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<p><strong>2025 HATCH VALLEY BEARS PREVIEW</strong></p>
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<p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p>
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<p>Hatch Valley begins its third season under head coach Manny Rodriguez. Last season the Bears finished 7-5 and reached the Class 3A quarterfinals by beating Pojoaque Valley in the first round of the playoffs.</p>
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<p>“Our first two seasons have gone well,” Rodriguez told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “Our first year we made the playoffs. Second year, we won a playoff game. This year, we're looking to go even farther than that and make a run. The kids I have now are working hard. They're slowly buying into the program and what we preach.”</p>
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<p>Rodriguez said Hatch Valley should have about 26 players on the varsity roster when they make the long trip to West Las Vegas for Friday night's 6 p.m. season opener. </p>
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<p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players: [player_tooltip player_id='854279' first='Omar' last='Gonzalez'] </strong>(QB), <strong>David Dumas</strong> (RB), <strong>Oscar Solis</strong> (OL)</p>
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<p>Hatch Valley has two senior quarterbacks in 2025: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854279' first='Omar' last='Gonzalez']</strong> and <strong>Caleb Watkins</strong>. Those two battled all summer and preseason camp for the starting job. Regardless, Rodriguez says he will find a way to get the loser on the field at another position.</p>
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<p>Senior <strong>David Dumas</strong> will be the No. 1 running back after finishing as the Bears' No. 3 rusher in 2024. He rushed for 346 yards in just 5 games before breaking his collarbone. He has 1,000-yard potential. Junior <strong>Felipe Carranza</strong> is the No. 2 RB and should get his share of carries. Junior <strong>Peet Bothma</strong> will be the fullback in addition to playing linebacker.</p>
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<p>“David is excited to come back and get the rock,” Rodriguez said. </p>
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<p>Hatch Valley threw the ball just 79 times in 12 games last season, so they employ a run-dominated attack. Last season's leading receiver only had 8 receptions. Junior <strong>Deven Martinez</strong> is the top returning receiver. Sophomore <strong>Nathan Ruiz</strong> will be the tight end. Senior <strong>Miguel Marquez</strong> recently joined the program and should contribute to the passing game. </p>
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<p>Junior <strong>Oscar Solis</strong> returns to anchor the offensive line along with senior <strong>Estevan Castillo</strong>. Sophomore guard <strong>Joshua Moriel</strong> is a promising newcomer. Two spots were up for grabs going into the season opener. </p>
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<p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players: Joshua Moriel</strong> (OL), <strong>Peet Bothma</strong> (LB), <strong>Caleb Watkins</strong> (DB) <strong> </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Oscar Solis </strong>and<strong> Joshua Moriel </strong>will also play defensive line in addition to their O-Line responsibilities. The nose tackle job was the subject of a position battle during camp.</p>
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<p><strong>Peet Bothma</strong> will be the middle linebacker. <strong>Estevan Castillo</strong> will also play inside linebacker in Hatch Valley's 3-4 alignment. The two outside LBs will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854279' first='Omar' last='Gonzalez']</strong> and <strong>Felipe Carranza</strong>.</p>
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<p>The secondary will be led by cornerbacks <strong>David Dumas</strong> and <strong>Caleb Watkins</strong>. One of the safeties will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854307' first='Demarcus' last='Alaniz']</strong>. The other safety spot was up for grabs going into Friday's season opener.</p>
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<p><strong>2025 Hatch Valley Football Schedule:</strong></p>
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<p>Aug. 22 at West Las Vegas (6 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Aug. 29 CHAPARRAL (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 5 vs. Junior Varsity Opponent </p>
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<p>Sept. 12 LAGUNA ACOMA (6 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 20 DEXTER (Sat., 1 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Sept. 26 at Cobre (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 3 at NMMI (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 10 SOCORRO (7 p.m.) * </p>
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<p>Oct. 17 at Hot Springs (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 24 Bye </p>
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<p>Oct. 31 RUIDOSO (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>* District 3A-3 Game</p>
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2025 HATCH VALLEY BEARS PREVIEW
OVERVIEW Hatch Valley begins its third season under head coach Manny Rodriguez. Last season the Bears finished 7-5 and reached the Class 3A quarterfinals by beating Pojoaque Valley in the first round of the playoffs. “Our first two seasons have gone well,” Rodriguez told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “Our first year we made the playoffs. Second year, we won a playoff game. This year, we're looking to go even farther than that and make a run. The kids I have now are working hard. They're slowly buying into the program and what we preach.” Rodriguez said Hatch Valley should have about 26 players on the varsity roster when they make the long trip to West Las Vegas for Friday night's 6 p.m. season opener. OFFENSE Top 3 Players: [player_tooltip…
