Small Schools, Big Talent: 2029 New Additions From 3A/2A Ranks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not every player added to the 2029 rankings earlier this week &nbsp;came from the Class 6A, 5A and 4A classifications. Many came from Class 3A and Class 2A. Here are five of the top new additions from the small schools:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256783' first='Isaac' last='Melancon'], Eunice</strong>: A new era begins at Eunice as the Cardinals lost their record-setting setting quarterback, leading rusher and leading receiver to graduation. Could Melancon replace his older brother at QB? Perhaps. Isaac contributed last year as a freshman as the backup QB, rusher, receiver and on defense. He could do the same thing in 2026. Eunice still has plenty of talent returning as they seek a second consecutive appearance in the Class 2A state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256788' first='Gabriel' last='Polanco'], Hot Springs</strong>: The Tigers begin the Louis Howell Era with a promising young roster. Polanco got his feet wet with the Hot Springs varsity as a freshman in 2025. Now he'll likely be one of the team's leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256796' first='Marques' last='Sarracino'], Laguna Acoma</strong>: Sarracino played on both sides of the ball as a freshman in 2025. Looks to be a rising star in the Four Corners/Navajo Nation region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256797' first='Jared' last='Hawley'], Newcomb</strong>: The Skyhawks have one of the most punishing &nbsp;ground games in the entire state as they ruthlessly pound away at opponents for 48 minutes. Eleven minute drives are not uncommon. Hawley is Newcomb's top returning rusher and he'll have a huge role in their rushing attack in 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256798' first='Mateo' last='Gonzales'], Pojoaque Valley</strong>: He played on both sides of the ball for improving Pojoaque Valley in 2025. He'll take on a larger role in 2026 for the Elks. Pojoaque Valley has a ton of players returning for this upcoming season as the Elks look to take the next step after hosting a playoff game for the first time in school history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/Dh1YPniCRm">pic.twitter.com/Dh1YPniCRm</a></p>&mdash; Vincent Lee (@CoachVinLee) <a href="https://x.com/CoachVinLee/status/2082181391639261417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">#4 in 3A first time ever hosting a playoff game in Pojoaque this team is making history. <a href="https://x.com/CoachZekeV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachZekeV</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nj5ODG5TMP">pic.twitter.com/Nj5ODG5TMP</a></p>&mdash; Pojoaque valley football program (@PojoaqueP) <a href="https://x.com/PojoaqueP/status/1984854082692268215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->