Updated 2027 Rankings: New Additions (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We released our updated 2027 rankings on Tuesday. Here are 10 More New Additions to the rankings:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606150' first='Christopher' last='Baxter'], Jal</strong>: The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Baxter possesses tremendous size for a young player and last season he matched it with his production on the field as a sophomore: 40 tackles, 3.0 TFL and 2.0 sacks. Emerging as one of the most promising young defensive ends in southern New Mexico. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680201' first='Luciano' last='Castillo'], Raton</strong>: As an OLB/DB for the Tigers, Castillo enjoyed a solid sophomore season with 42 tackles. He proved he knows how to make plays. Raton looks to make a deeper run in the playoffs after reaching the Class 2A quarterfinals in 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606155' first='Malachi' last='Chestnut'], Valley</strong>: Chestnut is Valley's third leading returning tackler with 39 tackles and 7.0 TFL in 2024. Besides amassing an impressive number of TFLs, Chestnut also had two fumble recoveries. Great nose for the football. He'll be one of Valley's defensive leaders in 2025. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680204' first='Dawson' last='Davis'], Crownpoint</strong>: Davis was part of a young Crownpoint defense in 2025. In fact, seven of the Eagles' nine top tacklers last season are back. Crownpoint could be a factor in the District 3A-1 race. Davis had 40 tackles and 1 blocked FG in 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679973' first='Kevin' last='Green-Yescas'], Albuquerque High</strong>: After getting his feet wet at the varsity level in 2024, Green-Yescas should have a prominent role in the Albuquerque High offense this season. He's competing to be the Bulldogs' No. 2 RB. His coach described Green-Yescas as a young player with ‘serious potential.' &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679938' first='Wyatt' last='Nyholm'], Rio Rancho</strong>: Nyholm is set to become Rio Rancho's starting inside linebacker after making 23 tackles in just 6 varsity games last season. Rio Rancho's defense could be stout in 2025 with next level talent on all three levels. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679754' first='Jesus' last='Ortiz'], Hobbs</strong>: Yeah, Ortiz crushed it at the recent state power lifting championships as he captured the 275-pound class title by more than 200 pounds. His combined weight total of 1,485 pounds was second highest in the state overall. He could be a monster for the Eagles on the defensive line in 2025. Few offensive linemen will be able to match his strength.  Obbs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679946' first='Casten' last='Sanders'], Carlsbad</strong>: Even though he's just a rising junior, Sanders is already entrenched as the Cavemen's anchor on the offensive line. Carlsbad's O-Line could be big and strong in 2025 as they look to make the playoffs after missing the post-season in 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679776' first='Andrew' last='Sandoval'], Centennial</strong>: Sandoval is the leading contender to become Centennial's No. 1 wide receiver in 2025. He started several games at WR last fall and finished with 12 receptions. He could double or triple that number in 2025. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1680055' first='Zeke' last='Weir'], Organ Mountain</strong>: Described by his coach as a ‘stud,' Weir will headline an all-new WR corps for the Knights in 2025 as the top three pass catchers have graduated. Look for Weir to emerge as one of the top young pass catchers in southern NM. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1679754' first='Jesus' last='Ortiz']<br>NMAA 5A State Champion Power Lifter - 275 pound class<br>Hobbs Eagle Nose Guard!! Class of 2027<br><br>Total Weight - 1485 State Record <br><br>Squat - 565 State Record <br><br>Bench - 375 State Record 5A<br><br>Deadlift - 545 <a href="https://t.co/Dq1fzOf4v4">pic.twitter.com/Dq1fzOf4v4</a></p>&mdash; Mike Mills (@MikeMil56032675) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeMil56032675/status/1910737424789143809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->