October 5, 2012

Kyle Henderson
NMPreps.com Staff

Welcome to week five of the New Mexico High School Football Season. Leading up to the first Friday of the Season, we'll preview over 40 games by region starting on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The four New Mexico Regions are Northern, Metro Area, Southeast, and Southwest. Friday Night we need your help collecting game scores. Please text us to 505.577.5953 and if you tweet high school football scores, please type in a score then use the hastag #nmpreps.?

More: Team Rankings | Week 5 Scores | Week 5 Top Performers

Two Minute Drill

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Sotuhwest Preview

Volcano Vista 2-2 @ Mayfield 2-3
The Volcano Hawks are 2-2 this year following a 39-21 win over the Onate Knights last weekend. A big win for the Hawks and what is impressive about Volcano Vista this year is their offensive potency which is scoring 34.0 points per game. Quarterback Reid Hendricks and Athlete Joseph Searcy-Ortega are names to watch, and don't forget about Sophomore Running Back Dominico Chavez. The Mayfield Trojans are coming off a 10 point loss to Eldorado losing 24-14. We still have not figured out what type of Mayfield team this is. If they can beat Volcano Vista handily we'll know they are the typically Mayfield that makes title runs, if this game is close maybe Volcano Vista is better than we thought or maybe Mayfield is really down this year. It's been a while since Mayfield has lost at home.

Hobbs 1-4 @ Alamogordo 1-3
The Hobbs Eagles have to win their next two games to salvage the 2012 season. They have lost two in a row and were beaten 54-0 last weekend against Goddard where their offense put -1 yard of offense on the board. The Eagles are scoring 28.0 per game and allowing 45.6 points per game. The Alamogordo Tigers are still in the play-off hunt if they can win their next two games (Hobbs/Deming). They have a win over West Mesa and really their only key loss is against Carlsbad losing 38-13. If Alamogordo can control the clock and make a few turnovers, they'll win this very important game.

Silver 4-0 @ Deming 2-2
These two teams used to be in the same district for years and it was always the same thing: Silver coming out on top. Deming would have one of those years where you thought this was the year Deming was going to finally beat Silver, but the Fighting Colts would always pull it off. This year should be no different with Silver having another 3A title run ready type squad. The Fighting Colts are scoring 33.25 points per game and allowing just 9.0 on defense. Watch for twin brothers Dakota and Nevada Bencomo along with Franky Castillo who has six interceptions. The Deming Wildcats at 2-2 were idle last week, but in week four they lost to Artesia 49-14. They are scoring 27.5 points per game and have two running backs: Jerome Sandoval along with Isaiah Garrett that can really run the rock. This game is pretty even, Deming just hast to be prepared mentally.

Roswell 3-2 @ Gadsden 3-2
Which team is for real? This weekend we'll find out in a very interesting 4A vs. 5A match up. The Roswell Coyotes are coming of two wins in a row against Chaparral and Santa Teresa and will now look for the Southwest Sweep with a win over Gadsden. Roswell is averaging 32.0 points per game on offense and 27.0 on defense. As for the Panthers they have won two in a row over Santa Teresa and Chaparral as well by big margins. The one score that really stands out is the fact that Roswell lost to Hobbs 52-28 and Gadsden beat Hobbs 34-33. The Gadsden Panthers new air raid attack is scoring 25.8 points per game and allowing 29.0. Sounds like the making for a thrilling game.

West Mesa 0-4 @ Onate 2-3
The Mustangs are really struggling under first year Head Coach Ron McMath with an 0-4 start. This weekend the head to Las Cruces for a match up with Onate, a team that is very much improved since their 1-9 season. On the year West Mesa has losses against Sandia, Manzano, Alamogordo, and to Cibola. Their offense is scoring just 11.25 points per game and their defense is allowing 35.0. The Knights are the big favorite in this game and though they are coming off a 39-21 loss against Volcano Vista, it's clear that his team has talent capable of forging a late season run to the play-offs. Onate is scoring 25.6 points per game and allowing 26.6.

Hatch 3-1 @ Centennial 1-3
Sometimes you tend to forget that Hatch Valley is now in Class 2A again and though they lost their first game of the year to Ruidoso last weekend 48-14, this team has the talent to make a stab at Class 2A this year. Their offense is dangerous scoring 37.5 points per game with Chase Carson at Quarterback leading the way. They are still looking for that staple win this year, beating Centennial a new 4A program out of Las Cruces would turn some heads. The Hawks in their first year of football are 1-3 at the mid-season point and their offense is starting to find their rhythm scoring 27.5 points per game. For a team that has no seniors, they are fairing well in their first year of flight. Quarterback Queving Redding along with Running Back Daniel Conklin will play an important role in this match up.

Mesilla Valley 2-2 @ Hot Springs 1-4
The Mesilla Valley Son Blazers are coming off a very important 27-21 victory over the NMMI Colts last weekend. A win over Hot Springs could give them enough season momentum to knock off some district favorites in a few weeks. Their offense is scoring 24.75 points per game, but the defense needs to really tighten up as they are allowing almost 40.0 points per game. Christian Jimenez is their game breaker. The Hot Sprigns Tigers were without Running Back Nati Villa last weekend against Cobre and were upset by the Indians 26-22 dropping to 1-4 this year. Hot Springs has some tough games coming up, so they better buckle it up in hurry.

Tornillo @ Lordsburg 2-3
Tornillo, Texas is always up and down, but just a few weeks back they beat Mesilla Valley Christian 53-14. Lordsburg this year is 2-3 following a 46-0 win over Anthony, Texas in which Head Coach Louie Baisa won his 150th career game as a head coach. The Mavericks are scoring 27.6 points per game and allowing just 16.4.

EP Cathedral @ Santa Teresa 1-4
The Santa Teresa Desert Warriors have dropped two in a row after falling to Roswell last weekend 41-14. This key match up against El Paso Cathedral is going to be a tough contest to win, but if Quarterback AJ Sedillo is healthy, Santa Teresa stays in this game. Santa Teresa's defense is allowing 39.0 points per game.

Southeast Preview

Las Cruces 3-1 @ Artesia 5-0
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs made a statewide statement in Week Five against La Cueva winning 42-21. Any thoughts that Las Cruces was over-rated in the pre-season should be erased after a 21 point victory over a team that was unbeaten. The Bulldawgs are scoring 37.5 points per game with wins against EP Chapin, Cibola, and La Cueva. Their lone loss comes against Rio Rancho losing 42-21 back in week four. The Artesia Bulldogs ranked No. 2 in our latest NMPreps.com Class 4A rankings came back from 10 down against Carlsbad last weekend to defeat the Cavemen 44-41. The Bulldogs are scoring 51.0 points per game on offense and headlined by 2014 Prospect Trevor Eulenbach who has thrown for 16 touchdowns and just one interception this year. It's the NMPreps.com Game of the Week for several reasons, we'll be in Artesia for a second week in row for complete coverage.

Clovis 2-3 @ Goddard 4-0
The Clovis Wildcats have dropped three in a row and just three in a row to Metro Area Teams: Manzano, Cleveland, and Rio Rancho. Last weekend against Rio Rancho they actually lead by 14 before eventually losing 42-33. The Wildcats are headlined by Junior Running Back Kamal Cass who is close to 1,000-yards rushing through five games. Despite their losing record Clovis is still scoring 39.2 points per game this year which is second overall in Class 5A. The Goddard Rockets ranked No. 1 overall in the State of New Mexico in the NMPreps.com Top 25 Rankings are coming off a 55-0 win against Hobbs in which they allowed -1 yards of total offense. Outstanding? They are allowing just 6.0 per game this year and playing at the Wool Bowl right now is more than likely the toughest place to play at in New Mexico. The Rocket's offense is impressive as well scoring 41.25 points per game.

Rio Grande 1-3 @ Carlsbad 3-2
The Ravens at 1-3 this year are coming off some ugly losses against La Cueva and Sandia in which they lost those two games by a combined score of 88-6. This week does not get any easier with a trip to Carlsbad. The Cavemen are coming off a 44-41 loss to Artesia last Friday Night in the Bulldog Bowl losing a 10 point late in the game for an emotional mid-season loss. This year the Cavemen are scoring 24.4 points per game with a season high 41 last week. On defense they are giving up just 20.0 points per game. Not reason not to think Carlsbad ends this one quickly.

Tularosa @ Ruidoso
What's not to like about Tularosa this year? They are 4-1 this season headlined by Quarterback Jared Roach and Receiver Jim Coleman and have some solid wins this year against Hot Springs, Dexter, Eunice, and Loving. Their lone loss comes against Silver losing 22-0 and this week they can make a statement by beating Ruidoso a team that is very hot. Defense has been their staple play this year and they are allowing just 14.0 points per game. They'll need a perfect defensive effort to upset the Warriors.

NMMI 0-5 @ Capitan 1-2
NMMI is 0-5 this year and is scoring just 14.4 points per game this year. This week they take on Capitan in a very interesting match up. NMMI was beaten by Estancia back in week three 34-16, Capitan beat Estancia 47-8 in week four. If you compare scores, Capitan has the edge or do they?

Texico 4-0 @ Ft. Sumner 3-2
The Texico Wolverines are 4-0 after a one point win against Clovis JV last weekend. Ft. Sumner beat Clovis JV earlier this year by 10. Texico is scoring 24.5 points per game this year and is headlined by Running Back Shay Harrison. If Texico wants to make a statement, now is the time.

Metro Area Preview

Manzano 4-1 @ Valley 2-2
No doubt about it the Valley Vikings are dangerous and though they are 2-2 on the season, they have played La Cueva and Eldorado very tough on the year losing those two games by a combined eight points. Junior Quarterback Bo Coleman, Running Back Esteban Loera, and receivers Troy Giddings along with Aaron Molina make this offense very, very potent. They are scoring 34.5 points per game and awhile back against Eldorado no matter how far the Eagles increase the lead against Valley, the Vikings fought back and played four quarters tough. Valley can make a huge statement and pull off a huge upset with a win against Manzano. As for the Monarchs they are 4-1 with just a six point loss to Mayfield back in week four. We had thought we might see a drop off from the Monarchs, however they keep winning and their offense has stayed very productive with Junior Quarterback Angel Gonzales leading the way behind some A+ offensive linemen. Manzano needs a few more quality wins and beating Valley is just what they need at this point on the season. If they can avoid turnovers and control the clock they win by 10 points. If they allow Valley to get into a shootout this game is a toss up.

Highland 1-3 @ Cleveland 2-2
The Hornets have played one of the toughest schedules in the State of New Mexico losing to Rio Rancho, Clovis, and La Cueva in the first three weeks. In week four they pulled off a shocker beating a struggling Cibola Cougar team. In week four Highland Quarterback Brian Medina threw for 300-yards and three touchdowns. Highland has some players that can stretch the field and no other quarterback in the Metro Area has a bigger arm than the 225 pound Medina. The Storm started off very slow losing their first two games against La Cueva and El Paso Chapin. However, in their last two games they are 2-0 with wins against Onate and Clovis. They have some momentum, but they need to find their offensive stride if they want to compete for the District Title in a few weeks. They are scoring just 22.25 points per game and allowing 29.5. Beating Highland by 14 or more tells us Cleveland is close to being, well Cleveland. If Highland plays them close expect Cleveland to struggle in district.

Farmington 3-2 @ St. Pius X 3-2
The Farmington Scorpions had dropped two in a row before edging out 0-5 Valencia 21-10 last week and will need a win against St. Pius X to continue to rebuild their season resume after losing to Miyamura back in week three. The St. Pius X were blasted by Los Lunas in week five losing 41-6. Against lower tier teams St. Pius X has flexed their muscle with wins over Albuquerque, Los Alamos, and Bernalillo, but against legit teams like St. Michael's and Los Lunas this team has really struggled losing by a combined score of 69-18. St. Pius X could win their district and get an automatic bid to the play-offs, so technically Farmington has more to lose with a loss this weekend.

Los Alamos 2-3 @ Academy 2-2
The Toppers lost to Belen last weekend 46-15 and have one more warm up game against Academy before the district season hits. This season the Toppers offense has been led by Brice Van Etten and Running Back Arnoldo Ortiz. Winning this game against Academy could be their catalyst to running through the district. The Academy Chargers now at 2-2 with a win against Laguna Acoma have some good momentum from winning two in a row. Last week against Laguna Acoma the Chargers were led by Cody Crosby, Stone Watson, and Alan Leyba. On the season Academy is scorning 25.0 points per game and allowing 23.25 per game.

Socorro 3-1 @ Hope Christian 1-4
Socorro is quietly moving up the rankings this year in Class 3A Football. They have wins against West Las VEgas, Raton, and Laguna Acoma. Their lone loss come against Ruidoso losing 19-10. As for the Hope Christian Huskies they'll be looking to salvage their 2012 season with an upset win on Saturday. They are currently 1-4 this year with losses to Taos, Silver, Santa Rosa, and to Bloomfield last week 37-7.

Northern Preview

More: Team Rankings | Week 5 Scores | Week 5 Top Performers

Del Norte 2-3 @ Aztec 1-3
The Aztec Tigers were idle last weekend following their first win of the year against Miyamura which they won 42-20. They are scoring 22.5 points per game and have played a very tough schedule with losses to 5-0 Los Lunas, 4-0 Goddard, 4-1 Manzano. Don't write the Tigers off just yet. The Knights are coming off a 46-0 win over the Albuquerque Bulldogs thanks to 300 all purpose yards from Tyrell Jackson. Both teams have first year head coaches.

Piedra Vista 5-0 @ Bernalillo 0-5
One of the most improved teams in 2012 is no doubt the Piedra Vista Panthers. Scoring 48.2 points per game this year with wins against Miyamura, Grants, Durango, Santa Fe, and Moriarty tells us they can beat the middle tier teams. To be honest, we're still needing that statement win for the Panthers this year. Bernalillo is on the other side of the spectrum losing their first five games. They are playing teams close this year losing to the opposition 31-19.

St. Michael's 5-0 @ Capital 0-5
There were rumors rolling around Capital this week that this game was going to be cancelled by the administration because Capital is going to be playing a good amount of freshmen and sophomores. The game is still on as far as we know and it's going to be a painless two quarters as the Horsemen should end it by half. The Horsemen are scoring 44.6 points per game and allowing an unbelievable 4.4. Capital is 0-4 and has been outscored this year 172-0.

Clayton 4-0 @ Escalante 5-0
The Escalante Lobos are rolling this year scoring 56.2 points per game and allowing just 11.6 points per game on defense. Their key win is against Jal. The Clayton Yellowjackets are 4-0 this year with wins against Dulce, Cuba, Questa, and Raton last week winning 52-47. Escalante has the edge and has home field advantage, however if Clayton wants to make a real statement this year they'll beat the Lobos. One of the top games on the board this weekend.

Gallup 2-2 @ Kirtland Central 1-3
Always a great match up talent wise for Northwest Regional Bragging Rights. Gallup is coming into this game with two straight victories over Capital and Bernalillo. Gallup is scoring 16.5 points per game and allowing 32.0. Kirtland Central is scoring 13.75 points per game and their lone win of the season came last weekend against Espanola Valley winning 41-0.

Bloomfield 2-2 @ Miyamura 1-3
Last weekend against Hope Christian, the Bloomfield Bobcats became more than alive with a very convincing 37-7 victory over the Huskies. The Bobcats a new addition to Class 3A is scoring 19.25 points per game with wins over Pojoaque and now Hope Christian. They Miyamura Patriots are 1-3 this year, but don't let their record fool you, they are a very good football team. They beat Farmington 22-14 back in week three and are coming off a 42-20 loss to Aztec in week four. Depending on which Miyamura team shows up, they'll take Bloomfield down to the wire and might even be considered the favorite in this game.

Dexter 2-3 @ Santa Rosa 5-0
The Dexter Demons might be 2-3 this year, but the Santa Rosa Lions know the Demon's potential for pulling off the upset. Despite their 2-3 record, the Demons are allowing just 10.4 points per game and scoring 12.6 on offense. They have losses against Texico, Tularosa, Hagerman, and Tucumcari, teams that are a combined 17-2. Santa Rosa is 5-0 and has been just blasting teams outscoring the opposition 45-6 this year. Last week against Taos they beat the Tigers 49-12. Santa Rosa is 0-0 against 2A teams this year.

Espanola Valley 2-3 @ Taos 3-1
The Espanola Valley Sundevils are now 2-3 after a loss to Kirtland Central 41-0. They did lose to Ft. Sumner 50-14, but the game was a forfeit by SF Indian, so they are really 2-3 this year even though they have lost four games. What ever the case Espanola Valley still has a ton of work to do this year. The Taos Tigers lost their first game of the year last week against Santa Rosa 49-12. Taos has wins against Bernalillo, Hope Christian, and against Laguna Acoma. Not reason to think that Taos does not win this game handily.

Eunice 2-3 @ Tucumcari 5-0
Now before you write the Eunice Cardinals off, remember that in their last three games they have played some pretty good football teams including Tularosa, Texico, and Lovington. The Cardinals still have a good amount of talent, good linemen, and some very quick skill position players. They are not going to go down lightly this weekend. The Rattlers are impressive with five wins in their first five games. They have wins over Raton, NMMI, West LV, Dexter, and Ft. Sumner. Their last two wins tell us this is a good football team as Dexter and Ft. Sumner are solid this year. Going to be a close game with seeding implications on the line.

Raton 0-5 @ Pojoaque 3-2
The Raton Tigers like any small school football program are going through a down year and have lost five in a row to start the season. They play in their first district game of the year against Pojoaque and a win would be just want they need to salvage this year. They are scoring 21.2 points on offense and allowing 41.8 on defense. The Pojoaque Elks are led by new head coach John Ainsworth and are 3-2 this year. They have won three in a down against Espanola Valley, Shiprock, and West Las Vegas. Getting to 1-0 in district play would be their first major step to making the 2012 play-offs.

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