New Mexico High School Football's Top Player Performances from Week 3
Zaiden Davis from Centennial had an outstanding game, rushing for a staggering 352 yards on 18 carries with an average of 19.6 yards per carry. His performance included a remarkable 70-yard run and 6 touchdowns, illustrating his explosive speed and ability to dominate on the ground. Davis' exceptional display was a major factor in Centennial's offensive success.
Senior quarterback Matthew Prudencio of Lovington had a standout game, completing 28 of 36 passes for 347 yards and 6 touchdowns, with an impressive completion percentage of 77.8%. His ability to connect with his receivers was evident, averaging 12.4 yards per attempt and making critical plays, including a longest completion of 45 yards. With no interceptions, Prudencio's precision and poise highlighted his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
Jett Galles from Albuquerque Academy. Galles delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking abilities. He was a dominant force in the air with 9 receptions for an impressive 261 yards and 3 touchdowns. His contributions didn’t stop there; Galles also made an impact on the ground with 26 rushing yards. On the defensive side, he showcased his skills with 2 interceptions, returning them for a total of 75 yards. Galles' ability to influence the game on multiple fronts played a crucial role in his team's success, making him a standout player this week.
James Vautier, the senior quarterback from Manzano, also made a notable impact despite facing some challenges. He completed 11 of 26 passes for 75 yards and 3 touchdowns. His performance, characterized by a completion percentage of 42.3% and 2 interceptions, highlighted his resilience and ability to make crucial throws under pressure. Vautier’s contributions were vital in managing the game and providing offensive support for his team.
Justin Duran from Manzano delivered a significant performance with 91 yards on 10 carries, averaging an impressive 9.1 yards per carry. His longest run was 25 yards, and he scored a touchdown, showcasing his explosive speed and capability to break off big plays. Duran’s performance was a key asset to Manzano's offensive strategy.
Leading the charge for Centennials defense was junior Joseph Bitar, who recorded 6 solo tackles and 5 assists for a total of 11 tackles, demonstrating his ability to be a force on the field. Senior Aiden Marin also played a pivotal role, contributing 3 solo tackles and 5 assists, accumulating 8 total tackles. Senior Omar Sanchez and Samuel Terrazas were key defensive players, with Sanchez notching 2 solo tackles and 5 assists for 7 total tackles, while Terrazas recorded 1 solo tackle and 6 assists, also totaling 7 tackles.
Senior Omar Terrones added 6 total tackles, including 2 solo and 4 assists, showcasing his defensive prowess. Seniors Mychael Ortiz and Daniel Gonzalez each contributed 5 tackles, with Ortiz having 2 solo and 3 assists, and Gonzalez recording 1 solo and 4 assists. Junior Cesario Pina rounded out the strong defensive performance with 2 solo tackles and 3 assists, adding to the team’s total of 5 tackles.
Rudy Rios, also from Centennial, complemented Davis's performance with his own impressive showing. Rios rushed for 160 yards on 16 carries, averaging 10.0 yards per carry. He had a longest run of 54 yards and scored 3 touchdowns, further bolstering Centennial's rushing attack. Rios' performance highlighted his effectiveness and playmaking ability, contributing significantly to his team’s offensive efforts.
Izac Cazares, the senior quarterback from Artesia. Cazares delivered a stellar game, completing 25 of 47 passes for an impressive 476 yards. His accuracy was evident with a completion percentage of 53.2% and an average of 19.0 yards per attempt. Cazares threw 5 touchdowns and did not concede any interceptions, showcasing his precision and decision-making ability. His longest pass was 67 yards.
Senior wide receiver Ethan Conn delivered an exceptional performance, catching 6 passes for 162 yards. His average of 27.0 yards per reception underscores his big-play capability, with his longest catch stretching 67 yards. Conn's ability to find the end zone was equally impressive, as he scored 3 touchdowns.
Junior wide receiver Trent Egeland also made a significant impact, with 6 receptions totaling 122 yards. Egeland averaged 20.3 yards per catch, and his longest reception was 62 yards. He added 2 touchdowns to his tally.
Landon Griego, the senior quarterback, was instrumental in the win, displaying exceptional accuracy and efficiency. Griego completed 6 of 7 passes for 160 yards, averaging an impressive 26.7 yards per completion. He threw 3 touchdown passes, with his longest throw reaching 54 yards. His quarterback rating of 165.2 reflects his exceptional performance and leadership on the field.
Junior Tommy Gallegos also made significant contributions, completing 5 of 6 passes for 59 yards and 2 touchdowns. Gallegos' accuracy was notable, with a completion percentage of 83.3% and a quarterback rating of 152.1, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and complement Griego’s efforts.
In the rushing game, sophomore Alijah Lee led the charge with 102 yards on 10 carries, averaging 10.2 yards per carry. His longest run was 44 yards, and he scored 2 touchdowns, demonstrating his explosive speed and ability to break off big plays. Junior Josiah Lopez added 47 rushing yards on 5 carries, while Griego contributed an additional 35 yards on 3 carries. Senior Tatum Garcia and junior Luke Salazar also added to the rushing tally, each contributing key runs and touchdowns.
The receiving corps was equally impressive, with sophomore Deon Session catching 2 passes for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 54-yard reception. Session's ability to make big plays downfield was a key factor in the Jaguars' offensive success. Sophomore Jude Maldonado and senior Luke Salazar each added crucial receptions, with Maldonado totaling 48 yards and Salazar contributing a touchdown catch. and senior Chauncey Lane also made their presence felt with important receptions and touchdowns.
In a standout performance, senior quarterback Kason Perez from Carlsbad has made a significant impact on the field. Perez demonstrated exceptional skill and poise during his recent game, completing 20 of 35 passes for an impressive 373 yards. Perez averaged an impressive 18.7 yards per attempt, showcasing his ability to make significant gains downfield. He threw 5 touchdown passes, underscoring his effectiveness in the red zone and his capability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Junior quarterback Jordan Hatch led the Cleveland offense with a stellar performance, completing 7 of 9 passes for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his accuracy with a completion percentage of 77.8% and a quarterback rating of 158.6. On the ground, senior Isaiah Yannis was a key contributor, rushing for 75 yards on 6 carries and scoring 3 touchdowns, while junior Sam Bustillos added 54 yards and a touchdown from 5 carries. In the receiving game, senior Josh Lyles caught a 42-yard touchdown pass, and Jacob Maldonado added another touchdown reception with 35 yards, demonstrating the balanced and effective offensive effort by Cleveland.
Pojoaque Valley secured a historic 14-13 victory over Los Alamos with a standout performance on both offense and defense. The team’s rushing attack was potent, accumulating 257 yards on 47 carries, with junior D'Marcus Rodriguez leading with 115 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Jonah Villegas added 83 yards and sophomore Joshua Gonzales contributed 27 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, Pojoaque Valley was equally impressive, totaling 55 tackles with 2 tackles for loss. Junior Matthew Romero led the defense with 11 total tackles and 2 sacks, and senior Corey Gonzales added 9 tackles and 2 sacks of his own. Sophomore Jonah Villegas also contributed with 7 tackles, showcasing a well-rounded and tenacious defensive effort that was crucial in securing the narrow win.
In a thrilling game between NMMI and Eunice, special teams made the difference in the final moments. NMMI's quarterback, Cole Seidenberger, had a standout performance with 102 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 75 rushing yards and another touchdown. The game was tightly contested, with the score tied 21-21 at halftime and Eunice leading 29-27 late in the fourth quarter. NMMI took a brief 30-29 lead with a successful 25-yard field goal by Leonardo Perez. However, with just one second left on the clock, Eunice executed a dramatic hook and ladder play, scoring a last-second touchdown to win 35-30. Eunice’s special teams played a crucial role, securing the victory and showcasing a memorable finish to a game filled with intense matchups and excellent football.
Hershul Holloway Jr., a sophomore for St. Pius X, had a remarkable game against Moriarty, amassing 162 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 12 carries, while also catching 6 passes for 47 yards. Defensively, he added 7 tackles and an interception, showcasing his all-around impact.
Albuquerque Academy’s Gage Conway also shone brightly, contributing 6 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown in a great team win against Hope Christian. Additionally, his special teams play was notable, as he recorded 5 touchbacks out of 6 kickoffs.
Dexter High's Kaesn George played a crucial role in their 34-12 victory over Grants. He had 7 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, and rushed 4 times for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, George also made his mark with an interception and 3 tackles.
Kaleb Vander Wilt of Volcano Vista HS delivered a strong defensive performance in their win over Sandia, registering 7 total tackles, including 5 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and 1 sack, along with 2 quarterback hurries.
Finally, Rio Rancho senior quarterback JJ Arellano had a solid showing in Week 3 against Las Cruces, throwing for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 44 yards and adding 1 rushing touchdown, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities.
Zaiden Davis from Centennial had an outstanding game, rushing for a staggering 352 yards on 18 carries with an average of 19.6 yards per carry. His performance included a remarkable 70-yard run and 6 touchdowns, illustrating his explosive speed and ability to dominate on the ground. Davis' exceptional display was a major factor in Centennial's offensive success.
Senior quarterback Matthew Prudencio of Lovington had a standout game, completing 28 of 36 passes for 347 yards and 6 touchdowns, with an impressive completion percentage of 77.8%. His ability to connect with his receivers was evident, averaging 12.4 yards per attempt and making critical plays, including a longest completion of 45 yards. With no interceptions, Prudencio's precision and poise highlighted his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
Jett Galles from Albuquerque Academy. Galles delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking abilities. He was a dominant force in the air with 9 receptions for an impressive 261 yards and 3 touchdowns. His contributions didn’t stop there; Galles also made an impact on the ground with 26 rushing yards. On the defensive side, he showcased his skills with 2 interceptions, returning them for a total of 75 yards. Galles' ability to influence the game on multiple fronts played a crucial role in his team's success, making him a standout player this week.
James Vautier, the senior quarterback from Manzano, also made a notable impact despite facing some challenges. He completed 11 of 26 passes for 75 yards and 3 touchdowns. His performance, characterized by a completion percentage of 42.3% and 2 interceptions, highlighted his resilience and ability to make crucial throws under pressure. Vautier’s contributions were vital in managing the game and providing offensive support for his team.
Justin Duran from Manzano delivered a significant performance with 91 yards on 10 carries, averaging an impressive 9.1 yards per carry. His longest run was 25 yards, and he scored a touchdown, showcasing his explosive speed and capability to break off big plays. Duran’s performance was a key asset to Manzano's offensive strategy.
Leading the charge for Centennials defense was junior Joseph Bitar, who recorded 6 solo tackles and 5 assists for a total of 11 tackles, demonstrating his ability to be a force on the field. Senior Aiden Marin also played a pivotal role, contributing 3 solo tackles and 5 assists, accumulating 8 total tackles. Senior Omar Sanchez and Samuel Terrazas were key defensive players, with Sanchez notching 2 solo tackles and 5 assists for 7 total tackles, while Terrazas recorded 1 solo tackle and 6 assists, also totaling 7 tackles.
Senior Omar Terrones added 6 total tackles, including 2 solo and 4 assists, showcasing his defensive prowess. Seniors Mychael Ortiz and Daniel Gonzalez each contributed 5 tackles, with Ortiz having 2 solo and 3 assists, and Gonzalez recording 1 solo and 4 assists. Junior Cesario Pina rounded out the strong defensive performance with 2 solo tackles and 3 assists, adding to the team’s total of 5 tackles.
Rudy Rios, also from Centennial, complemented Davis's performance with his own impressive showing. Rios rushed for 160 yards on 16 carries, averaging 10.0 yards per carry. He had a longest run of 54 yards and scored 3 touchdowns, further bolstering Centennial's rushing attack. Rios' performance highlighted his effectiveness and playmaking ability, contributing significantly to his team’s offensive efforts.
Izac Cazares, the senior quarterback from Artesia. Cazares delivered a stellar game, completing 25 of 47 passes for an impressive 476 yards. His accuracy was evident with a completion percentage of 53.2% and an average of 19.0 yards per attempt. Cazares threw 5 touchdowns and did not concede any interceptions, showcasing his precision and decision-making ability. His longest pass was 67 yards.
Senior wide receiver Ethan Conn delivered an exceptional performance, catching 6 passes for 162 yards. His average of 27.0 yards per reception underscores his big-play capability, with his longest catch stretching 67 yards. Conn's ability to find the end zone was equally impressive, as he scored 3 touchdowns.
Junior wide receiver Trent Egeland also made a significant impact, with 6 receptions totaling 122 yards. Egeland averaged 20.3 yards per catch, and his longest reception was 62 yards. He added 2 touchdowns to his tally.
Landon Griego, the senior quarterback, was instrumental in the win, displaying exceptional accuracy and efficiency. Griego completed 6 of 7 passes for 160 yards, averaging an impressive 26.7 yards per completion. He threw 3 touchdown passes, with his longest throw reaching 54 yards. His quarterback rating of 165.2 reflects his exceptional performance and leadership on the field.
Junior Tommy Gallegos also made significant contributions, completing 5 of 6 passes for 59 yards and 2 touchdowns. Gallegos' accuracy was notable, with a completion percentage of 83.3% and a quarterback rating of 152.1, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and complement Griego’s efforts.
In the rushing game, sophomore Alijah Lee led the charge with 102 yards on 10 carries, averaging 10.2 yards per carry. His longest run was 44 yards, and he scored 2 touchdowns, demonstrating his explosive speed and ability to break off big plays. Junior Josiah Lopez added 47 rushing yards on 5 carries, while Griego contributed an additional 35 yards on 3 carries. Senior Tatum Garcia and junior Luke Salazar also added to the rushing tally, each contributing key runs and touchdowns.
The receiving corps was equally impressive, with sophomore Deon Session catching 2 passes for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 54-yard reception. Session's ability to make big plays downfield was a key factor in the Jaguars' offensive success. Sophomore Jude Maldonado and senior Luke Salazar each added crucial receptions, with Maldonado totaling 48 yards and Salazar contributing a touchdown catch. and senior Chauncey Lane also made their presence felt with important receptions and touchdowns.
In a standout performance, senior quarterback Kason Perez from Carlsbad has made a significant impact on the field. Perez demonstrated exceptional skill and poise during his recent game, completing 20 of 35 passes for an impressive 373 yards. Perez averaged an impressive 18.7 yards per attempt, showcasing his ability to make significant gains downfield. He threw 5 touchdown passes, underscoring his effectiveness in the red zone and his capability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Junior quarterback Jordan Hatch led the Cleveland offense with a stellar performance, completing 7 of 9 passes for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his accuracy with a completion percentage of 77.8% and a quarterback rating of 158.6. On the ground, senior Isaiah Yannis was a key contributor, rushing for 75 yards on 6 carries and scoring 3 touchdowns, while junior Sam Bustillos added 54 yards and a touchdown from 5 carries. In the receiving game, senior Josh Lyles caught a 42-yard touchdown pass, and Jacob Maldonado added another touchdown reception with 35 yards, demonstrating the balanced and effective offensive effort by Cleveland.
Pojoaque Valley secured a historic 14-13 victory over Los Alamos with a standout performance on both offense and defense. The team’s rushing attack was potent, accumulating 257 yards on 47 carries, with junior D'Marcus Rodriguez leading with 115 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Jonah Villegas added 83 yards and sophomore Joshua Gonzales contributed 27 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, Pojoaque Valley was equally impressive, totaling 55 tackles with 2 tackles for loss. Junior Matthew Romero led the defense with 11 total tackles and 2 sacks, and senior Corey Gonzales added 9 tackles and 2 sacks of his own. Sophomore Jonah Villegas also contributed with 7 tackles, showcasing a well-rounded and tenacious defensive effort that was crucial in securing the narrow win.
In a thrilling game between NMMI and Eunice, special teams made the difference in the final moments. NMMI's quarterback, Cole Seidenberger, had a standout performance with 102 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 75 rushing yards and another touchdown. The game was tightly contested, with the score tied 21-21 at halftime and Eunice leading 29-27 late in the fourth quarter. NMMI took a brief 30-29 lead with a successful 25-yard field goal by Leonardo Perez. However, with just one second left on the clock, Eunice executed a dramatic hook and ladder play, scoring a last-second touchdown to win 35-30. Eunice’s special teams played a crucial role, securing the victory and showcasing a memorable finish to a game filled with intense matchups and excellent football.
Hershul Holloway Jr., a sophomore for St. Pius X, had a remarkable game against Moriarty, amassing 162 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 12 carries, while also catching 6 passes for 47 yards. Defensively, he added 7 tackles and an interception, showcasing his all-around impact.
Albuquerque Academy’s Gage Conway also shone brightly, contributing 6 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown in a great team win against Hope Christian. Additionally, his special teams play was notable, as he recorded 5 touchbacks out of 6 kickoffs.
Dexter High's Kaesn George played a crucial role in their 34-12 victory over Grants. He had 7 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, and rushed 4 times for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense, George also made his mark with an interception and 3 tackles.
Kaleb Vander Wilt of Volcano Vista HS delivered a strong defensive performance in their win over Sandia, registering 7 total tackles, including 5 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and 1 sack, along with 2 quarterback hurries.
Finally, Rio Rancho senior quarterback JJ Arellano had a solid showing in Week 3 against Las Cruces, throwing for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 44 yards and adding 1 rushing touchdown, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities.
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