Biggest X-Factors In The 6A Playoff Quarterfinals This Week
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Last weekend we kicked off the start of high school playoff football in New Mexico and there was plenty of excitement throughout the state. In this article we look ahead to the Quarterfinals and the players in the 6A Class…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend we kicked off the start of high school playoff football in New Mexico and there was plenty of excitement throughout the state. In this article we look ahead to the Quarterfinals and the players in the 6A Class who can be the biggest X-Factors for their schools this weekend.
Evan Wysong Evan Wysong 5'10" | 165 lbs | QB Cleveland | 2023 State NM – 5’10 Quarterback/Kicker “Cleveland” Class of 2023
Evan Wysong Evan Wysong 5'10" | 165 lbs | QB Cleveland | 2023 State NM led the Cleveland Storm to a undefeated 10-0 regular season record which rewarded the Storm the #1 overall seed in the 6A playoffs. This secured the Cleveland Storm a first round bye. #8 Hobbs defeated #9 Eldorado in the 1st round, so the Cleveland Storm will host #8 Hobbs this Saturday at home in Rio Rancho at 1:00 pm. Shortly right after the season, Evan Wysong Evan Wysong 5'10" | 165 lbs | QB Cleveland | 2023 State NM was rewarded 1st Team All District as a Quarterback and Kicker. He was also selected as the 6A-District 1 Offensive MVP with his stellar play this season throwing 1,405 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns while running for an additional 651 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. This led the Cleveland Storm to a district title, and if he continues to be a threat on the ground and through the air, this will help Cleveland defeat Hobbs this weekend in the quarterfinals.
Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM – 6’2 Quarterback “La Cueva” Class of 2023
Quarterback Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM led the La Cueva Bears to a 9-1 record in the regular season that secured them a district title and the #3 seed in the 6A playoffs. They were rewarded a 1st round bye and waited for the results of their next opponent between #6 Volcano Vista and #11 Carlsbad. Volcano Vista defeated Carlsbad 49-17 in the first round and will face Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM ’s La Cueva Bears in the Quarterfinals this Friday night at 7:00 pm. Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM was one of the top passers in New Mexico this past season and was already selected to 1st Team All-District for his consistent play all year. Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM is a very accurate thrower and doesn’t turn over the football often. The Volcano Vista Hawks have a great defense and if the La Cueva Bears want to advance to the semi-finals, expect Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM to have another great game this weekend in the biggest game of the year so far this season.
Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E – 6’3 Wide Receiver “La Cueva” Class of 2023
Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E is coming off a 1st round bye for helping lead the La Cueva Bears to the #3 overall seed in the 6A Playoffs. With a week to rest and heal his body, expect Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E to be fresh going into this week against his next opponent the #6 Volcano Vista Hawks. Both schools are great offensively and defensively and if it turns out to be a back and forth game, expect Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E to be heavily involved early. Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E and Quarterback Aidan Armenta Aidan Armenta 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB La Cueva | 2023 State NM are arguably the best QB-WR connection in New Mexico, expect Aidan to look Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E way for much of this game and if they get going offensively. The La Cueva Bears will be a hard team to deal with not just this weekend but for the rest of the 6A playoffs should they advance past Volcano Vista this weekend. Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Proctor Academy | 2024 State New E might be the toughest Wide Receiver to cover in New Mexico with his size, speed, and strength.
Deven Dyer– 6’2 Defensive End “La Cueva” Class of 2022
One of the biggest X-Factors for this La Cueva Bears and Volcano Vista Hawks Quarterfinals game is Defensive End Deven Dyer. He is one of the best defensive players in New Mexico and during the regular season made a strong argument for Defensive Player of The Year. The La Cueva Bears are facing one of the best offenses in New Mexico and one of their toughest opponents this season. If Defensive End Deven Dyer can help slow down the explosive Volcano Vista offense expect the La Cueva Bears to advance past this weekend. Deven Dyer puts extreme pressure on opposing offensive linemen to protect their quarterbacks and running backs from his elite speed making tackles and getting to the ball. Deven Dyer is more than capable of taking over a game by himself defensively and with much on the line this weekend, expect Deven Dyer to give it his all in the Quarterfinals this weekend.
Tyler Martinez Tyler Martinez 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM – 6’1 Linebacker “Volcano Vista” Class of 2022
Tyler Martinez Tyler Martinez 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM and the Volcano Vista Hawks are coming off a 1st round playoff victory vs #11 Carlsbad in a 49-17 win this past Friday night. The best linebacker in New Mexico showcased why he has been an X-Factor all season long. This past weekend in the 1st round vs Carlsbad, he rushed for a touchdown early in the 1st quarter, he had 14 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 interception to cap off a great performance. Looking ahead to this week vs the La Cueva Bears who have one of the best teams in New Mexico, he will again be another huge X-Factor that can determine the outcome of the game. Coming off a great regular season and a great playoff opener, Tyler Martinez Tyler Martinez 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM and the Volcano Hawks are playing their best football of the year at the right time going into the Quarterfinals vs a championship-caliber La Cueva team.
Kieran Cordova Kieran Cordova 5'10" | 145 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM – 5’9 Wide Receiver “Volcano Vista” Class of 2022
Kieran Cordova Kieran Cordova 5'10" | 145 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM played a huge role in the Volcano Vista Hawks advancing past the 1st round vs Carlsbad this past Friday night and if they advance past La Cueva this weekend in the Quarterfinals, expect Kieran Cordova Kieran Cordova 5'10" | 145 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM to have a great performance this Friday night. In the quarterfinals vs Carlsbad this past Friday night, Kieran Cordova Kieran Cordova 5'10" | 145 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM contributed with 6 receptions for 57 receiving yards and his best reception of the night being of 34 yards from Quarterback Josh Gerardo Josh Gerardo 6'1" | QB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM . The Volcano Vista Hawks have multiple weapons on offense and Kieran Cordova Kieran Cordova 5'10" | 145 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM is one of them. Kieran Cordova Kieran Cordova 5'10" | 145 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM is one of the most dangerous Wide Receivers in the game with his speed, footwork, and catching in traffic against defenders. He is a huge X-Factor this weekend, he can turn a small play into a big play and that can have a huge impact on this weeks Quarterfinals matchup vs La Cueva.
Kaden Valdez Kaden Valdez 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM – 5’11 Wide Receiver “Volcano Vista” Class of 2022
Kaden Valdez Kaden Valdez 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM had another great performance this past Friday night vs Carlsbad in the 1st round of the 6A Playoffs. In this game he had 6 receptions, 151 receiving yards and had 2 touchdown receptions to help the #6 Volcano Vista defeat the #11 Carlsbad in the 1st round. If Kaden Valdez Kaden Valdez 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM has a game similar vs the #3 La Cueva Bears this weekend, don’t be surprised if the #6 Volcano Vista Hawks upset the #3 ranked team in 6A. Kaden has been a nightmare for opposing defenses all season long with his consistent play being of the states best skill players. He and teammate Josh Gerardo Josh Gerardo 6'1" | QB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM have been in sync together all season and if they continue their on field chemistry, the Volcano offense will likely continue their success vs the La Cueva Bears this Friday night.
Josh Gerardo Josh Gerardo 6'1" | QB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM – 6’0 Quarterback “Volcano Vista” Class of 2022
Quarterback Josh Gerardo Josh Gerardo 6'1" | QB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM of the Volcano Vista Hawks is coming off arguably his best individual performance in the biggest game of the year vs #11 Carlsbad this past Friday night. He completed 25/32 of his passes, threw for 381 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns with 0 Interceptions. One of his touchdown passes was a 73 yard pass to Wide Receiver Kaden Valdez Kaden Valdez 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM late in the 2nd quarter. Josh Gerardo Josh Gerardo 6'1" | QB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM is playing his best football of the season and with the #3 La Cueva Bears next in the 6A Quarterfinals, the Volcano Vista Hawks will need another big performance and clean game from their quarterback if their to advance to the 6A semifinals next week vs Rio Rancho or Cibola. Josh Gerardo Josh Gerardo 6'1" | QB Volcano Vista | 2022 State NM will be a huge X-Factor for Volcano Vista this Friday night.
Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM – 6’5 Quarterback “Cibola” Class of 2023
Quarterback Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM and the #7 Cibola Cougars are coming off a 1st round playoff victory vs the #10 Sandia Matadors 41-15 this past Friday night. Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM had a strong performance completing 17/23 of his passes which was a 73.9 completion percentage, throwing for 350 passing yards, threw 4 passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The #7 CIbola Cougars will face the #2 seeded Rio Rancho Rams who are coming off a first-round bye. This quarterfinals matchup will take place this Friday night in Rio Rancho. Quarterback Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM will be a huge X-Factor in this Quarterfinals matchup and gives his school a chance every week no matter who the opponent is. If Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM has a performance like last week vs Rio Rancho, this will increase Cibola’s chances at pulling off an upset on the road at Rio Rancho.
Nathan Lopez Nathan Lopez 5'5" | 135 lbs | WR Cibola | 2022 State NM – 5’6 Wide Receiver “Cibola” Class of 2022
Wide Receiver Nathan Lopez Nathan Lopez 5'5" | 135 lbs | WR Cibola | 2022 State NM has been one of the top players in the state of New Mexico all year and that continued in Cibola’s playoff win vs Sandia last Friday night in that 1st round matchup. He had 3 receptions, had 78 receiving yards and caught 1 touchdown reception. Him and his Cibola Cougars will be on the road for their next matchup in the Quarterfinals vs the #2 seeded Rio Rancho Rams. In an earlier matchup this season, he had 8 receptions, 86 receiving yards and 1 touchdown reception vs arguably the best defense in New Mexico. If the Cibola Cougars want to upset the Rio Rancho Rams on the road, expect another big game from Wide Receiver Nathan Lopez Nathan Lopez 5'5" | 135 lbs | WR Cibola | 2022 State NM . He is a huge X-Factor along with Quarterback Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM , if they get going early they can put the pressure on the Rio Rancho Rams.
Marcus Wilson– 6’4 Wide Receiver “Cibola” Class of 2024
One of the states up and coming Wide Receivers is Marcus Wilson. At his size at 6’4, he is one of the state’s biggest Wide Receivers and has great catching ability with his speed. This past Friday night vs Sandia, he made a huge statement in their playoff win. He had 5 receptions, 82 receiving yards, and had 2 touchdown receptions. What makes the Cibola Cougars a dangerous offensive team is they have a great Quarterback in Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM , but they have multiple weapons on offense like Marcus Wilson and Nathan Lopez Nathan Lopez 5'5" | 135 lbs | WR Cibola | 2022 State NM . If Nathan Lopez Nathan Lopez 5'5" | 135 lbs | WR Cibola | 2022 State NM gets most of Rio Rancho’s attention this Friday night, don’t be surprised if Marcus Wilson has another big performance and is a huge X-Factor for the Cibola Cougars this Friday night in their Quarterfinals matchup vs Rio Rancho.
Dominick Priddy– 5’8 Quarterback “Rio Rancho” Class of 2022
Rio Rancho Quarterback Dominick Priddy and the Rams are coming off a 7-1 regular season where they were rewarded the #2 seed in the 6A Playoffs and had a 1st round bye this past weekend. They will face the #7 Cibola Cougars in the Quarterfinals at home in Rio Rancho. Dominick Priddy is a huge X-Factor with his great offensive play from the regular season where he threw for 1,163 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also ran for an additional 269 rushing yards and had 5 rushing touchdowns through just 8 games this regular season. Dominick Priddy will be a huge X-Factor this Friday night vs Cibola with his ability to take care of the ball throwing no interceptions this season while also completing 66.1% of his passes. If the Rio Rancho Rams advance, expect Dominick Priddy to be a big reason why.
Zach Vigil Zach Vigil 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Rio Rancho | 2022 State NM – 5’10 Running Back “Rio Rancho” Class of 2022
Rio Rancho Star Running Back Zach Vigil Zach Vigil 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Rio Rancho | 2022 State NM will be a huge X-Factor this Friday night vs the #7 Cibola Cougars in the Quarterfinals. The last time he played the Cibola Cougars on October 1st, he had 31 carries for 353 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, and 2 receptions for 40 receiving yards. He had 392 total yards, and if he has any performance close to that than this makes the #2 Rio Rancho Rams almost impossible to beat. He is without a doubt the top running back prospect in New Mexico and this helped the Rio Rancho Rams finish the regular season at an impressive 7-1 regular-season record and the #2 seed in the 6A Bracket. With Zach Vigil Zach Vigil 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Rio Rancho | 2022 State NM and the Rio Rancho Rams coming off a 1st round bye this past weekend, expect him to be fresh resting his body with a week off and be an important X-Factor vs a really good Cibola football team this weekend.