Class 4A State Title Game Preview: Goddard vs. Los Lunas

Today we preview the New Mexico High School 4A Football State Championship. If you have a last minute State Title Game Question, text us at 505.577.5953 or e-mail us at nmpreps@yahoo.com

Game Date: Friday, December 7th | Game Location: Los Lunas Football Field | Game Time: 7:00PM

Tigers Reach Finals For First Time In School History

Since 2007, we have had some amazing football teams come out of Valencia County. The 2009 Belen Eagles, the 2010 Belen Eagles, the 2011 Valencia Jaguars, and now the 2012 Los Lunas Tigers who will be the first team ever in Los Lunas High School History to try for a State Football State Championship. A great mix of talented offensive and defensive players has led 3rd year Head Coach Jeremy Newton to what could be a historic run in Los Lunas Tiger history. This year the have outscored opponents 503-79 and have pitched four shutouts this year. On offense, Quarterback Chris Wisneski has led their option attack along with Running Back Jalen Chavez, Fullback Darron Gallegos, and multi purpose threat Chris Sanchez at receiver and defensive back. On defense, Greg Wortman, Tyler Hanson, and Preston Schollander have combined for 29 quarterback sacks this year. Isaac Para is a 1st Team All-State Linebacker.

Los Lunas Impact Players

Goddard Appearing In 12th Title Game Under Jernigan

The Goddard Rockets are 58-7 since the 2008 season and on Saturday they will have played in their fourth State Tile during what could very well be considered one of the more dominate prep football dynasties in New Mexico High School Football History. Head Football Coach Sam Jernigan has coached in 12 State Titles with a career record of 5-7 and has never gone undefeated since taking over at Goddard in the early 90's. This year, Goddard has a dangerous offense thanks to efforts from an A+ offensive linemen. 6-foot-5, 275 pound Kullen Wooton, Juan Vidales, and that has allowed Running Back Cody French to run for over 1,500-yards and more than 20 touchdowns. Quarterback Anthony Orenales is money in crunch time and tight end David Sweet could be the biggest sleeper in the 2013 Recruiting Class. On defense, the Rockets have allowed just 9.1 points per game and have three 1st Team All-State Defensive Linemen. David Sweet, David Chavers, and Nic Alston are a wonderful trio that has bottled up pretty much every offense they have faced this season. Fabian Soto and Josh Quiroz are also key contributors to this group, and oh by the way Kelsey Cunningham is a 1st Team All-State Kicker.

Goddard Impact Players

Hendo's Prediction

As this game gets closer and closer and I look at match ups that will be taking place, I can't help but think that Goddard runs away with this game. While I think that Los Lunas having home field advantage is a huge plus for the Tigers, the difference will likely come at halftime when Goddard makes their second half adjustments. Those second half adjustments that the Goddard Coaching Staff makes are exactly what contributes to the end result. In order for Los Lunas to win this game (which is possible) they have to avoid special teams mistakes, go for it on 4th down, and avoid gadget plays trying to catch Goddard off guard. In last year's 2011 4A State Title Game, Jernigan and Aztec Head Coach Brad Hirsch went for it on every 4th down, went for two after the scored, etc. Los Lunas has to play to win, not play to keep it close.

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