4A Weekend Gridiron Action: Key Matchups, Playoff Implications
Friday Night Lights: Week 9 4A New Mexico High School Football Showdowns
NMPreps.com's Joshua Grine's Week 9 breakdown #nmpreps
Week 9 of New Mexico high school football is set to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring key matchups, playoff implications, and unbeaten teams. Here's a preview of the exciting games and the standout players to watch:
ALBUQUERQUE ACADEMY CHARGERS (5-2) at PORTALES RAMS (7-0) - Friday, 7:00 PM
Get ready for an electrifying clash under the Friday night lights as the Portales Rams, sitting at #2 in the NMPreps.com 4A Football rankings, seek to protect their unblemished record against a resilient Albuquerque Academy Chargers team riding high on a three-game winning streak. This game promises to be a spectacle that 4A New Mexico high school football fans won't want to miss.
The Albuquerque Academy Chargers may have flown under the radar, but they're making a loud statement with their recent string of victories, clinching wins against Los Alamos, St. Pius X, and Capital. Their multifaceted offense boasts a trio of standout players: Andres Grine (WR), Jett Galles (RB), and Gage Conway (QB). Each player brings a unique set of skills to the table, creating a formidable offensive unit. Grine, known for his crisp route running, provides a reliable target for Conway, who orchestrates the team's plays with precision. On the defensive side, star player Brody Whitaker (LB/DE) adds a layer of strength and strategy, solidifying the Chargers' capabilities and making him a Top-40 New Mexico high school football player nominee.
However, the Portales Rams are no pushovers. Sitting in the top echelon of 4A football, they have their sights set on maintaining their perfect record, and with good reason. The Rams have an ace in their pocket—a top-10 quarterback, Paxton Culpepper (2025), who's proven himself as a dynamic leader on the field. Culpepper has amassed 1,453 passing yards and an impressive 25 passing touchdowns this season, demonstrating his ability to read defenses and execute precise throws. Keeping a close watch on Culpepper's passes are his top targets: Zane Mayberry (2024), Branden Beck (2024), and Andru Ontiveros (2024). This trio has combined for over 1,000 receiving yards, with Mayberry emerging as the front-runner, boasting 577 yards and 7 receiving touchdowns.
This game of the night brings together two teams with contrasting strengths, setting the stage for an intense showdown. Will the Chargers' recent winning momentum carry them to a surprise victory? Or will the Rams, with their potent offense and tenacious defense, continue their relentless march to a perfect season? Football enthusiasts will find the answers to these questions and more as the Rams and Chargers battle it out on the hallowed turf in a game that promises to be a true Friday night football spectacle.
Continue to Every 4A Game Preview
AZTEC TIGERS (4-3) at GALLUP BENGALS (1-6) - Friday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
BERNALILLO SPARTANS (6-1) at LOVINGTON WILDCATS (4-3) - Friday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
ESPANOLA VALLEY SUNDEVILS (4-3) at TAOS TIGERS (2-5) - Thursday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
KIRTLAND CENTRAL BRONCOS (2-5) at BLOOMFIELD BOBCATS (7-0) - FRIDAY, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
POJOAQUE VALLEY ELKS (3-4) at MORIARTY PINTOS (4-3) - Friday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
RIO GRANDE RAVENS (1-6) at SHIPROCK CHIEFTAINS (0-7) - Friday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
SILVER COLTS (5-2) at GRANTS PIRATES (4-3) - Friday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
ST. PIUS X SARTANS (3-4) vs. VALENCIA JAGUARS (4-3) - Friday, 7:00 PM - PREVIEW/PLAYERS TO WATCH
Related
Grine's 8-Man/6-Man Preview for Week 9
Week 9 NMPreps.com New Mexico High School Football Team Rankings
