Baker's Dozen: Week 6 Preview

High school football season enters its sixth week of action! District play continues in most districts. Here's our Top 13 Games of Week 6 plus other games. We fondly call this the Baker's Dozen:   GAME OF THE WEEK, 1A: Bernalillo at Espanola Valley (Fri, 6 p.m.)   The only 11-man game in New Mexico this week featuring a pair of unbeaten teams is a District 4A-1 showdown. The winner takes a major steps towards a district crown, although both teams must still face Bloomfield and Taos. Both teams want to run the football, but Bernalillo (4-0) does possess the threat of a passing game as senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='615632' first='Uriel' last='Castro'] has thrown for 735 yards and 10 TD, a couple in dramatic fashion to win games. Senior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1594652' first='Nathan' last='Encinias'] paces the ground game with 233 yards. [player_tooltip player_id='853757' first='Ulisses' last='Castro'], [player_tooltip player_id='1599893' first='Joseph' last='Duran'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1599971' first='Kenneth' last='Saiz'] is a dynamic WR trio. LB [player_tooltip player_id='853756' first='Mario' last='Molinar'] is a tackling machine for Bernalillo's ‘Goon Squad' defense.   Espanola Valley (5-0) is one of only a handful of teams that have won its first five games. The Sundevils have shown little interest in throwing the football (just 2 passes in 5 games). Instead, they rely on a punishing and balanced ground attack with four rushers between 238 and 358 yards on the season: [player_tooltip player_id='837203' first='Victor' last='Parra'] (358 yards), [player_tooltip player_id='1752753' first='Michael' last='Maestas'] (272), Ezekial Cuevas (238) and [player_tooltip player_id='854296' first='Dylan' last='Sandoval'] (226) could get the call on any play. They run behind a powerful offensive line that specializes in pancake blocks. The balance seen on offense extends to the defense as well with five defenders totaling between 11 and 17 tackles.   GAME OF THE WEEK, 1B: Artesia at Lovington (Fri., 7 p.m.)   Two week ago, we saw unbeaten Lovington (5-0) dominate Roswell on its home field (aptly named for the legendary Brian Urlacher) at Wildcats Stadium. Can Lovington do it again to Artesia and take a commanding lead over those two teams in the district race? This game features an intriguing battle between two of the top quarterbacks in New Mexico – Mathew Prudencio (Lovington) and [player_tooltip player_id='1432984' first='Izac' last='Cazares'] (Artesia). Prudencio's stats are impressive: 72.3 completion percentage (102-41) for 1,286 yards and 16 TD. He's the latest in a long line of fantastic Lovington QBs. Besides being protected by an outstanding O-Line, he's surrounded by an array of talented and extremely fast weapons – RB [player_tooltip player_id='615565' first='Ondalis' last='Cardenas'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137475' first='Jayden' last='Gutierrez'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1118377' first='Patrick' last='Sanchez'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137867' first='Elijah' last='Rivero'] and several more. Lovington's team speed is eye-opening.   Artesia doesn't lack for offensive weapons, either. Cazares is the headliner of a prolific offense that has scored 40+ points in four of its five games this season. The other game? They scored 39. This contest could easily turn into an offensive shootout. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1118283' first='Frankie' last='Galindo'] leads Artesia's ground attack along with Cazares. [player_tooltip player_id='1118257' first='Ethan' last='Conn'] may be the best WR for the Bulldogs but [player_tooltip player_id='1600893' first='Trent' last='Egeland'] had 3 TDs in just 1 quarter of last week's win over Gadsden. Egeland is averaging over 25 yards per reception. Artesia's defense is well balanced with numerous players sharing the tackling load. The Bulldogs looked overmatched defensively at Centennial three weeks ago but have recovered with nice outings against Deming and Gadsden, two solid offensive teams.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/1838193946448793649 </div></figure>   Las Cruces at Organ Mountain: After an 18-game losing streak dating back to the 2022 season, Organ Mountain is suddenly looking formidable. The Knights have won two straight games and the players are surely feeling pretty good about themselves. Now they get a chance to upsend their far more heralded city rivals. Senior QB Xavier Perez and freshman RB [player_tooltip player_id='1613370' first='Romeo' last='Jones'] are a dynamic offensive backfield duo but now they face their toughest test against the Las Cruces defense. We know the Knights will be tested by a talented Bulldawgs offense led by QB [player_tooltip player_id='853029' first='Gunnar' last='Guardiola'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1137388' first='Daniel' last='Amaro'], a solid offensive lineand a fleet of receivers.   Taos at Bloomfield: Taos (3-1) becomes the latest team to try and slow down the prolific Bloomfield (4-0) offense. So far, the Bobcats have shredded opposing defenses with three straight mercy-rule shutout wins. The last time the Bloomfield defense allowed a point was the season opener at Piedra Vista. QB [player_tooltip player_id='615635' first='Blake' last='Spencer'] has passed for over 1,100 yards and 17 TD in 4 games. But the schedule does get more difficult for the Bobcats in the second half, beginning with this game. Taos has won three straight games since a Week 1 loss to St. Michael's. The defense, which has allowed just 36 points during the winning streak, is coming off a shutout over Aztec. Can the Tigers slow down the Bloomfield offense?      Texico at West Las  Vegas: Three straight wins over Texas schools has undefeated Texico looking very capable of successfully defending their Class 2A title. As we saw this summer, Texico has impressive size and strength along both lines of scrimmage. A Wolverines defense that has allowed 13 or fewer points in three of their first four games squares off against QB C.J. Perea (7,000+ career passing yards; school record 70 passing TDs) and the WLV offense. The Dons' running game is balanced with 4 ball carriers having 22+ carries. [player_tooltip player_id='615662' first='Ethan' last='Tafoya'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1119118' first='Daniel' last='Bustamante'] are Perea's favorite passing targets.            La Cueva at West Mesa: The La Cueva has so many weapons, it's hard to keep track. The Bears were at it again in last week's win over Farmington. QB Cam Dyer has a cannon for an arm, RB Cheeto Lumbrera is fast and quick and WR [player_tooltip player_id='853013' first='Tanner' last='Montano'] has blazing speed. There's plenty more, too. And everything begins with that stout O-Line. Can a West Mesa defense that has allowed 35 and 54 points in the last 2 games stop them? The Mustangs must have their best defensive performance  of the season to have a chance to win this game. Offensively, their best option may be to establish the running game and control the clock, keeping the La Cueva offense off the field.       Valencia at Portales: Valencia is off to a fantastic start (4-1) under second-year head coach LeDarrius Cage. They opened district play last week with an impressive defensive showing in a 17-6 win over Silver. Junior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1599923' first='Michael' last='Storms III'] had limited varsity experience coming into the season but so far he's been a revelation with 406 yards and 6 TD in 5 games. [player_tooltip player_id='1595834' first='Cade' last='Ash'] (22 receptions) is the main threat in the passing game. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1595752' first='Aidan' last='Harrington'] has proven to be a quality dual threat QB. By this point, Portales might be over the shock of losing star QB [player_tooltip player_id='615523' first='Paxton' last='Culpepper'] to a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. But they began district play last week with a 20-point loss at Manzano and must get back on track quickly. Whether running or throwing, QB [player_tooltip player_id='1594674' first='Tommy' last='Lopez'] will have the ball in his hands a lot.         Silver at St. Pius X (Thur., 6 p.m.): Silver lost a hard-fought battle to Valencia in its season-opener last week. The Colts have had an up-and-down season with a win one-lose one scenario. Mercy rule wins over Gallup and rival Cobre have been offset by losses to Santa Teresa, Deming and Valencia. St. Pius X had a much-needed bye last week after losing at Organ Mountain in Week 4. Sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] has thrown for 833 yards and 8 TD in 4 games, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway'] leads the ground game with 457 yards and 7 TD on just 41 carries. The passing game is balanced with 4 receivers between 10 and 15 receptions. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson'] has 7.0 TFL in 4 games.       Hatch Valley at Socorro: District 3A-3 heats up with this matchup. Socorro senior [player_tooltip player_id='613184' first='Isaiah' last='Ocampo'] is one of the most underrated dual threat QBs in the state. He's already thrown for over 1,200 yards and 21 TD, and rushed for 583 yards and 3 TD. He's well on his way towards joining the prestigious 1,000-1,000 yard club for the second time. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1137096' first='Jay' last='Lee'] is an elite receiver with 29 receptions and three 100+ yard receiving games in the books so far this season. Hatch Valley are quietly off to an encouraging start. Last week's loss to NMMI snapped a three-game winning streak. They want to run the football relentlessly with [player_tooltip player_id='854279' first='Omar' last='Gonzalez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1119512' first='Orrin' last='Russell'] leading the way.         Goddard at Gadsden: Another opportunity for Gadsden RB [player_tooltip player_id='615673' first='Alfredo' last='Andrade'] to show case his skills. Midway through the regular season, Andrade is nearing 1,000 yards and 10 TD and is on pace for over 1,800 rushing yards before the playoffs begin. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1155087' first='Anthony' last='Palomares'] is the Panthers best WR. Goddard is looking to get back to the .500 mark after last week's loss to 5A power Lovington snapped a two-game winning streak. The battle between Andrade and Goddard LB [player_tooltip player_id='1137457' first='Taylen' last='Payne'] is one to watch.       Tularosa at Robertson: Robertson has been one of Class 3A's best programs for years and the 2024 season is no different. The Cardinals haven't just been winning, they're bludgeoning opponents, outscoring them 271-59. Senior QB Jesse James Gonzalez is a legitimate NM Heisman Award candidate with 1,476 total yards. Freshman RB [player_tooltip player_id='1613284' first='George' last='Smith'] has been a dynamic newcomer. Tularosa (3-2) is coming off a mercy rule win over Capitan and their defense has allowed 22+ points only once in five games. We'll see if the Wildcats can stop the high-powered Robertson offense.            Deming at Mayfield (Sat., 10 a.m.): This game has the unusual kickoff time of 10 a.m. Saturday at Field of Dreams. The two losses for Deming (3-2) have come in district games against Artesia and Roswell. [player_tooltip player_id='837197' first='Ryan' last='Alfaro'] is a dynamic duel threat QB with the ability to make game-changing plays with his feet. [player_tooltip player_id='611155' first='Isaiah' last='Pizarro'] gives support in the run game. This is a huge (must win?) game for Mayfield (2-3) in terms of seeding for the playoffs. The Trojans must still face district rivals Lovington, Roswell and Artesia in October.             Chaparral at Manzano (Sat., 1 p.m.): Just when it appeared Chaparral might not win another football game for a long time, the Lobos have suddenly become one of the best stories in NM. They snapped a 40+ game losing streak three weeks ago against local rival Santa Teresa and walloped Albuquerque Academy (44-20) at home last week. QB [player_tooltip player_id='851884' first='Israel' last='Nieto'] and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1155082' first='Raul' last='Lopez'] spark an outstanding ground game. Senior DE [player_tooltip player_id='1120809' first='Manny' last='Rodriguez'] leads the Lobos with over 50 tackles and close to 10 TFL. His task on Saturday is to harass Manzano (4-1) QB [player_tooltip player_id='1258970' first='James' last='Vautier'] into making bad throws. But Vautier has already passed for over 1,000 yards, 16 TD and completes 57 percent of his passes. Junior Aidan Erickson is an elite WR.   NEW MEXICO VS. TEXAS:   Piedra Vista at Canyon (TX)   NEW MEXICO VS. COLORADO:   Shiprock at Montezuma-Cortez (CO)   BEST OF THE REST:   Hobbs at Alamogordo   Atrisco Heritage at Sandia   Carlsbad at Clovis   Belen at Miyamura   Santa Fe at Eldorado   Newcomb at McCurdy (Sat.)   St. Michael's at Raton   Valley at Highland (Sat.)   OTHER GAMES:   Santa Teresa at Roswell   NMMI at Cobre   Hozho Academy at Cuba   Ruidoso at Dexter   Aztec at Grants   Sanat Fe Indian at Hope Christian (Sat., 5 p.m.)   Del Norte at Los Alamos   Laguna-Acoma at Navajo Prep   Capital at Rio Grande   Gallup at Thoreau   Crownpoint at Tohatchi   Wingate at Zuni   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DemingWildcat/status/1838917645262893078 </div></figure>   <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/1838364343609757832 </div></figure>   <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/1838663714766979148 </div></figure>   <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/1838663625088639420 </div></figure>   <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/1838663518834340066 </div></figure>   <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/1838663807381471558 </div></figure>   <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/1838663895726330032 </div></figure>

High school football season enters its sixth week of action! District play continues in most districts. Here's our Top 13 Games of Week 6 plus other games. We fondly call this the Baker's Dozen: