Week Two: Questions Facing Top-25 Teams This Week
J.Grine | NMPreps
Each week we will tackle some questions facing teams this coming week from our NMPreps Top-25 Rankings.
1) Rebound: Are the No. 22 St. Pius X Sartans in trouble? Last week quarterback Derek Rivera was taken out of the contest against Goddard with an injury. Remember he was injured in the playoffs last season as well. The Sartans have some talent but without him the offense could struggle, like it did last week being shutout. Maybe, it's too early to sell but maybe an investment in another 4A team to win it all could be the market today.
2) Votes: Top-25 worthy or short stay for No. 24 Farmington? The Scorpions had an impressive offensive outing last week against Kirtland Central, winning 55-33. Now, what many will say, is a true test against unranked Belen. Sort of strange putting unranked next to Belen after years of being a top-25 staple. Maybe this game puts them back in, unless Farmington defends their stance. Could also be the underrated match-up between the under-mentioned quarterback battle in Caleb Carrillo, Farmington HS (passed for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns last week). Luke Aragon also played well in a close win for Belen tossing a three touchdowns in the win, hitting three different receivers.
3) Contender/Pretender: Which top ten ranked team is also a contender for State? No. 4 Las Cruces looked impressive in their opening win over Manzano (No. 15), 55-27. The offense looked like it did during the state championship years with a QB that could sling it in Marcos Lopez and a back that can break things open in Johnny Terrazas. Eldorado appeared to have more weapons in the cabinet than we projected. Nick Petty looks comfortable taking the lead and had plenty of targets to hit. Xavier Gibson and Zack Hoffman had receiving TDs of 44 and 57 yards last week.
4) 0-2 Scare: Which possible 0-2 team has more to worry about? We've already mentioned St. Pius X above and we know their possible early season struggles. The other teams could be Artesia and Hobbs, the pair will battle in Artesia on Friday night. For, Artesia it should be much of a worry going 0-2 to start the season and they've been able to adjust/rebound from their tough non-district schedule. For Hobbs though it could be a struggle early that may lead to a total rebuild year. Dropping the contest 42-16 last week could be an early tell-all for the re-brand taking place here for coach Ken Stevens.
5) Units: How good is the No. 14 Goddard Rockets defense? Yes, they 'should' have won last week but could this defense become a serious unit this season? The Rockets are big and have some talent on the defensive side of the ball. Look for the names Marco Hernandez, Larry Luna, Ray Downs, and Hunter Beene to only grow. We knew Beene but now the support caste is hitting the scene. Sammy Zarragoza also did well on both sides. The test will come against a tougher competition this week against No.12 Carlsbad. If they can contain Nate Najar, who rushed for five touchdowns last week against Artesia, then we could have a true player here.
Extra Points: Small School Question. Texico (No. 4/2A) and Dexter (No. 4/3A) battle in a cross-classification contest this week. The defending champs have received some love early in the coaches poll but can they reload for another title? Texico, are they back? Back as a possible title contender (or participant) in the State Championship game.
Share your questions and answers here.
J.Grine | NMPreps
Each week we will tackle some questions facing teams this coming week from our NMPreps Top-25 Rankings.
1) Rebound: Are the No. 22 St. Pius X Sartans in trouble? Last week quarterback Derek Rivera was taken out of the contest against Goddard with an injury. Remember he was injured in the playoffs last season as well. The Sartans have some talent but without him the offense could struggle, like it did last week being shutout. Maybe, it's too early to sell but maybe an investment in another 4A team to win it all could be the market today.
2) Votes: Top-25 worthy or short stay for No. 24 Farmington? The Scorpions had an impressive offensive outing last week against Kirtland Central, winning 55-33. Now, what many will say, is a true test against unranked Belen. Sort of strange putting unranked next to Belen after years of being a top-25 staple. Maybe this game puts them back in, unless Farmington defends their stance. Could also be the underrated match-up between the under-mentioned quarterback battle in Caleb Carrillo, Farmington HS (passed for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns last week). Luke Aragon also played well in a close win for Belen tossing a three touchdowns in the win, hitting three different receivers.
3) Contender/Pretender: Which top ten ranked team is also a contender for State? No. 4 Las Cruces looked impressive in their opening win over Manzano (No. 15), 55-27. The offense looked like it did during the state championship years with a QB that could sling it in Marcos Lopez and a back that can break things open in Johnny Terrazas. Eldorado appeared to have more weapons in the cabinet than we projected. Nick Petty looks comfortable taking the lead and had plenty of targets to hit. Xavier Gibson and Zack Hoffman had receiving TDs of 44 and 57 yards last week.
4) 0-2 Scare: Which possible 0-2 team has more to worry about? We've already mentioned St. Pius X above and we know their possible early season struggles. The other teams could be Artesia and Hobbs, the pair will battle in Artesia on Friday night. For, Artesia it should be much of a worry going 0-2 to start the season and they've been able to adjust/rebound from their tough non-district schedule. For Hobbs though it could be a struggle early that may lead to a total rebuild year. Dropping the contest 42-16 last week could be an early tell-all for the re-brand taking place here for coach Ken Stevens.
5) Units: How good is the No. 14 Goddard Rockets defense? Yes, they 'should' have won last week but could this defense become a serious unit this season? The Rockets are big and have some talent on the defensive side of the ball. Look for the names Marco Hernandez, Larry Luna, Ray Downs, and Hunter Beene to only grow. We knew Beene but now the support caste is hitting the scene. Sammy Zarragoza also did well on both sides. The test will come against a tougher competition this week against No.12 Carlsbad. If they can contain Nate Najar, who rushed for five touchdowns last week against Artesia, then we could have a true player here.
Extra Points: Small School Question. Texico (No. 4/2A) and Dexter (No. 4/3A) battle in a cross-classification contest this week. The defending champs have received some love early in the coaches poll but can they reload for another title? Texico, are they back? Back as a possible title contender (or participant) in the State Championship game.
Share your questions and answers here.
