The Biggest X-Factors In The First Round Of The 6A Playoffs
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With the 2022 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs kicking off this Friday Night, we take a look at the first four first round matchups in the 6A Class. This article will breakdown the X-Factors in each playoff matchup.…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2022 New Mexico High School Football State Playoffs kicking off this Friday Night, we take a look at the first four first round matchups in the 6A Class. This article will breakdown the X-Factors in each playoff matchup.
#5 Volcano Vista vs #12 Atrisco Heritage
Alijah Gonzales Alijah Gonzales 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Volcano Vista | 2024 State NM RB “Volcano Vista”- The junior RB comes into this game as a huge X-Factor because of his importance in Volcano Vista’s offense. He is able to run the football as a true workhorse and his ability to catch passes in the backfield. Expect Alijah Gonzales Alijah Gonzales 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Volcano Vista | 2024 State NM to receive a lot of touches vs Atrisco Heritage.
Nathan Wallin Nathan Wallin 5'10" | 185 lbs | LB Volcano Vista | 2023 State NM LB “Volcano Vista”- The captain of that Volcano Vista defense has had an amazing senior season for the Hawks. He is more than capable of reading offenses and taking over a game by himself from the linebacker position. He is the type of player that every offensive coordinator needs to game plan for.
Marquise Renfro Marquise Renfro 5'11" | 160 lbs | WR Atrisco Heritage | 2024 State NM RB/WR “Atrisco Heritage”- The emerging star for the Jaguars is the key if they are looking to pull off an upset victory vs Volcano Vista. He is a dual-threat on offense running the football and catching the football. His ability to make defenders miss tackles and gain extra yards is one of his best traits.
#6 Rio Rancho vs #11 Alamogordo
JJ Arellano QB “Rio Rancho”- The sophomore QB will be making his playoff debut vs Alamogordo this Friday Night in a home game at Rio Rancho High School. Despite being a first year varsity QB, he has accepted the challenge of putting the team on his back at times this year. This will be a big game for JJ as he looks to cement his status as the Rams Quarterback of the future.
Chris Montoya Chris Montoya 5'10" | 195 lbs | DB Rio Rancho | 2023 State NM LB “Rio Rancho”- Rams Linebacker Chris Montoya Chris Montoya 5'10" | 195 lbs | DB Rio Rancho | 2023 State NM is in the top tier of defensive players in New Mexico. He will always find a way to impact the game and put his fingerprints in the biggest games. His leadership and communication is what separates him from other Linebackers. Chris is the heart and soul of the Rams without question as he looks to make one last run for a State Championship.
#7 Farmington vs #10 Carlsbad
Trel Griego Trel Griego 6'3" | 225 lbs | QB Farmington | 2024 State NM QB “Farmington”- Scorpions QB Trel Griego Trel Griego 6'3" | 225 lbs | QB Farmington | 2024 State NM will arguably be the best player on the field in his playoff game vs Carlsbad in the First Round. His ability to be a dual-threat QB is what makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s an elusive QB that is difficult to bring down that gives his squad the best opportunity to win games like these.
#8 Cibola vs #9 Los Lunas
NICHOLAS TORRES NICHOLAS TORRES WR Los Lunas | 2023 State NM FS/RB “Los Lunas”- The Los Lunas State Champion will make an impact on both sides of the football field this weekend. The teams season started to turn itself around after a slow start once everyone got healthy and when NICHOLAS TORRES NICHOLAS TORRES WR Los Lunas | 2023 State NM got more opportunities to run the football. Defensively he is a ball-hawk and can change the momentum of game in the blink of an eye.
Branden Castillo Branden Castillo 5'9" | 145 lbs | WR Cibola | 2023 State NM WR “Cibola”- The Cibola WR was the third leading receiver in New Mexico in terms of yardage during the regular season. With the injury to his Quarterback Aden Chavez Aden Chavez 6'5" | 210 lbs | QB Cibola | 2023 State NM , it will be extra important to get Branden Castillo Branden Castillo 5'9" | 145 lbs | WR Cibola | 2023 State NM involved early. He will be more than a handful for defenses and can change the landscape of this game.