2025 Team Preview: St. Pius X Sartans
In this article:
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<p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p>
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<p>St. Pius X served notice in 2024 to the rest of Class 4A that they intend to be one of the classification's dominant programs for at least the next two years. With a sophomore-heavy roster, the Sartans reached the 4A state championship game against reigning title holder Bloomfield.</p>
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<p>Now those sophomores are experienced juniors and if 7-on-7 season is any indication, St. Pius X is confident they'll be a serious contender in 4A to lift the blue trophy on Thanksgiving weekend.</p>
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<p>“Last season was a special year,” St. Pius X head coach Curtis Flakes II told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “We accomplished some good things. But the message to our guys has been last year is last year. It doesn't matter. What matters is what they do today. They need to come out every day and work hard with great effort and great attitudes.” </p>
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<p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] </strong>(QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong> (RB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins']</strong> (WR). <strong> </strong></p>
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<p>Six-foot-5 rising junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter']</strong> was one of just three signal callers in the state to surpass 3,000 passing yards last season. He finished second with 3,114 yards and 34 TD as he completed 55 percent of his passes. Rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137859' first='Nathaniel' last='Miera']</strong> (started several games in 2023) and rising freshman <strong>Luke Jones</strong> (starting QB on freshman team in 2024) will be the backups. Jones could be the QB of the future for St. Pius X when Carpenter graduates in 2027. </p>
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<p>“Isaiah had a great year (in 2024) for a young quarterback,” Flakes said. “We definitely want him to reduce his interceptions (15 in 2024). We've been working on that. That was just a young quarterback slinging it. As he gets older and gains experience and maturity, he'll work through his progressions and take those high completion passes. He's been doing that this summer. He's looked impressive.”</p>
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<p>After finishing fourth in the state last season with 1,704 rushing yards and 21 TD, speedy rising junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong>'s life changed dramatically in a 24-hour span in early June when FBS schools UTEP and New Mexico both offered. Olloway has blazed 100 meters in under 10.7 seconds, making him one of the fastest players in the state. But Olloway is also tough and fearless. He's added about 30 pounds to his frame during the off-season and gotten faster, so watch out.</p>
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<p>“Hershul has added weight, but he's gotten faster as he's gotten bigger,” Flakes said. “He went from 11.0 flat to 10.6 in the 100. Adding that weight will improve his durability. It will be tough for defenders to tackle somebody who's moving as fast and is as big as Hershul. His football IQ is very high. He can see things before they develop. He is transitioning to be a leader.”</p>
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<p>Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1787763' first='Chace' last='Dabney']</strong>, who had 52 carries in 2024, and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826152' first='Nicholas' last='Casco']</strong> will be the backup RBs for the Sartans. Casco got a few varsity carries late last season as a freshman.</p>
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<p>St. Pius X has arguably one of the top wide receiver groups in the state regardless of classification. The unit includes rising juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins']</strong> (6-foot-3) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III']</strong> and rising sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613476' first='Christian' last='Morales']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613459' first='Ezra' last='Ocampo']</strong>, son of Sartans new offensive coordinator Damien Ocampo. Six-foot-3 rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751737' first='Logan' last='Underwood']</strong> had 13 receptions in 2024. Promising 6-foot-1 rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826155' first='Kane' last='Huffmyer']</strong> transferred from Hope Christian last year. </p>
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<p>Cox-Liggins and Flakes III have both been offered by Eastern New Mexico.</p>
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<p>“Cayl is a special, unique athlete,” Flakes said. “He's big, runs great routes and is deceptively fast. He's made catch after catch this summer that amaze me. His balance and hand-eye coordination are exemplary. He is locked in and laser focused. He has been pushing himself. Curtis can play several positions. He has a super high football IQ. Christian is one of our best route runners. He plays like he's 6-foot-2. He's physical, goes up and gets the ball and has very strong hands. I'm very excited about our wide receiver group.”</p>
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<p>Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson']</strong>, a two-year starter, anchors what should be an improved offensive line for St. Pius X. The 6-foot-1, 260-pound Nelson, one of three returning starters, has moved to left tackle after playing center in 2024. Othe returning starters are rising senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751746' first='Ramon' last='Torres']</strong> and 300-pound rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751744' first='Tony' last='Ruiz']</strong>, a three-year starter. Newcomers should include rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790998' first='Lucas' last='Saavedra']</strong>, a part-time starter in 2024, and promising rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790866' first='Xavier' last='Giron']</strong>. </p>
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<p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1267030' first='Kolbe' last='Padilla']</strong> (LB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson']</strong> (DL), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III']</strong> (DB)</p>
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<p>Leading tackler <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267030' first='Kolbe' last='Padilla']</strong> returns for St. Pius X. Padilla, a rising senior, will play middle linebacker (MIKE) in 2025. He had 115 tackles, 16.0 TFL, 14 QB hurries and 3 sacks in a sensational junior campaign in 2024, earning First-Team All-State honors. He already has 26.0 TFL in his career, proof of his ability to wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage.</p>
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<p>“Kolbe has been impressive since I've been here,” Flakes said. “His sophomore year, he started at safety for us. He was All-District with that. Then he put on about 25 pounds and we moved him to linebacker. It was a seamless move for him. He was definitely our anchor on defense last year. We are super excited to have him back. He is one of our true leaders. He played all of last season with a torn labrum, but he never complained or missed a snap. He had surgery in the off-season.”</p>
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<p>Joining Padilla at LB will be rising sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826155' first='Kane' last='Huffmyer']</strong> (see above) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826152' first='Nicholas' last='Casco']</strong> (see above). Both will play on both sides of the ball. All-District safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604762' first='Joaquin' last='Aragon']</strong>, a rising junior, has been moved to LB after adding about 15 pounds. Aragon has been playing football for just two years but he had 73 tackles and 2 forced fumbles in 2024.</p>
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<p>Along the defensive line, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson']</strong> (see above) will be the nose tackle. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791257' first='Ethan' last='Machtinger']</strong> and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586973' first='Dane' last='Russell']</strong> will likely fill two other spots along the defensive line. Rusell is a very promising defensive end. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790998' first='Lucas' last='Saavedra'] </strong>(see above) and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826157' first='Dominic' last='Bellisario']</strong> will be part of the D-Line rotation as well.</p>
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<p>While he's also an outstanding WR, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III']</strong> is being mainly recruited by the next level as a defensive back. As mentioned, ENMU has offered while UNM and a few other FBS schools have expressed interest. Cornerback is his primary – and best - position. He has proven at numerous camps this summer that he can cover FBS caliber receivers. Flakes was exceptional in 2024 with 31 tackles, 3 interceptions and an astounding 18 pass breakups. Doubtful opposing QBs will be throwing in his direction as much as last season.</p>
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<p>Lining up at the CB spot opposite Flakes will be three-year starter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751748' first='Collin' last='Foster']</strong>, who had 46 tackles and 5 pass breakups in 2024. Foster is physical but has impressive speed as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong> will likely play in the secondary at safety. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins']</strong> was a part-timer in the secondary last season but had 5 interceptions.</p>
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<p><strong>2025 St. Pius X Football Schedule:</strong></p>
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<p>Aug. 22 WEST MESA (Sat, 11 a.m.) </p>
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<p>Aug. 29 at Grants (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 5 at Moriarty (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 11 ORGAN MOUNTAIN (Thur., 6 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 19 Bye </p>
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<p>Sept. 26 at Silver (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 4 at Albuquerque Academy (Sat., 1 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 10 PORTALES (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 18 CHAPARRAL (Sat., 1 p.m.)* </p>
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<p> Oct. 24 at Valencia (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Nov. 1 MANZANO (Sat., 11 a.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 highlights C/O 2027🚨<br>3,114 Passing Yds, 34 TDs<br>All State Honorable Mention QB<br>First Team all District QB<br>First Team all Metro QB<br>All Academic<a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NMrecruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMrecruits</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmprepcosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmprepcosports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NMHUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMHUFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ENMUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ENMUFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WNMUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNMUFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTAMUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTAMUFootball</a>… <a href="https://t.co/BsxvCwoJHQ">pic.twitter.com/BsxvCwoJHQ</a></p>— Isaiah.Carpenter (@Isaiah_3_C) <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaiah_3_C/status/1879754038868115640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore season highlights🚨<br>First team all state RB<br>Second team all state DB<br>First team district RB/DB<br>Offensive district MVP<br>First team metro offense/defense <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NMrecruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMrecruits</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://t.co/vGeMeLF2x2">https://t.co/vGeMeLF2x2</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1250361' first='Hershul' last='Olloway Jr'] (@Hersh_Olloway2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hersh_Olloway2/status/1868453838564606419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cayl Cox Liggins 12/12/24<br>Sophomore Season Highlights<br>1st Team All State/Metro WR/Honorable Mention DB<br>1st Team All District WR/DB<br>64 Rec / 1112 yds / Avg 17.4 yds / 12 Td's<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NMrecruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMrecruits</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLTcEQ90wD">https://t.co/BLTcEQ90wD</a></p>— Cayl Cox Liggins (@CoxLiggins) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoxLiggins/status/1910466580837798290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my Sophomore season highlights!<br>1 team all state DL<br>2 team all state Center<br>1 team all district DL/C <br>1 sack given up 3 forced fumbles<br>62 Tot Tackles 3 sacks 13 TFL 13 GP<a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</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/NMrecruits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMrecruits</a> <a href="https://t.co/rikGRdGFcC">https://t.co/rikGRdGFcC</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson'] (@ChaseNelson58) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaseNelson58/status/1881075814953091332?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 time at the west mesa 7on7s,so lucky for these opportunities to get better!<a href="https://twitter.com/Angrybirdfb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Angrybirdfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/docampo98?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@docampo98</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</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://t.co/JCtIa6eLSn">pic.twitter.com/JCtIa6eLSn</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1613459' first='Ezra' last='Ocampo'] (@EzraOcam09) <a href="https://twitter.com/EzraOcam09/status/1946250384277930085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1267030' first='Kolbe' last='Padilla'] CO 2026 Junior year stats<br>68 Solo Tackles |16 TFLs |115 Total Tackles| <a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://t.co/vlJ0dtSVv3">https://t.co/vlJ0dtSVv3</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1267030' first='Kolbe' last='Padilla'] (@kolbepadilla9) <a href="https://twitter.com/kolbepadilla9/status/1878460461215093065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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