Baker’s Dozen: Week 8 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 New Mexico High School football season has entered Week 8. For many teams, district play continues this weekend. Games begin Thursday night with a handful of contests around the state and run through Saturday afternoon. The schedule is highlighted by a Class 4A showdown Saturday afternoon in southwest New Mexico. Here are our Top 13 games of Week 8 of what promises to be another exciting three days of high school football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GAME OF THE WEEK:</strong> <strong>Bloomfield at Silver (Sat., 1 p.m.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though there's plenty of football left to be played, Week 8 brings us a serious contender for Class 4A Game of the Year. And it's a rematch of last November's 4A championship game won by Bloomfield in the Four Corners. For this game, though, it's the unbeaten Bobcats that must take the long, 720-mile round trip to Silver City. But they'll bring plenty of talent with them, starting with junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615635' first='Blake' last='Spencer']</strong>, who has thrown for 1,502 yards and 22 TD with just 1 INT while completing 67 percent of his passes. Many of those completions have gone to WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275042' first='Drew' last='Perez']</strong> (37 receptions for 682 yards, 12 TD). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594564' first='Kaden' last='McCown']</strong> is a nice option at RB. Defensively, Bloomfield has allowed just 14 points in the last 5 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silver is 16-3 since the beginning of last season. The Colts lost a lot of offensive firepower from 2022's 4A runner-up team but underrated QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815932' first='Adan' last='Jacquez']</strong> (1,179 passing yards + 16 TD) and a balanced rushing attack (four rushers with between 36-50 carries) have adequately filled the void. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='591998' first='Julian' last='Richard']</strong> is as good and talented a receiver as any in 4A. The Colts faced questions about their defense entering the season, especially along the defensive line, but they've answered the call with three shutouts and, like Bloomfield, just 14 points allowed in the last 5 games. Silver shares the load defensively with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275030' first='Walter' last='Woodward']</strong> (42 tackles) leading the way. Both defenses will be tested in this No. 3 vs. No. 4 (per MaxPreps) clash.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/RomoTheBarber/status/1709570752847253833?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/RomoTheBarber/status/1709570752847253833?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1031028,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-04-at-16-18-00-New-Mexico-Class-4A-High-School-Football-Rankings-Football.png?w=503" alt="" class="wp-image-1031028" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MaxPreps</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Mesa at Farmington</strong>: With a No. 11 ranking in MaxPreps and coming off a loss to Sandia in the district opener, this is as close to a must-win for West Mesa as you'll see in early October. Especially with La Cueva on the schedule in Week 9. This game features a battle of elite quarterbacks. Mustangs QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275488' first='Elijah' last='Brody']</strong> is arguably the top contender for the 2023 New Mexico Heisman with nearly 1,000 passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards. He has accounted for 26 TD. Farmington QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274791' first='Trel' last='Griego']</strong> is big, strong and possesses a cannon arm. He has already thrown for 1,878 yards and 23 TD to lead the high-powered Scorpions offense. Both QBs have an array of talent surrounding them. This could be a shootout at Hutchinson Stadium.      </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Michael's at Robertson</strong>: The latest chapter in one of the fiercest rivalries in northern New Mexico. The fact these two teams are ranked No. 1 (Robertson) and No. 3 (St. Mike's) in 3A by MaxPreps (Robertson is #1 in the Coaches poll as well) makes it an even more fascinating matchup. The sense of urgency at St. Mike's is high following last week's 7-6 home loss to West Las Vegas in the district opener. The Horsemen rely on a solid and balanced running game in which somebody different seemingly steps up every week. Robertson got on many people's radar two weeks ago with a convincing road win at Dexter. Led by dual threat QB <strong>Jesse James Gonzales</strong>, RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594850' first='Paul' last='Duran']</strong> and a suffocating defense that has posted three shutouts this season, the Cardinals are playing great football. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atrisco Heritage at Rio Rancho</strong>: If there's one team that could play the disrespect card, it's Atrisco Heritage. The Jaguars are 5-2 but are ranked only No. 16 by MaxPreps and outside the Top 10 by the Coaches. But this game offers them a huge opportunity to go to Rio Rancho and beat the Rams on their home field. That will raise eyebrows, for sure. The Jaguars have three receivers with 20+ receptions, so they want to air it out. Rio Rancho has been on a win one, lose one track for most of the season. Their latest outing 2 weeks ago was a 48-28 win over Farmington in the final non-district contest. Senior WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590564' first='Anthony' last='Raymer']</strong> is becoming a dangerous offensive weapon. His impressive speed will test the Atrisco secondary.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCurdy at Santa Rosa</strong>: The best Week 8 game in Class 2A features a battle between two teams that love to run the football. McCurdy raised their profile last week by beating previously unbeaten Cuba on its home field in Espanola. QB/RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258981' first='Jermiah' last='Roybal']</strong>, sensational against Cuba with three long TD runs, is the centerpiece of McCurdy's Wing-T/Triple Option offense. Santa Rosa has been punishing opponents with a powerful ground game led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275599' first='Nicolas' last='Chavez']</strong>, who has rushed for 1,324 yards and 20 TD on 122 carries. Chavez also leads the state in tackles with 102 in 7 games. That's New Mexico Heisman stuff. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hobbs at Centennial</strong>: Two prominent southern New Mexico programs clash in the second week of District 6A-4 play. Centennial, ranked No. 3 in Class 6A by MaxPreps, opened district play with a 42-0 win over Organ Mountain two weeks ago before a bye in Week 7. The Hawks have next level talent all over the field. Dual threat QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340297' first='Daniel' last='Hernandez']</strong> has thrown for 777 yards and leads the Hawks in rushing with 525 yards on 77 carries. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='280925' first='Jordan' last='Lucas']</strong> is enjoying a superb campaign, averaging 6 receptions per game. Hobbs has lost four of its last five games, including a 42-27 loss to Las Cruces last week, and knows only a win over Centennial will keep its district title hopes alive. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='592369' first='Jeremiah' last='Jaquez']</strong> is an elite WR target. The Eagles defense must improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/HobbsEaglesFB/status/1708866481683902922?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/1708866481683902922?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eldorado at Sandia</strong>: Sandia (5-1) is one of the biggest surprises in 6A this season as the Matadors just keep on winning. Last week they beat West Mesa, 36-28, in the district opener. Sandia features several next level prospects, including the offensive trio of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590743' first='Jacob' last='Adcox']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590746' first='Hunter' last='Maldonado']</strong> and <strong>Grayson Frederich</strong>, and a solid defense. Eldorado has been up-and-down this season because they have a potentially high-powered offense with QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275430' first='Brandon' last='Olivas']</strong>, RB <strong>Johnpaul Ludi</strong> and a fleet of receivers but an inexperienced defense that has allowed 38+ points 5 times this season. What we know is most Eldorado games have had a ton of points.          </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highland at Pojoaque Valley</strong>: Two programs with the same goal – turn their football fortunes around. Highland is 3-3 after last week's 18-8 win over Manzano, their third straight W. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='615425' first='Amiri' last='Mumba'] has quietly become one of the top running backs in 5A. He has close to 800 rushing yards already and should easily eclipse 1,000 yards before the regular season is done. Pojoaque Valley has been revived under first-year HC Zeke Villegas. His son, RB [player_tooltip player_id='1129687' first='Jonah' last='Villegas'], is a promising speedy freshman RB. Pojoaque Valey has yet to play a close game this season, so if this game is tight in the fourth quarter we'll see how the Elks react. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Raton at West Las Vegas</strong>: If you ranked the districts regardless of classification, District 3A-2 would likely be in the top five. Four of the top seven ranked teams in 3A are from 3A-2. West Las Vegas (5-2) is coming off one of its biggest victories in recent memory, a 7-6 win at long-time nemesis St. Michael's. QB C.J. Perea has thrown for 1,420 yards&nbsp; and 13 TD. Raton is now seven games into the post-Cayden Walton Era. The Tigers started slowly but have won four of their last five games and the lone loss was an OT setback at Socorro. The run game is led by the duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1119146' first='Joseph' last='Saenz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='613159' first='Cannon' last='Walton'], younger brother of Cayden. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Las Cruces at Alamogordo</strong>: District 6A-3 is a beast, and this game is reflective of how difficult it truly is. How much respect does Las Cruces get from MaxPreps? The Bulldawgs are 2-4 but are ranked higher than 5 teams with 4+ wins. Why? Las Cruces has played an exceptionally challenging schedule to date – Volcano Vista, Cleveland and the top two ranked teams in El Paso (Americas, Eastwood). In the last two weeks they've beaten rival Mayfield and Hobbs. Alamogordo is flying under the radar but the Tigers are a good football team that specializes in winning close games (all 4 wins by 7 points or less). The offense features RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103183' first='Anthony' last='Audette']</strong> (588 rushing yards).   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cobre at Tularosa</strong>: An intriguing 3A vs. 2A matchup. Since Cobre lost to Silver in rivalry game, the Indians have beaten 5A Santa Teresa and Ruidoso by the combined score of 81-19. Cobre is the second-highest ranked two-loss team in 3A. Tularosa is ranked No. 5 in 2A and their only two losses have come to Santa Rosa and Jal. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loving at Jal</strong>: The No. 4 and No. 6 teams in the latest MaxPreps Class 2A ranking clash in a district contest in the rugged District 2A-4. Loving has yet to lose this season and is led by the dynamic QB-RB duo of [player_tooltip player_id='275462' first='Kaleb' last='Rodriguez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='854281' first='Bobby' last='Parraz']. Jal, the defending 2A champions, have won two straight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grants at Taos</strong>: Grants has been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2023 season and comes into this game with a two-game winning streak, including a 54-42 road victory over Kirtland Central on Sept. 22. Junior RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613060' first='Andres' last='Lazos']</strong> has rushed for 488 yards in the past two games, 343 vs. Kirtland Central. Taos is looking to snap a two-game losing streak. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853710' first='Evan' last='Salazar']</strong> is a talented dual threat QB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1709662783309238315?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/1709662783309238315?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BEST OF THE REST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moriarty at St. Pius X</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hope Christian at Dexter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clovis at Santa Fe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Organ Mountain at Carlsbad</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valley at Manzano</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hot Springs at Mescalero Apache</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1709312372307853702?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/1709312372307853702?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHER GAMES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Los Lunas at Albuquerque High</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NMMI at Ruidoso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Teresa at Mayfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Volcano Vista at Cibola</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Grande at Valencia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capitan at Hatch Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newcomb at Thoreau</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral at El Paso (TX) Cathedral</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Escalante at Laguna-Acoma</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eunice at Hagerman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shiprock at Gallup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirtland Central at Pagosa Springs (CO)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cloudcroft at Hozho Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wingate at Zuni</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1709312617922326994?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/1709312617922326994?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AdanJacquez3/status/1708571429242044816?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/AdanJacquez3/status/1708571429242044816?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AmaroDaniel22/status/1709387038867485016?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/AmaroDaniel22/status/1709387038867485016?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->