Published Feb 7, 2011
Wrestling: 5A Pre-State Preview
M&G75
NMPreps.com Staff Writer
Not much has changed in the top five since the pre-season review. Six schools will vie for the three state team trophies. Rio Rancho continues its hold on the number one slot. Volcano Vista and Cleveland will look to challenge Rio Rancho for the top spot. Rio Grande remains in contention for the final spot on the award stand and await any slip-ups by the top three. Cibola rounds out the top five while Mayfield looks to break through and upend the frontrunners for a place on the award stand.
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1. Rio Rancho-The Rams have secured the top spot with their undefeated run at New Mexico competition, including their first place finish in the prestigious Joe Vivian Tournament. Matt Nunez, Zack Rogers, Anthony Garcia, and Shea Nolan will return to vie for their individual top spot. The Rams await the hopeful return of defending state champion Nathaniel Lujan from his Joe Vivian injury. Although a high school career ending injury to top seed David Rael, the Rams, Jonathon Salazar, Miguel Barreras, and Jordan Lara will provide the depth to lock up the top spot.
2. Volcano Vista-The Hawks have not relinquished their hold on the number two spot. Lead by Eric Montoya and Lawrence Otero, along with Josh Mora and Eric Crum, Volcano Vista remains in the second position. Colton Telesha and Jake Espana add the depth to keep Volcano Vista in hunt for the top spot.
3. Cleveland-The Storm moves up to take the third place spot over pre-season fourth place. By virtue of their third place finish at Joe Vivian, the Storm edges ahead of Rio Grande. Cleveland lead by Paul Mascarenas, Macario Borrego, James Beasley, Jake King, and Mitch Napier look to secure a its place on the award stand.
4. Rio Grande-Although the Ravens lost a little ground at Joe Vivian, they remain a threat for third place and a spot on the award stand. Lead by the Montano Brothers, Andrew and Gabriel, along with Steven Trujillo and Andy Montoya, the Ravens have a lock on the fourth position. They will need production from Adam Padilla and their upper weights to challenge for a spot on the award stand and fend off a challenge by Cibola and Mayfield.
5. Cibola-The Cougars remain locked in the fifth position with Mayfield lurking close by. Nick Pino, Chris DiFillippo, and Tomas Barela lead the Cougars. Cibola does not have enough depth to move up to the award stand and will await favorable seedings and upsets for any chance to move to the award stand.
6. Mayfield-The Trojans have the depth not only to upend Cibola, but to contend for a spot on the award stand. Any faltering by the frontrunners and a strong performance by their bevy of tested veterans can move them up. Lead by Sterling Lucero, Nathaniel May, Jeff Fisk, Orlando Guerra, Bobby Chavez, and David Rey Ramirez, Mayfield will look to pass the frontrunners.

Best Of The Rest

1. Manzano
2. La Cueva
3. Carlsbad
4. Sandia