November Madness: Top Performers in the Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals of the 2025 New Mexico high school football playoffs are complete. Here are some of the top performers of this past weekend's action:   [player_tooltip player_id='1137388' first='Daniel' last='Amaro'], Las Cruces: Rushed for 95 yards and 3 TD on 17 carries in the Bulldawgs' win over Los Lunas.   Aden Baeza, Eunice: Rushed for 164 yards and 1 TD on a workhorse 22 carries in Eunice's win over Santa Rosa.   Bloomfield defense: Forced 6 turnovers and held Bernalillo to 106 yards of total offense in the Bobcats' win.   [player_tooltip player_id='1137855' first='Brandon' last='Bonaguidi'], Hozho Academy: Completed 13-of-21 passes for 200 yards and 4 TD + 88 rushing yards and 2 TD on 21 carries + 6-for-6 on PAT in Hozho's wild win over Raton.     [player_tooltip player_id='1369761' first='William' last='Braun'], Albuquerque Academy: Completed 12-of-22 passes for 223 yards and 2 TD in Albuquerque Academy's close loss to Taos.     [player_tooltip player_id='1600936' first='Samuel' last='Bustillos'], Cleveland: Rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries in the Storm's convincing win over Volcano Vista.   [player_tooltip player_id='1750200' first='Jack' last='Byers'], Artesia: 7 receptions for 83 yards and 2 TD in Artesia's win over Highland.     <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">[player_tooltip player_id='1750200' first='Jack' last='Byers'] leaps above Highland's [player_tooltip player_id='1688720' first='William' last='Anchondo'] to bring in an 18-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id='1672571' first='Derrick' last='Warren']. 📸 TJ Palma - Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints <a href="https://t.co/mStcRPJ6S7">pic.twitter.com/mStcRPJ6S7</a>— 🏈 Brienne Green 🐾 (@ArtesiaSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtesiaSports/status/1989806919859732788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote>   [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'], St. Pius X: Threw for 143 yards and 2 TD in St. Pius X;s convincing win over Grants.   [player_tooltip player_id='1137066' first='Robert' last='Castaneda'], Carlsbad: 4 receptions for 96 yards and 1 TD + 6 tackles on defense in Carlsbad's loss to Hobbs.   Manual Chavarria, Bloomfield: Threw 3 TD passes in Bloomfield's rout of Bernalillo.   [player_tooltip player_id='1606048' first='Xander' last='Chavez'], Legacy Academy: Rushed for 148 yards and 4 TD – two in the fourth quarter when the Silverbacks pulled away – in Legacy's win over Loving.   [player_tooltip player_id='1605989' first='Aden' last='Clah'], Navajo Prep: Completed 16-of-25 passes for 237 yards and 1 TD in Navajo Prep's loss to Texico.   [player_tooltip player_id='1266328' first='Brody' last='Clark'], La Cueva: Returned a fumble 42 yards for a timely game-tying TD in the second half as La Cueva rallied past Centennial.     Cleveland defense: Limited Volcano Vista to 77 total offensive yards in the Storm's win at Lightning Bolt Stadium.   [player_tooltip player_id='851898' first='Gage' last='Conway'], Albuquerque Academy: 4 receptions for 105 yards and 2 TD + 1 INT on defense in the Chargers' close loss to Taos.   [player_tooltip player_id='1613755' first='Cross' last='Figg'], Texico: Rushed for 248 yards and 3 TD on 13 carries in Texico's convincing win over Navajo Prep.   Kingsley Fritz, Hope Christian: Rushed for 80 yards and 2 TD on 15 carries in Hope Christian's win over Hot Springs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1613703' first='Aiden' last='Gonzales'], Volcano Vista: Made 7 tackles on defense + 74 kickoff return yards in Volcano Vista's loss to Cleveland.   [player_tooltip player_id='1248677' first='Joshua' last='Gonzales'], Pojoaque Vallery:  Threw for 147 yards and 1 TD + rushed for 137 yards and 2 TD on 8 carries in Pojoaque Valley's loss to NMMI.   [player_tooltip player_id='853029' first='Gunnar' last='Guardiola'], Las Cruces: Threw for 291 yards and 2 TD in the Bulldawgs' win over Los Lunas.   [player_tooltip player_id='1137475' first='Jayden' last='Gutierrez'], Lovington: Threw 2 TD passes + 113 rushing yards and 1 TD on 12 carries in Lovington's win over Goddard.     [player_tooltip player_id='851873' first='Jordan' last='Kekoa Hatch'], Cleveland: Completed 15-of-22 passes for 207 yards  and 3 TD in Cleveland's win over Volcano Vista.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Highlights from quarterfinal game vs Volcano Vista 42-0 Win 15/22 200 yards passing 3 TD 0 INT 20 yards rushing <a href="https://t.co/lb5muPR6s6">pic.twitter.com/lb5muPR6s6</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='851873' first='Jordan' last='Kekoa Hatch'] (@Kekoa1_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kekoa1_/status/1990091079832744003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   [player_tooltip player_id='1604744' first='Jordan' last='Herrera'], Los Alamos: Concluded his junior season by rushing for 193 yards on a workhorse 40 carries in the Hilltoppers' loss to Gadsden. Herrera finished with 2,222 rushing yards and 34 TD on 257 carries.   [player_tooltip player_id='1137877' first='Kaleb' last='Hutchens'], Bloomfield: Returned a fumble 90 yards for a TD in Bloomfield's win over Bernalillo.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267002' first='Jesse' last='Ibarra'], Chaparral: Made 10 tackles with 2.0 TFL, 2 QB pressures and a fumble recovery in Chaparral's OT win over Moriarty.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/N4izqis66L">https://t.co/N4izqis66L</a> An amazing team win on Friday coming back and beating Moriarty 42-41 on OT !! Finished the game with : 10 total tackles 2 tfl 1 FR 2 qb pressures <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKelleyLee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKelleyLee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_calh1989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_calh1989</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSCDub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSCDub</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BirgeAndrew?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BirgeAndrew</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGropCOS_HC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGropCOS_HC</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>— [player_tooltip player_id='1267002' first='Jesse' last='Ibarra'] (@23_jesse_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/23_jesse_7/status/1990104913758523562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   Logan Johnson, NMMI: Interception and 1 forced fumble in NMMI's win at Pojoaque Valley.   [player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin'], Centennial: Rushed for 208 yards (majority coming in the second quarter) and 2 TD + threw for 180 yards in Centennial's close loss to La Cueva.   [player_tooltip player_id='1137096' first='Jay' last='Lee'], Legacy Academy: Returned a punt for a TD in Legacy's win over Loving.     [player_tooltip player_id='1599859' first='Troy' last='Logan'], Cleveland: Rushed for 2 TD in Cleveland's win over Volcano Vista.   [player_tooltip player_id='1686972' first='Chris' last='Lopez'], La Cueva: 8 receptions for 149 yards and 1 TD in La Cueva's walk-off win over Centennial.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Quarter finals vs Centennial Stats: 8 receptions 149 yards 1 touchdown <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/sdeHZC07iN">pic.twitter.com/sdeHZC07iN</a>— Chris (@chrislopez1317) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrislopez1317/status/1990117388872831445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   [player_tooltip player_id='1601125' first='Adrian' last='Mora'], Hobbs: Team-high 12 tackles with 2.0 TFL + 51 receiving yards + 44 punt return yards in Hobbs' win over Carlsbad.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791448' first='Jaheim' last='Moses'], Texico: 2 interceptions + 45 rushing yards in Texico's win over Navajo Prep.   [player_tooltip player_id='1605057' first='Junior' last='Medrano'], Hobbs: Completed 14-of-25 passes for 190 yards and 2 TD + 133 rushing yards and 2 TD on Hobbs' win over Carlsbad.   [player_tooltip player_id='854273' first='Elijah' last='Melancon'], Eunice: Threw for 160 yards and 3 TD in Eunice's win over Santa Rosa. Melancon now has 10,438 passing yards and 151 TD passes in his distinguished career.   [player_tooltip player_id='1183085' first='Monty' last='Melendez'], La Cueva: Threw for 278 yards and 1 TD in La Cueva's walk-off win over Centennial.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Quarterfinals highlights another great team win ! 278 passing yards 1 TD 10 - 2 record <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LaCuevaFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaCuevaFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/yHGjR61zni">pic.twitter.com/yHGjR61zni</a>— MontyMelendez (@MontyMelen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MontyMelen/status/1990099159031116139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   [player_tooltip player_id='1751388' first='Ethan' last='Morales'], Gadsden: Threw for 204 yards and 3 TD in Gadsden's win over Los Alamos.   Marley Munoz, Carlsbad: Threw for 162 yards and 1 TD + 166 rushing yards and 1 TD on 20 carries in Carlsbad's loss to Hobbs. 328 total yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1613490' first='Evan' last='Nanez'], Cleveland: Caught 4 passes for 104 yards and 1 TD in Cleveland's big win over Volcano Vista.   [player_tooltip player_id='851884' first='Israel' last='Nieto'], Chaparral: Threw for 2 TD and ran for 2 TD in the second half and overtime of Chaparral's thrilling win over Moriarty, including the game-tying run in OT. Chaparral kicked the extra point for the win.   [player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway'], St. Pius X: Rushed for 147 yards and 1 TD on 9 carries + 1 INT (41-yard return) in St. Pius X's win over Grants. One of 6 SPX players to score a TD in the win.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great Quarterfinals Win✅ 8 carries 151 yards 1 TD 1 interception <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/docampo98?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@docampo98</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/uaLwwiBcaN">https://t.co/uaLwwiBcaN</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1250361' first='Hershul' last='Olloway Jr'] (@Hersh_Olloway2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hersh_Olloway2/status/1990146152122171416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   [player_tooltip player_id='1139144' first='Bryce' last='Parra'], Artesia: Returned 2 kickoffs for touchdowns + 2 rushing TD (4 TD total) in Artesia's win over Highland.       [player_tooltip player_id='1751727' first='Gavin' last='Pecotte'], Bloomfield: Returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a TD in Bloomfield's win over Bernalillo.   [player_tooltip player_id='1416992' first='D'Marcus' last='Rodriguez'], Pojoaque Valley: 4 receptions for 117 yards and 1 TD in the Elks' loss to NMMI.   R.J. Montoya, Hope Christian: Completed 15-of-25 passes for 210 yards and 1 TD and rushed for 70 yards and 3 TD as the Huskies beat Hot Springs.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Quarterfinals Highlights - Hope Christian vs. Hot Springs: 48-21. Ready for Semifinals. <a href="https://t.co/lrKS82fznW">https://t.co/lrKS82fznW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSayreBCU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSayreBCU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UR_CoachGood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UR_CoachGood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Ingle02?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Ingle02</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSmithQB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSmithQB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCutshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCutshaw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DonnyMooreJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnyMooreJr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachboom_acu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachboom_acu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachsalinas_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachsalinas_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArturoCafe7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArturoCafe7</a>— Roman Montoya (@RJ_Montoya_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RJ_Montoya_/status/1990115045674569870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   Alejandro Ortega, Taos: 6 receptions for 138 yards and 2 TD in the Tigers' close win over Albuquerque Academy.   [player_tooltip player_id='1606076' first='Hunter' last='Parmeter'], Las Cruces: Led the Bulldawgs' defense with 18 tackles and a Pick-6 interception in the Bulldawgs' win over Los Lunas.   [player_tooltip player_id='1155314' first='Rigo' last='Regalado'], Dexter: Ran 65 yards for a TD on Dexter's first play from scrimmage to jumpstart the Demons' mercy-rule win over Ruidoso. Later, on the final play of the first half, he scored from 82 yards out on a flea flicker.        [player_tooltip player_id='1357130' first='Juan' last='Rios'], Gadsden: Rushed for 177 yards and 1 TD on a workhorse 22 carries in Gadsden's road win at Los Alamos.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Headed to semi finals this week! ALL GAS NO BREAKS! 177 rushing yards, Win over Los Alamos <a href="https://twitter.com/GadsdenPanthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GadsdenPanthers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HAILGADSDEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HAILGADSDEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/vLXXte9jhI">pic.twitter.com/vLXXte9jhI</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1357130' first='Juan' last='Rios'] (@Riverss_8) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riverss_8/status/1990242629112517057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote>   [player_tooltip player_id='1248716' first='Matthew' last='Romero'], Pojoaque Valley: Made 16 tackles and 1 QB hurry in Pojoaque Valley's loss to NMMI.   Roswell Defense: Held Belen to 135 yards of total offense in the Coyotes' mercy-rule win over Belen at the Wool Bowl.        [player_tooltip player_id='853710' first='Evan' last='Salazar'], Taos: One of the best performances by a QB in the quarterfinals as he completed 32-of-56 passes for 400 yards and 2 TD + 55 rushing yards in Tao's dramatic win over Albuquerque Academy. Led the game-winning TD drive late in the fourth quarter.   Konstantino Scopelitis, NMMI: Rushed for 98 yards and 4 TD on 18 carries + 4 receptions for 113 yards and 1 TD in NMMI's road win at Pojoaque Valley. Total of 216 all-purpose yards and 5 TD.   [player_tooltip player_id='1672806' first='Marco' last='Soto Jr.'], Artesia: Led the Bulldogs with 14 tackles with 1.0 TFL in Artesia's win over Highland.   Chase Terrell, Lovington: Equaled team high with 13 tackles + 2.0 TFL in Lovington's win over Goddard.      [player_tooltip player_id='1693060' first='Joaquin' last='Vasquez'], Lovington: Made 12 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1.0 sack and 2 QB hurries in Lovington's win over Goddard.      [player_tooltip player_id='1613435' first='Gracin' last='Vigil'], Navajo Prep: 6 receptions for 145 yards and 1 TD in Navajo Prep's loss to Texico.   [player_tooltip player_id='1606042' first='Denton' last='Walter'], Las Cruces: Made 15 tackles with 2.0 TFL and 2 forced fumbles in the Bulldawgs' win over Los Lunas.   [player_tooltip player_id='1604784' first='Cael' last='Walton'], Raton: Rushed for 267 yards on a workhorse 31 carries + 2 receptions for 57 yards in Raton's shootout loss to Hozho Academy. Totaled 372 all-purpose yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1672571' first='Derrick' last='Warren'], Artesia: Completed 20-of-21 passes for 273 yards and 3 TD in Artesia's win over Highland.     [player_tooltip player_id='1606138' first='Amryn' last='Wheeler'], Hobbs: 6 tackles and 5 QB hurries to help spark the Hobbs defense in the Eagles' win over Carlsbad.      [player_tooltip player_id='1137412' first='Chance' last='Whitmire'], La Cueva: Booted the game-winning 32-yard FG as time expired to lift La Cueva to a walk-off win over Centennial at Field of Dreams.      [player_tooltip player_id='1605990' first='Darrien' last='Williams'], Hope Christian: 7 receptions for 120 yards and 1 TD in Hope Christian's win over Hot Springs.     [player_tooltip player_id='1142363' first='Francisco' last='Winnikoff'], Las Cruces: Caught 5 passes for 137 yards and 2 TD in Las Cruces' win over Los Lunas. Winnikoff was then offered by NMMI.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Quarterfinals highlights another great team win ! 278 passing yards 1 TD 10 - 2 record <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LaCuevaFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaCuevaFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/yHGjR61zni">pic.twitter.com/yHGjR61zni</a>— MontyMelendez (@MontyMelen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MontyMelen/status/1990099159031116139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/i8AYuPoXL9">https://t.co/i8AYuPoXL9</a> 1st Week Bye Playoffs Week 2 Win over Navajo Prep 54-6 <a href="https://twitter.com/coach_hadac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coach_hadac</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Herrera3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Herrera3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBDavis17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBDavis17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/broden23496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@broden23496</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKelleyLee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKelleyLee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Shade?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Shade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachVegaVSR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachVegaVSR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ENMUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ENMUFootball</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1827269' first='Dexter' last='Chapman'] (@Dexter99Chapman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dexter99Chapman/status/1990245200799863022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote>   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Score Update presented by @santafehousingtrust ! <a href="https://twitter.com/st?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@st</a>.michaels.hs.football throws it in for touchdown! <a href="https://twitter.com/StMikesHorsemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stmikeshorsemen</a> up 21-7! <a href="https://twitter.com/KSWVradio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KSWVradio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_NMAA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_NMAA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/baronabeyta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@baronabeyta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamDiehl15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdamDiehl15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StMikesHorsemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StMikesHorsemen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GY4v57bjFZ">pic.twitter.com/GY4v57bjFZ</a>— Sports Primo (@sportsprimo2) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportsprimo2/status/1989802517799297452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote>

The quarterfinals of the 2025 New Mexico high school football playoffs are complete. Here are some of the top performers of this past weekend's action: