2025 Team Preview: Pojoaque Valley Elks
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<p><strong>2025 POJOAQUE VALLEY ELKS PREVIEW</strong></p>
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<p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p>
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<p>Pojoaque Valley made significant progress in head coach Zeke Villegas' first two seasons with the Elks. Last season, PVHS won five games and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Now, with everything seemingly on the upswing, the Elks eye taking the next step.</p>
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<p>“From the day I got there, the biggest thing has been building confidence in the players,” Villegas told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “I saw the talent. But I had to build the confidence and show the players what they were capable of doing in order to bring out their best.</p>
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<p>“Last year, we made the playoffs and beat (local rival) Los Alamos for the first time in 10 years. We had to get them to work in the weight room and get them football smart, and getting the proper coaches in place to teach them. Right now, the players have really bought in.”</p>
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<p>When Villegas took over the program in the spring of 2023, Pojoaque Valley had about 26 players on the roster. Since then, the numbers have steadily grown. For 2025, Villegas expects to have about 65 to 68 players on the roster, more than doubling the number of players from just over two years ago.</p>
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<p>“That comes with the program being a little more successful,” Villegas said. “The players who have bought in have recruited other guys to play. Some of them have never played football before. They're excited to be an Elk.”</p>
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<p>Another promising sign: Pojoaque Valley's current 2025 roster on MaxPreps features 12 freshman with uniform numbers.</p>
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<p>“Our middle school team went 6-1 last year,” Villegas said. “They've been in the weight room with us for two years. This will be their third year. It's a strong freshman class coming up. When I started, we focused on building a strong foundation at the bottom. I think we're going to be good for the next six or seven years.” </p>
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<p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p>
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<p>Top 3 Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248677' first='Joshua' last='Gonzales']</strong> (QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1416992' first='D'Marcus' last='Rodriguez']</strong> (RB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129687' first='Jonah' last='Villegas']</strong> (RB) </p>
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<p>Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248677' first='Joshua' last='Gonzales']</strong> returns as the Elks' starting quarterback. Last season he wasn't asked to throw the ball much, but his development over the summer, as seen in numerous 7x7 tournaments, has Villegas thinking about putting the ball in the air more this season.</p>
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<p>“We've been more of a run team the last two years, but I'm excited for this season because I've seen Joshua really develop into a great quarterback,” Villegas said. “It was one of the great accomplishments this summer. We're able to have a passing game now. Our receivers are great route runners. Joshua is making better reads. He's a lot bigger, stronger and smarter. It may have just been in 7-on-7s, but I saw a lot of growth in our passing game. That's exciting.”</p>
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<p>The Thunder and Lightning duo of senior RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1416992' first='D'Marcus' last='Rodriguez']</strong> (Thunder) and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129687' first='Jonah' last='Villegas']</strong> (Lightning) headlines the ground game. Both rushed for over 700 yards during the 2024 regular season. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213336' first='Jaden' last='Leyba-Moya']</strong> has speed, catches the ball out of the backfield and could get some carries as well. </p>
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<p>“Running the ball will always come first because you can control the game with the run,” Villegas said. “Last year, we were 80/20. This year, we'll probably be 60/40. But we're still going to run the ball. D'Marcus has speed when he breaks into the open field, but if you get in front of him, he'll run you over. Jonah is the same way. He runs the 40 in about 4.4 seconds. Joshua runs the 40 in 4.6, so we're going to utilize his legs a lot more. But we will also pass the ball more.”</p>
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<p>With Pojoaque Valley planning to throw the ball more, talented senior WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248675' first='Joaquin' last='Baca']</strong> could have a larger role in the offense. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248716' first='Matthew' last='Romero']</strong> played a lot of fullback in 2024 but will move to WR. </p>
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<p>“I feel like Joaquin could be a great threat for us in the passing game,” Villegas said. “He had a great summer going to camps. He'll be our go-to guy, for sure , in the passing game.”</p>
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<p>Along the offensive line, 6-foot-1, 240-pound sophomore LG <strong>Jeremiah Ortega</strong> started as a freshman for the Elks in 2024. Ortega runs the 40 in under 5.0 seconds, so he moves well for a linemen of his size. He added substantial weight to his frame during the off-season.</p>
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<p>Another offensive lineman to watch is 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior LT <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248684' first='Michaelangelo' last='Leapingwolf']</strong>, definitely a member of the 2025 All-Name Team. He'll also play NT on defense. The right side of the OL will be junior RG <strong>Roman Gonzales</strong> and 6-foot-5, 230-pound senior RT <strong>Michael Marquez</strong>, who may be Pojoaque Valley's strongest O-Lineman.</p>
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<p>The Elks have some beef on the O-Line. Villegas likes to run a lot of counters and pulling plays, so the Elks require offensive lineman who can move. </p>
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<p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Top 3 Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248716' first='Matthew' last='Romero']</strong> (LB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248675' first='Joaquin' last='Baca'] </strong>(DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613748' first='Deion' last='Dixon']</strong> (DB). </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248684' first='Michaelangelo' last='Leapingwolf']</strong>, <strong>Jeremiah Ortega</strong> and <strong>Roman Gonzales</strong> will play both ways and anchor the defensive line. Freshman DE <strong>Kaiden Maestas-Chavez</strong> is a promising newcomer. He could make a major contribution this season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248716' first='Matthew' last='Romero']</strong> returns at linebacker after leading Pojoaque Valley in tackles last season. The other starting inside LB could be freshman <strong>Jaziah Romero</strong>. </p>
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<p>Senior cornerbacks <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248675' first='Joaquin' last='Baca']</strong> and <strong>Jordan DeAguero</strong> both return and they bring plenty of experience to the field. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613748' first='Deion' last='Dixon']</strong> will be the strong safety after starting there as a freshman while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129687' first='Jonah' last='Villegas']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213336' first='Jaden' last='Leyba-Moya']</strong> will divide snaps at free safety. </p>
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<p><strong>2025 Pojoaque Valley Football Schedule:</strong></p>
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<p>Aug. 22 at Crownpoint (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Aug. 29 HOT SPRINGS (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 6 at Los Alamos (Sat., 6 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 13 DEXTER (Sat., 1 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 18 at Hozho Academy (Thu., 6 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Sept. 26 Bye </p>
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<p>Oct. 3 ROBERTSON (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 11 at Hope Christian (Sat., 11 a.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 17 SANTA FE INDIAN (7 p.m.) </p>
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<p>Oct. 25 at St. Michael's (Sat., 1 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>Oct. 31 WEST LAS VEGAS (7 p.m.)* </p>
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<p>* District 3A-2 Game</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore year highlights ! <br>1st team all district running back<a href="https://t.co/eqS6xDaqZi">https://t.co/eqS6xDaqZi</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1129687' first='Jonah' last='Villegas'] (@Jonahv_23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonahv_23/status/1880253476292423769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2024-2025 Junior season.<br> 1st team all district <a href="https://t.co/1Prg7AvJav">pic.twitter.com/1Prg7AvJav</a></p>— D'Marcus Rodriguez (@dmarkrodriguez) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmarkrodriguez/status/1884460119385100543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just needed a chance to make my Mark!!In 2 years we have made strides in Pojoaque.Year 3 loading 🫎<a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sfnmsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sfnmsports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PojoaqueP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PojoaqueP</a> <a href="https://t.co/jbpTQTDO8C">pic.twitter.com/jbpTQTDO8C</a></p>— Zeke Villegas (@CoachZekeV) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachZekeV/status/1930842570021552224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">These boys crushed it yesterday with some huge wins I'm beyond proud of their passion and dedication to the team and sport.🙌🏽🥇<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachZekeV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachZekeV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/SkmfuWyDqT">pic.twitter.com/SkmfuWyDqT</a></p>— Pojoaque valley football program (@PojoaqueP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PojoaqueP/status/1944170225227727169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're back!!🔥🔥<br>@CoacZekeV <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/I46HmZ5PQD">pic.twitter.com/I46HmZ5PQD</a></p>— Pojoaque valley football program (@PojoaqueP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PojoaqueP/status/1952933834212741136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Proud of our All district team players from Pojoaque!Year 2 was a success 🦌<a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/6WJ45yeYb9">pic.twitter.com/6WJ45yeYb9</a></p>— Zeke Villegas (@CoachZekeV) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachZekeV/status/1864389677739802758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I use this wallpaper as my motivation after losing the first round in the playoffs. Knowing that I can learn from my loss and learn how to win ✝️ <a href="https://t.co/oB9VDSCoUr">pic.twitter.com/oB9VDSCoUr</a></p>— [player_tooltip player_id='1248684' first='Michaelangelo' last='Leapingwolf'] (@MzaKillabee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MzaKillabee/status/1900314893351596361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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2025 POJOAQUE VALLEY ELKS PREVIEW
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