Week 8: Top-25 Preview
Today, we take a look at the games taking place around the state. Week 8 features a few Top-25 match ups including three games between Top-10 teams.
No. 1 Rio Rancho (7-0) vs No. 4 Volcano Vista (5-1), Friday, 7pm: The number one ranked Rams have had to prove their dominance each week this season and will have to continue that trend this week. The Rams have faced 4 Top-10 teams (Week 8 Fab 50 Rankings). Volcano Vista is in new territory being ranked 4th in the state and this is the chance to stay in the 4-8 range for the state tournament. Both teams can score, Volcano Vista averaging 43.7 ppg and Rio Rancho 43.4. Volcano Vista has yet to meet a defense like Rio Rancho's and the x-factor for the Hawks will be in the linebacker unit with studs Joren Dickey (OLB), Cielo Gonzales (OLB) and Jake Bulling (MLB) and the ability to stop Rio Rancho senior sensation Josh Foley. The Rio Rancho Rams have to limit a second quarter warm up by the Hawks who have been known to start slow in games.
Predictions: Rio Rancho 42, Volcano Vista 21
No. 2 Cleveland (6-1) at No. 19 Cibola (3-4), Thursday, 7pm (Community): This games importance has reached a new level as the week has progressed and Cibola's playoff hopes still, surprisingly alive. Cleveland still a very good football team has to re-group quickly after their first loss of the season with a Cibola team on a 3-game win streak. We've continued to mention this young man, who only gets better each week has us looking at the x-factor being Angelo Trujillo who has passed for 1,023-yards and rushed for 416-yards for a total of 9-touchdowns. For Cibola, we have mentioned this a few weeks ago but will be can the Cibola Cougars keep the scoring under 20 points for the opposition? They are 8-1 since 2015 when their opponent scores 20 or less points. We talk about offensive teams getting better but you have to consider the Cougars as one of the better defensive teams, the last time they have faced a top-5 team, Las Cruces in week two, they lost 21-0.
Prediction: Cleveland 28, Cibola 7
No. 3 Las Cruces (5-1) vs No. 20 Carlsbad (2-5), Saturday, 2pm: Much like the Cleveland-Cibola game the Las Cruces Bulldawgs face off with a hungry (maybe starving at this point) Carlsbad team that will look for any bright spot heading into the post season. Why starving? Well their playoff hopes have all but popped, however things could get interesting if they start pulling some upsets. Our difference maker in this contest is Jaykan Willis, a 5-11 running back, who continues to shine lately. The issue is a depleted offense with the loss to injury of quarterback Jonah Leyva. Las Cruces as we know brings maybe one of the best quarterbacks in Payton Ball, 1,342-passing yards, 368-rushing yards and a total of 21 touchdowns (11 passing). What you need to know is this - he can pass, he can run and he has that IT factor with a smooth feel for the game. Can Carlsbad slow him down?
Prediction: Las Cruces 40, Carlsbad 13
No. 7 Centennial (6-1) vs No. 8 Mayfield (4-2*), Friday, 7pm: This could very well be the best game across the state this week when the 7th ranked Centennial Hawks take on 8th ranked Mayfield Trojans. Difference maker for the Hawks comes in the form of the match up we jumped early on last week - Who is the best receiver in Las Cruces? The Hawks have Jr Pena and he becomes the difference maker for the Hawks, a big time receiver has the limelight to display and make his case. The Mayfield Trojans bring Gavin Swinson who has 545-yards, 7-touchdowns on the year. Both defensive units compare well and will have to make sure that they limit any chance of running backs getting out especially the little mentioned Centennial RB Joaquin Guiterrez who could be the x-factor.
Prediction: Centennial 28, Mayfield 20
No. 9 Clovis (4-2) at No. 10 Manzano (4-2), Friday, 7pm: Maybe the only game this week that could end of being a Championship, a District Championship. If the winner runs the table after the game they could end up locking up a locking up a Top-4 seed for the State Playoffs. We understand that Clovis has running back Micah Gray but look for Fernando Acosta who is leading the charge and could start being in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. Manzano brings one of the teams with what could be considered a depth in ATH's with Ryan Moore, Jordan Byrd and the young RB in Xaiver Ivey-Saud. What is the X-factor? Making the Clovis QB beat you and for Clovis not allowing big plays from one of the better special teams.
Prediction: Clovis 24, Manzano 21
No. 11 Eldorado (3-3) vs No. 22 Sandia (4-2*), Friday, 7pm: The importance of this game became more meaning with Sandia's official record now moving to 4-2 pending a possible appeal. We will focus on the thing at hand and things we know going into the game: One, Sandia continues to look for answers on a season with many setbacks and heartbreak. Two, which running back is the x-factor for Eldorado - Elijah Gudelj-Cox, Richard Gallegos or Elias Baker? Last but not least two quarterbacks with nothing to lose and could be the headline Mat Denis vs Jacob Archibeque. Who makes the big play or plays late into the game?
Prediction: Eldorado 35, Sandia 28
No. 12 Los Lunas (5-1) at Belen (6-1), Friday, 7pm: Not only is this a pivotal district game or a contest with playoff seed implications but one that dives deeper into the history. The rivalry between two towns in one county for the battle of the Chile Roaster! Los Lunas brings their high powered offense that is averaging 46 points per game but also returning off a bye week that followed their first loss of the season. The Tigers struggled some on offense, scoring well under their average at 21. The difference for the Tigers will be sophomore quarterback Nick Gaerlan returning to the youngin' we were quick to mention after four impressive starts. The Belen Eagles difference will be living up to their offense as well, they have an average of 39 but only put up 7-points in their lone loss this season. Can Los Lunas escape the defense that seems to be stellar from Belen? Can Belen shutdown Los Lunas RB O'maury Samuels but also score against a solid LB unit with Diego Sanchez and Trevor Brohard?
Prediction: Los Lunas 33, Belen 18
No. 13 La Cueva (3-3) at Santa Fe (0-6), Friday, 7pm: The stat game for the La Cueva Bears. Many of the starters are likely to be out of the game by halftime. Santa Fe, currently riding their 20-game losing streak. For La Cueva you could see the connection of Chris Campbell, QB, to Kevin Fanelli, WR, for most of the evening. The duo has been impressive this season leading to big plays on the 3-3 season (no official stats provided). Santa Fe fights to stay alive but anything could happen under the lights, right? Bailey Lozada-Cabbage has plenty of reason to think upset, if there is a chance, with 314-yards receiving (4 games reported) and a total of 5 touchdowns.
Prediction: La Cueva 49, Santa Fe 6
No. 14 Roswell (5-1) vs No. 23 Alamogordo (4-3), Friday, 7pm: Right now we know the Artesia Bulldogs are the best team. Los Lunas is slated for the 2-seed, if the season ended today. What we are looking at is who falls in line next? This game has the answer after week 8 (who knows what the rest of the season holds) with the 3-seed up for grabs. Roswell the favorite in the game coming off a 38-28 road win at Farmington. Alamogordo is coming off an upset, falling to Roswell's rival Goddard High School last week. Both teams offensively can score, both have 232 total points (38.7 average) on the season. Roswell's defense could be the difference maker with a rising sophomore stud in Cade Manzanares who has 30 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 3 passes deflected. He could create problems for Alamogordo's star quarterback Kyle Hooper or running back Dee Smith. Alamogordo has the talent and Roswell will have to worry about both the receivers (Ramirez and Bateman) but also Hooper and Smith, can they handle that much depth? The Los Lunas game in which the Coyotes allowed 49-points could make us keep a close eye on this contest.
Prediction: Alamogordo 34, Roswell 31 (My Upset Pick)
No. 15 St. Pius X (6-1) vs Valencia (1-5), Thursday, 1pm: A district 5-5A match up between two programs on different paths this season. Valencia, still in the building of their program under their second year head coach. St. Pius X enters the game on a quest to take steps towards a district title and move up the seed ladder. Drew Ortiz, is one of the best players in the classification, a quarterback with all of the tools (unfortunately no official stats) that could have this team playing late into November as the sleeper pick of the bunch. Valencia could struggle tonight in containing Ortiz and that alone is enough of a difference maker for the game.
Prediction: St. Pius X 49, Valencia 12
Rapid Fire: 16-25
No. 17 Moriarty vs NMMI: The Pintos are undefeated, undefeated for a reason and you can expect them moving to week 9 at 7-0. The defense will be a little to much for NMMI, the Pintos have only allowed 15-points.
No. 18 Goddard vs Lovington: The Rockets are over .500 at (4-3) this season and you have to like the direction they have been flying lately.Both defense and offense are in the plus factor for Goddard, look for two players who are starting to gain steam as post season awards start to get a debate going. Cameron Stevenson and Devon Quiroz.
No. 21 Robertson vs Santa Fe Indian: The Cardinals are 7-0 and maybe the least talked about undefeated team in New Mexico. They shouldn't be. They played for the title last season and could be a favorite again this season, shoot they are a favorite. Expect them to move along easily in this one. Either side of the ball they are better.
No. 25 Hobbs vs Gadsden: The game that the Eagles need. At (1-5) on the season, behind a difficult schedule they could be all day long in the end zone. They have shown signs of greatness but have been able to seal the deal. You have to be excited for the what the future brings when they bring back the quarterback. People forget how important the QB position is and they had a new one this season, he's only getting better and he returns in 2017.
Outside the Top-25 Intriguing Games
No. 26 Farmington vs No. 43 Kirtland Central: The Scorpions are the favorite in this district but Kirtland Central continues to show signs of upset fever. Not to sure if they can pull it off but they have a player in Zach VanDuren, rushing for 339-yards, receiving for 316 for a total of 9 touchdowns has to make you think about top ATH's this season - new name.
No. 30 West Mesa vs No. 36 Atrisco Heritage Academy: Well, like the Farmigton-KC game this district is normally little mentioned. They are both in the hunt for the DC and automatic bid for the state tournament. West Mesa has some players you like but Atrisco coming off their win to Valley showed some offense - for the first time this season.
No. 35 Capital vs No. 39 Del Norte: Another game, another game with district title hopes. The winner likely takes the district and goes dancing. Capital ranked higher but Del Norte the favorite. Two good running backs to watch in this one.
Players to Watch This Week
Player Who Could Shine: Nic Little, Rio Rancho. We know Foley but Little is a stud. His numbers were released yesterday.
Who Could Be Player of the Week: Gavin Hardison, Hobbs. They take on Gadsden.
Another QB To Talk About: Andru Sanchez, Cobre. We haven't talked about Cobre much, we haven't talked about Sanchez. Start taking notice he has 1,136 yards.
What Happened On Thursday
Cleveland 35, Cibola 14 - Final
St. Michael's 55, Pojoaque 12 - Final
St. Pius 48, Valencia 8 - Final
Valley 38, Albuquerque 33 - Final
Nikko Papadopoulos scored three touchdowns.
Drew Ortiz threw for four touchdowns in the win, he had 400-yards total offense.
Today, we take a look at the games taking place around the state. Week 8 features a few Top-25 match ups including three games between Top-10 teams.
No. 1 Rio Rancho (7-0) vs No. 4 Volcano Vista (5-1), Friday, 7pm: The number one ranked Rams have had to prove their dominance each week this season and will have to continue that trend this week. The Rams have faced 4 Top-10 teams (Week 8 Fab 50 Rankings). Volcano Vista is in new territory being ranked 4th in the state and this is the chance to stay in the 4-8 range for the state tournament. Both teams can score, Volcano Vista averaging 43.7 ppg and Rio Rancho 43.4. Volcano Vista has yet to meet a defense like Rio Rancho's and the x-factor for the Hawks will be in the linebacker unit with studs Joren Dickey (OLB), Cielo Gonzales (OLB) and Jake Bulling (MLB) and the ability to stop Rio Rancho senior sensation Josh Foley. The Rio Rancho Rams have to limit a second quarter warm up by the Hawks who have been known to start slow in games.
Predictions: Rio Rancho 42, Volcano Vista 21
No. 2 Cleveland (6-1) at No. 19 Cibola (3-4), Thursday, 7pm (Community): This games importance has reached a new level as the week has progressed and Cibola's playoff hopes still, surprisingly alive. Cleveland still a very good football team has to re-group quickly after their first loss of the season with a Cibola team on a 3-game win streak. We've continued to mention this young man, who only gets better each week has us looking at the x-factor being Angelo Trujillo who has passed for 1,023-yards and rushed for 416-yards for a total of 9-touchdowns. For Cibola, we have mentioned this a few weeks ago but will be can the Cibola Cougars keep the scoring under 20 points for the opposition? They are 8-1 since 2015 when their opponent scores 20 or less points. We talk about offensive teams getting better but you have to consider the Cougars as one of the better defensive teams, the last time they have faced a top-5 team, Las Cruces in week two, they lost 21-0.
Prediction: Cleveland 28, Cibola 7
No. 3 Las Cruces (5-1) vs No. 20 Carlsbad (2-5), Saturday, 2pm: Much like the Cleveland-Cibola game the Las Cruces Bulldawgs face off with a hungry (maybe starving at this point) Carlsbad team that will look for any bright spot heading into the post season. Why starving? Well their playoff hopes have all but popped, however things could get interesting if they start pulling some upsets. Our difference maker in this contest is Jaykan Willis, a 5-11 running back, who continues to shine lately. The issue is a depleted offense with the loss to injury of quarterback Jonah Leyva. Las Cruces as we know brings maybe one of the best quarterbacks in Payton Ball, 1,342-passing yards, 368-rushing yards and a total of 21 touchdowns (11 passing). What you need to know is this - he can pass, he can run and he has that IT factor with a smooth feel for the game. Can Carlsbad slow him down?
Prediction: Las Cruces 40, Carlsbad 13
No. 7 Centennial (6-1) vs No. 8 Mayfield (4-2*), Friday, 7pm: This could very well be the best game across the state this week when the 7th ranked Centennial Hawks take on 8th ranked Mayfield Trojans. Difference maker for the Hawks comes in the form of the match up we jumped early on last week - Who is the best receiver in Las Cruces? The Hawks have Jr Pena and he becomes the difference maker for the Hawks, a big time receiver has the limelight to display and make his case. The Mayfield Trojans bring Gavin Swinson who has 545-yards, 7-touchdowns on the year. Both defensive units compare well and will have to make sure that they limit any chance of running backs getting out especially the little mentioned Centennial RB Joaquin Guiterrez who could be the x-factor.
Prediction: Centennial 28, Mayfield 20
No. 9 Clovis (4-2) at No. 10 Manzano (4-2), Friday, 7pm: Maybe the only game this week that could end of being a Championship, a District Championship. If the winner runs the table after the game they could end up locking up a locking up a Top-4 seed for the State Playoffs. We understand that Clovis has running back Micah Gray but look for Fernando Acosta who is leading the charge and could start being in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year. Manzano brings one of the teams with what could be considered a depth in ATH's with Ryan Moore, Jordan Byrd and the young RB in Xaiver Ivey-Saud. What is the X-factor? Making the Clovis QB beat you and for Clovis not allowing big plays from one of the better special teams.
Prediction: Clovis 24, Manzano 21
No. 11 Eldorado (3-3) vs No. 22 Sandia (4-2*), Friday, 7pm: The importance of this game became more meaning with Sandia's official record now moving to 4-2 pending a possible appeal. We will focus on the thing at hand and things we know going into the game: One, Sandia continues to look for answers on a season with many setbacks and heartbreak. Two, which running back is the x-factor for Eldorado - Elijah Gudelj-Cox, Richard Gallegos or Elias Baker? Last but not least two quarterbacks with nothing to lose and could be the headline Mat Denis vs Jacob Archibeque. Who makes the big play or plays late into the game?
Prediction: Eldorado 35, Sandia 28
No. 12 Los Lunas (5-1) at Belen (6-1), Friday, 7pm: Not only is this a pivotal district game or a contest with playoff seed implications but one that dives deeper into the history. The rivalry between two towns in one county for the battle of the Chile Roaster! Los Lunas brings their high powered offense that is averaging 46 points per game but also returning off a bye week that followed their first loss of the season. The Tigers struggled some on offense, scoring well under their average at 21. The difference for the Tigers will be sophomore quarterback Nick Gaerlan returning to the youngin' we were quick to mention after four impressive starts. The Belen Eagles difference will be living up to their offense as well, they have an average of 39 but only put up 7-points in their lone loss this season. Can Los Lunas escape the defense that seems to be stellar from Belen? Can Belen shutdown Los Lunas RB O'maury Samuels but also score against a solid LB unit with Diego Sanchez and Trevor Brohard?
Prediction: Los Lunas 33, Belen 18
No. 13 La Cueva (3-3) at Santa Fe (0-6), Friday, 7pm: The stat game for the La Cueva Bears. Many of the starters are likely to be out of the game by halftime. Santa Fe, currently riding their 20-game losing streak. For La Cueva you could see the connection of Chris Campbell, QB, to Kevin Fanelli, WR, for most of the evening. The duo has been impressive this season leading to big plays on the 3-3 season (no official stats provided). Santa Fe fights to stay alive but anything could happen under the lights, right? Bailey Lozada-Cabbage has plenty of reason to think upset, if there is a chance, with 314-yards receiving (4 games reported) and a total of 5 touchdowns.
Prediction: La Cueva 49, Santa Fe 6
No. 14 Roswell (5-1) vs No. 23 Alamogordo (4-3), Friday, 7pm: Right now we know the Artesia Bulldogs are the best team. Los Lunas is slated for the 2-seed, if the season ended today. What we are looking at is who falls in line next? This game has the answer after week 8 (who knows what the rest of the season holds) with the 3-seed up for grabs. Roswell the favorite in the game coming off a 38-28 road win at Farmington. Alamogordo is coming off an upset, falling to Roswell's rival Goddard High School last week. Both teams offensively can score, both have 232 total points (38.7 average) on the season. Roswell's defense could be the difference maker with a rising sophomore stud in Cade Manzanares who has 30 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 3 passes deflected. He could create problems for Alamogordo's star quarterback Kyle Hooper or running back Dee Smith. Alamogordo has the talent and Roswell will have to worry about both the receivers (Ramirez and Bateman) but also Hooper and Smith, can they handle that much depth? The Los Lunas game in which the Coyotes allowed 49-points could make us keep a close eye on this contest.
Prediction: Alamogordo 34, Roswell 31 (My Upset Pick)
No. 15 St. Pius X (6-1) vs Valencia (1-5), Thursday, 1pm: A district 5-5A match up between two programs on different paths this season. Valencia, still in the building of their program under their second year head coach. St. Pius X enters the game on a quest to take steps towards a district title and move up the seed ladder. Drew Ortiz, is one of the best players in the classification, a quarterback with all of the tools (unfortunately no official stats) that could have this team playing late into November as the sleeper pick of the bunch. Valencia could struggle tonight in containing Ortiz and that alone is enough of a difference maker for the game.
Prediction: St. Pius X 49, Valencia 12
Rapid Fire: 16-25
No. 17 Moriarty vs NMMI: The Pintos are undefeated, undefeated for a reason and you can expect them moving to week 9 at 7-0. The defense will be a little to much for NMMI, the Pintos have only allowed 15-points.
No. 18 Goddard vs Lovington: The Rockets are over .500 at (4-3) this season and you have to like the direction they have been flying lately.Both defense and offense are in the plus factor for Goddard, look for two players who are starting to gain steam as post season awards start to get a debate going. Cameron Stevenson and Devon Quiroz.
No. 21 Robertson vs Santa Fe Indian: The Cardinals are 7-0 and maybe the least talked about undefeated team in New Mexico. They shouldn't be. They played for the title last season and could be a favorite again this season, shoot they are a favorite. Expect them to move along easily in this one. Either side of the ball they are better.
No. 25 Hobbs vs Gadsden: The game that the Eagles need. At (1-5) on the season, behind a difficult schedule they could be all day long in the end zone. They have shown signs of greatness but have been able to seal the deal. You have to be excited for the what the future brings when they bring back the quarterback. People forget how important the QB position is and they had a new one this season, he's only getting better and he returns in 2017.
Outside the Top-25 Intriguing Games
No. 26 Farmington vs No. 43 Kirtland Central: The Scorpions are the favorite in this district but Kirtland Central continues to show signs of upset fever. Not to sure if they can pull it off but they have a player in Zach VanDuren, rushing for 339-yards, receiving for 316 for a total of 9 touchdowns has to make you think about top ATH's this season - new name.
No. 30 West Mesa vs No. 36 Atrisco Heritage Academy: Well, like the Farmigton-KC game this district is normally little mentioned. They are both in the hunt for the DC and automatic bid for the state tournament. West Mesa has some players you like but Atrisco coming off their win to Valley showed some offense - for the first time this season.
No. 35 Capital vs No. 39 Del Norte: Another game, another game with district title hopes. The winner likely takes the district and goes dancing. Capital ranked higher but Del Norte the favorite. Two good running backs to watch in this one.
Players to Watch This Week
Player Who Could Shine: Nic Little, Rio Rancho. We know Foley but Little is a stud. His numbers were released yesterday.
Who Could Be Player of the Week: Gavin Hardison, Hobbs. They take on Gadsden.
Another QB To Talk About: Andru Sanchez, Cobre. We haven't talked about Cobre much, we haven't talked about Sanchez. Start taking notice he has 1,136 yards.
What Happened On Thursday
Cleveland 35, Cibola 14 - Final
St. Michael's 55, Pojoaque 12 - Final
St. Pius 48, Valencia 8 - Final
Valley 38, Albuquerque 33 - Final
Nikko Papadopoulos scored three touchdowns.
Drew Ortiz threw for four touchdowns in the win, he had 400-yards total offense.
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