Baker’s Dozen: Week 3 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 New Mexico High School football season has entered Week 3. Games begin Thursday night with a handful of contests around the state and runs through Saturday afternoon. The schedule is highlighted by a clash between two Class 6A heavyweight teams at the Field of Dreams. Here are our Top 13 games of Week 3 of what promises to be another exciting three days of football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GAME OF THE WEEK</strong>: <strong>La Cueva at Centennial</strong> (Sat., 1 p.m., Field of Dreams)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Technically, both teams are 0-2 going into this matchup but knowledgeable high school football analysts understand these are two of the top teams in Class 6A and both could still earn top four playoff seeds when early November rolls around. We learned yesterday La Cueva had forfeited its Week 1 win over Rio Rancho due to using an ineligible player. Still, La Cueva is No. 2 and Centennial No. 3 in the MaxPreps poll. They are No. 2 and No. 4, respectively, in the Coaches poll, sandwiching Volcano Vista (Hawks face La Cueva next week).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The premier position matchup is this game is the quarterbacks. La Cueva's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611098' first='Cameron' last='Dyer']</strong> and Centennial's <strong>Danny Hernadez</strong> are two of the best signal callers in the state. Both will play at the next level. Dyer has thrown for 464 yards in the first two games, though like the rest of the La Cueva offense he's looking to bounce back after a mediocre showing at Cleveland. Hernadez showcased his elite dual threat skills last week at El Paso (TX) Franklin by running for 149 yards and two long TDs while completing 17-of-25 passes for 170 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams also have elite receivers (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='280925' first='Jordan' last='Lucas']</strong> has 15 receptions in the first two games for Centennial; La Cueva has arguably the fastest WR corps in the state) and stout defenses. La Cueva LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611083' first='Mason' last='Posa']</strong> and Centennial LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274702' first='John' last='Sierra']</strong> both hold FBS offers, and both have strong supporting casts. If you ranked the defenses in 6A, both teams would be in the Top 5. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carlsbad at Volcano Vista (Sat.)</strong>: This will be the third meeting between these schools in the past three seasons. Two years ago, Carlsbad traveled to Albuquerque for a first round playoff game won by Volcano Vista. Last year the Hawks made the journey to Carlsbad for the front half of this home-and-home series and returned home with a 32-19 win. Both teams have first-year quarterbacks and rely on solid ground games led by RB <strong>Alijah ‘A-Train' Gonzales</strong> (Volcano Vista) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590551' first='Ulysses' last='Mendoza']</strong> (Carlsbad). Most likely, the team that runs the ball the best will win. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Los Lunas at Farmington</strong>: After impressive double-digit victories over a pair of local rivals (Piedra Vista; Durango, CO), Farmington is knocking on the door of the Top 3 teams in Class 6A. They are currently ranked No. 4 in the MaxPreps poll behind only the ‘Big Three' of Cleveland, La Cueva and Centennial. Big and powerful QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274791' first='Trel' last='Griego']</strong> is the engine of the Scorpions offense. He accounted for 6 TDs against Durango (4 passing, 2 rushing). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611107' first='Michael' last='Beck']</strong> is a very underrated WR. Los Lunas also started the season 2-0 with victories over Belen and Alamogordo. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103683' first='Damacio' last='Kaneshiro']</strong> has been productive for the Tigers after winning the QB job during preseason camp. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103314' first='Ethan' last='Olguin']</strong> has 205 receiving yards in the first two games and is averaging 25.6 yards per catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Roswell at Hobbs</strong>: Roswell is the second best team in Class 5A behind district rival Artesia, outscoring its first two opponents by 103-24. The Coyotes are solid in every phase, starting at quarterback with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590316' first='Manny' last='Fuentez']</strong> and RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340165' first='Bryce' last='Sanchez']</strong>. They are outstanding on defense as well with several next level caliber players. Hobbs opened the new season with a win at Clovis but lost by 36 points at Artesia in Week 2. The Eagles are looking to rebound behind the offensive trio of QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1119255' first='Brock' last='Beaty']</strong>, RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103655' first='Saul' last='Armendariz']</strong> and WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='592369' first='Jeremiah' last='Jaquez']</strong>. The defense must play better, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Las Vegas at Portales</strong>: When teams began releasing their 2023 schedules during the spring, this game jumped out as one of the premier 4A/3A battles. It's a classic matchup between the high-powered West Las Vegas offense led by junior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615555' first='CJ' last='Perea']</strong> (nearing the 5,000 yard career passing mark) and the fast, aggressive Portales defense that has pitched shutouts in the first two games. LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613053' first='Manny' last='Chavez']</strong> and DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275478' first='Devin' last='Diaz']</strong> are dynamic for the Rams defense. Portales possesses a prolific offense as well with junior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615523' first='Paxton' last='Culpepper']</strong>. Can the Dons' defense contain the Portales offense enough while Perea and the WLV offense duel with the Portales D? Intriguing question. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gadsden at Alamogordo</strong>: Downtrodden for decades, Gadsden is writing another feel good story in 2023. Last week's 21-14 road win at El Paso (TX) High is one of the most impressive victories by ANY New Mexico school in the first two weeks. The Panthers' defense has been lights out so far this season with DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815958' first='Nathaniel' last='Lopez']</strong> standing out. Stopping 6-foot-3, 185-pound Alamogordo senior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275510' first='Elijah' last='Montoya']</strong> and the Tigers offense offers a nice challenge for Gadsden.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deming at Goddard</strong>: If there's a 2-0 team flying under the radar, it's Deming. The Wildcats have posted victories over Del Norte and Organ Mountain to start the season but the pollsters are unimpressed. MaxPreps has Deming behind a winless Piedra Vista team in the 5A rankings and behind three 0-2 teams in the overall state rankings. First-year coach Rich Perales has the Wildcats playing good football. However, Deming faces their stiffest challenge yet with a trip to the Wool Bowl in Roswell to face a Goddard team eager to rebound from last week's loss to Carlsbad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eldorado at Atrisco Heritage (Thur.)</strong>: Speaking of teams searching for a bounce back, you can rightfully put Eldorado in that category as well. After an eye-opening Week 1 win over Cibola, the Eagles came back to earth a bit with the Week 2 weather-delayed loss to Rio Rancho. This game could give us a better answer to the question of whether Eldorado is truly improved this season. We'll also learn more about Atrisco Heritage and whether the Jaguars are playoff contenders. Junior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1021201' first='Landon' last='Griego']</strong> has filled in nicely for the recuperating [player_tooltip player_id='275207' first='Dean' last='Marquez']. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sandia at Albuquerque High</strong>: Before the season, who predicted Sandia and Albuquerque High would be a combined 3-0 entering this game? Sandia's defense was outstanding in Week 2's shutout win over Piedra Vista. However, head coach Chad Adcox wants to see improvement from the Matadors' offense. Albuquerque High enjoyed a bye last week after beating Organ Mountain at home in Week 1. Chances are good they won't have elite OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590227' first='TJ' last='McCarthy']</strong>, who suffered a knee sprain in Week 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Organ Mountain at Mayfield</strong>: The first intercity matchup involving the four Las Cruces schools. Organ Mountain is still looking for its first win of the season under new coach Kenenth Sanchez, while Mayfield routed Manzano in its opener and had last week off. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257289' first='Luke' last='Linnan']</strong> is the new Mayfield QB. Organ Mountain's defense has struggled to stop opponents in the first two weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Los Alamos at Capital</strong>: We figured the Los Alamos offense would be dynamic this season with QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1119597' first='Kyle' last='Evenhus']</strong>, speedy WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590222' first='Melaki' last='Gutierrez']</strong> and others, and so far they have been with 75 points scored. The Hilltoppers defense? They've posted consecutive shutouts over Espanola Valley and Taos to start the season. Capital will try to become the first team to score on them this season. The Jaguars started the season with a win at Grants before battling local rival St. Michael's to the end in a 28-20 Week 2 loss. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santa Rosa at Robertson</strong>: A fascinating Class 2A/3A matchup. Robertson, seemingly a perennial 3A championship contender, is No. 2 behind St. Michael's in both the MaxPreps and Coaches polls. The Cardinals won a defensive struggle (3-0) over Cobre last week after winning on the road over Socorro in Week 1. Win this game and Robertson could (should?) be 6-0 going into the monster matchup with St. Michael's on Oct. 6. Santa Rosa lost a 28-26 heartbreaker to Texico last week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275599' first='Nicolas' last='Chavez']</strong> is one of the best RBs in 2A and already has 365 rushing yards in the first two games.      </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cibola at West Mesa</strong>: What makes this game captivating is that it's a must-win for both teams, particularly considering their future schedules and the different districts they compete in. Cibola is off to a slow start (0-2) with losses to Eldorado and Valley, scoring just 23 points in the process. But with an inexperienced sophomore quarterback, the Cougars knew the first few weeks of the campaign could be a steep learning curve. West Mesa opened the season with an emphatic road win at Santa Fe, but the Mustangs discovered in the Week 2 loss to Volcano Vista that they still have a ways to go to compete with the best teams in Class 6A. Don't count out West Mesa QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275488' first='Elijah' last='Brody']</strong>, though. He's one of the best signal callers in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1696540052560765206?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1696540052560765206?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NEW MEXICO VS TEXAS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amarillo (TX) at Cleveland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Rancho at El Paso (TX) Eastlake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Las Cruces at El Paso (TX) Eastwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amarillo (TX) Randall at Clovis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hot Springs at Anthony (TX)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ropes (TX) at Eunice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BEST OF THE REST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valley at St. Pius X (Thur.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Michael's at Santa Fe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cobre at Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lovington at Santa Teresa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Texico at NMMI</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bloomfield at Grants</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hope Christian at Albuquerque Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHER GAMES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taos at Rio Grande</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bernalillo at Del Norte</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Artesia at Belen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moriarty at Newcomb</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shiprock at Cuba</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laguna-Acoma at Sanat Fe Indian (Thur.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miyamura at Gallup (Thur.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Socorro at Estancia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hatch Valley at Tularosa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aztec at Bayfield (CO)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Espanola Valley at Escalante</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thoreau at Kirtland Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dexter at Hagerman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Piedra Vista at Durango (CO)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zuni at Crownpoint</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral at Ruidoso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tohatchi at Wingate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mescalero Apache at Cloudcroft</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hozho Academy at Capitan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HobbsEaglesFB/status/1696183810684055726?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HobbsEaglesFB/status/1696183810684055726?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LosLunasFB/status/1696661306042896599?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LosLunasFB/status/1696661306042896599?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed 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