Baker's Dozen: Week 3 Preview

The 2025 New Mexico High School football season enters Week 3. The action begins Thursday night with a handful of games around the state and runs through Saturday afternoon. Here are our Top 13 games of Week 3, Best of The Rest and Other Games of what promises to be another exciting week.   GAME OF THE WEEK: Rio Rancho at Las Cruces  (Thur., Field of Dreams)   The best of the six games in Week 3 between unbeaten 2-0 teams will be played Thursday night at the Field of Dreams. These teams battled last season at RRHS with the Bulldawgs pulling out the victory. Rio Rancho's offense is humming heading into this matchup with a pair of 50+ point games on the resume. The offensive trio of QB [player_tooltip player_id='1604705' first='Micah' last='Takahashi'], RB Ethan Rolon and WR [player_tooltip player_id='1266408' first='Parker' last='Miller'] have so far been dynamic. They combined for 6 TD against Clovis in Week 2. But the Bulldawgs defense presents them with by far their biggest test of the season. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1606042' first='Denton' last='Walter'] and DL [player_tooltip player_id='1600974' first='Carlos' last='Gamboa'] are two of the best players in the state at their respective positions. Together, they combined for 56 tackles, 12 TFL, 10 sacks and 11 QB hurries in the first two games.   The Las Cruces has been terrific with 99 points scored in the first two games. Third-year starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='853029' first='Gunnar' last='Guardiola'] sits in the driver's seat but if you listed the top three contenders for the New Mexico Heisman Award after two weeks, RB [player_tooltip player_id='1137388' first='Daniel' last='Amaro'] would be on the short list. Amaro has been nothing short of sensational with 336 rushing yards (455 total yards) and 7 TD in the first two games. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Senior WR [player_tooltip player_id='1142363' first='Francisco' last='Winnikoff'] is off to a solid start as well with 10 receptions in the first two games. The Rio Rancho defense has been opportunistic in the first two games with numerous forced turnovers.                  Centennial at Artesia: Following a pair of home games to start the 2025 schedule, Centennial begins a three-game road stretch with one of their toughest tests of the season. Few teams go into the Bulldog Bowl and beat Artesia. Hawks QB [player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin'] must stay calm in the face of thousands of Bulldogs fans screaming at him. He needs the Centennial ground game led by RB [player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez'] to churn out big yards and allow Centennial to win the TOP battle. Artesia reloads every year and this season is no different. Bulldogs QB [player_tooltip player_id='1672571' first='Derrick' last='Warren'] and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1139144' first='Bryce' last='Parra'] have so far been a dynamic duo in the offensive backfield. The Bulldogs aggressive defense has contributed to the scoring column too. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1672806' first='Marco' last='Soto Jr.'] has been a tackling machine in the first two weeks with 27 tackles, 4 sacks and a scoop-and-score off a fumble return. Excellent 6A vs. 5A battle.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Week 3 <a href="https://t.co/77aiUvTe7I">pic.twitter.com/77aiUvTe7I</a>— BulldogFootball 🏈🏆x32 (@artesiafootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/1962516269418315878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2025</a></blockquote>   Alamogordo at Albuquerque High: Few folks before the season would have dared predict these two teams would both be 2-0 heading into this attractive A-Team battle at Milne Stadium. Yet, their early success has made this one of the most intriguing games of Week 3. Both teams have outstanding dual threat quarterbacks in [player_tooltip player_id='1600835' first='Nathanael' last='Best'] (Alamogordo) and [player_tooltip player_id='1748645' first='Andre' last='Martin'] (Albuquerque) along with exceptional running backs in [player_tooltip player_id='1605059' first='Bryson' last='Bloom'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1266534' first='Alberto' last='Landeros']. They run behind big, strong offensive lines. Six-foot-5, 315-pound [player_tooltip player_id='1268759' first='Diego' last='Ortega'] of Alamogordo is a next level prospect. Albuquerque High's OL is massive across the board. Both defenses are excellent, too. The speedy Bloom may be a superb RB, but he's a better DB.   Roswell at Hobbs: Both teams are coming off losses in Week 2, so which team in this Southeast New Mexico rivalry bounces back the strongest? Roswell lost at Alamogordo in Week 2 in a game that was delayed multiple times by weather and security issues. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1750685' first='Luke' last='Lynn'] of Roswell is off to a solid start for the Coyotes, and you know Roswell will always play excellent defense. Hobbs discovered a new offensive weapon in their shootout loss to Artesia. Junior RB Demarcus Hill rushed for 201 yards and 2 TD on 12 carries in the Eagles' shootout loss at Artesia. Hobbs LB [player_tooltip player_id='1679730' first='Gavin' last='McPherson'] made 28 tackles in the first two games.                 Eldorado at Cibola: We haven't seen Eldorado since its Week 1 win over Organ Mountain. The most intriguing question in this game is how Cibola will defend the Eagles' dynamic playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1155116' first='Jahari' last='Morehead']. Eldorado head coach Charlie Dotson speculated after the victory over the Knights that opposing defenses will start to double or triple team Morehead. We know Cibola head coach David Howes, widely regarded as a defensive guru, will have something up his sleeve. Oh yeah, Howes also has one of the top players in the state wearing a Cibola uniform – Wildcat QB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='854199' first='Hayes' last='Baum'], a New Mexico commitment. Baum has rushed for 225 yards and 5 TD in the first two games.      Hope Christian at Albuquerque Academy: An underrated rivalry in the Albuquerque Metro Region. These two schools are located less than 3 miles from each other in the northeast quadrant of Duke City. What makes this game particularly attractive is the QB battle between Hope Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='1137124' first='RJ' last='Montoya'], a true dual threat, and Albuquerque Academy gunslinger [player_tooltip player_id='1369761' first='William' last='Braun'], who zips the ball all over the field and isn't afraid to throw deep. [player_tooltip player_id='1248715' first='Noah' last='Carter'] powers Hope Christian's ground game. Six-foot-5 senior [player_tooltip player_id='851898' first='Gage' last='Conway'] is an outstanding receiver and kicker for the Chargers. The ball booms off his foot. He's a weapon.         St. Michael's at Santa Fe: St. Michael's has dominated this rivalry over the last two decades, but Santa Fe appears revitalized under first-year head coach Adrian Gonzales, particularly offensively. The Demons unearthed a gem in senior RB Jasper Nelson, who rushed for 268 yards on a staggering 36 carries and scored 6 TD in the Week 2 win at Belen. The Demons scored 71 points in the first two games. For St. Michael's, QB [player_tooltip player_id='1600843' first='Kamal' last='Stith'] leads a versatile offensive attack for the two-time reigning state 3A champions. They also play rugged defense (7 points allowed in first two games) led by LB [player_tooltip player_id='1137830' first='Pete' last='Johnson'] and DE [player_tooltip player_id='1155019' first='Ryan' last='Hunt'], a pair of All-State players.          St. Pius X at Moriarty: If you prefer contrasting offensive styles, this Class 4A cross-district game is for you. St. Pius X has one of the most high-powered passing games in the state. Six-foot-5 junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] has an array of pass-catching weapons at his disposal led by [player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III']. But defenses must also deal with FBS caliber RB [player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway'], who has been offered by New Mexico, New Mexico State and UTEP. Moriarty will counter with a powerful triple option/Wing-T rushing attack. Junior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1606046' first='Mario' last='Romero'] is the No. 1 option at RB, but there are others as well. Next level OL [player_tooltip player_id='1599883' first='Lance' last='Volk'] clears the way along the offensive line. Moriarty's path to victory is clear: crank up the running game, control the clock and keep St. Pius X's offense on the sidelines.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This matchup is where it's at on Friday night. <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioRomero5609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarioRomero5609</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaiah_3_C?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Isaiah_3_C</a> <a href="https://t.co/XeogNqrrdd">pic.twitter.com/XeogNqrrdd</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1599883' first='Lance' last='Volk'] (@LanceVolk_65) <a href="https://twitter.com/LanceVolk_65/status/1963070025964913024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>   Santa Rosa at Robertson: Santa Rosa makes the short trip up Route 84 to Las Vegas for another Week 3 battles of the unbeatens. Santa Rosa ended Texico's long winning streak in Week 1 before a nice road win at Jal last weekend. [player_tooltip player_id='854312' first='Josh' last='Cordova'] is a dangerous dual threat QB for the Lions, who ran the ball 90 times in the first two games and average almost 5 yards per carry. Cordova has help from senior RB [player_tooltip player_id='854299' first='David' last='Chavez']. Six-foot-5 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1155256' first='Nathan' last='Gonzales'] leads the new look Robertson offense. Like Cordova, his elite athleticism allows him to run or throw. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1672753' first='Andres' last='Sanchez'] is another attractive option at RB for the Cardinals.   Pojoaque Valley at Los Alamos (Thur.): This Northern New Mexico rivalry picked up steam last year when Pojoaque Valley beat the Hilltoppers for the first time in ages. If the Elks want to make it two wins in a row, they must find a way to contain Los Alamos junior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1604744' first='Jordan' last='Herrera'], a tough, bruising back who has picked up where he left off last season. Pojoaque Valley has their own talented RB in [player_tooltip player_id='1416992' first='D'Marcus' last='Rodriguez'], who has fueled the Elks offensive attack along with QB [player_tooltip player_id='1248677' first='Joshua' last='Gonzales'] in the absence of [player_tooltip player_id='1129687' first='Jonah' last='Villegas'].           NMMI at Eunice: If first impressions are everything, NMMI is a very good football team. The Colts traveled to Loving last Friday for their season opener and trounced the Falcons, 40-8. NMMI has one of the best triple option attacks in the state. Eunice, of course, is led by senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='854273' first='Elijah' last='Melancon'], who is nearing 9,000 career passing yards and has 122 career TD passes. Sophomore Ezequiel Garcia and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1600116' first='Dyson' last='Lord'] are his two favorite targets       Ruidoso at West Las Vegas (Thur., 5 p.m.): Considering what the town of Ruidoso has been through, you can't help but root for the Warriors. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1613409' first='Mason' last='Fikany'] is an elite RB who can run the ball (243 rushing yards in 2 games) or catch it (10 receptions for 163 yards). Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1791395' first='Caydin' last='Encinias'] is the new West Las Vegas QB. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='853064' first='Devaughn' last='Kensey'] is a dangerous runner and receiver for the Dons. Thursday game with the rarely seen kickoff time of 5 p.m.      Grants at Dexter: Grants (1-1) makes the long trip to Dexter (2-0) for what should be a very entertaining cross-classification battle. Both QBs are outstanding. [player_tooltip player_id='854297' first='Tristin' last='Fernandez'] leads the Pirates offense (403 passing yards + 172 rushing yards in 1st two games) and offense (14 tackles). Six-foot-2 C.J. Granados of Dexter has a rocket arm and elite athleticism. The Demons defense must account for ultra-strong Grants DE [player_tooltip player_id='851894' first='Gary' last='Chavez'], who already has 15 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks and 3 QB hurries in  two games.          BEST OF THE REST   Carlsbad at Lovington: Carlsbad LB [player_tooltip player_id='1248663' first='Colton' last='McKibben'] and the cavemen defense look to slow down Lovington's offense.   Volcano Vista at Sandia: Sandia hopes to avoid an 0-3 start in Tylon Wilder's first season as head coach. The Matadors defense must improve.     Clovis at Cleveland: Just like the Real Slim Shady, the real Clovis must stand up. Is it the one that beat Farmington in the opener or the one that was mercy-ruled by Rio Rancho in Week 2? Tough task going into Cleveland and beating the Storm.   Mayfield at Organ Mountain: Organ Mountain tries to follow up last week's Hail Mary win over Deming by beating one of its cross-town rivals. Mayfield is 0-2 and is desperate to win and avoid an 0-3 start.   Highland at Taos: Highland looks to bounce back after Week 2's heartbreaking OT loss to Bernalillo. Taos needs a win badly after an 0-2 start.     Bernalillo at Portales: This has developed into a nice rivalry the past few years. Bernalillo is striving for an 3-0 start.     Estancia at Tularosa: Estancia's all-freshman backfield has posted some impressive numbers in the first two weeks.   Los Lunas at Farmington: Both teams are 0-2. Sometimes the best games are between two teams desperate for a taste of victory.   Bloomfield at Miyamura: How does Bloomfield respond after suffering its first regular season loss since 2022 at the hands of Piedra Vista?      Valley at Goddard: Valley must win in the Wool Bowl to avoid an 0-3 start.      Silver at Deming: The Battle of 180 is one of the most underrated rivalries in the state. Silver is 2-0.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Let's get it on!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GATA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GATA</a> <a href="https://t.co/zfOF2KYAkg">pic.twitter.com/zfOF2KYAkg</a>— Deming Wildcat Football (@DemingWildcat) <a href="https://twitter.com/DemingWildcat/status/1963299922490659187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>   NEW MEXICO VS. TEXAS   Cobre at Anthony (TX)   Gadsden at Clint (TX)   Texico at Farwell (TX)   NEW MEXICO VS. COLORADO   Aztec at Bayfield (CO)   Piedra Vista at Durango (CO)   Trinidad (CO) at Raton   OTHER GAMES   Rio Grande at Atrisco Heritage   Del Norte at Manzano   Belen at Valencia   Cuba at Wingate   Kirtland Central at Shiprock   Chaparral at Santa Teresa   Espanola Valley at Capital   Gallup at Newcomb   McCurdy at Tucumcari   Crownpoint at Socorro   Hot Springs at Capitan   Laguna Acoma at Santa Fe Indian   Navajo Prep at Zuni   Hozho Academy at Legacy Academy   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MaxPreps Football Polls Updated 8/31/25 Class 6A 1.Cleveland 2.Las Cruces<a href="https://t.co/gmAMTxei7p">https://t.co/gmAMTxei7p</a> Cueva 4.Centennial 5.Volcano Vista 6.Hobbs<a href="https://t.co/7UvdmMG049">https://t.co/7UvdmMG049</a> Rancho 8.Los Lunas 9.Alamogordo 10.Piedra Vista <a href="https://t.co/Ix8zvKPzWN">pic.twitter.com/Ix8zvKPzWN</a>— NMAA (@_NMAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1963052000947671545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MaxPreps Football Polls Updated 8/31/25 Class 5A 1.Artesia 2.Roswell 3.Lovington 4.Gadsden 5.Deming 6.Goddard 7.Mayfield 8.Los Alamos 9.Valley 10.Miyamura <a href="https://t.co/hCX8ppKJFa">pic.twitter.com/hCX8ppKJFa</a>— NMAA (@_NMAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1963052123358429628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MaxPreps Football Polls Updated 8/31/25 Class 4A 1.Bloomfield<a href="https://t.co/NJlgi3EZQw">https://t.co/NJlgi3EZQw</a>. Pius X 3.Bernalillo 4.Portales 5.Silver 6.Albuquerque Academy 7.Taos 8.Valencia 9.Grants 10.Espanola Valley <a href="https://t.co/WpFhnT1K7H">pic.twitter.com/WpFhnT1K7H</a>— NMAA (@_NMAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/1963052239213535723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>

The 2025 New Mexico High School football season enters Week 3. The action begins Thursday night with a handful of games around the state and runs through Saturday afternoon. Here are our Top 13 games of Week 3, Best of The Rest and Other Games of what promises to be another exciting week.