October 30, 2012

Kyle Henderson
NMPreps.com Columnist

Welcome to Week 10 of the New Mexico High School Football Season. Leading up to each 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.

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Gadsden 5-4 @ Las Cruces 6-1

VS

WHEN: November 2nd, 2012
WHERE: Field of Dreams, Las Cruces, NM
Radio: KSNM AM 570
PREDICTION: Las Cruces by 14+
LAS CRUCES IMPACT PLAYERS: Jonathan Joy QB, Kamryn Dixon TE, Lane Cummings OL, Jacob Benegas DL, Taylor Tisby DL
GADSDEN IMPACT PLAYERS: Aaron Gomez QB, Isaac Gonzales RB
CLASS 5A RANKINGS: Las Cruces #2, Gadsden #14
KEY STATS: Las Cruces has outscored district opponents 95-33 this year
COACHES: Las Cruces: Jim Miller | Gadsden: Roy Gerela
THE STORYLINE: Who would of thought that Gadsden would be an end of the year 5A bubble play-off team? The Panthers now one game above .500 have a huge late season test in taking on the Bulldawgs at the Field of Dreams this weekend, but no one has believed in Gadsden all year making this team play tight even with some high quality 5A teams (remember they were tied 21-21 with Mayfield in week 7). Gadsden's passing attack is led by Aaron Gomez who has thrown for over 1,200-yards this year as a senior who has helped their offense score 23.0 points per game. The Las Cruces Bulldawgs were open in week nine and have dominated their district opponents so far on the season 95-33. Running Back JJ Grandados has been really hitting the hole hard lately and the play of the offensive line has been superb. On defense, Las Cruces is led by Junior Linebacker Sam Denmark and defensive tackle Taylor Tisby. .

Centennial 4-4 @ Chaparral 8-0
The Centennial Hawks have suffered some key late season injuries which were a big reason for their last weekend's loss against Santa Teresa. Starting Running Back Daniel Conklin and starting receiver Christian Barrera each had season ending injuries during the late season of what's been an interesting year one for the Hawks. Centennial is scoring 28.27 points per game, but their defense is giving up 31.25 points per game. They are also 0-1 against 4A comp this year. Chaparral is winless this season, but they have played in a ton of tight ball games this year, but recently they've had a tough time putting points on the board being outscored 168-27 in their last four games. Chaparral's Quarterback John Marquez has put up some good passing yards and senior receiver Chris Ramos is in the top five category for most yards this year.

Santa Teresa 2-6 @ Deming 6-2
The Santa Teresa Desert Warriors won just their second game of the season last weekend against Centennial 34-7 thanks to a monster game by quarterback Alex Sedillo. The Desert Warriors might be under .500 on the season overall, but they are 1-0 in district play making this game the unofficial district championship game. If Santa Teresa can score 28 at least they have a shot at the upset. Deming is 6-2 on the season and if they win out they should garner a top six spot in the play-off bracket. Last weekend Deming rolled past Chaparral 42-7 thanks to another big time performance from running back Ismael Garrett. Deming has a good amount of talent this year and has to like their chances of going 8-2 before play-offs.

Silver 6-2 @ Socorro 5-3
A very good district match up this weekend as the Silver Colts travel to take on their district rival the Socorro Warriors who have won their last two out of three. Silver was defeated last weekend by St. Michael's 28-21 after leading the unbeaten Horsemen 14-0 at one point. Silver is the real deal and they are as physical as you get. They are scoring 29.75 points on offense this year and the play of Junior Quarterback Derek Salas has really been impressive. Dakota Montoya at linebacker is their staple in their defense which is allowing an impressive 11.37 points per game. The Warriors are 5-3 this year and have not yet peeked this year. Last weekend they scored 60 points on the year against Hot Springs thanks to 200-yards rushing from Adam Pas and 150-yards rushing from Damian Baca. Socorro is dangerous and they'll give Silver their best effort.

Hatch 5-3 @ Cobre 3-5
The Hatch Bears are this big favorite this weekend against district rival Cobre. Hatch is coming off an impressive 34-7 win against Lordsburg and should be ready to pick up a big "W" this weekend in Bayard, New Mexico. Hatch is led by Quarterback Chase Carson who has helped the offense score 33.62. Cobre is 3-5 this year and is coming off an 18-16 loss against Mesilla Valley back in week eight.

Lordsburg 4-5 @ Mesilla 4-3
The loser of this game gets thrown into the bubble watch of the Class 2A play-offs. Lordsburg lost last weekend against Hatch 34-7 and lost two weekend's ago to Tularosa 50-0. Not the type of play that really warrants post season play, but the good news is they have a shot to take down Mesilla Valley another team that is looking for that late season credibility win that could boost their play-off hopes. The Son Blazers led by Receiver Standout Christian Jimenez and Running Back John Jung are scoring 22.42 points per game, but their defense is giving up 36.14 points this year. Last weekend Mesilla Valley beat Cobre just 18-16, Lordsburg beat Cobre 42-6.