Baker's Dozen: Week 1 Preview

The 2025 New Mexico High School football season is finally here. The campaign begins Thursday night with a handful of games around the state and runs through Saturday afternoon. Here are our Top 13 games of Week 1, Best of The Rest and Other Games of what promises to be another exciting season ahead.   GAME OF THE WEEK: Cleveland at Centennial (Sat., 1 p.m., Field of Dreams)   One of the blossoming rivalries in Class 6A. Fun fact: the road team has won the last five meetings between the two teams dating back to 2021. It happened twice in 2024 when Centennial stunned the Storm in the season opener at Lightning Bolt Stadium by scoring a late TD for the win. But Cleveland got a satisfying measure of revenge in the playoffs with a lopsided win at Field of Dreams. We know one thing about Saturday's matchup at Field of Dreams: It will be HOT with forecasted temperatures in the mid-90's at kickoff. Staying hydrated will be key.      Cleveland has advanced to the Class 6A state championship game for six straight full seasons and the Storm certainly possess the talent to get there again. Senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='851873' first='Jordan' last='Kekoa Hatch'] enters his third season as the starter. He headlines a potentially powerful offense featuring multiple FBS players: UNM Lobos WR commit [player_tooltip player_id='851903' first='Jacob' last='Maldonado'] and Utah OL commit [player_tooltip player_id='851862' first='Moses' last='Sparks']. Centennial's revamped secondary will be severely tested in this one. The defensive front seven is solid with returning starters [player_tooltip player_id='1606127' first='Izmael' last='Medina'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266519' first='Joseph' last='Bitar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='853023' first='Luke' last='Matherly'].   Centennial's offense will have a new look with 6-foot-3 junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin'], who's more of a pure passer than his predecessor. Laborin is big, strong, athletic and possesses a rifle arm, as he showed during camping season. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez'] and WR Anthony Sandoval give the Hawks a nice offensive trio. Cleveland's talented defensive front seven – among the best in the state - will test the Centennial O-Line's ability to protect Laborin and open holes for the running game. UNM Lobos DE/OLB commit [player_tooltip player_id='1230420' first='Elijah' last='Richards'] will seek to wreak havoc from the edge. He'll be joined by underrated DT [player_tooltip player_id='1599835' first='Riley' last='Haussler'], 300-pound senior NG [player_tooltip player_id='1671767' first='Eli' last='Powell'] and LB Trey Logan.        Volcano Vista at La Cueva (Thur.): Huge 6A matchup to open the season on Thursday night at Wilson Stadium. Both teams debut new quarterbacks with senior Spirit Penn-Cook getting the start for Volcano Vista and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1183085' first='Monty' last='Melendez'] getting his opportunity for La Cueva. The Bears' last two QBs are Aiden Armenta and Cameron Dyer, both with FBS programs. La Cueva needs the receivers to step up in the wake of [player_tooltip player_id='853013' first='Tanner' last='Montano']'s decision to forgo football in order to focus on track. Both teams have stout defenses as well. This one could be a low-scoring, hard-fought battle.       Lovington at Hobbs: These southeastern NM schools located on the Texas border are separated by a distance of only 22 miles. It's one of the more underrated rivalries in the state. This year's matchup is intriguing because both schools have new quarterbacks. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1665332' first='Justin' last='Allen'] is the presumptive starter for the Wildcats. Two-way standout [player_tooltip player_id='1137475' first='Jayden' last='Gutierrez'] will have the ball in his hands a lot. Six-foot-4, 295-pound Fresno State commitment [player_tooltip player_id='853015' first='Alex' last='Rivera'] leads the O-Line. Hobbs is looking to advance past the quarterfinals for the first time since Class 6A was added in 2014. [player_tooltip player_id='1605057' first='Junior' last='Medrano'] is the presumptive starting QB for the Eagles. Has plenty of talents around him in RB [player_tooltip player_id='1604984' first='Shamus' last='Wright'] and tall WRs [player_tooltip player_id='1599800' first='Justice' last='French'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1600876' first='Braddock' last='Beaty'].         Artesia at Carlsbad: The Eddy County War is renewed. Artesia has won the last two matchups in dominating fashion but some recent contests have been close and hard-fought. Both teams have new quarterbacks. Senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1672571' first='Derrick' last='Warren'] finally gets his opportunity to lead the Artesia offense. Watch out for speedster [player_tooltip player_id='1139144' first='Bryce' last='Parra'] at running back. Carlsbad's top player – and arguably the best player in the state – is Power 4 caliber LB [player_tooltip player_id='1248663' first='Colton' last='McKibben']. No better way to prove he's worthy of all those P4 offers by having a monster game against Artesia.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Eddy County War! <a href="https://t.co/fd68Lq9o96">pic.twitter.com/fd68Lq9o96</a>— BulldogFootball 🏈🏆x32 (@artesiafootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/1957215589304504344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote>   West Mesa at St. Pius X (Sat, 11 a.m.): Expectations are very high at St. Pius X this season as the Sartans, powered by offensive skill position talent that ranks among the best in the state regardless of classification, are one of the favorites for the Class 4A title. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins'] and WR [player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III'] are all high next level talents. West Mesa eyes finally winning a playoff game. Promising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1684430' first='Jericho' last='Brody'] has been named the Mustangs' starting QB. He's the younger brother of former West Mesa standout and current UNM Lobo Elijah Brody. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1672389' first='Logan' last='Jacobson-Waldrep'] is one of the best kept secrets in Class 6A and senior WR Marcos Ochoa is very underrated. Who starts at QB for the Mustangs?   Las Cruces at Mayfield: Historically, this rivalry is the best in the Land of Enchantment. For the second straight year, the game will be played in Week 1. Our first look at the potentially prolific Las Cruces offense led by third-year starter [player_tooltip player_id='853029' first='Gunnar' last='Guardiola'] and RB Danny Amaro. Mayfield returns just seven starters from last season and like everybody else in 5A, they're chasing and frantically trying to close the gap on Artesia and Roswell. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1599566' first='Xavier' last='Ochoa'] is the new starting quarterback for the Trojans after playing safety last season and earning an All-State honorable mention honors. Las Cruces has won nine straight games over Mayfield.   Los Lunas at Roswell: Roswell begins defense of its Class 5A state championship with a home game against 6A Los Lunas at the Wool Bowl. The Coyotes lost many key players from last season, but are hopeful their successors are ready to go. Reload, not rebuild. Six-foot-3, 220-pound QB [player_tooltip player_id='1750685' first='Luke' last='Lynn'] is the new cannon-armed QB for Roswell. He'll be protected by an experienced, nasty offensive line. Roswell's new look defense will be tested by Los Lunas dual threat QB Kaiden Reese, who could join the 1,000-1,000 club this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1604956' first='Jagger' last='Casillas'] emerged last season as one of the top young RBs in the Albuquerque Metro Region.     Bernalillo at Valley (Thur.): The battle of the Cobos is renewed. Valley head coach Billy Cobos has a talented quarterback in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1600815' first='Jose' last='Jaramillo'], who won't have to share snaps this season with anybody else. Jaramillo is surrounded by an array of offensive skill position talent. The Vikings offense provides an early test for Bernalillo's ‘Goon Squad' defense led by prolific LB [player_tooltip player_id='853756' first='Mario' last='Molinar']. The Spartans debut new QB [player_tooltip player_id='1752436' first='Anthony' last='Willie'] and he has a quartet of quality receivers to target in the passing game.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Week 1!!! GAME WEEK!!! HAIL NORTH VALLEY!!! SWING THE 🪓 <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCobos77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCobos77</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_CoachTrujillo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_CoachTrujillo</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/0K3qzy6MqJ">pic.twitter.com/0K3qzy6MqJ</a>— Valley Football (@ValleyFB54) <a href="https://twitter.com/ValleyFB54/status/1957825743745884595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote>    Atrisco Heritage at Rio Rancho: Two teams looking to take the next step in their evolution as football programs. For new Atrisco Heritage head coach Dominic Casaus, promoted from offensive coordinator, it's about the Jaguars earning a spot in the 6A playoffs after season's disappointment. Atrisco had a three-way battle for the starting QB job throughout the summer. Rio Rancho is looking to reach the level of crosstown rival Cleveland. The offensive trio of QB [player_tooltip player_id='1604705' first='Micah' last='Takahashi'], RB Ethan Rolon and speedy WR [player_tooltip player_id='1266408' first='Parker' last='Miller'] has the potential to be highly productive. Junior DE [player_tooltip player_id='1604734' first='Jacari' last='Smith'] is a budding star.         Organ Mountain at Eldorado: Another intriguing Las Cruces vs. Albuquerque battle. These two teams met last season at Field of Dreams with Eldorado returning home happy after a hard-fought win. Expect the same type of game on Friday. Two of the top young offensive skill position players meet – Organ Mountain sophomore RB [player_tooltip player_id='1613370' first='Romeo' last='Jones'] and Eldorado WR/Rb [player_tooltip player_id='1155116' first='Jahari' last='Morehead']. Both standouts will be the focal point of their respective teams' offense. [player_tooltip player_id='1680049' first='Jaden' last='Gonzales'] debuts as Organ Mountain's quarterback after being an All-District fullback in 2024. Both teams are looking to climb the 6A ladder.            Sandia at Piedra Vista: Tylon Wilder, certainly one of the more interesting coaches involved with New Mexico high school football, debuts for Sandia. No, he's not bringing that run-dominated attack he had at Espanola Valley with him. Yes, Wilder loves power run football, but when you have a gunslinger QB like 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior [player_tooltip player_id='1594010' first='Jahleel' last='Lewis'] and an array of weapons around him, you take full advantage. Piedra Vista junior Reuben Marquez takes the reins as starting quarterback for the Panthers.        Robertson at Socorro: One of the better cross-district rivalries in Class 3A. Two young head coaches make their debuts – Lucas Sanchez of Robertson and Derek Smith at Socorro. Sanchez is a Las Vegas lifer who helped lead Robertson to its first state title and was a long-time Cardinals assistant. Smith came to Socorro from Gadsden, where he served a variety of roles. Both have young teams with new quarterbacks at the helm. Sanchez's decision to shift 6-foot-5 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1155256' first='Nathan' last='Gonzales'] to quarterbacks could pay handsome dividends in the long term.          Texico at Santa Rosa: Rematch of last November's Class 2A state championship game. Santa Rosa, of course, is hoping for a much different outcome. The Lions return dynamic duel threat QB [player_tooltip player_id='854312' first='Josh' last='Cordova'], who rushed for over 1,500 yards last season. Texico also returns its starting QB from a season ago – senior [player_tooltip player_id='1343408' first='Bennett' last='Wahlen'] – and most of its starters from a massive offensive line. The Wolverines' domination in the trenches fueled their unbeaten season in 2024.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Season Opener this week! RISE UP!! <a href="https://t.co/9c5VRtYrq5">pic.twitter.com/9c5VRtYrq5</a>— Socorro Warriors Football (@Socowarriorsfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/Socowarriorsfb/status/1958184015690953186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote>   BEST OF THE REST   Alamogordo at Deming: Our prediction that Alamogordo will be one of the most improved teams in Class 6A this season will be tested immediately when the Tigers visit Deming   Albuquerque High at Cibola: Former Rio Rancho HC and UNM Lobos assistant David Howes makes his head coaching debut for Cibola. The Cougars defense could be very good. Albuquerque High hopes to earn a playoff spot for the first time in nearly 3 decades.   Goddard at Portales (Sat.): Portales hosts Goddard in a rare Saturday night contest at Greyhound Stadium.     St. Michael's at Taos: The defending Class 3A champions visit Taos, which begins its second season under head coach Johnny Olguin. The Horsemen are looking for the 3-peat in 3A.        Manzano at Highland (Thur.): Two up-and-coming teams in the Albuquerque Metro Region clash at Milne Stadium Thur. night.   Hatch Valley at West Las Vegas: Hatch Valley makes the long trip to Las Vegas for an intriguing Southern New Mexico vs. Northern New Mexico battle.   Santa Teresa at Silver: Silver RB [player_tooltip player_id='1826113' first='Cody' last='Cooper'] is a budding star in Class 4A. Santa Teresa looks to bounce back from a disappointing season in 2024.      Dexter at Jal: Dexter makes the trip to the far corner of southeastern NM in this intriguing 3A-2A matchup. The Demons could win it all this season.     Los Alamos at Espanola Valley: Espanola Valley's rise over the past three seasons has turned this rivalry a bigger game. Los Alamos has elite team speed.   Chaparral at Gadsden (Sat.): The Battle of the Gap is renewed. Both programs have energy after recent successes.   Moriarty at Albuquerque Academy (Sat.): Moriarty brings their Wing-T power run offense to the Duke City. Albuquerque Academy likes to throw the ball. Interesting contrast in offensive styles.      <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Week 1: Chaparral Lobos (Battle of the Gap) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HailGadsden?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HailGadsden</a> <a href="https://t.co/L7DuJgyiWd">pic.twitter.com/L7DuJgyiWd</a>— Gadsden Football (@GadsdenPanthers) <a href="https://twitter.com/GadsdenPanthers/status/1957190846048071801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote>   OTHER GAMES   Farmington at Clovis   Santa Fe at Capital   Belen at Bloomfield   Valencia at Kirtland Central   Hope Christian at Del Norte (Sat.)   Cuba at Santa Fe Indian   Tucumcari at Thoreau   Raton at Tohatchi   Estancia at Loving   Aztec at Rio Grande   Eunice at Ruidoso   Newcomb at Wingate   Navajo Prep at Shiprock   Hozho Academy at Zuni   Pojoaque Valley at Crownpoint   Tularosa at Hot Springs   Grants at Miyamura   Laguna Acoma at Legacy Academy   McCurdy at Cobre   Gallup at Tuba City (AZ)   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It's here!!!💚🏈 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElkSZN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElkSZN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Werecoming?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Werecoming</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/CoachZekeV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachZekeV</a> <a href="https://t.co/4YY4qRUH0E">pic.twitter.com/4YY4qRUH0E</a>— Pojoaque valley football program (@PojoaqueP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PojoaqueP/status/1957964749200851084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Saturday is coming soon. Cannot wait to get my hands on someone. <a href="https://t.co/NaNfiT0htS">pic.twitter.com/NaNfiT0htS</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1599883' first='Lance' last='Volk'] (@LanceVolk_65) <a href="https://twitter.com/LanceVolk_65/status/1957976603923038609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote>

The 2025 New Mexico High School football season is finally here. The campaign begins Thursday night with a handful of games around the state and runs through Saturday afternoon. Here are our Top 13 games of Week 1, Best of The Rest and Other Games of what promises to be another exciting season ahead.