November Madness: Class 6A Championship Game Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who</strong>: Cleveland Storm (11-1) vs. La Cueva Bears (12-0);</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What</strong>: Class 6A State Championship Football Game;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where</strong>: Wilson Stadium, Albuquerque, NM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When</strong>: Sat., Nov. 30, 1 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reinforcing the belief the epicenter of New Mexico high school football has clearly shifted to the Albuquerque Metro region, No. 3 Cleveland and No. 1 La Cueva square off in the Class 6A state championship game for the third straight year. It's also the seventh straight season two teams from Albuquerque Metro have clashed in the 6A title game. The last time a school from outside the Duke City region appeared in the 6A state title game? 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whatever Storm head coach Robert Garza told his team following the Week 1 loss to Centennial worked because Cleveland has been unstoppable since then. Afte lopsided victories over Los Lunas and Clovis, back-to-back road wins at Las Cruces and El Paso (TX) Pebble Hills signaled the Storm were back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The momentum continued into district play with three mercy rule wins to start followed by impressive wins over Volcano Vista and Rio Rancho. Cleveland traveled to Field of Dreams last weekend and trounced Centennial in the semifinals, gaining a measure of revenge in the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We had a young team at the time (of the first game) and we challenged them to take the next step,” Cleveland head coach Robert Garza told rep Redzone New Mexico. “We knew what we had here. We had to come together as a team and that's exactly what we did. We didn't look like a disciplined football team in that first game and we had to eliminate some of that stuff. Ultimately, we did that and things started to click.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unbeaten La Cueva – the defending 6A champions - also made the trip to Field of Dreams last weekend for the semifinals, beating Las Cruces, 47-19, for their 22^nd straight victory dating back to last season. The Bears opened the season with a weather-shortened win over Volcano Vista and an impressive victory over Phoenix (AZ) Pinnacle in Flagstaff, AZ. Since then, La Cueva has won every game handily and rarely been threatened in the second half of games. They mercy ruled Hobbs in the quarterfinals before eliminating the Bulldawgs last Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We're getting better every week and we're playing out best football at the end of the season, which is what you want to do,” La Cueva head coach Brandon Back told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “We're excited to be back in the championship game. We know it's going to be a battle.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WHEN CLEVELAND HAS THE BALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Storm quarterback <strong>Jordan Hatch</strong> has enjoyed a splendid junior season, completing 64.4 percent of his passes (123-191) for 2,093 yards and rarely making mistakes as seen by his 27-2 TD pass-to-interception ratio. He started as a sophomore in 2023 and his development and progress has pleased Garza.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Jordan has taken the next step,” Garza said. “He's definitely the general of our offense. He's a super intelligent guy. Working with Coach Ridenour (offensive coordinator) has helped ignite his full potential and improved his decision-making and getting us into the right play. I think he has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in New Mexico. He's giving our guys a chance to be successful. He's getting the ball to where it needs to be.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hatch is supported by a three-headed monster at running back with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611120' first='Juan' last='Munoz']</strong> (980 rushing yards), senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595801' first='Isaiah' last='Yannis']</strong> (757) and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600936' first='Samuel' last='Bustillos']</strong> (567). Together, the trio has combined for 41 of Cleveland's 48 rushing touchdowns this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It's been awesome to watch those three guys have the season they've had,” Garza said. “We never who would be the guy in any particular game. Juan is our go-to guy, but the other two can come in and there's no drop-off. Those guys have the same ability. Sammy really emerged out of nowhere. He played running back on JV last year. He is very tough with the football. Yannis is tough, too. All three are very good pass blockers.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After playing JV as a sophomore in 2023 following his transfer to Cleveland, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851903' first='Jacob' last='Maldonado']</strong> (43 receptions for 813 yards and 10 TD) has emerged as the Storm's top wide receiver, and undoubtedly one of the best in the state as well. Senior <strong>Angel Gallegos</strong> and <strong>Josh Lyles</strong> are reliable targets as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We knew what Jacob was capable of doing after he had a solid JV season,” Garza said. “He has really emerged as our top guy. His playmaking ability and his ability to do things after the catch is what makes him special. We have a good group of receivers that have really opened things up. Angel has made a lot of big catches at crucial times. Josh is a tough guy, too.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Six-foot-5, 280-pound 2026 FBS prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851862' first='Moses' last='Sparks']</strong> (offers from Nebraska, Texas Tech and Houston) headlines a stout offensive line as the left tackle. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='837139' first='Gabriel' last='Marquez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118250' first='Robert' last='Sabado']</strong> are both next level talents as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our offensive line has really stepped up,” Garza said. “We have some veteran guys there and they did exactly what we expected them to do. I feel like we have the best offensive line in the state. These five guys have really come together. They work as one. We have great senior leadership.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cleveland's prolific offense will be challenged by a talented La Cueva defense led by standout linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611083' first='Mason' last='Posa']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611069' first='Nick' last='Mertz']</strong>. Posa will play Power 4 football at Wisconsin for a reason – he's big, fast, strong with a relentless motor. Coming into the season, La Cueva faced questions along the defensive line and in the secondary. But both positions have been solid. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613743' first='Carlos' last='Barela'], [player_tooltip player_id='1594063' first='Shaun' last='Anaya']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1748628' first='Levi' last='Segura'] </strong>have been exceptional along the defensive front. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594123' first='Caden' last='Armijo']</strong> and <strong>Logan Sparks</strong> have had excellent seasons at cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our defensive line had to grow the most,” Back said. “They didn't have a lot oof experience from last year. They responded well. They stepped up and made big plays for us. Our defense is flying around. We're going to have to have a great defensive game against Cleveland. They're ready for the challenge. We know Cleveland is going to be very big, very strong and be well coached. We have to do our job better than the guy across from us.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WHEN LA CUEVA HAS THE BALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right now, the No. 1 question for La Cueva is whether elite QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611098' first='Cameron' last='Dyer'] </strong>will be ready to play after suffering an apparent leg injury in last week's semifinal victory over Las Cruces. Back told Prep Redzone New Mexico that Dyer's availability was a ‘game time' decision. You know Dyer desperately wants to play in the final game of his prep career before he enrolls at Arizona State in January. He is ASU's highest rated recruit in the 2025 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The struggles we faced early last season have really been a driving force in Cameron's life,” Back said. “Since then, he's been a better quarterback each and every week. He stayed hungry as he continued to climb the ladder. That's what you want from a guy in that position.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Dyer exited last weekend's game, La Cueva turned to the Wildcat with Posa taking the shotgun snap and quickly powered ahead for a 63-yard TD run. Garza expects the Bears will utilize him again on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We'll be ready for anything,” Garza said. “He did it earlier in the year, too. They use his athleticism and toughness to find ways to get into the end zone. We're going to have to make some adjustments and make sure we're ready for that. It can be a dangerous package for them.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior running back <strong>Cheeto Lumbrera</strong>, also playing his &nbsp;emerged from the pack midway through the 2023 season and he has flourished as the Bears' No. 1 ball carrier. He's quick, shifty and tough, and outstanding at catching the football out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We knew Cheeto had the ability,” Back said. “Once Cheeto rose above everybody else and clearly put himself in position to be the guy, we have never turned back. He has great vision and he catches the ball very well out of the backfield. He is very versatile.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853013' first='Tanner' last='Montano']</strong> and senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258091' first='Jayden' last='Parsons']</strong> are a formidable WR duo. Both are exceptionally fast (Montano has run the 100 in 10.64 seconds). Montano returned a kickoff 95 yards for a TD in the semifinals. Parsons had 41 receptions during the regular season. Last weekend he had 159 receiving yards and 1 TD against La Cruces. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853566' first='Isaiah' last='Goree']</strong> is an excellent No. 3 WR and adept at catching the ball in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“When we get Tanner in open space and let him use his speed, he's pretty dangerous,” Back said. “Parsons stepped up in the second half of last season, so we knew he had the ability. He has done a fantastic job of making big catches and big plays. He'll dive and sell out for the ball anytime it's close to him. He waited his turn and he's taken full advantage of it.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Protecting Dyer and opening holes for Lumbrera in the run game is one of the top offensive lines in the state. Massive left tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118241' first='Mark' last='Handy']</strong> (6-6, 315 pounds) is committed to Minnesota. Junior center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851889' first='Skyler' last='Sargent']</strong> is one of the top OL prospects in the 2026 class and he'll definitely play at the next level as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our offensive line has done a great job of understanding what we're trying to do each week and being aggressive doing it,” Back said. “</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cleveland's balanced defense (9 players with 30+ tackles) has next level talent at all three levels. LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='837117' first='Brendan' last='Cochrane']</strong>, the Storm's leading tackler with 62, has been rewarded for patiently waiting his turn. LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599859' first='Troy' last='Logan']</strong> has emerged this season as a solid defender. T <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611047' first='Psalmon' last='Kegler']</strong> (54 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks) has dominated in the trenches along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594080' first='Eli' last='Powell']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Everything up front starts with Kegler,” Garza said. “He causes a lot of problems with his quickness. Our defensive line has caused a lot of problems for people. We can keep them fresh because we have so many guys.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Six-foot-5, 225-pound <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230420' first='Elijah' last='Richards']</strong> has wreaked havoc as an edge rusher all season. His size, speed and long wingspan causes problems for offensive linemen. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599835' first='Riley' last='Haussler']</strong> (8.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks) is disruptive at DE. The talented secondary trio of <strong>A.J. Manning </strong>and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1193983' first='Michael' last='Haynes']</strong> will be assigned the task of trying to contain Montano and Parsons at WR.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We have a very balanced defense,” Garza said. “Statistically, we've given up fewer points than we did last season and we had a great defense last year. What makes this group fun is there are a lot of guys contributing. Our secondary keeps everything together. They have had a phenomenal year.” </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Regular season Highlights<br><br>9-1 record<br>1728 passing yards<br>23 TD/ 2 INT<br>64% comp (71.4% in district play)<br>QBR 135<a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_RGarza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_RGarza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Ridenour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Ridenour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MooseB90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MooseB90</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsPrimo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsPrimo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamDiehl15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamDiehl15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jchester17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jchester17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesDYodice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JamesDYodice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SebastianNoel47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SebastianNoel47</a> <a href="https://t.co/lxxVjFnP7H">https://t.co/lxxVjFnP7H</a><br>@</p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='851873' first='Jordan' last='Kekoa Hatch'] (@Kekoa1_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kekoa1_/status/1855737514922774689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highlights from Quarterfinals‼️<br><br>57-6 W vs. Hobbs✅<br>413 yds, 6 TDs (3 pass TDs, 3 rush TDs)<br><br>Check out my highlight - <a href="https://t.co/ktJsdAClxy">https://t.co/ktJsdAClxy</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='611098' first='Cameron' last='Dyer'] (@camdyer7) <a href="https://twitter.com/camdyer7/status/1858724501199995344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>                        </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mid Season Highlights. (Junior year)<br><br>23 Receptions <br>550 total yards<br>6tds <br><br>⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_RGarza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_RGarza</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDez03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDez03</a>⁩ ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Aguirre5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Aguirre5</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a>⁩<br>⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/NMrecruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMrecruits</a>⁩<br><br>Check out my highlight - <a href="https://t.co/MIC0fixVxg">https://t.co/MIC0fixVxg</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='851903' first='Jacob' last='Maldonado'] (@jakemaldonado08) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakemaldonado08/status/1839897727854915910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Badger Commit [player_tooltip player_id='611083' first='Mason' last='Posa'] absolutely destroys a RB 💀 <a href="https://t.co/MtDSWeJFhX">pic.twitter.com/MtDSWeJFhX</a></p>&mdash; Badger Enthusiast (@Badger_szn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Badger_szn/status/1841616568301846620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->