Week 9: Top 25 Preview
Today, we take a look at the games taking place around the state. Week 9 features several must see games as the playoffs are a week closer and several teams have work still left to do.
No. 2 Cleveland (7-1) vs Piedra Vista (5-2), Friday: The Cleveland Storm will be the top ranked team playing on Friday night with crosstown rival Rio Rancho off for the weekend. Piedra Vista enters the game on a 2-game losing streak after taking the week off during week eight. The must see match up in this contest will be a battle between quarterback standouts Angelo Trujillo of Cleveland High School and Elijah Gamboa of Piedra Vista. The difference will be Piedra Vista's ability to stop the Cleveland offense who has been averaging 39 points per game this season. As of week nine the Panthers have faced one team ranked in the Top-10 - Manzano - and they allowed the Monarchs to score 41 points in a 41-7 loss.
Prediction: Cleveland 49, Piedra Vista 10
No. 3 Las Cruces (6-1) vs No. 5 Centennial (7-1), Saturday, 7pm: With the District 3-6A title on the line the winner will take a big step forward in claiming the championship and automatic bid to the 2016 state playoffs. The winner also could seal the deal for a bye into the quarterfinals. This game features plenty of must know names including a match up between two receivers that will be in the conversation for the NMPreps.com Wide Receiver of the Year award in Jr. Pena of Centennial and Brandon Baeza of Las Cruces. However, the difference around this game could be quarterback Dante Lopez of Centennial and if he will be ready to go at 100% after suffering an injury last week.
Prediction: Centennial 38, Las Cruces 35
No. 4 Artesia (6-1) vs No. 13 Roswell (6-1). Friday, 7pm: Not very often we see back to back nights with the game of the night. Friday features the District 4-5A match up between the top two teams from 5A football this season. Artesia features a junior quarterback in Taylor Null who will be on the short list of NMPreps.com Mr. Football candidates, having the Bulldogs ranked 4th in New Mexico and accounting for 22-passing touchdowns with 678-yards. Roswell features the newcomer quarterback Bear Kyser who will look to place his name in the spotlight with a chance to take the Coyotes to new heights. The difference will be Null avoiding pass rusher Cade Manzanares of Roswell and Gabriel Najar of Roswell making way through a stout Bulldog defense.
Prediction: Artesia 33, Roswell 28
No. 6 Onate (5-2) vs No. 25 Hobbs (2-5), Friday, 7pm: The Knights coming off an emotional rollercoaster week, first forfeiting four of their five wins only to get them back after an appeal passed on Monday. Hobbs enters the game after seeing improvement over the past few weeks but unable to get that signature victory. Onate, one of the better defensive units will cause issues for the Eagles but it could be the Eagles passing attack that could create some headaches for the Knights. The question will be if the Eagles can do it for four quarters? Onate offense has been on the tune of a chart topper lately with the 1-2 punch of Aaron Sanchez at QB and Sal Yanez at running back, two unknown names going into the season but both could be in the conversation for post season awards.
Prediction: Onate 38, Hobbs 27
No. 7 Manzano (5-2) vs No. 11 Eldorado (4-3), Friday, 7pm: This weekend features one of the most important weekends of the season so far with District Championships on the line. Manzano, right now is the leader at 3-0 in District play and looking to make a run for a first round bye. Eldorado, the preseason favorite could start to play itself back into the running with a win here. Dakota Powell, has played well as the replacement quarterback but if they also lost University of New Mexico commit Jordan Byrd to injury this week this could be too much to handle. Look for Monarch names, little mentioned, to jump out this week with receiver Andrew Erickson, 533-all purpose yards and 5-touchdowns to make a leap into the conversation for some post season awards. He's the X-factor this week.
Prediction: Manzano 21, Eldorado 20
No. 8 Volcano Vista (5-2) vs No. 24 Cibola (3-5), Friday, 7pm: One game to keep a close eye on this Friday night will be between the Hawks of Volcano Vista and the Cibola Cougars. Cibola is playing for a playoff spot - still somewhat alive - and Volcano Vista trying to get the ship back on sail after a small detour last week. Volcano Vista will need Dillon Gassoway to return to form after struggle some last week, he is just too talented of a young man not to have a solid rebound and that could cause issues for the Cibola Cougars. One difference will be the Cibola offensive line allowing the quarterback time to make plays.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 38, Cibola 14
No. 9 Mayfield (3-4) at Gadsden (1-7), Friday, 7pm: Not very often that you will write a line, with Mayfield in the sentence between a battle of teams under .500 this late into the season. Still this one shouldn't be much of an issue for the Trojans as they look to even their record at (4-4) this week. Quarterback Torry Locklin, was regarded as one of the best QB's coming into the season. That has since faded but reason to watch is he is only junior and this one could be a game that puts him back into the conversation. Gadsden, riding a 7-game losing streak continues to develop some of their young roster.
Prediction: Mayfield 50, Gadsden 0
No. 10 Clovis (4-3) vs Santa Fe (0-7), Friday, 7pm: Well, the top few games previewed today had plenty of meaning. This one just lie the Mayfield-Gadsden contest is one about two programs on different ends of the spectrum. Clovis needs this game to get healthy and focus on the younger Wildcats. One to watch, who had a big run last week is Seth Lopez the running back could really let lose this week with more carries.
Prediction: Clovis 50, Santa Fe 0
No. 12 La Cueva (4-3) vs Sandia (3-4), Thursday, 7pm: The La Cueva Bears surpassed their win total of 3 in 2015. However, it doesn't appear they want to stop now. Look for a battle between quarterbacks Chris Campbell (La Cueva) and Jacob Archibeque (Sandia). Right now they are both 1, 2 for the NMPreps.com District 2-6A Quarterback of the Year. The difference maker in this one however is Josh Woisin who was projected to be a big piece for the Bears and has come on strong of late.
Prediction: La Cueva 42, Sandia 14
No. 14 St. Pius X (7-1) at No. 16 Los Lunas (5-2), Friday, 7pm: Both teams are trending, however in different directions lately. St. Pius on the trend up behind the play from stud quarterback Drew Ortiz who has been phenomenal this season. Two quarterbacks will be on the NMPreps.com Mr. Football list and in the running for the NMPreps.com 5A Quarterback of the Year conversation and Ortiz is one of them. Los Lunas is trending in the opposite direction recently with injuries plaguing the roster. Michigan commit O'maury Samuels is out and still uncertain about starting quarterback Nick Gaerlan. Trevor Brohard is the one to keep an eye on this week as he is a two way player making the surprise short list last week for Mr. Football.
Prediction: St. Pius X 38, Los Lunas 18
Rapid Fire: 16-25
No. 17 Goddard takes on Lovington in what will be a game over before most on Friday evening.
No. 18 Moriarty looks to prove them critics wrong as they host Hope Christian in a District game.
No. 19 Robertson will play in the best small school contest against Fab 50 ranked St. Michael's.
No. 21 Hatch Valley the third ranked team in 4A, yes third still for the time being, take on Silver (3-5) who will try to spoil the dance.
No. 22 Estancia is the defending champ that you just see continuing to harvest before hibernating with another ring this winter. They take on Dulce.
No. 23 Alamogordo opens district play with one of the best underclassmen teams that is only building for a run in the future - Chaparral.
Outside the Top-25 Must See
No. 28 Farmington squares off with No. 35 Aztec. Look for quarterback Cody Smith (Aztec) to get the love he deserves if they pull this win off.
No. 29 Miyamura will look to prove the prediction wrong as this was our upset watch game outside the Top-25, they take on 44th ranked Kirtland Central this week.
No. 30 West Mesa is now the front runner in 4-6A, they can't afford a loss to No. 40 Albuquerque High.
No.32 Portales takes on District rival No. 41 Ruidoso this week. Winner could be in the best position for a DC.
Prime Time Players
QB to Watch: Cody Smith (Aztec)
RB to Watch: Josh Woisin (La Cueva)
Rebounding: Dillon Gassoway (Volcano Vista)
Could Be Player of the Week: Sal Yanez (Onate)
Defender: Miguel Martinez (Artesia)
Today, we take a look at the games taking place around the state. Week 9 features several must see games as the playoffs are a week closer and several teams have work still left to do.
No. 2 Cleveland (7-1) vs Piedra Vista (5-2), Friday: The Cleveland Storm will be the top ranked team playing on Friday night with crosstown rival Rio Rancho off for the weekend. Piedra Vista enters the game on a 2-game losing streak after taking the week off during week eight. The must see match up in this contest will be a battle between quarterback standouts Angelo Trujillo of Cleveland High School and Elijah Gamboa of Piedra Vista. The difference will be Piedra Vista's ability to stop the Cleveland offense who has been averaging 39 points per game this season. As of week nine the Panthers have faced one team ranked in the Top-10 - Manzano - and they allowed the Monarchs to score 41 points in a 41-7 loss.
Prediction: Cleveland 49, Piedra Vista 10
No. 3 Las Cruces (6-1) vs No. 5 Centennial (7-1), Saturday, 7pm: With the District 3-6A title on the line the winner will take a big step forward in claiming the championship and automatic bid to the 2016 state playoffs. The winner also could seal the deal for a bye into the quarterfinals. This game features plenty of must know names including a match up between two receivers that will be in the conversation for the NMPreps.com Wide Receiver of the Year award in Jr. Pena of Centennial and Brandon Baeza of Las Cruces. However, the difference around this game could be quarterback Dante Lopez of Centennial and if he will be ready to go at 100% after suffering an injury last week.
Prediction: Centennial 38, Las Cruces 35
No. 4 Artesia (6-1) vs No. 13 Roswell (6-1). Friday, 7pm: Not very often we see back to back nights with the game of the night. Friday features the District 4-5A match up between the top two teams from 5A football this season. Artesia features a junior quarterback in Taylor Null who will be on the short list of NMPreps.com Mr. Football candidates, having the Bulldogs ranked 4th in New Mexico and accounting for 22-passing touchdowns with 678-yards. Roswell features the newcomer quarterback Bear Kyser who will look to place his name in the spotlight with a chance to take the Coyotes to new heights. The difference will be Null avoiding pass rusher Cade Manzanares of Roswell and Gabriel Najar of Roswell making way through a stout Bulldog defense.
Prediction: Artesia 33, Roswell 28
No. 6 Onate (5-2) vs No. 25 Hobbs (2-5), Friday, 7pm: The Knights coming off an emotional rollercoaster week, first forfeiting four of their five wins only to get them back after an appeal passed on Monday. Hobbs enters the game after seeing improvement over the past few weeks but unable to get that signature victory. Onate, one of the better defensive units will cause issues for the Eagles but it could be the Eagles passing attack that could create some headaches for the Knights. The question will be if the Eagles can do it for four quarters? Onate offense has been on the tune of a chart topper lately with the 1-2 punch of Aaron Sanchez at QB and Sal Yanez at running back, two unknown names going into the season but both could be in the conversation for post season awards.
Prediction: Onate 38, Hobbs 27
No. 7 Manzano (5-2) vs No. 11 Eldorado (4-3), Friday, 7pm: This weekend features one of the most important weekends of the season so far with District Championships on the line. Manzano, right now is the leader at 3-0 in District play and looking to make a run for a first round bye. Eldorado, the preseason favorite could start to play itself back into the running with a win here. Dakota Powell, has played well as the replacement quarterback but if they also lost University of New Mexico commit Jordan Byrd to injury this week this could be too much to handle. Look for Monarch names, little mentioned, to jump out this week with receiver Andrew Erickson, 533-all purpose yards and 5-touchdowns to make a leap into the conversation for some post season awards. He's the X-factor this week.
Prediction: Manzano 21, Eldorado 20
No. 8 Volcano Vista (5-2) vs No. 24 Cibola (3-5), Friday, 7pm: One game to keep a close eye on this Friday night will be between the Hawks of Volcano Vista and the Cibola Cougars. Cibola is playing for a playoff spot - still somewhat alive - and Volcano Vista trying to get the ship back on sail after a small detour last week. Volcano Vista will need Dillon Gassoway to return to form after struggle some last week, he is just too talented of a young man not to have a solid rebound and that could cause issues for the Cibola Cougars. One difference will be the Cibola offensive line allowing the quarterback time to make plays.
Prediction: Volcano Vista 38, Cibola 14
No. 9 Mayfield (3-4) at Gadsden (1-7), Friday, 7pm: Not very often that you will write a line, with Mayfield in the sentence between a battle of teams under .500 this late into the season. Still this one shouldn't be much of an issue for the Trojans as they look to even their record at (4-4) this week. Quarterback Torry Locklin, was regarded as one of the best QB's coming into the season. That has since faded but reason to watch is he is only junior and this one could be a game that puts him back into the conversation. Gadsden, riding a 7-game losing streak continues to develop some of their young roster.
Prediction: Mayfield 50, Gadsden 0
No. 10 Clovis (4-3) vs Santa Fe (0-7), Friday, 7pm: Well, the top few games previewed today had plenty of meaning. This one just lie the Mayfield-Gadsden contest is one about two programs on different ends of the spectrum. Clovis needs this game to get healthy and focus on the younger Wildcats. One to watch, who had a big run last week is Seth Lopez the running back could really let lose this week with more carries.
Prediction: Clovis 50, Santa Fe 0
No. 12 La Cueva (4-3) vs Sandia (3-4), Thursday, 7pm: The La Cueva Bears surpassed their win total of 3 in 2015. However, it doesn't appear they want to stop now. Look for a battle between quarterbacks Chris Campbell (La Cueva) and Jacob Archibeque (Sandia). Right now they are both 1, 2 for the NMPreps.com District 2-6A Quarterback of the Year. The difference maker in this one however is Josh Woisin who was projected to be a big piece for the Bears and has come on strong of late.
Prediction: La Cueva 42, Sandia 14
No. 14 St. Pius X (7-1) at No. 16 Los Lunas (5-2), Friday, 7pm: Both teams are trending, however in different directions lately. St. Pius on the trend up behind the play from stud quarterback Drew Ortiz who has been phenomenal this season. Two quarterbacks will be on the NMPreps.com Mr. Football list and in the running for the NMPreps.com 5A Quarterback of the Year conversation and Ortiz is one of them. Los Lunas is trending in the opposite direction recently with injuries plaguing the roster. Michigan commit O'maury Samuels is out and still uncertain about starting quarterback Nick Gaerlan. Trevor Brohard is the one to keep an eye on this week as he is a two way player making the surprise short list last week for Mr. Football.
Prediction: St. Pius X 38, Los Lunas 18
Rapid Fire: 16-25
No. 17 Goddard takes on Lovington in what will be a game over before most on Friday evening.
No. 18 Moriarty looks to prove them critics wrong as they host Hope Christian in a District game.
No. 19 Robertson will play in the best small school contest against Fab 50 ranked St. Michael's.
No. 21 Hatch Valley the third ranked team in 4A, yes third still for the time being, take on Silver (3-5) who will try to spoil the dance.
No. 22 Estancia is the defending champ that you just see continuing to harvest before hibernating with another ring this winter. They take on Dulce.
No. 23 Alamogordo opens district play with one of the best underclassmen teams that is only building for a run in the future - Chaparral.
Outside the Top-25 Must See
No. 28 Farmington squares off with No. 35 Aztec. Look for quarterback Cody Smith (Aztec) to get the love he deserves if they pull this win off.
No. 29 Miyamura will look to prove the prediction wrong as this was our upset watch game outside the Top-25, they take on 44th ranked Kirtland Central this week.
No. 30 West Mesa is now the front runner in 4-6A, they can't afford a loss to No. 40 Albuquerque High.
No.32 Portales takes on District rival No. 41 Ruidoso this week. Winner could be in the best position for a DC.
Prime Time Players
QB to Watch: Cody Smith (Aztec)
RB to Watch: Josh Woisin (La Cueva)
Rebounding: Dillon Gassoway (Volcano Vista)
Could Be Player of the Week: Sal Yanez (Onate)
Defender: Miguel Martinez (Artesia)
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