2026 Team Preview: St. Pius X Sartans

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two straight appearances in the Class 4A state championship game and a talented returning roster which includes FBS caliber players at quarterback and running back have unquestionably made St. Pius X one of the favorites to lift the blue trophy when Thanksgiving Weekend rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“This offseason, we've talked to our team about finishing the job,” St. Pius X head coach Curtis Flakes II told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “Every day we have to do our due diligence and put in the work. Games are won and lost in the spring and summer. The players have bought in. This is my fourth year here. The senior class came in when I got here and have seen the program build to this point. Our older guys are doing a great job leading the younger kids and getting them on the same page.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a scheduling quirk, the Sartans have just three homes games in 2026, and will play only nine regular season games. The schedule begins with three road tests, starting with Week 1 against West Mesa. The Sartans then make two long trips to California (Holtville) and Colorado (Pagosa Springs) in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Traveling out-of-state is a key component of St. Pius X's plan to make the school a nationally known place for academics and athletics. Eventually, Flakes said, St. Pius aims to play ALL their non-district games against out-of-state opponents. He has already lined up a school from Arizona for 2028 and 2029. Another important piece of the puzzle is the brand new on-campus stadium set to open for football in 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We have a vision of making Pius a national name,” Flakes said. “Hopefully, getting some of the top athletes will help our enrollment. The new stadium will save us some money (from paying rent to APS), create a better atmosphere and give us a true home field advantage.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few teams in the state, regardless of classification, have a better or more dynamic quarterback-running back duo than the Sartans. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter']</strong>, who's committed to New Mexico State, and RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong>, a New Mexico pledge, are arguably the top players in the state at their respective positions. The 6-foot-5 Carpenter threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 28 TD last season. If he is able to boost his completion percentage to over 60 percent, he could surpass 3,000 passing yards in 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I coached Isiah when he was playing YAFL football,” Flakes said. “Watching him develop and mature over the last four years has been a blessing. He's a leader on and off the field. His football IQ has always been top-notch. He did a great job last season spreading the ball around and distributing the ball among different players. I'm blessed to have been a part of his journey.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two promising rising sophomores are battling for the top backup job: <strong>Luke Jones</strong>, described by Flakes as a ‘phenomenal athlete' and 6-foot-5 <strong>Sebastian Pino</strong>, who showed off a powerful throwing arm at the recent UNM 7x7 Tournament. Those two will battle for the starting QB job in 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olloway is the fastest player in the state. His speed is a key season he'll play FBS football for the Lobos starting in 2027. He rushed for 1,930 yards and 28 TD in 2025. The St. Pius X coaches plan to expand his responsibilities beyond just carrying the football. Olloway will be utilized more as a receiver out of the backfield after catching 15 passes last season. Based on spring track season, Olloway seems ready for a monster season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I've been coaching Hershul since he was five years old,” Flakes said. “He was injured and played only a few games as a freshman, but we knew he was going to be special. These last two years, he's done just that. I'm super proud of him. This year, we're going to try to get him pout of the backfield a little bit and have him run routes. He's a matchup nightmare because nobody can match his speed. He's going to have a great senior season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Pius X's depth at running back goes well beyond Olloway. Promising rising freshman (2030) <strong>Cy Saenz</strong> is expected to be the top backup after seeing action with the varsity as an 8^th-grader in 2025. He carried the ball 11 times, scored 3 TD and returned kickoffs. Rising junior <strong>Elijah Law</strong>, part of the Sartans' 4x100 relay team that won the state title in May, is another candidate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Cy isn't as fast as Hershul, but he's elite,” Flakes said. “He came in as an 8^th grader last year and carried himself like a senior. He's locked in and very focused. Cy is going to be extra special. He has great hands, runs great routes, has great vision and patience and understands the game. We're looking for big things out of him this season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top off-season stories in the Albuquerque Metro region was the decision of elite WR [player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins'] to relocate to Arizona. But there's plenty of talent left with rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III']</strong>, rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613476' first='Christian' last='Morales']</strong> and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613459' first='Ezra' last='Ocampo']</strong>. Morales, who's been playing varsity since the 8^th-grade, is an excellent route runner. He impressed at several camps in June, including the Prep Redzone Exposure Series camp. Ocampo will be utilized at several positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“You can't replace a [player_tooltip player_id='1154956' first='Cayl' last='Cox-Liggins'],” Flakes said. “He's an elite talent and a special kid. We wish him the best in Arizona. I know he'll be successful. Now we need other guys to step up. Curtis has always had the potential to be a No. 1 receiver. I feel he'll step up this year and have some big numbers. Christian is our best route runner. He runs routes to perfection. He has great hands. Cayl leaving provides him more opportunities.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two promising up-and-comers could break through and earn significant playing time at wide receiver: rising sophomores <strong>Luke Danella</strong> and <strong>Nolan Peyton</strong>. The latter saw action with the varsity in&nbsp; 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising senior and next level prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson']</strong>, a 270-pound four-year starter, will anchor the Sartans' offensive line as the reliable left tackle entrusted with protecting Carpenter's blind side. Nelson served as a team captain in 2024 and 2025, and should be elected again by his teammates, making him a rare three-year captain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“As far as I'm concerned, [player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson'] has been the engine to our car,” Flakes said. “He's the reason the car is rolling. He plays a position that doesn't get the praise or attention of the other guys, but somebody is keeping [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] upright. Chase has been doing that since he was a freshman. He's true leader. If Chase was 6-foot-4, every Division I college would be here recruiting him. He is the best offensive linemen in New Mexico.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joining Nelson along the offensive front will be 250-pound rising senior OT <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790866' first='Xavier' last='Giron']</strong>, rising senior OG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790998' first='Lucas' last='Saavedra']</strong> (Honorable Mention All-State in 2025), a three-year starter, and rising senior center <strong>Carlo Lowrey-Garcia</strong>. All three are returning starters. The fifth starter will be either promising rising sophomore <strong>Danny Garcia</strong>, rising junior <strong>Antono Martinez</strong>, rising sophomore <strong>Evan Cota</strong> or 6-foot-4 rising sophomore <strong>Desmond Klaver</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising senior <strong>Ethan Vigil</strong> has missed most of the last two seasons with injuries, but he's healthy now and could earn a starting job at right tackle or right guard. He's also very strong. He finished fifth in the 275-pound class at the 4A powerlifting championships in April. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway'] (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III'] (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson'] (OL). &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Pius X returns six of their top eight tacklers from a season ago. One player graduated and another transferred. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson']</strong>, a First Team All-State section at both offensive line and defensive line, returns. Joining him on the DL will be First-Team All-State honoree <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1791257' first='Ethan' last='Machtinger']</strong>, who had 72 tackles, 7.0 TFL and 6.5 sacks last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>District Defensive Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826155' first='Kane' last='Huffmyer']</strong> headlines the LB corps after leading the Sartans in tackles last season with 105 and 12 QB hurries. He'll play ILB and serve as the defensive leader. Rising senor <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604762' first='Joaquin' last='Aragon']</strong> moved to OLB prior to last season and became a First-Team All-State performer. He's bulked up considerably this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III']</strong> (NMHU and WNMU have offered; New Mexico State and Northern Arizona have expressed interest) is one of the top cornerbacks in the state and is primarily being recruited for that position. He's an outstanding cover corner<strong>. Chase Dabney</strong> enters his third year as a starter at safety. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613459' first='Ezra' last='Ocampo']</strong> will also play safety. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong> will be in the mix, too. Rising junior <strong>Zachary Katz</strong> is another option at DB. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613476' first='Christian' last='Morales'] </strong>should play CB. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1791257' first='Ethan' last='Machtinger'] (DL), [player_tooltip player_id='1826155' first='Kane' last='Huffmyer'] (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1604762' first='Joaquin' last='Aragon'] (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III'] (DB). &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 ST. PIUS X SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 20 at West Mesa (Thur., 7 p.m.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 28 at Holtville (CA) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 4 at Pagosa Springs (CO) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 11 Bye &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 17 ALBUQUERQUE ACADEMY (Thur.)*&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 26 PORTALES (Sat., 1 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 2 at Santa Teresa* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 9 Bye &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 16 at Belen* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 23 at Valencia* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 31 LOVINGTON (Sat., 2 p.m.)* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* District 4A-2 Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless indicated otherwise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Consistently getting better this summer💪. Excited for more 7's work tomorrow! <a href="https://x.com/CoachYost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachYost</a> <a href="https://x.com/Coach_TSanchez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_TSanchez</a> <a href="https://x.com/CYSAENZ21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cysaenz21</a> <a href="https://x.com/ChristianSnaps4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianSnaps4</a> <a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://t.co/a9VoAka1pV">pic.twitter.com/a9VoAka1pV</a></p>&mdash; Isaiah.Carpenter (@Isaiah_3_C) <a href="https://x.com/Isaiah_3_C/status/2069958746600608126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I had a great time competing and representing New Mexico at The Great Southwest. <br>🚨New PR at 10.48sec in the 100m<a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/CouchPSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CouchPSports</a> <a href="https://x.com/coachstev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachstev</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://x.com/MileSplitSW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MileSplitSW</a> <a href="https://t.co/MQuvNMpwyv">pic.twitter.com/MQuvNMpwyv</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1250361' first='Hershul' last='Olloway Jr'] (@Hersh_Olloway2) <a href="https://x.com/Hersh_Olloway2/status/2064069235811483966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Season<br>Wr/DB/Athlete <br>c/o 27'<br>First Team All District Wr/Db<br>First Team All State Wr/Db<br>First Team All Metro Wr/Db<br>679YDS/6TD/364 All purpose YDS/3 INT's <a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://x.com/MaxPreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaxPreps</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/5CCEn0Be0v">https://t.co/5CCEn0Be0v</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1155012' first='Curtis' last='Flakes III'] (@CurtisFlakes1) <a href="https://x.com/CurtisFlakes1/status/2012198289836273751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior year Highlights, only 10 games played defensively due to injury and weather. <br>In 10 games played:<br>48 TOT<br>6.5 Sacks <br>17 TFL<br>First team all state DL<br>First team all metro DL<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://t.co/6utEQYrpzj">https://t.co/6utEQYrpzj</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1248719' first='Chase' last='Nelson'] (@ChaseNelson58) <a href="https://x.com/ChaseNelson58/status/2010065798510064090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1613476' first='Christian' last='Morales'] is always open 👀 <a href="https://x.com/ChristianSnaps4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristianSnaps4</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/PRZExposureSeriesNM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRZExposureSeriesNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/1r7W76M3MK">pic.twitter.com/1r7W76M3MK</a></p>&mdash; Prep Redzone New Mexico (@PrepRedzoneNM) <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/2064019467135299624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thankful to have <a href="https://x.com/JermariusLewis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JermariusLewis</a> come in town and help me get prepared for this upcoming season and give me some of his knowledge of the game <a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/classof2030?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#classof2030</a> <a href="https://t.co/4xjLrumhEg">pic.twitter.com/4xjLrumhEg</a></p>&mdash; Cy Saenz (@CYSAENZ21) <a href="https://x.com/CYSAENZ21/status/2064051954490487124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">St. Pius X seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1250361' first='Hershul' last='Olloway Jr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] are both set to compete in Division I! 🏈<br><br>But these two players will soon go from teammates to rivals! <br><br>Check out our story on these two Sartans ⬇️<a href="https://x.com/Hersh_Olloway2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hersh_Olloway2</a> <a href="https://x.com/Isaiah_3_C?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Isaiah_3_C</a> <a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecoachflakes</a> <a href="https://x.com/SartanXFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SartanXFootball</a> <a href="https://x.com/SartanX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SartanX</a> <a href="https://t.co/AdeCE1osc5">pic.twitter.com/AdeCE1osc5</a></p>&mdash; Chaz Wright 🌵 (@ChazWrightTV) <a href="https://x.com/ChazWrightTV/status/2065537469714739370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://x.com/CurtisFlakes1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CurtisFlakes1</a> <a href="https://x.com/Hersh_Olloway2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hersh_Olloway2</a> <br>Funny how time flies. Yesterday you were just two kids with big dreams. Today you're entering your senior year, grateful for every step of the journey. God has been faithful through it all. Class of 2027. <a href="https://t.co/OzDrc9U2WU">pic.twitter.com/OzDrc9U2WU</a></p>&mdash; coachflakes (@thecoachflakes) <a href="https://x.com/thecoachflakes/status/2073566300660785474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->