2025 Team Preview: Albuquerque Academy Chargers
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<p><strong>2025 ALBUQUERQUE ACADEMY CHARGERS PREVIEW</strong></p>
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<p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p>
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<p>Albuquerque Academy lost six of its last seven games in 2024 and failed to make the Class 4A playoffs. As a result, the Chargers have plenty of motivation heading into the 2025 season. Another thing they have is more seniors (18) than a season ago when Academy had just five on the roster, three with significant football experience. The byproduct of that is the Chargers have numerous players returning from 2024.</p>
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<p>“Growth for us from last year is going to be a big deal,” Albuquerque Academy head coach David Lee told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “Everybody returning has a year under their belt, which is great for us. Right now, we have 18 seniors, which is something we've never had before. They're eager to get onto the field. We have a new motivation and new leadership compared to last season.” </p>
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<p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369761' first='William' last='Braun']</strong> (QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851898' first='Gage' last='Conway']</strong> (WR), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853021' first='Isaiah' last='Rivera']</strong> (OL).</p>
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<p>Six-foot-3 rising junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1369761' first='William' last='Braun']</strong> had the second most passing yards of all the sophomore QBs in the state last season as he threw for 2,374 yards and 19 TD while completing about 58 percent of his passes. But he also tossed 14 interceptions, and Braun understands he must reduce that number in 2025. Brown has been working closely with new Chargers' QB coach David Williams during the off-season.</p>
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<p>“Our focus right now is getting our quarterback right and ready to go,” Lee said. “William had a decent year last year as a sophomore. He's looking to make some major noise, not only in 4A but in New Mexico high school football. Our expectations for Williams are pretty high.</p>
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<p>“Last season was difficult for him at times. It was the first time he had been in the spotlight. It was nerve-racking for him. He feels a lot more comfortable this year. He knows the number of interceptions must go down. So, getting our quarterback right and improving the chemistry with the receivers (is crucial).” </p>
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<p>Last season's top two rushers – rising juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137080' first='Ryan' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>Zachary Waghorn</strong> – are back to spark the ground game. Albuquerque Academy averaged just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt last season, often struggling to move the ball on the ground. Lee considers Williams and Waghorn as RB 1A and 1B. Either one could start any game depending on the opponent. Speedy rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752744' first='Nick' last='Stacy']</strong> will be in the mix as well. </p>
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<p>“We've talked about that as much as we can,” Lee said. “We don't want to be just a passing team. We want to be a running team too. We want to establish the run to make life a lot easier for our quarterback. That's key this year, establishing the run. Waghorn is a big boy coming out of the backfield. He's a problem coming out of the backfield. Williams is super shifty. They bring different elements to the game.”</p>
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<p>Albuquerque Academy loses the graduated Jett Galles at receiver but every other player who caught a pass last season is back, starting with 6-foot-5 rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851898' first='Gage' last='Conway']</strong>, who's also the placekicker. Conway had 48 receptions for 830 yards and 11 TD in 2024. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605074' first='Logan' last='Hague']</strong> had 38 catches for 483 yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137120' first='Finn' last='Thompson']</strong> was limited by injuries last season but he's a talented WR as well.</p>
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<p>“We have three very good receivers,” Lee said. “Finn got hurt early, but he was making some noise before he got hurt. Finn is eager to get back on the field. Conway is one of the best receivers in the state. He's a high point machine. Hague is the total package. He is super fast and once he catches the ball he has the ability to make defenders miss.” </p>
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<p>Four of the five starters on the offensive line last season return. Most will be seniors in 2025. The only departure was Ryan Ramirez, who signed with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. Center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853021' first='Isaiah' last='Rivera']</strong> has been starting on the O-Line since he was a freshman. Ultra strong and athletic sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613754' first='Luca' last='Mesiti'] </strong>is back as well. Rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752737' first='Isaac' last='Romero']</strong> has enjoyed a solid off-season. <strong>John Fellerhoff</strong> battled injuries last season. Rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826278' first='Roberto' last='Walker']</strong> is a promising newcomer after getting his feet wet with the varsity in 2024. <strong>Jeremy Frasier</strong> adds quality depth.</p>
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<p>“We feel like we have a solid rotation across the O-Line,” Lee said. “We have a legit eight or nine guys who could start.” </p>
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<p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players: Zachary Waghorn</strong> (LB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605074' first='Logan' last='Hague']</strong> (DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137120' first='Finn' last='Thompson']</strong> (DB).</p>
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<p>The Chargers return their top four tacklers from last season. Linebacker <strong>Zachary Waghorn</strong> has made 100+ tackles the past two seasons and he should get to triple digits again. Waghorn clearly has 300 career tackles in his sights. The other three returning tackling leaders are LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853021' first='Isaiah' last='Rivera']</strong> (82 tackles), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605074' first='Logan' last='Hague']</strong> (44) and OLB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137080' first='Ryan' last='Williams']</strong> (42). Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1787943' first='Grayson' last='Staley']</strong> will contribute at LB.</p>
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<p>“I think Waghorn is one of the top two or three linebackers in the state,” Lee said. “He and Isiah are going to make some major noise at linebacker this season. I expect Zachary to get over 70 solo tackles again.”</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752737' first='Isaac' last='Romero']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613754' first='Luca' last='Mesiti']</strong> (see above) headline the defensive line. Rising senior DT/DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752742' first='Jameson' last='Paternoster']</strong> returns after not playing football last season. Paternoster has been solid in the Big Man Challenges this summer. <strong>William Squire</strong> is back as well. </p>
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<p>Ball hawking <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137120' first='Finn' last='Thompson']</strong> returns at safety. He had 6 interceptions as a sophomore in 2023 before injuries struck last season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605074' first='Logan' last='Hague']</strong> will start at CB. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752744' first='Nick' last='Stacy']</strong> will likely start at the other CB spot. </p>
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<p><strong>2025 Albuquerque Academy Football Schedule:</strong></p>
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<p>Aug. 23 MORIARTY (Sat., 1 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Aug. 28 at Del Norte (Sat., 11 a.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 5 HOPE CHRISTIAN (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 13 at St. Michael's (Sat., 1 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 20 CHAPARRAL (Sat., 2 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Sept. 26 Bye </p>
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<p>Oct. 4 ST. PIUS X (Sat., 1 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 11 at Manzano (Sat., 11 a.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 17 SILVER (Sat., 3 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 24 at Portales (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 31 at Valencia (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>* District 4A-2 Game</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore Season 2024 Highlights C/O 2027<br>2374 yards in 10 games<br>22 Total Touchdowns<br>237 passing yards per game<a href="https://t.co/ciJHlj5B7W">https://t.co/ciJHlj5B7W</a><a href="https://twitter.com/1209dlee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1209dlee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGehres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGehres</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1369761' first='William' last='Braun'] (@WillBraun_9) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillBraun_9/status/1881080852592902593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> camp in grants. I got voted best LB. Thank you coaches for all the hard work and assistance. <a href="https://t.co/eC4dNXoCfl">pic.twitter.com/eC4dNXoCfl</a></p>— Zachary Waghorn (@wagz2026) <a href="https://twitter.com/wagz2026/status/1883346457602011239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed. I am thankful for everything. After tearing my ACL, I only played a couple of games in my junior year. Here are my Junior and Sophomore highlights. I am ready for senior year!<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/1209dlee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1209dlee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/franks_coach?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@franks_coach</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachsteveirvin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachsteveirvin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamCarterFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamCarterFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/K4SF6oDK3U">https://t.co/K4SF6oDK3U</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1137120' first='Finn' last='Thompson'] (@FinnThompson_12) <a href="https://twitter.com/FinnThompson_12/status/1877409726922711513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Week 3 highlights VS Hope Christian. Great team win. 6 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD, 6 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks <a href="https://twitter.com/1209dlee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1209dlee</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/aachargerfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aachargerfb</a> <a href="https://t.co/fs9pJ0dLGB">pic.twitter.com/fs9pJ0dLGB</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='851898' first='Gage' last='Conway'] (@gageconway_26) <a href="https://twitter.com/gageconway_26/status/1833363515597590854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my end of the season highlights<br> center,long snapper both punts and field goals, D-end and Linebacker <a href="https://t.co/iyqcTHf5Ql">https://t.co/iyqcTHf5Ql</a><br>82 tot tackles <br>25 pancake blocks <br>5 sacks</p>— [player_tooltip player_id='853021' first='Isaiah' last='Rivera'] (@AAIsaiah_Rivera) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAIsaiah_Rivera/status/1859794754969665953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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2025 ALBUQUERQUE ACADEMY CHARGERS PREVIEW
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