Welcome Aboard! Top Newcomers In Updated 2023 Rankings

With six weeks in the books, we have updated our 2023 rankings. As always, there was plenty of movement up and down the rankings. And there are plenty of new names as well. Welcome aboard! Here are the top newcomers: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208744" first="Exodus" last="Ayers"], La Cueva</strong>: We already knew Ayers was one of the top basketball players in the state when he decided to play football this fall for La Cueva. He’s brought his skills to the gridiron, essentially playing a version of basketball on grass, consistently outleaping and outracing defenders. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208819" first="Aidan" last="Granado"], Silver</strong>: The Colts are undefeated largely through the efforts of Granado, who has rushed for 807 yards and eclipsed 100 yards in every game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208691" first="Mikah" last="Gutierrez"], Centennial</strong>: Gutierrez has quickly become one of the best running backs in Las Cruces, and a centerpiece of the Hawks’ offense as they make their playoff push. They carry a four-game winning streak into Friday night’s game vs. Organ Mountain. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138076" first="Tomas" last="Herrera"], Gadsden</strong>: Coming into the season, we knew Herrera would likely be Gadsden’s focal point on offense. And that’s how it has played out as the panthers are 3-3 playing an independent schedule. He’s thrown for 509 yards and rushed for 817 yards and 11 TDs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208790" first="Rocket" last="Llanez"], Bernalillo</strong>: The Spartans are 4-2 on the season as Llanez has led the offensive charge with 261 rushing yards and 4 TDs. He’s also Bernalillo’s kickoff returner. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208812" first="Andres" last="Madrid"], Santa Rosa</strong>: It’s unlikely many folks have heard of Madrid, who toils in obscurity for Class 2A Santa Rosa. He’s been a workhorse for the Lions, compiling 833 rushing yards and 9 TDs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208737" first="Julian" last="Munoz"], Capital</strong>: Capital doesn’t get a lot of press outside of Santa Fe, but unoz is a dynamic dual threat QB. He has thrown for  594 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 381 yards and 6 TDs. He has amassed close to 1,000 yards in total offense. <strong>Elliot Paskett-Ball, Volcano Vista</strong>: An important part of Volcano Vista’s talented WR corps. Averaging almost 25 yards per reception. Also has nearly 200 yards rushing. All-round player. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208794" first="Jacob" last="Ramsted"], Piedra Vista</strong>:  Ramsted has been a steadying influence at running back for an improving Piedra Vista team in 20921. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208748" first="Ryan" last="Sharpe"], Bloomfield</strong>: Before he was injured, Sharpe led Bloomfield to the top of the Class 4A rankings by throwing for 673 yards ands rushing for 125 yards in 5 games. His maturity, fearlessness and leadership skills stand out. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208782" first="Jayden" last="Vigil"], West Las Vegas</strong>: Why are the Dons 5-0 after not playing for nearly 2 years? Vigil is a big reason why along with QB C.J. Perea and RB [player_tooltip player_id="26269" first="Damien" last="Gallegos"]. Vigil has 203 rushing yards and a team-high 22 receptions. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208831" first="Miguel" last="Andrade"], Los Lunas</strong>: One of the top defenders for one of the top teams in Class 5A. Keyed the Tigers’ recent win over Goddard. &nbsp;