2025 Team Preview: Newcomb Skyhawks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 NEWCOMB SKYHAWKS PREVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the defining moments of the 2024 season came in Week 2 last season when Newcomb took the opening kickoff and steadily drive the length of the field, churning out first down after first down on the way to a TD with 14 seconds left in the first quarter. That's right, Newcomb's 80+ yard drive lasted 11 minutes, 46 seconds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That set the tone for a season in which Newcomb rushed the ball 522 times, or a staggering 94.1 percent of the time. The Skyhawks attempted only 33 passes in 10 games. After an encouraging 4-0 start, injuries and illnesses struck the Skyhawks as &nbsp;they lost their final six games and failed to make the Class 2A playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The first half of last season we played within our ability,” Newcomb head coach Vincent Lee told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “We had a lot of kids that were new to football. But they were hard-nosed and hard-working. Our scheme worked great early. Then we got hit with a respiratory illness pretty bad. It decimated our lines. Some of them were out for three weeks. When they got back, they weren't the same. They had no endurance.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newcomb lost its season opener to Wingate, 26-20. The Skyhawks host Santa Fe Indian Friday night. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top 3 Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1600856' first='Landon' last='Noble']</strong> (RB), <strong>Glacius Chee</strong> (QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267017' first='Colt' last='Yazzie']</strong> (RB/WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600856' first='Landon' last='Noble']</strong> was the centerpiece of Newcomb's offense in 2024, and he should be again in 2025. He had 301 carries – most in the state – for 1,411 yards and 11 TD. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267017' first='Colt' last='Yazzie']</strong> had the second most carries in 2024 and he's back as well. He'll also play slot receiver and catch a lot of bubble screens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Last year, our offensive philosophy was three yards and a cloud of dust,” Lee said. “[player_tooltip player_id='1600856' first='Landon' last='Noble'] is 165 pounds of fury. This year, he has gained two steps. He has the instincts. He's worked on his speed and changed his physique. Our offense is built around him. We know our identity is running the ball. Last year, we ran against a lot of nine and 10 man boxes.” &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterback will be senior <strong>Glacius Chee</strong>, a former linemen who trimmed down in order to play the position. He has shown significant improvement since last year, Lee said. Chee's ability to throw the ball and read defense is much farther along than a season ago. As a result, Lee plans to hand the reins of the offense over to Chee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It's his show this year,” Lee said of Chee. “He'll have flexibility to adjust the play and changing some routes and changing the point of attack. He understands the offense. Because of that, we may go vertical more down the field. We're going to open up the offense. Hopefully, we'll see more of seven defenders in the box. If we see that, we're happy.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>Robbie Yazzie</strong>, a cross-country standout, will play receiver. He gives the Skyhawks a true vertical threat. Sophomore <strong>Jowell Antonio</strong> has promise. He'll mostly play tight and H-Back in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three starters return on the offensive line: senior guards <strong>Josiah White</strong> and <strong>Lyn Becenti</strong> (250 pounds) and 280-pound sophomore <strong>Terrence Dick</strong>, who started as a freshman in 2024. Both tackles will be sophomores: <strong>Shae Neal</strong> and <strong>Dineh Platero</strong>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We're going to be young on the O-Line,” Lee said. “But most of the guys we have coming back had a lot of reps last season. They were probably not ready last year but now I think they're ready to step up to the challenge. Our O-Line is going to be more athletic and use splits and angles to our advantage.”&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>Top 3 Players: Lyn Becenti </strong>(LB)<strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1267017' first='Colt' last='Yazzie']</strong> (SS), <strong>Mason Martinez</strong> (DB) <strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Newcomb will utilize a two-platoon system. Most of the aforementioned offensive players will also start on defense<strong>. Lyn Becenti</strong> will play middle linebacker after playing on the defensive line in 2024. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267017' first='Colt' last='Yazzie']</strong> will fill the strong safety/hybrid role. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600856' first='Landon' last='Noble']</strong> and <strong>Glacius Yee</strong> are set to be the outside linebackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Martinez</strong> will be one of the starters at cornerback along with <strong>Ashton James</strong>. Sophomore speedster <strong>Ryden Nelson</strong>, arguably the fastest player on the team, should contribute. He has the potential to become a standout player. Senior <strong>Robbie Yazzie</strong> will play free safety. Seniors <strong>Kaelowe Tom</strong> and <strong>Moraes Begay</strong> are expected to anchor the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Newcomb Football Schedule:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 23 at Wingate, L 26-20 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 29 SANTA FE INDIAN (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 5 GALLUP (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 12 TOHATCHI (7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 20 at Loving (Sat., 11 a.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 26 McCURDY (7 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 3 Bye &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 11 at Hozho Academy (Sat., 2 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 17 at Laguna-Acoma (6 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 24 at Cuba (6 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 31 NAVAJO PREP (6 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* District 3A-1 Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->