Week 1 Wrapup: Top Performers
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Week 1 of the extraordinary New Mexico high school spring football season is almost over. Two games are scheduled for Monday night. Here are the standout performers so far for opening weekend: Carlsbad’s Ground Game: Stopping Artesia’s 2-point try in…
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Continue ReadingWeek 1 of the extraordinary New Mexico high school spring football season is almost over. Two games are scheduled for Monday night. Here are the standout performers so far for opening weekend:
Carlsbad’s Ground Game: Stopping Artesia’s 2-point try in the final seconds won the Eddy County War for the Cavemen, but it was several explosive plays from the run game that truly propelled them to victory. First, Jesse Rodriguez tore through the Bulldogs defense for a 65-yard scoring run. Then Eli Agay scored on a 38-yard run. In the fourth quarter, Jalen Macareno snapped a 21-21 tie with a 42-yard TD run. The Carlsbad O-Line was opening some holes, for sure.
Braxton McDonald Braxton McDonald 5'10" | WR Artesia | 2021 State NM , Artesia: The top receiver in the state caught a pair of TD passes in the second quarter, one in acrobatic fashion in the red zone. The season is only four games, of course, but McDonald looks primed to have a huge spring before he heads off to play for the college of his choice.
Jared Jeffrey, Lovington: The Wildcats quarterback threw for 230 yards and four touchdowns in the big win over Ruidoso. In all, Lovington quarterbacks threw 5 Td passes, three to junior Tayten Hilliard. In fact, all five TD receptions were made by receivers who will be returning in the fall. Watch out for Lovington.
Baylor Diaz, Portales: The senor quarterback for the defending Class 4A champions enjoyed a stellar opening game by rushing for 120 yards on 12 carries in Portales’ 21-0 victory over Moriarty. Diaz duels with Dexter QB Marco Munoz on Friday night. Speaking of Munoz. . .
Marco Munoz, Dexter: Munoz ran for a 24-yard TD and threw a 10-yard TD pass in the first quarter as Dexter raced out to a quick 14-0 lead over NMMI. The Demons defense did the rest in 17-2 Week 1 win. Munoz vs. Diaz will be one of the more intriguing quarterback matchups in Week 2.
Tres Arreola, Lovington: The defense for Lovington was clicking too and Arreola led the way with 20 tackles, most of anybody in the state. He added as ack and one tackle for loss. Arreola was all over the field.
Bracxton Hall, Ruidoso: The Warriors were overwhelmed by Lovington, 54-20, in their opener but Hall did everything he could to keep Ruidoso in the game by rushing for 115 yards on 17 carries and catching 5 passes for 66 yards. He added 90 yards in kickoff returns, giving him 271 all-purpose yards.
Max Montoya, Farmington: With his 6-foot-3 frame, Farmington’s top wide receiver often takes advantage of mismatches against smaller defensive backs, especially in the red zone. He showed off his skills Friday night by leaping up for a 4-yard TD grab.
Hagen Rains, Portales: Portales’ backup QB to Diaz was a major figure for the Rams defense as he finished with 11 tackles and 1 interception. He also returned two punts for 35 yards.
Michael Candeleria, Piedra Vista: Candelaria broke free for a 53-yard TD run to propel PV to a 42-0 rout of Miyamura.
Aaron Cisco, Alamogordo: He blocked a Bloomfield punt in the third quarter at a critical juncture of the game, and Raynard McNill recovered the ball to score the go-ahead touchdown doe the Tigers.
Hayden Dean, Eunice: He completed 16-of-19 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-020 victory over Hagerman. He also rushed for 66 yards, joining junior Micah Tippett (92 yards rushing, 3 TD) in battering Hagerman on the ground.
Isaac Hinson Isaac Hinson 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Lovington | 2022 State NM , Lovington: Besides being one of the top 2022 receivers in the state, Hinson is also a pretty good defensive back. He caught two passes for 46 yards and intercepted a pair of passes for the Wildcats’ defense. Solid start to the spring season for somebody who should get an opportunity to play at the next level.
Brayden Money, Alamogordo: What was the difference in the Tigers’ hard-fought 16-14 victory over Bloomfield Saturday. The blocked punt was key, of course. But don’t overlook Money’s 37-yard field goal. Those three points proved vital. Don’t take special teams for granted. They’re often the difference between winning and losing (ask Hobbs).
So proud of this team and our assistant coaches. Our team played with Fanatical Effort from start to finish this evening. So thankful for our great administration and the @_NMAA for making this happen tonight. #nearperfect #FE pic.twitter.com/HtsnlHI9Fp
— Wildcat Football (@lvtwildcatsfb) March 6, 2021
We got a great first win of our season today! Proud of our team today. It's been 500 days since our last game. Here is my first field goal as a varsity kicker, this one was from 38 yards. @AlamoFootball @nmpreps @SamWattsSTA pic.twitter.com/LFzbbwjq9V
— Brayden Money (@BraydenMoney23) March 7, 2021
1-0 #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/RximA8kuS7
— AlamoTigerFootball (@AlamoFootball) March 6, 2021