2026 Team Preview: Mayfield Trojans

OVERVIEW   The Joseph Frias Era has started at Mayfield. As caretaker of one of the state's prominent blue-blood programs, he understands the heavy burden on his shoulders. Clearly, the decision makers at Mayfield hope he steers a revival of the Trojans as he did the past few seasons at Chaparral. Mayfield's last winning season came in 2021.   Since accepting the job in early March, Frias has quickly discovered football matters a lot at Mayfield   “The kids are excited and I'm excited,” Frias told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “It's been a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere here, the community, the way the kids have reacted to everything we're implementing, their work ethic and effort are things I don't have to coach.   “It's already there. The foundation is set. Now it's just re-establishing Mayfield football again. That's the part I love. We're going to be a young team, so I get the opportunity to mold them the way I want. Right now, it's non-stop football.”   Frias has brought a more pass-friendly playbook from Chaparral. The last few years, Mayfield has been a run-dominant team.   “I'm opening up the playbook and letting our guys throw the ball,” Frias said. “I know they're excited about that. Some of the kids have told me they already love the offense because it's a lot more fun than what they've done. We're going to spread the ball, run motion and have a lot of RPO action.”   OFFENSE   While the competition is still going on, athletic rising junior Angelo Hinojos has the inside track to becoming Mayfield's new starting quarterback. Hinojos has an excellent throwing arm and Mayfield's new offensive scheme should fit his skills perfectly. His main competition for the QB job is rising sophomore is Levi Moore, a dual threat signal caller described by Frias as a ‘phenomenal athlete.'   “He can run the ball really well but on top of that he has great mechanics and a great arm,” Frias said of Moore. “He has grasped the system. As I told Angelo, iron sharpens iron. If we have two quarterbacks, that will make my job and the offensive coordinator's job a lot easier.”   Experienced rising senior Nathaniel Benavidez returns at running back. Speedy rising senior Brody Wilke will get an opportunity to carry the football as well after playing mostly linebacker and tight end in the past. He's also a weight room warrior. He's big, strong and fast. When Mayfield utilizes the I-formation, Wilke will likely be the fullback. Rising senior Nathaniel Dominguez will fill an H-Back type role.   The wide receiver group should have a more prominent role in Mayfield's offense in 2026. Rising senior Israel Cabanas headlines the group. He was Mayfield's primary deep threat when the Trojans threw the ball last season. This year, he's also being asked to run more crossing routes and catch passes over the middle. Rising junior Jackson Horcasitas will play the slot. He's described by Frias as a Wes Welker type receiver.   Rising sophomore Ares Pahukoa-Malia, a transfer from Hawaii, will also play the slot. He has incredible leaping ability and huge hands, Frias said. Rising sophomore Marcus Dominguez brings good size and athleticism to outside receiver. Rising juniors Michael Dominguez and Leo Montoya will also contribute.   Mayfield's offensive line could potentially field a starting unit with all five O-linemen standing over 6 feet tall and weighing over 265 pounds. Frias describes them as ‘young but huge.” Rising sophomore center Matthew Zuniga-Diaz headlines the group with 6-foot-5, 270-pound rising sophomore Nathan Ornelas, nicknamed ‘Big Country,' slated for left tackle. Ornelas has great size and mobility and is a future star. Rising junior Gabriel Madrid is also being eyed as a leader for the offensive line.   “Those three have been phenomenal,” Frias said. “We're going to be big, but our guys are going to be able to move too. We're going to be able to pull and things like that.”                        Key Players: Angelo Hinojos (QB), Nathaniel Benavidez (RB), Israel Cabanas (WR), Matthew Zuniga-Diaz (OL).   DEFENSE   Rising senior middle linebacker Anthony Aguirre is the leader of the Trojans'  multiple defense, and has already proven to be a quick learner with Mayfield's new defensive scheme.   “Anthony is really dialed in,” Frias said. “I hold up (the sign) and he makes the calls. He puts our guys in the right position. He's going to be a big factor in how we move on defense. I'm excited for our defense because we have a lot of talented guys. We should be good.”   Joining Aguirre at linebacker are dependable rising seniors Hunter Sanchez and Isaac Zuniga along with Brody Wilke (see above) and rising junior Quaid Waller. Waller played some QB last season.   Promising rising sophomore defensive tackle Dante Diaz is another potential star. He's about 6-foot-0, 260 pounds and incredibly strong. He already squats over 500 pounds. Diaz will be the nose tackle when Mayfield utilizes a 3-4 alignment. Rising senior Jacob Otero, listed at 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, joins him at DT along with rising junior Anthony Raya.   The defensive ends are slated to be 6-foot-5 rising junior Kobe Floyd, who has been impressive in spring workouts, and hybrid rising junior Josiah Maldonado, who can play DE or OLB. Six-foot-2 rising sophomore Riley McMillan will also get a look at defensive end. He has a good motor.   The secondary is spearheaded by Michael Dominguez, who will play both ways. Another potential two-way player is Jackson Horcasitas, slated for cornerback duty. Rising junior Ryan Chavez should also start at cornerback. Rising senior Ian Hernandez will contribute at safety.                              Key Players: Anthony Aguirre (LB), Hunter Sanchez (LB), Dante Diaz (DL), Kobe Floyd (DL), Michael Dominguez (DB).           2026 MAYFIELD SCHEDULE   Aug. 21 LOS LUNAS   Aug. 28 ORGAN MOUNTAIN   Sept. 4 at Las Cruces   Sept. 11 at Gadsden*   Sept. 18 at Chaparral*   Sept. 25 DEMING*   Oct. 2 at Alamogordo*   Oct. 9 Bye   Oct. 16 at Goddard*   Oct. 23 ROSWELL (Sat., 1 p.m.)*   Oct. 31 ARTESIA (Sat., 1 p.m.)*     * District 5A-2 Game     All kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless indicated otherwise   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Message to Trojan fans and athletes from its new head coach, as Mayfield High School Football introduces Joseph Frias to lead the program. <a href="https://t.co/h89Zd0qBG4">pic.twitter.com/h89Zd0qBG4</a>— Kelly Horyczun (@kellyhoryczun) <a href="https://twitter.com/kellyhoryczun/status/2029362735473967411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote>

OVERVIEW