2026 Team Preview: Rio Grande Ravens

OVERVIEW   Christopher Smalls enters his fourth season as Rio Grande head coach. Turning around the Ravens program has proven challenging, to say the least. Rio Grande carries the weight of a 21-game losing streak into the new season. But there are encouraging signs that perhaps the Ravens are ready to finally snap that streak and begin moving forward.     “Last summer, we probably had 10 to 12 players regularly attending workouts. Now we're averaging 30 to 35 kids every day,” Smalls said. “And there are a bunch of other guys who work during the summer. We could end up with 70 players. If we do, we could possibly have a JV team. Things are improving. We're getting a lot bigger and stronger and more guys are more dedicated to the weight room. And they're eating better. We've been more consistent.”   Players are staying, too. Rio Grande has three players who are going into their fourth year with the football team. That may not sound like much, but it's more than previous seasons.   “More guys are coming out, they're improving and they're believing in the program,” Smalls said. “So, we are making progress. Would I like it to be faster? Yes, I would. It's partly psychological. That's due to the history of Rio Grande football.”                 OFFENSE   Rising junior transfer Fernando Ramirez is the new quarterback for the Ravens. He displayed his quickly developing dual threat skills at a recent 7x7 event at Bernalillo High.   “He's been a good kid,” Smalls said. “He's smaller in size but he's definitely quick. We're going to definitely try to use him on sprints and bootlegs and quick throws.  He's been good on our zone read and zone option stuff. He has a good head on his shoulders. Good football IQ. The key is establishing the chemistry with the wide receivers.”   Rising juniors Juan Moreno and Elijah Flores will headline the running back corps. They could be joined by several young players, especially if Rio Grande doesn't field a JV team. Flores, a former linemen, will likely be more of a power back. The H-Back will be rising sophomore Marcos Gallegos, who is going into his third year with the Ravens.     Rising seniors Atreyu Johnson, Andrew Maestas and Tomas Ortiz Y Pinon will be the primary receivers. Behind them are a group of young receivers who lack experience at the varsity level. Gallegos will line up at slot receiver. Rising sophomore Junior Montoya is a possibility for significant playing time as well.   The Ravens will be experienced on the offensive line. Rising junior center Nathan Cochran will anchor the group along with rising senior Richard De La Cuz, who returns to the program after not playing last season. Rising senior Gabe Ortega is back as well. So too are a bunch of rising juniors who saw action in 2025.               Key Players: Fernando Ramirez (QB),  Juan Moreno (RB), Atreyu Johnson (WR), Nathan Cochran (OL).   DEFENSE   The undisputed leader of the Rio Grande defense will be senior MLB [player_tooltip player_id='1790803' first='Sammy' last='Padilla'], who earned Second-Team All-District and Second-Team All-Metro honors in 2025.   Andrew Maestas and Tomas Ortiz Y Pinon (see above) are the outside linebackers in the Ravens' 3-4 scheme. Juan Moreno (see above) will play safety. Rising junior Daniel Geronimo will be alongside him. Atreyu Johnson (see above) will be one of the cornerbacks.      Most of the aforementioned offensive linemen will also play defensive line when the opponent has the football. Rising junior Kris Tafoya will be one of the defensive ends. D'Leht Martinez is slated for nose tackle duty in the 3-4.       “The defense played great last season,” Smalls said. “Now we just need to tweak some things.”   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1790803' first='Sammy' last='Padilla'] (LB), Andrew Maestas (LB), Tomas Ortiz Y Pinon (LB), Juan Moreno (DB).   2026 RIO GRANDE SCHEDULE   Aug. 20 at Highland (Thur.)                     Aug. 28 ATRISCO HERITAGE                    Sept. 4 VALLEY                     Sept. 11 at Grants*              Sept. 19 TAOS (Sat., 1 p.m.)*               Sept. 25 at Manzano*              Oct. 3 BERNALILLO (Sat., 11 a.m.) *                  Oct. 9 at Espanola Valley*               Oct. 16 DEL NORTE*           Oct. 23 at Bloomfield*             Oct. 30 Bye           * District 4A-1 Game   All kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless indicated otherwise.

OVERVIEW