 on the season defeating West Mesa Thursday Night 49-8. Through three games, the Eagles have outscored the competition by a combined 156-8. The Eagles got on the board in the first thanks to a Dominic Sandoval 35-yard touchdown, then a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jayce Jackson to Isaiah Martinez. The Eagles led 35-0 after a Dominic Sandoval touchdown, then made it 49-0 in the 4th quarter when Noah Sweitzer returned a blocked field goal 80-yards for a score. The Eagles will take on Volcano Vista, Mayfield, and Cleveland in weeks 4, 5, and 6.
No. 8 Rio Rancho vs. La Cueva
The Ram’s 14 game winning streak was snapped last week losing to El Paso Americas 33-14. Turnovers plagued week 2, but don’t count the Ram’s out just yet of making another strong run, they have plenty of talent to remain in the top 10 and are the strong favorites against La Cueva. If their run defense is ready, they should be able to take care of a young Bear’s team in week 3.
No. 9. Clovis vs. Atrisco Heritage
The Clovis Wildcats are 2-0 on the season after a lackluster win in week 2 defeating Cibola 14-6. It’s military appreciation night in Clovis, in-fact the Wildcats who recently got their C decals will also be wearing a Osprey Decal (United States Military Helicopter). For two weeks in a row junior running back Micah Gray has hit the 130-yard mark, but it still seems like we have yet to see what the Wildcat’s can really do, expecting them to open it up against 0-2 Atrisco Heritage.
No. 10 Alamogordo Tigers @ Highland
The Alamogordo Tigers have been untouchable in their first two weeks of play defeating Valencia 55-0 and beating Los Lunas 46-7. Last weekend Junior Tiger Quarterback Kyle Hooper threw for 420-yards and account for 6 touchdowns, Alex Ramirez racked up 134-yards including a punt return for a touchdown, and Julian Segura had his first big game of the year hauling in 9 receptions for 157-yards. They are again the favorite against 1-1 Highland, next week things heat up when they host the Mayfield Trojans.
No. 11 Hobbs vs. Roswell
The Eagles who are now 0-2 on the season have lost to No. 2 in 6A the Mayfield Trojans and No. 2 in 5A the Artesia Bulldogs by a combined 17 points. Not bad losses at all and their strength of schedule should prepare them for a very tough district when we head down the stretch. The positives have been the play of Isaac Amaya who hasn’t made too many mistakes along with Running Back Jeremy Padilla who looks like a showstopper each time he gets the football. The bad news is they have allowed over 1,000-yards of offense and 79 points in two games. Roswell doesn’t seem like a cakewalk either.
No. 12 Sandia vs. Albuquerque
Which Sandia team is going to show up this weekend? The team that ran past Atrisco Heritage last weekend 51-6 or the team that got waxed by Volcano Vista in week 1 37-3? No idea, but what we do know is that Jimmy Gallegos, a senior at Sandia accounted for 5 touchdowns last week and if he gets fed the ball enough against the Bulldogs, he’ll likely do the same. Sandia is the big favorite, should not have a problem picking up win number two.
No. 13. Onate @ Cleveland
The Knights have played a tough pre-district schedule losing to Centennial, then to El Paso Eastlake, then having to travel to Rio Rancho in week 3 to take on the No. 1 ranked Storm. The good news is they are scoring 24.0 per game, the bad news is they are allowing 35 points per game and if they haven’t tightened things up this week, Cleveland is going to score double that average. Best shot Onate has Friday night is to hold the football and establish long drives that keep the Storm’s offense on the sidelines.
No. 14 La Cueva @ Rio Rancho
The Bears played Las Cruces the best they could last week losing 46-7 and eventually, the Bears are going to have their vengeance in a few years as they are super young. They take on Rio Rancho this weekend, the two teams have played a total of just once, with Rio Rancho wining last year. Similar to Onate vs. Cleveland, La Cueva has to keep the Ram’s off the field and honestly, Chris Campbell looked solid at quarterback making some good throws against the Bulldawgs. Tough road to climb in week 3 for the Bears.
No. 15 Cibola Cougars vs. Valley
The Cougars are better than expected beating Albuquerque in week 1 37-7 and taking Clovis down to the wire losing just 14-6. This weekend, they play in almost a must win game against Valley, you never know where the two teams will fall come district time and district placement matters if you want to make the playoffs. Kayzon Martin blew up in week one scoring 5 touchdowns, didn’t hear much from him in week 2.
No. 16 Manzano defeated Rio Grande 55-14
Thursday Night the Manzano Monarchs won their first game of the season defeating Rio Grande by 41 points. The Monarchs are now 1-2 on the season, Rio Grande moves to 3. On the night Jordan Byrd and Orlando Perez each scored 2 touchdowns.
No. 17 St. Pius X @ Gallup
The Sartans now 3-0 on the season after defeating the Los Alamos Hilltoppers 46-0 will head to Gallup in week 3. Last weekend Quarterback Drew Ortiz who is just a junior at St. Pius X had a monster week passing for 215-yards, rushing for 180-yards, and accounting for 6 touchdowns. Expecting the Sartans to make it a short night in Bengal Country.
No. 18 Valley Vikings vs. Cibola
The Valley Vikings are hanging around in the NMPreps.com Top 25 by threads after being blown out by Rio Rancho in week 1 and by Eldorado 55-0 in week 2. This is a winnable game against Cibola and there is a bit of rivalry here as Valley Head Coach Enrico Marcelli used to be an assisted at Cibola a few years ago. Watch for Valley Running Back Michael Barboa to get things going.
No. 19 Piedra Vista Panthers @ Durango, Colorado
The Week 2 NMPreps.com Team of the Week was Piedra Vista after defeating Goddard in week two 34-16. The Panthers now 2-0 on the season will play regional rival Durango who is coming off wins against Luthern and Aztec last week winning 53-14. Last weekend Piedra Vista was led by Elijah Gamboa who threw for 61-yards, ran for 121-yards, and scored two touchdowns and also by Matt Gonzales who reeled off a punt return for a touchdown.
No. 20 Goddard vs. Los Lunas
The Rockets will open up at home underneath the lights of the Wool Bowl 0-2, something that hasn’t happened in quite some time. What better time to get back to business than at home? The Rockets lost to Clovis in week one 34-14 and lost to Piedra Vista 34-16 in week 2. This weekend they host Los Lunas who has one of the most dangerous running backs in the land in O’Muary Samuels who has an offer from New Mexico State and is also being recruited by New Mexico.
No. 21 Deming @ Silver
Deming jumped back into the Top 25 rankings after defeating the Carlsbad Cavemen last weekend 41-34. Dante Urrea a senior at Deming scored 6 touchdowns last week, earning him a spot on the NMPreps.com All-New Mexico Team. A regional rivalry against Silver is always a toss up.
No. 22 Carlsbad vs. Mayfield
The Cavemen now 0-2 under 1st year Head Coach Gary Bradley will host the No. 2 Ranked Mayfield Trojans at Ralph Bowyer. Gary going against his older brother Michael is a great storyline, especially with their father Jim Bradley Sr. passing away earlier this year. Expecting Mayfield to roll, but you never know on Friday Nights.
No. 23 Miyamura @ Bayfield. Colorado
The Miyamura Patriots keep winning and enter their match up against Bayfield 2-0 after beating Montezuma-Cortez last weekend. Running Back AJ Starkovich has over 300-yards in just two-games. Bayfield is 1-0 beating Kirtland Central in week 1 43-0.
No. 24 Farmington vs. Belen
The Farmington Scorpions are 2-0 after scoring 63 points last weekend to beat Kirtland Central. They take on 0-2 Belen at Hutchinson Stadium.
No. 25 Hatch vs. Lordsburg
No. 1 in Class 4A Hatch Valley will take on No. 2 from Class 3A in Lordsburg. The Bears have rolled past their first two opponents Dexter and Ruidoso by a combined score of 89-14. Lordsburg, likely still one-year away from being the favorite has outscored their first two opponents by a combined 109-0. Watch for Adrian Grajeda from Hatch and Johnny Plowman from Lordsburg.
Week 3 Preview - 5 Storylines To Watch This Weekend
By: Kyle Henderson of NMpreps.com
1. Volcano Vista @ Las Cruces aka First Big Time Game of The Season
The Volcano Vista Hawks will take their 2-0 record to the Field of Dreams this Saturday to play Las Cruces 1-1 in the first big time match up of the season. The Hawks have ran through their first two opponents defeating Sandia 37-3 and Manzano 34-17. This game features two three year starting quarterbacks in Josh Williams of Volcano Vista vs. Kameron Miller of Las Cruces. Williams has accounted for 6 touchdowns and more than 400-yards of offense, Miller who holds offers from New Mexico and New Mexico State has thrown for 338-yards, 3 touchdowns, and ran for 134-yards with two touchdowns. Game is Saturday at the Field of Dreams at 1PM MST.
2. 0-2 Teams That Should Win This Weekend
Hobbs now 0-2 after losing to Mayfield and Artesia will take on a much improved Roswell Coyotes team. Despite their early season losses, the Eagles are still ranked No. 11 in the NMPreps.com Top 25. The Manzano Monarchs have played Cleveland and Volcano Vista to start the season, they finally get a break this weekend taking on winless Rio Grande. The Goddard Rockets are 0-2 and will play their first game at the Wool Bowl this weekend against 0-2 Los Lunas. Now while some Goddard faithful feel it’s the new jersey’s to blame for their 0-2 start, we feel it’s the fact they lost to two quality football teams. Clovis is 2-0 and Piedra Vista is 2-0. The Lovington Wildcats are 0-2 and will take on winless Ruidoso, the Wildcats have been beat in back to back weeks by Portales and Estancia. 0-2 Robertson takes on Santa Rosa and should be able to hold off the Single Wing for a second year in a row.
3. Contender or Pretender
The Centennial Hawks are hot no doubt, but have played two teams early on with a combined record of 0-4, this week they take on another non-ranked team in 1-1 Del Norte. You could make the same case for Artesia who is also 2-0 and has also beaten two teams which are a combined 0-4, this week they take on Valencia. With those stats pointed out, Centennial beat a good Onate team and Artesia beat a good Hobbs team, so we are thinking contender for each team. Eldorado, Clovis, and Alamogordo are each teams you could consider pretenders at this point. Are they good teams, absolutely. However, their early season schedules have not told us anything. Eldorado beat winless Valley and beat winless Rio Grande by way of mercy rule. Clovis beat Goddard who is 0-2 and then beat Cibola just 14-6 in Albuquerque. Alamogordo has shined early on, but their wins come against 0-2 Los Lunas and 1-1 Valencia. Until these teams win some marquee 6A games, consider each a pretender.
4. Small School Premier Match Ups
No. 1 in Class 4A Hatch Valley will take on No. 2 from Class 3A in Lordsburg. The Bears have rolled past their first two opponents Dexter and Ruidoso by a combined score of 89-14. Lordsburg, likely still one-year away from being the favorite has outscored their first two opponents by a combined 109-0. Watch for Adrian Grajeda from Hatch and Johnny Plowman from Lordsburg. No. 1 in Class 3A Estancia will take on Tucumcari who upset Texico last weekend. The Bears have been dominate beating Class 5A loving ton 32-27 and beating Navajo Prep 54-20 last week.
5. List of the Undefeated Teams
Alamogordo 2-0
Alamo Navajo 2-0
Animas 2-0
Artesia 2-0
Bloomfield 2-0
Carrizozo 2-0
Centennial 2-0
Clayton 2-0
Cleveland 2-0
Clovis 2-0
Eldorado 2-0
Escalante 2-0
Espanola 2-0
Estancia 2-0
Farmington 2-0
Gateway Christian 2-0
Grady/San Jon 2-0
Grants 2-0
Hatch 2-0
Hope 2-0
Hot Springs 2-0
Laguna 1-0
Lake Arthur 1-0
Lordsburg 2-0
Magdalena 2-0
Mayfield 2-0
Melrose 2-0
Miyamura 2-0
NMMI 2-0
Piedra Vista 2-0
Portales 2-0
St. Mike’s 2-0
St. Pius X 2-0
Volcano Vista 2-0
5 Questions For Top-25 Teams Heading into Week 3
By: Josh Grine of NMPreps.com
1. Is No. 9 Clovis a viable pick for Final Four?
The evidence is not the 'greatest' right now. The Wildcats, mentioned in the 5 story lines for the weekend, had a slow week two showing against a Cibola team that many think won't be a playoff team in 2015. QB Daulton Hatley had a big run of 26-yards in the win over Cibola but not much out. But they need a big win this weekend against Atrsico Heritage Academy for anyone to take them serious. Can they run the table in their district with a surging Alamogordo and a team that still could win many down the road in 0-2 Hobbs. The question with the Cats we have is will they turn up the points against the likes of Cleveland (week four) and both mentioned teams in District who can put up points in hurry. Right now, the answer is likely no to a final four team. The jury is still out.
2. Mr. Football Wrapped Up After Two Weeks for No. 2 Mayfield Runningback?
Isaac Vance, the Mayfield Trojans ran for 268-yards with 5 rushing touchdowns, 74 receiving yards with 1 touchdown against EP Franklin. His name is all over the headlines for providing yard after yard, tweet after tweet and getting all the love in Southern New Mexico. Yes, NMP Nation we still have many weeks to go but man the dude is my vote two weeks in a row. Who is behind him right now, with the chances of catching him? You be the jury on that answer? I guess the answer can Vance continue the hot start this weekend as he leads the No. 2 Trojans against Carlsbad? Does he need another 200+ game against an 0-2 team to stay hot on the voting list?
3. No. 15 Cibola or No. 14 La Cueva who is the playoff team, week 2 could still leave question marks?
Cibola and La Cueva didn't put up points against tough(er) competition during week-2. Does that make them both teams in the conversation of 'pretender' in regards to being a state tournament team? Cibola will have to find ways to score against Volcano vista, Rio Rancho and Cleveland who all could score in a hurry. Bright side in week three we will need them to put up points and dominate against a Valley team that has seen better starts. La Cueva gets the chance to prove this question with a match-up with Rio Rancho in week 2. Can they score though to keep up with the Rams?
4. Will No. 8 Rio Rancho show that they can still put up those points, they have a big chance?
The Rams only scored 21-points in the loss last weekend, the lowest in two years. The Rams square off with fellow Top-25 team La Cueva (No. 14) this weekend and will hope to prove to us that they are still the scoring machine from a season (maybe two) ago. Can they rebound from a slow offensive night in terms of a team that has been provides basketball score finals on Friday night. If they don't can we still consider them a favorite to win or be a final four team without a dominating performance?
5. Can (Bubble No. 26) Roswell stop an offensive team in No. 11 Hobbs?
The Coyotes held a first half lead last week against Canyon Texas before folding in the second half losing the contest. Well the Coyotes stomped Ruidoso who hasn't been much on the O side of the ball and Canyon who scored around it's average of 28 plus points but what happens against an Eagles team who can score in the 50's or 60's. Does the bubble stop and they are not a 5A favorite? The Coyotes will need to not only stop an offensive machine in Hobbs but also they will need to provide scoring (13 last weekend) will not be enough.
Thursday Night Recap
Eldorado 49, West Mesa 8
The Eldorado Eagles moved to 3-0 on the season defeating West Mesa Thursday Night 49-8. Through three games, the Eagles have outscored the competition by a combined 156-8. The Eagles got on the board in the first thanks to a Dominic Sandoval 35-yard touchdown, then a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jayce Jackson to Isaiah Martinez. The Eagles led 35-0 after a Dominic Sandoval touchdown, then made it 49-0 in the 4th quarter when Noah Sweitzer returned a blocked field goal 80-yards for a score. The Eagles will take on Volcano Vista, Mayfield, and Cleveland in weeks 4, 5, and 6.
El Paso Eldorado 65, Gadsden 7
The El Paso Eldorado Aztecs were leading Gadsden 62-0 at the half and were taking victory formation in the 3rd quarter as they moved to 3-0 on the night. Gadsden scored late in the 4th quarter when Sergio Ramos connected with John Hernandez for a 46-yard touchdown. The Panthers have opened with an very tough schedule: 1-1 Del Valle, 2-0 Centennial, and 3-0 El Paso El Dorado.
Manzano 55, Rio Grande 14
Thursday Night the Manzano Monarchs won their first game of the season defeating Rio Grande by 41 points. The Monarchs are now 1-2 on the season, Rio Grande moves to 0-3.
Week 2 All-New Mexico Selections
Week 2 Offensive Selections
QB - Justin Houghtaling - Artesia - Threw for 406-yards, two touchdowns, and ran for 3 touchdowns
against Hobbs
QB - Dante Urrea - Deming - Ran for 236-yards and scored 6 touchdowns against Carlsbad
RB - Isaac Vance - Mayfield - Ran for 268-yards with 5 rushing touchdowns, 74 receiving yards with 1 touchdown against EP Franklin
RB - Jimmy Gallegos - Sandia - Ran for 195-yards, 80-yards receiving, 3 rushing touchdowns, 2 receiving touchdowns, 1 interception
WR - JR Pena - Centennial - 79-yards receiving and 2 touchdowns against Gadsden
WR - David Cormier - Volcano Vista - Caught touchdown pass against Manzano
WR - Tyler Sarracino - Laguna Acoma - 6 receptions for 129-yards and a touchdown
OL - Cleveland Storm - Storm had a solid showing down in El Paso racking up big yards and helping their skill guys score 4 touchdowns on the ground.
Week 2 Defensive Selections
DL - Codey Scott - Artesia - Had 5.5 sacks against Hobbs (8.5 this year), 6 tackles
DL - Nick Mourning - Volcano Vista - Had monster game on defense against Manzano
DL - Antonio Norton - Tucumcari - 8 assisted tackles, 6 solo tackles, 4 quarterback sacks, 3 tackles for loss against Texico
LB - Seth Martinez - Clayton - 12 tackles against Eunice
LB - Jake Boykin - Centennial - 9 total tackles against Gadsden
LB - Isaiah De La Rosa - Roswell - 10 tackles, 1 for loss against Canyon
DB - Brandon Beaza - Las Cruces - touchdown catch and two interceptions against La Cueva
DB - Carlos Carrasco - Artesia - Had interception against Hobbs (3rd on the year)
DB - Darion Ontiveros - Portales - 2 interceptions against Lovington
DB - Chross Jaramillo - St. Mike's - 150 yd rushing w/ 88 yd TD, 2-2 passing w/ 66 yd. TD pass, 45 yd. receiving, 1 2pt. conversion, and 2 picks on Defense and forced fumble for TD.
Week 2 Special Teams Selections
PR - Alex Ramirez - Alamogordo - Accounted for 170-yards of offense, 3 touchdowns against Los Lunas, punt return for touchdown against Los Lunas
PR - Matt Gonzales - Piedra Vista - Returned punt 85-yards for a touchdown against Goddard
KR - Rowdy Allen - Melrose - Returned kick for touchdown against Cloudcroft
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