Growing Up Fast: Most Impactful Freshmen

Several 2025 prospects (currently freshmen in high school) are making an impact on their teams this season. Here is our list of the most impactful freshmen in New Mexico High School football heading into Week 9 of the regular season: C.J. Perea, West Las Vegas: Perea has emerged as one of the most fascinating players in New Mexico this season while leading West Las Vegas to an impressive 6-1 record. Perea has thrown for 1,469 yards (5^th most in the state, per MaxPreps) and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 186 yards. The stocky Perea is fearless when he has the ball in his hands. He runs over defenders and isn’t scared to stand in the pocket patiently waiting for his receivers to get open. Kudos to the WLV coaching staff for not treating Perea with kid gloves. When Perea makes a mistake, he hears about it. In the long-term, that will help him become a better quarterback. West Las Vegas has a huge district matchup with St. Michael’s Saturday in Santa Fe. Jesse James Gonzales, Robertson: Besides owning the best name in New Mexico High School football, Gonzales is a pretty darn good football player as well. He has 618 rushing yards in 6 games, an average of 103 yards per game, and scored 6 TD. Gonzales will just keep getting better and his profile should increase next season. Latavious Morris, Atrisco Heritage: The Jaguars have been up and down this season and face powerhouse Rio Rancho Friday night looking for their first district win, but Morris might be the top freshman wide receiver in the state. He has 16 receptions for 136 yards and two interceptions on defense. Look for him to become a bigger name next season. Austin Stegall, Aztec: Stegall has contributed on both sides of the ball for Aztec in the first 8 games with three receptions for 82 yards and 1 TD to go along with 17 tackles and 3 interceptions on defense. Lee Miller, Bernalillo: The Spartans have lost four games in a row but it’s tough to blame the Bernalillo defense for the skid. During the first three games of that streak, Bernalillo allowed just 35 total points. Miller has been a solid contributor on the Spartans defense with 15 tackles and 3 sacks. Honorable Mention: Jonathan Gonzales (West Las Vegas); Ondalis Cardenas (Lovington); Cannon Walton (Raton); Exodus Fierro (Loving); Xavier Nez (Navajo Prep); Cole Seidenberger (Capitan); Jalin Holland (Los Lunas); Alec Holguin (Lovington).