NMPreps.com presents its 2011 countdown, ranking the teams from first through No. 101. We started at the bottom with our No. 1 team to be unveiled just before the football season - which will be just a few weeks before the season. After that, you won't see any team rankings from NMPreps.com until early October. The reason: We will wait until enough games have been played so we can legitimately rank the teams. The team rankings were compiled by football writer and owner of NMPreps.com Kyle Henderson. You can e-mail him with questions to nmpreps@yahoo.com.

 

nmpreps.com's pre-season Top 101 countdown

Artesia bulldogs

Pre-Season Rank 6: The 2010 Artesia Bulldogs were 6-4 at the end of the regular season and still received a bye during the first round of the play-offs. Losses came against Hobbs, Manzano, Clovis, and Goddard. Playing that tough of a schedule allowed them to win three straight in the play-offs to claim their 27th state title. They played each of their three play-off games at home beating Farmington, 11-0 Goddard, and 12-0 Aztec in the finals. They lose a ton to graduation and lose 2,500-yard quarterback Josh Houghtaling and running back Andy Lopez. Time and time again Artesia has been able to reload after state title years and this year looks no different. Watch or the new quarterback to be Skylor Morton, a 6-foot-3, 185 pound quarterback that won't skip a beat taking over for Houghtaling. Basically, Artesia is Artesia.

carlsbad cavemen

Pre-Season Rank 7: The Carlsbad Cavemen of 2011 have some big shoes to fulfill winning eight games and taking home the district last season with wins over Clovis and Hobbs. The good news is that Eric Galindo returners for his senior season and if you don't know about him, you'll know of him soon enough when he plays against your team. They return a ton of talent from last year and watch for 6-foot-4, 180 pound sophomore quarterback Rodney Holcomb to emerge into one of the better quarterbacks in the region and on the defensive side watch for players like Matt Romero to be a productive defensive end and 300 pound Zach Leyva to be a dominating defensive tackle. Carlsbad is still the district favorite going into 2011.

La Cueva Bears

Pre-Season Rank 8: We've already said it 100 times after the season. La Cueva loses D-1 Commit Ronnie Daniels and three time state title winner Fred Romero who was the Head Coach of the Bears for the last decade. Out with the old and in with the new over at La Cueva. Ed Lucero a former Del Norte football coach from the mid-90's takes over and as you expect La Cueva will not miss a beat with talent. Watch for Michael Walsh at quarterback, Steven Romero as the key returning linemen, Tyler Wolf, Cameron Padilla and Kamron McKnight at running back and on the defensive side watch for players like Calvin Allen, Jalin Castillo, and Tyler Wolf to emerge as the big time defensive players. Depending on how they mesh with Coach Lucero will be the main difference in the end.

Clovis Wildcats

Pre-Season Rank 9: The Clovis Wildcats were under .500 last season, but still nearly beat the 10-2 La Cueva Bears down the stretch of the season in 2010. This year they return key athlete Tre Orozoco who will take over for Jordan Hill at quarterback and Kenneth Betts the 6-foot-5, 290 pound defensive tackle that could emerge as a D-1 player by season's end. Running Backs like Boone Wheeler and Taylor Lee will be very different backs that Quran Wiggins and Raymond Beachum, but they'll have more of a blue collar type work ethic which makes those backs tougher to take down during the season. Defensive backs like Eddie Trevizo, Miley Chavez, and DJ Blackmon make for a good secondary. Key note: The last time Clovis went under .500 was in 2000. In 2001 they went 13-0. Also, Chad Roanhaus is the new offensive coordinator.

eldorado eagles

Pre-Season Rank 10: The Eldorado Eagles for right now are in rebuilding mode after losing a very talented senior class. Remember, they lost Colorado Commit Tyler McCulloch and JuCu signee Willie Pounds. Other notable losses included graduating Josh Day, Marcus Jaramillo, and Chris Sedillo. The Eagles don't look to have the same amount of talent as they've had over the last two-years, but they do return Head Coach Charlie Dotson who is one of the best in the biz. Watch for 6-foto-5, 210 pound quarterback Sam Gentry to finally come out of his shell and watch for John Russo to emerge as a player maker on the offensive side of the football. Replacing key linemen is Eldorado's summer theme.

rio rancho rams

Pre-Season Rank 11: Their offense was dismal in 2010 to say the least, but with transfer quarterback Jason Fitzpatrick now in the saddle the Rams look to be back in 2011. They again play a very daunting schedule and instead of playing Salpointe, Arizona they are playing Notre Dame Prep, Arizona. They lose a ton on defense, but look for new names like Dallon Brady and Frankie Morlock to make for some of the best defensive backs in the state. Rio Rancho has not run out of talent, size, and speed with Cleveland opening up. They look to be back in 2011.

aztec tigers

Pre-Season Rank 12: The Aztec Tigers posted one of their best seasons ever going 13-1 on the season, but again came up short in the title game losing to Artesia in Artesia 45-34. The Tigers lose a ton of offensive and defensive starters to graduation, most notably include Blue Chip Offensive Linemen Matthew Hegarty who committed to Notre Dame, 100 touchdown passer Brycson King, and 1,000-yard receiver Tylin Hirsch. On defense they lose Linebacker Hank Strauss, Jeremiah Hickman, and two-way linemen Dylan Ruiz. The good news is the Aztec Tigers will simply reload with tons of talent. Taking over for King is Adam Lucero who has played back up to King since being a freshmen. He has big time talent. Watch for Michael Perry and Bryce Grady to make for two very versatile running backs and up front Jeremy Hathcock returns as the sole offensive linemen returner. The receivers will like be 6-foot-5, 195 pound Ty Antencio and and Josh Folk. On the defensive side of the football Aztec returns two monsters up front in 275 pound Dustin Baker and 355 pound Michael Cowden. As you can see Aztec again has the pieces to win the whole thing, the question is will they?

Highland hornets

Pre-Season Rank 13: The district favorite has to be the Highland Hornets for the second year in a row. Last year under now retired head coach Gary Sanchez, the Hornets went 8-3 on the season before losing to Clovis in the first round of the play-offs. They lose their head coach and lose their 5,000-yard career passing in Dyan Chavez to graduation, but overall this team was very young in the 2010 season. Watch for rising star and now quarterback David Brown to once again lead this very dangerous Hornet team into the play-offs picking up a second straight district title. The new coach is Derek Maestas a former assistant at Highland High School. Talent level is high at Highland, now let's see what they can do with it.

cibola cougars

Pre-Season Rank 14: Though the Cibola Cougars were an under .500 team during the 2010 season, they won some key games during the season (Manzano, Sandia, and Volcano Vista). They lose some big time offensive weapons like Frank Castaneda, Mark Tapia, Gabe Salazar and also lose some very good defensive ends like Mike Wilkinson and Jeremy Roybal. Von Craver projects as the starting quarterback and watch for Cory Ross to be the new name at rung back. On the defensive side Desmond Spikes looks to be a name to watch at linebacker. Cibola might struggle early, but Judge Chavez will have them in the mix come district time.

hobbs eagles

Pre-Season Rank 15: The Hobbs Eagles will look to get back on track after missing the play-offs in 2010 with a 4-6 season record. They started out 3-0, but had a tough time keeping momentum during the meat of their schedule. Returning 245 pound Reggie Mackey is huge for the Eagle football team as Mackey is one of the best known power runners in the state. They'll have a few other running backs like Aderiole Moore and Donovon Fierro to keep Mackey fresh. The big question mark is on the offensive line. Last year Hobbs was huge and they lost most of their big boys to graduation. On the defensive side the lose the Wilson twins along with a few additional defensive impact players. They have a good junior class which has been under the Coach Bruce Dollar regime for three years and most would agree that Hobbs will be tough to beat in 2011.

sandia matadors

Pre-Season Rank 16: Sandia had a great amount of talent during the 2010 season, however they were never able to piece it all together during the season. Though Sandia loses some big time players to graduation like Jordan Ratliffe, Cole Liggings, Carlos Mora, and Brandon Wade, Sandia as always returns a good amount of athletic talent. Watch for rising sophomore Aaron Smith to play a big role as a junior this season. Last year he had close to five interceptions and took over as quarterback mid way through the season. Jack Lamb and Dale Gallegos are two key linemen returning and there are several other notable prospect returning in 2011. Sandia will be ranked fourth in the district to start the season, but they have the talent to reach the play-offs. Stay tuned for more on Sandia.

Volcano vista hawks

Pre-Season Rank 17: Volcano Vista is moving down the right path athletically and now in their third year of infancy the Hawks should be adjusted to compete in Class 5A. They return some very good talent and 6-foot-6, 225 pound Timothy Hatfield headlines the Class of 2012. He already has an offer from New Mexico and should reel in a few more as we get closer to the football season. Baseball Star Andre Vigil will be the featured running back and watch for Mackay Schaap to become one of the Albuquerque's top linebackers. Volcano Vista lost every single district game last year, which should have them very motivated in the weight room this summer. No place to go but up for Volcano Vista. Sleeper team alert.

belen eagles

Pre-Season Rank 18: The Eagles have been a prep football powerhouse at the Class 4A level since John Lerma has taken over as head coach. Lerma is 33-4 since his take over and while Belen has not won a state title, they have been in the hunt in each of the last three years. This year is going to test the coaching power of Lerma, he finally lost his monster three headed backfield that has been nearly unstoppable for the last three years. Daniel Jaramillo, Dylan Barba, Steven Contreras, and 15 other impact players have graduated. Their JV lost just one game last year, so maybe Lerma can fill in the holes quickly than most expect. Belen is a program that is known for being good in waves, is this the year they take a step back? So many questions loom heading into the 2011 season.

lovington wildcats

Pre-Season Rank 19: The Lovington Wildcats lost just two games last year, their first came against Class 4A State Champ Atresia and their second came against 11-1 Goddard. They do lose Jacob Jameson, which is a huge blow however during my summer tour it's clear that the Lovington Wildcats will reload once against during the 2011 season. Watch for Eric Osborne to be a major play-maker on the defensive side of the football. They'll take a step back offensively, but be much better on defense and you know what they say about teams with strong defensives....

Farmington Scorpions

Pre-Season Rank 20: Last year the Farmington Scorpions won nine games, which his a true testament to the work that Head Coach Gary Bradley has poured into the program. With Farmington being the New Mexico Baseball Mecca, winning 9 to 10 games in Farmington is tough to come by. Last year they only lost to two New Mexico teams (Aztec/Artesia) and that is something to be proud about and a sure sign that their program is moving in the right direction. With dual threat quarterback Daniel Lacy returning, the Scorpions should again have a very powerful running game. They do lose some key linemen, but looking at their schedule there is no reason Farmington should not be again in the mix come play-off time.

St. Pius Sartans

Pre-Season Rank 21: Every single season it starts out the same for St. Pius X. They start 1-3 or 1-4 and then start to pound teams around mid season. Last year I went to check them out when they were 1-3 playing host to St. Michael's and all they did was crush St. Michael's up and down the field in a 42-27 victory. From then on out, Pius won their next six games in a row before falling to Aztec in the quarterfinals 55-21. This year they return a ton of talent and it starts at quarterback with Trey Casaus and watch for speedster John Garcia to make noise at several different positions. Pius will be very good once again.

onate black knights

Pre-Season Rank 22: Onate had a very tough season in 2010 and started off the season losing their first five games. At the end of the year Black Knight Long Time Head Football Coach Kelley Mckee was let go and young buck Caleb Hull was hired as the new football coach. The Black Knights will look to defensive players like Geoffry Smelser, Josh Holguin, and Aaron Esquibel and on offense look for Raymond Carjarbal to be their do it all player and the team's quarterback. Black Knights can go no where but up in 2011.

Alamogordo tigers

Pre-Season Rank 23: Besides beating Gadsden last year, Alamogordo struggled in the district going 1-3 in district and 2-8 overall on the year. They missed the play-off and ended the year with losses to Onate and Las Cruces by a combined 77 points. They lose next level prospect quarterback in Kellen Hester which looks to be their toughest player to replace on offense. Alamogordo always has speed and this year their speed back looks to be Michael Luna. Other players to watch for include Nate Martin, Tanner Graham, and Justin Phillips. They might have less talent than last year, but they look to be a better team chemistry wise in 2011.

Los Lunas Tigers

Pre-Season Rank 24: With returning linemen Gabe Almager and Lorenzo Sanchez, throw in athlete Devante Roy and Los Lunas has the potential to be dangerous on offense once again. A lot of people may talk Valencia in the pre-season, but it's really Los Lunas that could turn into an elite eight team at season's end. They went 9-3 last season with losses to just Aztec and Belen. (Lost to Belen Twice). Their defense was a big surprise last year allowing just two-touchdowns per game. Keep an eye on Devante Roy the 5-foot-7 speedster who nearly ran for 1,000-yards and scored 15 touchdowns last season. Very underrated player. No one is talking about this team, which could work out very well for the Tigers.

Valencia jaguars

Pre-Season Rank 25: The Valencia Jaguars are going to cause a ton of pre-season excitement and rightfully so. Last year the Jaguars won their first ever play-off game before falling big to Goddard in the quarterfinals. They won an outstanding nine games in the season and were 8-0 before losing to Belen and Los Lunas. Though they lose Orey Feerer who was one of the best players in the state, they return a good amount of talent which should make for another big year for the Jags. Watch for Isaac Gonzlaes to be their impact player on the offensive side of the football along with Carlos Griego. Jude Pepke should emerge as the quarterback and on the defensive side watch for next level prospect Noah Brown to have a stellar year at defensive end. Coach Kelley Lee has a good thing going on at Valencia and they'll be in the mix all season long once again.

roswell coyotes

Pre-Season Rank 26: Roswell went 5-6 last year losing to St. Pius X in the play-offs 42-7. They were much improved from the 2009 season and you'll see them again take a step forward in 2011. Quarterback James Singleton returns for his senior year and though they lose premier running back Kevin Kelley, there is plenty of speed on the outside to make the offense go for the Coyotes. Of course it's going to be tough to bang with Goddard and Artesia late in the year, but those two late season games will prepare them for what should be another play-off appearance.

piedra vista panthers

Pre-Season Rank 27: Piedra Vista's season was filled with some big time highs and lows last season and while they finished out in the middle of the district when it was all said and done, the Panthers had a ton of underclassmen get reps, which will benefit them this coming season. Returners to watch include Stratton Waller, P.J. Cross who should be the team's top linebacker, Bryson Martinez as the team's top receiver, and athletes like Matthew Martin and Isaiah Valdez. They'll need some linemen to step up over the summer time and need either Valdez or Martin to emerge as the starting quarterback. With a solid coaching staff a good schedule, Piedra Vista should be dancing into the play-offs in 2011.

del norte knights

Pre-Season Rank 28: The Knights went 3-7 last season and lost two pivotal district games to St. Pius X and Moriarty, which landed them a spot at home for the 2010 play-offs. This year the Knights return some key offensive weapons from last season like top receiver D'ante Stamps and Jacob Edwell. Before St. Pius X moved in to the district, Del Norte had won back-to-back district titles and you can never count out the Knights come district time. Coach Chris Howe will have his group ready to make some noise around the month of October.

west mesa mustangs

Pre-Season Rank 29: The Mustangs won seven games last year before losing to Carlsbad in the first round of the 2010 play-offs. Last year was the best season for Head Coach James Palacios as a head coach and a big part of that came form having a 6-foot-4, 245 pound quarterback in Matthew Jaramillo. Jaramillo is now a member of New Mexico State and though West Mesa still has a few big time receivers like Chris Kline, the question is who will be the quarterback and can he compare to Jaramillo. West Mesa has a very favorable schedule again and if they can steal three wins in the district, the West Mesa Mustangs could be dancing once again into the play-offs.

Silver Fighting colts

Pre-Season Rank 30: Silver City certainly reaped the benefits for jumping down to Class 3A from 4A in one short year going 9-2 under first year head coach Butch Branson. Not only did they move down a class, they landed premier athlete Ishea Conklin from Cleveland High School due to his father transferring jobs, which made for the perfect storm in 2010. Silver went 5-0 before falling to Clint, Texas and that was their only loss in the regular season before being upset on their home turf by Raton in a 22-21 thrilling football game. Though they lose Conklin to graduation, they return the Bencomo twins at running back and Brandon Reece at running back. Silver should still have enough "go" to make a real push at the title in 2011.

Gadsden panthers

Pre-Season Rank 31: Gadsen finished 2-8 on the year in 2010 and missed the play-offs. They were 0-4 in the district playing Alamogordo very close in a two score loss. The bad news is they lose 235 pound fullback/running Matthew Minton to graduation, but the good news is the Panthers continue to improve under Jim Hite who is their head football coach. They play a tough schedule but could be in at least four to five games this year. Making the play-offs is unlikely, but winning 3-4 games is an achievable goal for a transforming program.

valley vikings

Pre-Season Rank 32: The Valley Vikings played some teams tight last year, but just could not pull out many "W's" when the rubber hit the road. Last year they lost to Alamogordo by three and lost to district runner up West Mesa by two scores. This year, everyone has high expectations for the Vikings as they return a few key players from last year's roster. They play in a conference that does not have many big boys, so winning three district games could get Valley in the play-offs if they are able to win at least two out of conference games. Valley has not done much in a long time and we see that being the case this year. Valley continues to struggle.

robertson cardinals

Pre-Season Rank 33: A lot of Class 3A fans are talking Robertson this year and for good reason. Building off a nine win season in 2010, the Cardinals return some big guns to the 2011 season. Watch for prospects like running back Dalan Abreu and quarterback Girard Maestas to be a dangerous combo this season. With Raton losing a ton to graduation, you have to place Robertson as the district favorite. Remember Robertson only lost to loaded Lovington by 20 last year and return most of their weapons minus Daniel Martinez. The Cards no doubt will fly high in 2011.

st. michael's horsemen

Pre-Season Rank 34: The St. Michael's Horsemen underachieved last season going 7-5 with a few next level players on their roster. They battled Lovington in a 42-26 loss in the play-offs, but other than that the Horsemen failed to reach expectations. Though they lose some high profile names like Russell Disch and Michael Lamb, the Horsemen will re-load with many new faces this year. Junior Quarterback Cory Serna will take over the reigns and watch for Santos Coppola to emerge as a bit time two-way player. The Horsemen could struggle early getting the offense to full steam, but they are always tough to beat late in the season.

Moriarty Pintos

Pre-Season Rank 35: The Moriarty Pintos went 6-5 last season, made the play-offs last year before falling to Valencia 60-34 in the first round of the play-offs. The Pintos had an up and down season, but won their final three out of five games to end the season on a positive note for Coach Bob Allcorn. The Pintos return a few key players, but lose running back Kane Romp, which is a big blow. Historically, Moriarty had been able to rebuild year after year with some very talented hard nose backs. Don't count them out of the play-offs ever.

Academy chargers

Pre-Season Rank 36: After losing Kevin Claus from the 2009 season, no one expected the Chargers to make another run for the 3A title expect the Academy Roster. The Chargers not only proved they were an underrated bunch once again, but won their first 10-games in a row. During the 2010 play-offs against a loaded Raton team led by D-1 quarterback Dustin Walton, the Chargers smashed Raton in Albuquerque 49-14 to advance to the 3A title game against Lovington where they would lose 60-43. This season they lose Brandon Branch to graduation, but return 3A sleeper running back in Nash Phillips. Will it be enough to make another run?

Bernalillo Spartans

Pre-Season Rank 37: Last year the Beranillo Spartans won the district by going a perfect 4-0 when it mattered most. Though they were pounded by Farmington in round one of the play-offs, Bernalillo has maintained to emerge into become a play-off team rather than a bubble team under Coach Ken Noel. The Spartans lose Running Back Jordan Ludi and Receiver James Roy, but return Quarterback De Vante Thomas who looks to be one of the better dual threat quarterbacks in the Northern Region of the State. Going for a three peat as district champs is their goal and a not so far fetched one at that.

Kirtland Central Broncos

Pre-Season Rank 38: The Broncos were just a few games under .500 last year and have not really seen the same success they had under Coach Bill Cawood since the take over of Tom Adiar, however this year could be Kirtland Central's best shot at making the 2011 play-offs under Adiar. They return Joe Adaor who is the team's top athlete, return Easton Sherwood who will be slated as the team's running back, and Tyler Flack looks to be their top offensive linemen. On the defensive side watch for Isiah Raymond to be their impact linebacker. Kirtland Central could be a sleeper in 2011.

Santa Fe Demons

Pre-Season Rank 39: In their first year in 4A, Santa Fe High's Football Program took a major step forward from playing teams similar to their competition level. In 2009 playing in 5A Santa Fe High went 0-10, so winning five games the next year is a great sign. The bad news is next level prospect Jason Fitzpatrick who passed for 1,800-yards transferred to Rio Rancho for his senior season. That is a big time loss, but the Demons will replace him with dual threat Jordan Booth-Homer and watch for speedster Josh Roybal to be their all purpose back. Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Bernalillo will once again fight for the district title. Could be Santa Fe's first trip to the play-offs in several seasons.

Santa Teresa Desert Warriors

Pre-Season Rank 40: The Deseret Warriors went 5-6 last year and 2-0 in district play earning themselves a trip to the 2010 play-offs under Head Coach Shae Vierra. Big wins over Fabens, Socorro, Cahtedral, Deming, and Chaparral paired them up with Los Lunas in the play-offs to end the year. The Warriors lose a big senior group and lose Western New Mexico Commit Josh Ramirez who is one of the best athletes you never saw play. It's going to be tough for Santa Teresa to win back to back district titles, but they are the team with the most momentum heading into the pre-season.

socorro Warriors

Pre-Season Rank 41: The only bad news for Socorro heading into the 2011 season is the fact that Damien Ocampo is no longer the head coach, the good news is he is still on staff and will help Socorro try to win their first title in what seems like forever. Over the last few years Socorro has been knocking on the door, in 2009 they lost to Lovington in the 3A finals. Returning is quarterback/athlete Ray Vaiza and the very underrated Ibrahim Maiga who might be the best athlete in Class 3A. Socorro is going to make another run and it's very interesting why no one mentions them in the pre-season.

miyamura patriots

Pre-Season Rank 42: Rising program no doubt and there is really no telling on how good Miyamura is going to get football wise since they are such a young football program. In their three short seasons, they have never had a losing season under Wesley Shank and last year they took some big steps forward beating Gallup and Grants in district play. Remember last year the Patriots nearly beat Farmington, yes Farmington in a very close 27-20 thriller. Watch for Miyamura to make more small waves this season.

los alamos hilltoppers

Pre-Season Rank 43: Los Alamos more than likely felt as though they very much underachieved in 2010 under first year Head Coach Garett Williams. The Toppers had some very good running backs, but plaguing injuries and a key loss to Bernalillo late in the season had the Toppers watching the play-offs from home. One of these days Los Alamos is going to be back. They have some good size and always are able to muster a fullback/halfback hybrid. 190 pound linebacker/running back David Knapp could be that guy and watch for 6-foot-0, 250 pound linemen Nate Robbins to have a monster season. Here comes the Toppers, the district better get ready.

hope christian huskies

Pre-Season Rank 44: Entering just their third year of prep football, the Hope Christian Huskies will try to improve from their average 6-5 season in 2010. During the first round of the play-offs the Huskies nearly beat the Socorro Warriors in a 33-22 tight game throughout. The big question mark for Hope Christian is whether or not 6-foot-9 Arren Wells and 5-foot-8 speedster Paul Seaton will play football this year. Both are huge hoops players and we all know that basketball is king at Hope Christian. If those two do play, Hope Christian could turn into the 3A final four sleeper.

Atrisco heritage jaguars

Pre-Season Rank 45: Atrisco went 0-10 in their first year playing varsity football, but you have to remember they played with zero seniors on their roster. Returning 22 starters from last year and a hungry bunch at that, could make Atrisco an interesting sleeper team to add to the mix of mid-tier class 4A teams. Nate Goode is a rising senior quarterback who has looked very impressive in the summer time and Coach Angel Castillo is very excited about running back Jeremy Sanchez. Atrisco plays a very favorable 2011 schedule, so don't be surprised if they win five to six games.

bloomfield bobcats

Pre-Season Rank 46: In their first year in Class 4A the Bobcats went 2-8 and finished last in district. They lose a few key players to graduation, but Head Coach Bruce Hatch does return some good talent and it starts with one of the best all-around athletes in Mikey Loy. Loy is one of the best athletes you don't know about and a deadly special teams player. It's going to be tough for Bloomfield to compete with the big dogs once again, but they should at least be a .500 level type team in 2011.

santa rosa lions

Pre-Season Rank 47: Just when you counted out the Lions after their 1-4 start last season, they finished out the season winnings seven in a row along with the state title. They beat a very well put together Tularosa Wildcat's team to claim yet another 2A banner. Santa Rosa does lose some big weapons in the backfield, but as long as they run that misdirection single wing that they've always ran, Santa Rosa will be Santa Rosa. One of the greatest small school football programs in New Mexico still to this day.

Ruidoso warriors

Pre-Season Rank 48: If you follow Ruidoso Football, you know that their big time success comes in spurts and looking at their incoming talent pool, it's likely that this year is a big year for the Warriors and Coach Kief Johnson. The Warriors went 5-6 last season, but return some very good talent to the 2011 season. Watch for 6-foot-3, 225 pound quarterback Sam Williams, Julian Lopez, and star linemen Warren McCracken. This team is loaded to say the least.

Tularosa wildcats

Pre-Season Rank 49: The Wildcats nearly pulled off the perfect season in 2010 going 12-1 only to fall to Santa Rosa 13-6 in the state title game. While they lose Levi Silva and Emery Coleman the Wildcats return Jim Coleman who projects as one of the top prospects in the southwest region of New Mexico both football and basketball wise. The Wildcats might not have the power they've had in the past two seasons, but Coach Bryan Jones and Co. will have a steady group in the 2A hunt.

Grants Pirates

Pre-Season Rank 50: Grants heads into the 2011 season hungry to win a district game as they went 0-5 in district play last year. They lost key games to Miyamura and Gallup, which had the Pirates end the year on a five game losing streak. The good news is that Grants does return some talent. Receiver/Athlete Cody Miller brings back some good experience and up front Grants has some massive linemen. Coach Dale Hooper has some talent and it will be interesting to see if this group can make a run for one of the final spots in the play-offs.

Raton tigers

Pre-Season Rank 51: Has the well gone dry is the big summer question with Raton losing a very talented senior group headlines by New Mexico Commit Dustin Walton. Last year the Tigers went 9-4 on the season before losing to Academy in the semifinals 49-14. Taking over at quarterback is Matthew Ortiz and the new receiver to watch is Devon Casias. Other than that, the Tigers are working hard over the summer to fulfill those giant voids left by some very good seniors. The good news is: their veteran coaching staff returns.

hatch valley bears

Pre-Season Rank 52: The Hatch Valley Bears went 6-6 last season losing to Robertson 44-18 in the quarterfinals of the play-offs last season. The spoiler in district 3-3A, the Bears are always a hard nose team that is tough to beat and last year you never knew which team would show up. Was it the team that would lose 42-0 to Silver or the team that would beat Socorro 46-34? Either way, know that Hatch Valley is a 2011 play-off team, but they'll have to fight week in and week out to get to that point. It's not an easy road like it was in 2A many years ago.

chaparral lobos

Pre-Season Rank 53: Under first year head coach Thomas Smith the Lobos went from an 0-10 season in 2009 to a 3-7 record in 2010. The Lobos played in many tight games last season and with some emerging talent returning, the Lobos might have enough to make a real run a the district title. Watch for quarterback Quevin Redding to be an impact sophomore starter under Smith's quick passing scheme. The Lobos are on the rise and are hungry to win their first ever district football game.

portales rams

Pre-Season Rank 54: I asked this question on the message board yesterday: When will Portales be back in the 3A mix again. All there was were crickets… However after going 1-9 last season under first year head coach Mark McAfee the Rams do have a good nucleus returning and remember they only lost to Raton last year 38-34. They might not be an elite 8 team this year, but it's only a matter of time until the Rams jump into the 3A conversation again.

deming wildcats

Pre-Season Rank 55: Last year the Deming Wildcats went 3-7 under Head Coach Fernie Holguin, but if you follow Deming Wildcat Football, you know that Deming's football success comes in short waves. This year they return one of the best backs you don't know about in Anthony Ramirez. They play in district 3-4A, which is the most winnable district in Class 4A, so they win the district they get that automatic bid to the play-offs. Play a tough schedule though with Belen, Arteisa, Silver, and Aztec on the schedule.

eunice cardinals

Pre-Season Rank 56: The Eunice Cardinals went 8-3 under legendary former head coach Gerald Burns in his final season as head coach and after his retirement after the 2010 season in steps Daniel Hutchins the former head coach of Tucumcari. The Cardinals have a great amount of talent returning and it starts with quarterback Tyler Alamger who is likely the top quarterback at the Class 2A level. Throw in a key receiver like Jr. Carraza and Eunice has the makings to make a real run at being an elite 8 team this year.

ft. sumner foxes

Pre-Season Rank 57: Everyone was talking about the Hagerman Bobcats last season and all the Ft. Sumner Foxes did was win their seventh title since 2000 when it was all said and done. The Foxes led by head coach Matt Moyer went 11-1 last season beating a very good Hagerman team in the finals 17-12. This year Ft. Sumner will be starting many new faces, but that factor just does not seem to matter when talking about prep football success. Like always, expect the Foxes to be dominate in Class 1A.

albuquerque bulldogs

Pre-Season Rank 58: In former Head Coach Joe Anaya's final season with the Bulldogs they went a dismal 1-9 playing in district 5-5A. Their last loss to Rio Grande 44-43 in the final game of the season was the tipping point for the administration with Anaya and he was let go after several seasons as head coach. In steps Michael Zufall who will be a prep football head coach for the vey first time. Watch for standout Jared Greigo to be their do it prospect and watch for 2013 defensive linemen Mareon Gray to have a big season.

mesilla valley son blazers

Pre-Season Rank 59: Entering just their third year of football the Son Blazers under Head Coach Charles Cleghorn bring a fierce passing attack to the table and will look to make some noise in Class 1A. Last season junior quarterback Tim Vida threw for 3,000-yards and 30 touchdowns making him one of the top small school players to watch for this coming season. In Class 1A there is not a ton of team talent, so expect the Son Blazers to be a final four team or even a team that wins the next 1A title.

hot spring tigers

Pre-Season Rank 60: The Tigers have had a tough time winning over the year last few years and in 2010 they again were under .500 with a 3-7 record. Legendary Head Coach Travis Lee and the Tigers play in the toughest district along side teams like Hatch, Silver, and Socorro making each year an uphill battle with low enrollment numbers. Surprisingly last year, the Tigers did manage to beat Hope Christian and Ruidoso, two more than likely top 10 teams in 2011.

rio grande ravens

Pre-Season Rank 61: Jim Danner takes over for another coach replaced at the end of the 2010 season. Long time Rio Grande Coach Randy Guteirrez was let go mid-way during the season. Rio Grande has had a tough time winning lately and last year they went 2-10 with wins over winless Atrisco Heritage and a miracle 44-43 win over Albuquerque. The Ravens have a long flight ahead of them in order to reach a successful season, but with an athlete like Jalyen Spraggins, Rio Grande does at least have one impact top 100 player.

Lordsburg mavericks

Pre-Season Rank 62: Long time head coach and one of the best in the business at producing tough teams to beat Louie Baisa should have the Lordsburg Mavericks back above .500 during the 2011 season. They were pretty young last season not starting many seniors and though they ended the season being outscored 85-0, what does not kill your program makes you stronger. Playing Lordsburg like always will be tough this year. Expect them to win six to seven games.

cobre indians

Pre-Season Rank 63: Yes, the Cobre Indians lost their head coach too. Long time head coach Brian Miller left after the 2010 season and in steps Jerry Martinez who will try to get one of the smaller enrollment wise 3A teams back on the map after going 2-8 during the 2010 season. Cobre now plays in the toughest 3A district along side Silver, Socorro, and Hot Springs. It's going to be tough for Cobre to make any real noise at the end of the season as they play a difficult schedule. Another very long year expected.

estancia bears

Pre-Season Rank 64: Estancia, yet another program to lose their head coach. I know you're probably laughing, but it's true. There was a ton of head coaching turnover in the off-season and Estancia lost Dusty Giles to Ecalante where he used to coach three years ago. Estancia a program that has great facilities for a small school should have some talent returning, but they take a big blow losing Giles. Estancia should be an over .500 team, but no way they beat a team like Socorro again in 2011.

tucumcari rattlers

Pre-Season Rank 65: Yet another team that has lost their head coach after the 2010 season. Daniel Hutchins who led Tucumcari to their first district win in quite some time recently took the Eunice job and vacated a post that he built from scratch. Returning is Angelo Montano and 350 pound David Pacheco who Hutchins said was on the verge on landing a D-1 offer. Tucumcari is going to have some talent, but the question remains who will be their coach this season?

hagerman bobcats

Pre-Season Rank 66: Hagerman suffered not one, but two setbacks at the end of the 2010 football season. One they lost in the state finals to Ft. Sumner 17-12 and their beloved head coach Randy Montoya bounced to NMMI during the off-season. Many have said that Montoya left because the well ran dry in Hagerman, but of course that is just hearsay. Look at what Hagerman has done since the beginning of the program and you'll understand that Hagerman has a town of winners, especially when it comes to football. Replacing Isaac Bejarano and Michael Garcia will be tough to do, but Hagerman should still be a top flight team in Class 1A.

taos tigers

Pre-Season Rank 67: It's a tough place to win for some reason, but Taos did win four games last season. Ranked just a few sports up from a team they lost to last season (West Las Vegas) Taos is one of those teams that could be a sleeper in the 3A lower level. Mike Maldonado enters his second year as head coach and was the former coach at West Las Vegas during the 2008 season when West Las Vegas had their last winning season. It could be a matter of time until Taos is a yearly 3A tournament team.

texico wolverines

Pre-Season Rank 68: 2A is a battlefield of very good teams and though Texico went 6-4 last season, they can bang with the bigs of 2A any day of the week. They have a quality football program and the young Ryan Autrey will get Texico in the finals one day, it's just a matter of when. This season some question marks remain on the offense after losing some key multi year starters and it will be hard to beat Portales for a second straight year. Overall, Texico will be a final eight team and more than likely a semifinalist in 2011.

West las vegas dons

Pre-Season Rank 69: The Dons have not been that impressive over the last few years, in fact they have not had a winning season since 2008 when the went 6-4 under head coach Mike Maldonado. Uliberri will again have his work cut out for him this year as 3A boasts some very strong teams at the top and with Raton and Robertson in the district, things will be easy come late season. West Las Vegas does not look like a play-off team in 2011.

Escalante Lobos

Pre-Season Rank 70: You have to be excited if you're an Escalante Lobo fan this season because of the fact that you lost a quality coach, but gained a quality coach in the off-season landing Dusty Giles who was ironically already the head coach in Escalante a few years back. Last year Escalante won seven games and according to Dusty Giles, there is talent in the far north of the state, you just have to coach it. If you can muscle your way to the top in Class 1A you can make some noise on the statewide level.

Gallup Bengals

Pre-Season Rank 71: The Gallup Bengals won just two games in the 2010 season (Shiprock and Grants). Beating Grants late in the season was huge for the program and gives Head Football Coach Cyle Balok and Co. motivation during the summer season. The Bengals did play a tough schedule last year and though it's going to be tough to make the final 12 at the end of the year, Gallup is one team that could win three to four games, which would be fantastic for Gallup.

Pojoaque elks

Pre-Season Rank 72: The 2011 Elks are coming into the season with a new head coach and what seems to be some good momentum at least in the summer season. The Elks went 4-7 last season beating Wingate, Cuba, Santa Fe Indian, and Espanola Valley. They are led by Louie Martinez who has been the quarterback at McCurdy over the last few years. Martinez has been playing for what seems like forever so he should have some good experience under center. It's going to be tough for Pojoaque to make noise playing in district 5-5A, but if they can stay at least .500 on the season they do have a shot to make the play-offs this year.

Shiprock Chieftians

Pre-Season Rank 73: The Shiprock Chieftains won five games last year earning the district title in 1-3A and earning a trip to the Class 3A play-offs where they would fall to Hatch Valley 48-6. The Chieftians lost some tough games to open the season and did not earn their first win until their match up with Tohatchi. A 37-36 win over Zuni clinched the district in a thrilling game. The Chieftians are the team to beat in 1-3A, but not even a top 15 team in Class 3A.

Capital Jaguars

Pre-Season Rank 74: The Capital Jaguars are yet another team to lose their head coach after the 2010 season. Head Coach Josh Wallace was not at Capital for one full year before he vacated the position. In steps former Lobo Football Player Charles Moss to take over a program which has taken a nose dive since the departure of Stephen Castille two-years ago. It's going to be a tough road at Capital and it's really hard to see them winning even three games in 2011. Moss seems like a winner, so it will be interesting to see how much movement the Jaguars make this season.

NMMI Broncos

Pre-Season Rank 75: You never know what type of talent you're going to get at NMMI, but we do know that NMMI will be well coached as always with Randy Montoya taking over for David Lynn. Quality coach for a quality coach. NMMI won three games last year, but missed the play-offs going 2-1 in district. If they get some talent and some bigs this year, Coach Montoya will give Eunice a run for their money.

Loving Falcons

Pre-Season Rank 76: The Loving Falcons went .500 last year which was a huge jump from the 2009 season when they went winless. Last year the Falcons beat Mescalero Apache, Hal, Carrizozo, Dexter, lost to NMMI 27-26 which knocked them out of the play-off race. District 4-2A is tough to win especially with Daniel Hutchins taking over Eunice and Randy Montoya taking over NMMI. 2A is always stacked and it's going to take a magical season in order of the Falcons to make a run at the play-offs.

McCurdy Bobcats

Pre-Season Rank 77: McCurdy is a dangerous Class 1A program and they made some noise last year under rising head football coach Eric Vigil. They lost to Mesilla Valley early in the season 14-13 and lost to Mesilla Valley later in the play-offs 27-7. The Bobcats lost some impact players to graduation, but they should give Escalante a run for the district once again. McCurdy is not a true threat to be even a final four team, but they are a well coached team that is going to beat tough to beat night in and night out. .

Jal panthers

Pre-Season Rank 78: Jal loses Head Football Coach Jimmy Samaniego and that can either work positively or negatively depending on how the kids respond to the new coach. Jal has put together some very good football teams throughout history, but has not seen much elite success over the 2000 period. They play in a tough district along side Ft. Sumner and Hagerman, so it's always going to be a battle come district time.

zuni thunderbirds

Pre-Season Rank 79: The Thunderbirds won eight games last season and missed the play-offs as the NMAA Play-Off Committee only took one team (Shiprock) from district 1-3A. Zuni lost in the final game of the season 37-36 to Shiprock in heartbreaker. In the year Zuni beat Ramah, Mescalero Apache, Navajo Pine, Crownpoint, Laguna, Wingate, Thoreau, and Tohatchi. They lost to Hope Christian in week two 47-6. Zuni is the only team this season that can give Shipriock a run for the disitrict title once again.

dexter demons

Pre-Season Rank 80: The Demons had a tough season last year going winless on the season. It was a big step backwards from the years under head coach Tim Fuller. It's hard to believe that just three-years ago Dexter went 11-1 on the season only losing to Texico in the final game of the season 28-26. This program has a long road to recovery.

Santa Fe Indian Braves

Pre-Season Rank 82:The Indians went 4-4 last season after losing their first four games of the season. The program which has one of the top high school football stadium atmospheres in the state is a young program that is moving in the right direction. Beating Carrizozo last year was a huge step forward for the program. A winning season would be huge for the Chiefs. In 2009 the Chiefs went 1-9.

Wingate Bears

Pre-Season Rank 83: Under Head Coach Donald Pine, the Wingate Bears went 4-6 on the season and missed the play-offs. They did win two big district games to start their district season, but lost to Zuni and Shiprock down the stretch. Wingate is one Northwest 3A program that you will see during the summer season attending 7-On's, etc. and they always have a decent quarterback leading the way. They play in a very soft district and always have a shot to win the district, but since Shiprock has moved in, Wingate has had trouble beating the Chieftians. Another under .500 season expected.

Espanola valley sundevils

Pre-Season Rank 84: Espanola Valley went winless in the 0-10 season under first year Head Coach Joe Jiron. They came close to beating Santa Fe Indian in a 58-50 shootout during the middle of the season. During district play a 36-20 loss to Capital was the closest they came to winning a district game. This year, the Sundvevils are reported to have over 30 players out, which is a good sign. It's going to take time to win at Espanola Valley. Advice for Jiron is to sit tight and work with what you got.

capitan tigers

Pre-Season Rank 85: Yet another program that lost it's football coach after the season. Jason Hightower took the AD position and as far as we know the Capitan job is still on the board. Last year the Capitan Tigers joined Class 1A, made it to the play-offs before losing to Escalante by a score of 40-12. It was not that long ago that this program was a nine game winner and a title game contender in Class 2A. You might think they have hit a dry spell in quantity athletes until you realize the baseball team just ran through the Class 1A baseball scene with only two seniors. Capitan should rise again shortly.

crownpoint Eagles

Pre-Season Rank 86: Yet another Northwest Program that has had a tough time making the play-offs and winning district games. Last year the Eagles started off the season with big wins over Newcomb and Navajo Pine, but then lost a tight game against Zuni and lost to Shiprock 42-6. Looks to be another long season for the Eagles, but every once in a great while, Crownpoint makes a small run at the district title. It's going to be tough to beat Shiprock, but who knows…

dulce Hawks

Pre-Season Rank 87: Last year Dulce went 5-5 after losing their first three games of the season. They lost to Escalante, Questa, and lost to Laguna before turning things around to beat Navajo Pine, Newcomb, and Navajo Prep. They made the play-offs at the end of the year, but were rocked by Tularosa 51-0. On the year they were outscored 252-248, a difference of just four points.

newcomb skyhawks

Pre-Season Rank 88: The Skyhawks went 5-4 last season and started the year with two big wins. They beat Whitehorse, Utah and then beat Tohatchi. They then were beaten badly by regional 3A rivals like Wingate and Crownpoint, but did have some district twins late in the year. They beat Ramah 26-18 and beat Cuba to end the year 55-0.

ramah mustangs

Pre-Season Rank 89: The Mustangs won a six games last year, but also had some ugly losses on their plate. A bit of a two fold team with lots of season ups and downs. They did end the year with wins over Cuba and Navajo Pine, but none of their six wins were really nothing to write home about. A key loss to Newcomb by a score of 26-18 kept them out of the 2010 play-offs.

Navajo prep eagles

Pre-Season Rank 90: After starting the season 6-2, the Navajo Prep Eagles were looking at one f their best seasons maybe ever. A tough few losses down the stretch to miss the 2010 play-offs. Their end of the year 36-16 loss to Dulce is a game they have to be thinking about as they enter their off-season work-outs this summer. Watch for this team to make a run at the district in 2011.

Mescalero apache chiefs

Pre-Season Rank 91: The Indians went 4-4 last season after losing their first four games of the season. The program which has one of the top high school football stadium atmospheres in the state is a young program that is moving in the right direction. Beating Carrizozo last year was a huge step forward for the program. A winning season would be huge for the Chiefs. In 2009 the Chiefs went 1-9.

carrizozo Grizzly

Pre-Season Rank 92: It's been a while since the Grizzly had a football team make some noise in the 1A ranks. Last year they went 2-6 and lost some big games down the stretch to teams like Mesilla Valley, Mescalero Apache, and to Capitan. Over the years Carrizozo has forged some very good football teams and every so often those teams come around. Don't sleep on them two-years in a row. Their last winning season was in 2007 when they went 10-2 on the year losing to Ft. Sumner in the title game.

tohatchi cougars

Pre-Season Rank 93: Last year the Tohatchi Cougars won just two-games on the season, but struggled to put points not he board and lost their final four games of the season. This program has struggled through the years. Since 2005 they have won a total of five games, going winless in the 2007 and 2008 season. Expect another long road for the Cougars in the 2011 season.

questa wildcats

Pre-Season Rank 94: Over the last five decade Questa's football program has had a major time winning football games. Their last winning season was in 2004 when they went 6-4 and made it to the second round of the play-offs. Since then, Questa has posted six losing seasons in a row. Last year the Wildcat's only win on the season came against winless Cuba which they won in week one by a score of 52-0.

Navajo pine warriors

Pre-Season Rank 95: Another Northwest Football Program that has had a tough time winning throughout the years, in fact their last winning season came in 1996. Last year they started the year 0-6 until they beat winless Cuba 35-0. They played tough in the final game of the season losing to Ramah 42-28, scoring the most offensive potions they had scored all season long. They allowed an average of five scores a game on defense. Another long year is expected in Warrior Country.

clayton yellow jackets

Pre-Season Rank 96: Clayton won just one game in the 2010 season under their new head football coach (please submit name). Their lack of success is nearly a 180 degree turnaround from the success that Bobby Spinelli had with the Yellow Jackets in the two previous years. In 2009 they went 8-2 and lost in the title game and in 2008 they reached the title game losing to Ft. Sumner. This team could rise as the year progresses, but playing in Class 2A does them no favors. Watch for 6-foot-6, 310 pound linemen Cameron Mock to lead the way.

cloudcroft bears

Pre-Season Rank 97 In 2009 Cloudcroft played in Class 2A and went 1-8. They moved down to Class 1A in 2010 and went 1-7. Tough year for the Bears as they barely scored 54 points on the season and were shutout five times. Their only win on the season came against winless Magdalena in late September. Their last winning season was in 2006 when the Bears went 7-4 under Head Coach Joey Rogers.

Thoreau Hawks

Pre-Season Rank 98: Through started out the season being shutout in their first four games of the season. They lost to Navajo Prep 44-0, lost to Laguna 36-0, lost to SF Indian 28-0 and lost to Grants 54-0. They did manage to score in their next few games, but only their rivalry game against Tohatchi was lose on the year in a 12-8 thriller. Another long football season awaits the Hawks in the 2011 season.

bataan military academy

Pre-Season Rank 99: The Fighting Sea Lions went 1-5 during the 2010 season beating only Magdalena to open the season. This young football program in new to Class 1A and has struggled to win any football games over the last three years. Expect a similar season for the Sea Lions heading into the 2011 season. Winning might not be in the cards for this program for quite some time.

magdalena steers

Pre-Season Rank 100: Former 8-Man team Magdalena had a very tough year in 11-man football losing every game of the season. They nearly beat Mescalero Apache in week seven 38-37, but then lost their next two games by a combined score of 105-0. On the year, the Steers were outscored 421-84. Magdalena over the years has played tough in 8-man so don't write them off just yet. They have some good athletes in that region of the state.

Cuba rams

Pre-Season Rank 101: Cuba has literally no where to go but up from the 2010 season. On the year they were outscored by a combined 494-31. They did not score a touchdown until the eighth game of the season. They ended the year with a 55-0 loss to Newcomb. Cuba's last winning season was in 2007 when the made the Class 3A state play-offs with a 6-5 record.

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