2025 Team Preview: Centennial Hawks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 CENTENNIAL PREVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since moving to Class 6A in 2016, Centennial has experienced plenty of success in football, winning 10 or more games 3 times, 8 or more games six times. But like everybody else in 6A, the Hawks have spent the last three years chasing Cleveland and La Cueva. Five months ago, the Hawks lost to Cleveland in the semifinals after winning their first 11 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our rising seniors have stepped up and are leading our team through the off-season,” Centennial head coach Aaron Ocampo said. “I feel we're on track to make improvement with our new team. The biggest thing we tell our kids is we're not comparing &nbsp;anything to what we've done in the past. We're going to be a much different team this year. We're going to have a lot of new faces, especially at the skill positions. But we're excited.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Centennial heads into the 2025 season with a new quarterback, No. 1 running back and No. 1 receiver as well as having to replace several defensive standouts from a season ago, some of whom signed to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5 Players To Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin']</strong> (QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez']</strong> (RB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679776' first='Andrew' last='Sandoval']</strong> (WR), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672532' first='Lorenzo' last='Mendietta']</strong> (OL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1748621' first='Devin' last='Salas']</strong> (OL).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After 1-1/2 seasons of New Mexico State signee [player_tooltip player_id='613746' first='Zaiden' last='Davis'] dazzling opponents with his impressive dual threat skills, the Hawks' new QB will be 6-foot-3, 210-pound rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin']</strong>, last season's backup when he threw 3 TD passes. Laborin was primarily utilized as a receiver in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Ruiz is a little bit different player from Zaiden,” Ocampo said. “But he brings a lot of good qualities to the table. He's a big guy with a big arm. H's not as fast as Zaiden but he's deceptively fast. He's a good athlete. He also has a knack for getting the ball to where it needs to be.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graduating senior [player_tooltip player_id='837060' first='Rudy' last='Rios'] rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2024, and combined with Davis for about 2,300 rushing yards, all of which must be replaced. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez']</strong> should get his opportunity to become the Hawks' top RB. Early last season, he shared carries with Rios since the latter was coming off an injury. He ended the season with 53 carries and averaged 6.7 yards per attempt with 7 TD.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Dailen played quite a bit early last season,” Ocampo said. “Then we had an injury in the secondary and Dailen moved to cornerback. As a result, he didn't get the carries anymore because we didn't want to risk our last option at cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“But once everybody healed, he moved back to running back. He had some decent stats last season. He had a lot of touchdowns and he was a strong runner. Dailen has gotten faster since he was a freshman. He's football fast. When he gets into the open field he doesn't get caught.” &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind Ramirez on the depth chart is a group of up-and-coming running backs who haven't seen much action at the varsity level. Rising sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684504' first='Jesus' last='Sanchez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684506' first='Aiden' last='Corral Jaquez']</strong> both excelled for Centennial's freshman team in 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='280925' first='Jordan' last='Lucas'], last season's top WR with 51 receptions, signed with New Mexico Highlands. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679776' first='Andrew' last='Sandoval']</strong> started several games at WR last season and will get an opportunity to earn the promotion to No. 1 WR for the Hawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Andrew was thrown to the fire as a sophomore and really did well,” Ocampo said. “He improved throughout the year. He's definitely somebody we trust and want to carry a big load for us. He's a good athlete and very good route runner. He gets out of breaks really well.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond Sandoval, several young prospects will compete for the opportunity to get on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both offensive tackles return for Centennial – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672532' first='Lorenzo' last='Mendietta']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1748621' first='Devin' last='Salas']</strong>. The 6-foot-3 Mendietta has next level aspirations and recently visited Western New Mexico for Junior Day. Both have started since they were sophomores, so each brings plenty of experience to the field. <strong>Isaac Ferrales</strong> moves to center after rotating at guard in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising seniors <strong>Kyler Bluth</strong>, <strong>Jack Levy</strong> and 6-foot-4, 280-pound <strong>Ethen Turgoose</strong> will battle for the starting jobs at the two guard spots. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Offensive line can become a strength for us if we develop and the guys play with the effort level we need them to play with,” Ocampo said. “We've always played six guys at offensive line. We feel pretty good about the guys we have, but we have a long way to go towards developing the offensive line.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4 Players To Watch</strong>: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853023' first='Luke' last='Matherly']</strong> (DL), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606127' first='Izmael' last='Medina']</strong> (LB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594120' first='Joseph' last='Bitar']</strong> (LB), <strong>Gavin Woods</strong> (DB).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising senior DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853023' first='Luke' last='Matherly']</strong>, who finished second in the 275-pound class at the recent state powerlifting championships, will lead the Centennial defense. He was also All-State at tight end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Luke is quite a force,” Ocampo said. “He's a super hard worker. He'll play both tight end and D-Line for us. He probably won't be coming out too much on defense, so we're going to manage his reps. He's definitely an experienced guy. He has played a lot of football on the D-Line.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With [player_tooltip player_id='613749' first='Abel' last='Gonzalez'] graduating, Centennial is searching for defensive linemen to fill spots around Matherly, Ocampo said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606127' first='Izmael' last='Medina']</strong> returns at middle linebacker after making 50+ tackles in 2024. Rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1594120' first='Joseph' last='Bitar']</strong> started at strong side LB last season and made nearly 90 tackles. In fact, Bitar led the Hawks in tackles. Several players will compete for the third starting LB spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The secondary is, according to Ocampo, a “work in progress” after losing All-State performers [player_tooltip player_id='837021' first='Omar' last='Terrones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1259081' first='Omar' last='Sanchez'], both of whom signed with NMMI.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We have to develop some guys,” Ocampo said. “We've had some good talent at those secondary positions. We have to develop discipline and football awareness. We won't be as big or as fast at those positions.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top returner in the secondary is <strong>Gavin Woods</strong>, who saw limited action with the varsity in 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Centennial Football Schedule:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 23 CLEVELAND (Sat., 1 p.m.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29 ATRISCO HERITAGE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5 at Artesia</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 12 at Rio Rancho</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 19 at Carlsbad*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 26 Bye</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 2 ALAMOGORDO (Thur., 7 p.m.)*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 10 at Hobbs*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 17 ORGAN MOUNTAIN*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 24 CLOVIS*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 31 at Las Cruces (Field of Dreams)*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* District 6A-3 Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great workout workout at Del valle High School with Alfred Montez! Learned a lot! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/getbetter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#getbetter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmprepcosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmprepcosports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Angrybirdfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Angrybirdfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Airmontez12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Airmontez12</a> <a href="https://t.co/SI3fPhrnHL">pic.twitter.com/SI3fPhrnHL</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin'] (@Ruiz_J_Laborin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ruiz_J_Laborin/status/1907825217017168160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great day at state!<br>2025 Class 5A State Runner-Up 275 lbs Weight Class<br><br>Squat: 440<br>Bench: 305<br>Deadlift: 525<br><br>Total: 1270<a href="https://twitter.com/Angrybirdfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Angrybirdfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_NMAA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_NMAA</a> <a href="https://t.co/CDv6MxdF0Q">pic.twitter.com/CDv6MxdF0Q</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='853023' first='Luke' last='Matherly'] (@luke_matherly) <a href="https://twitter.com/luke_matherly/status/1909033175302455369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my Junior Season Highlights!<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/Angrybirdfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Angrybirdfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coach_bhickman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coach_bhickman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ash_dazzle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ash_dazzle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/emflores413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emflores413</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKikel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKikel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachmccraw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachmccraw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachStanchek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachStanchek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrudikJd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrudikJd</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/gxR6bfebSX">https://t.co/gxR6bfebSX</a> <a href="https://t.co/g8hNNeyHC0">pic.twitter.com/g8hNNeyHC0</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1672532' first='Lorenzo' last='Mendietta'] (@ProtectorZo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProtectorZo/status/1893340232398885004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my highlight - <a href="https://t.co/lcXaRO7Riu">https://t.co/lcXaRO7Riu</a> ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Angrybirdfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Angrybirdfb</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/nmprepcosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmprepcosports</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/RealCoachCarter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealCoachCarter</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCalebMoore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCalebMoore</a>⁩ Played 7 games at RB. I am excited to perfect my skills this offseason by getting bigger, stonger, and faster!!</p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez'] (@DailenRamirez09) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailenRamirez09/status/1869580900968681943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->