Baker's Dozen: Week 1 Preview Of Top 13 Games

Kickoff of the 2026 New Mexico High School football season is here! Here are the top 13 games of Week 1, which we call the ‘Baker's Dozen.' Enjoy the games!   GAME OF THE WEEK: Centennial at Cleveland (Fri., 7 p.m., Lightning Bolt Stadium, Rio Rancho)   This game marks the sixth straight year Centennial and Cleveland have opened the season against each other. The road team has won the previous five meetings, including last season's 55-42 shootout win for the Storm at Field of Dreams. However, Centennial likes playing at Lightning Bolt Stadium because the Hawks have beaten the Storm on their last two trips there, both in dramatic fashion. This is the best of three Week 1 matchups between Top 10 teams in the MaxPreps preseason 6A ranking.        Centennial brings a high-octane offense to Cleveland for this edition of the growing rivalry. The Hawks return three major contributors from a season ago: QB [player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez'] and WR [player_tooltip player_id='1679776' first='Andrew' last='Sandoval']. If a new look offensive line holds up against the strong Cleveland defensive line, Centennial could score a pile of points. Dynamic DE [player_tooltip player_id='1604734' first='Jacari' last='Smith'] transferred to the Storm from crosstown rival Rio Rancho and should allow the Storm D-Line to ascend to a higher level. LB  [player_tooltip player_id='2246562' first='Lincoln' last='Jones'] is eager to break out. [player_tooltip player_id='1473331' first='Kaeleb' last='Escudero'] leads the secondary.   Six-foot-3 junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='2181232' first='Michael' last='Denison'] debuts for the Storm. His No. 1 job is getting the ball to the Storm's plethora of playmakers. Denison has an array of impressive talent around him, starting with as talented of a WR corps as any in the state ([player_tooltip player_id='1613490' first='Evan' last='Nanez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1651252' first='Ajay' last='Vigil'], Darius Steverson). Transfer RB [player_tooltip player_id='1423739' first='D'Angelo' last='Mitchell'] joins senior Damian Rodriguez to give the Storm a solid 1-2 backfield punch. An experienced group of linebackers will be the heart and soul of Centennial's 3-4 defense. All four expected starters saw extensive action and started multiple games in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='2109767' first='Carlos' last='Medina'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2251218' first='Gerardo' last='Estrada'] are the outside linebackers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/HQHA5r_bUAA1vtx.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2339723" /></figure>   Las Cruces at Rio Rancho: This game is being overshadowed a bit by the Centennial-Cleveland battle across town. But it's still a fantastic matchup between two teams that have experienced changes from last season but expect to compete for a district championship and a high seed in the 6A playoffs. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2182154' first='Aldo' last='Gallegos'] debuts at QB for the Bulldawgs. He has a solid O-Line protecting him. UNM commit [player_tooltip player_id='1606042' first='Denton' last='Walter'] headlines the Las Cruces defense. Rio Rancho's [player_tooltip player_id='1604705' first='Micah' last='Takahashi'] is one of the top dual threat QBs in the state. Rams coaches are searching for ways to get promising freshmen Crew Victor on the field. Despite the transfer loss of a top DE to the crosstown Storm, the Rio Rancho defense still promises to be stout.   Carlsbad at Artesia: The Eddy County War is always one of our favorite Week 1 games. It's the second oldest rivalry in the state behind only Artesia-Roswell in terms of games played. Artesia has dominated this rivalry over the past several years. However, the Bulldogs better not overlook this Cavemen team because they possess the talent to knock off the defending 5A champions. Dual threat QB [player_tooltip player_id='2101127' first='Marley' last='Munoz'] and, of course, Power 4 caliber LB [player_tooltip player_id='1248663' first='Colton' last='McKibben'] lead the way. Artesia senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='2246666' first='Lucas' last='Atkins'] debuts for the Bulldogs., while senior [player_tooltip player_id='2246139' first='Cristian' last='Pando'] is the new RB. Ivan Chavez anchors the Artesia defensive line.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/2089322986625265750 </div></figure>   Hobbs at Roswell: The last time these two teams met in the Wool Bowl two years ago, Roswell pulled out a thrilling 37-35 win in overtime. It could be that type of game again. Hobbs brings a potentially prolific offense to Roswell behind elite dual threat QB [player_tooltip player_id='1605057' first='Junior' last='Medrano'], RB [player_tooltip player_id='2104442' first='Demarcus' last='Hill'] and others. Roswell QB [player_tooltip player_id='1853724' first='Andruw' last='Fuentez'] debuts as the starter for the Coyotes. [player_tooltip player_id='1826036' first='Luis' last='Rodriguez'] was a 1,000-yard rusher as a sophomore in 2025. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1788700' first='Jonathan' last='Ellis'] leads the new look Roswell defense.   Eldorado at La Cueva: Rivalry renewed. We already knew Eldorado's offense had the potential to be prolific before they added WR [player_tooltip player_id='1613618' first='Juan' last='Carlos Landeros'] from Albuquerque High. He joins RB [player_tooltip player_id='1613434' first='Nolan' last='Romero-Williams'], WR [player_tooltip player_id='1155116' first='Jahari' last='Morehead'] and others surrounding promising sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='2178505' first='Landon' last='Smith']. The expectations at La Cueva never change – play on Thanksgiving weekend. The Bears have the talent to get there, starting with QB [player_tooltip player_id='1183085' first='Monty' last='Melendez'], a solid RB duo, deep WR corps and outstanding DL led by DT [player_tooltip player_id='2153523' first='Ifeoluwa' last='Samuel Abiodun'] and DE/Edge [player_tooltip player_id='1679931' first='Dock' last='Love'].          Cibola at Sandia (Thur.): Sandia's addition of three transfers from Atrisco Heritage was one of the top stories during the long off-season. The Matadors have suddenly become one of the most intriguing teams in Class 6A when you consider the talent they already had. Few can equal QB [player_tooltip player_id='1594010' first='Jahleel' last='Lewis']' arm strength. It will be interesting to see what DE [player_tooltip player_id='1679747' first='Isaac' last='Behrens'] and the Cibola defense does to try to limit the Sandia offense. Cibola QB [player_tooltip player_id='1684435' first='Terry' last='Maes'] is a pretty good QB in his own right.            Los Lunas at Mayfield: Two head coaches make their debuts -  Stephen Johnston at Los Lunas and Joseph Frias at Mayfield. Both coaches have some nice talent to work with, too. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1787301' first='Luke' last='Cieremans'] (QB) and LB [player_tooltip player_id='1606069' first='Brad' last='Mallory'] (LB) lead the Tigers into battle. Mayfield QB [player_tooltip player_id='2252797' first='Angelo' last='Hinojos'] is expected to make his first career start. He'll be protected by a massive offensive line. Trojans LB [player_tooltip player_id='2247295' first='Anthony' last='Aguirre'] is underrated. He's the leader of the defense.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LosLunasTigerFb/status/2088418847758094436 </div></figure>   Piedra Vista at Farmington: Piedra Vista's move to Class 5A returns this rivalry matchup to the front of the schedule. After a rash of injuries at the quarterback position in 2025, the Panthers hope senior [player_tooltip player_id='2104394' first='Reuban' last='Marquez'] stays healthy. Farmington is definitely ready for the new season to begin after the Scorpions went 1-9 in 2025. Steady senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1680067' first='Rock' last='Kalcich'] leads the offense. [player_tooltip player_id='1826019' first='Canton' last='Cahoon'] is a swiss army knife for the Scorpions.       St. Pius X at West Mesa: Is St. Pius X ready to dethrone two-time 4A state champions Bloomfield? We'll get our first look at the talented Sartans. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway'] are both FBS caliber talents. Good QB battle ahead with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1684430' first='Jericho' last='Brody'] directing the Mustangs' offense. He's got a nice group of receivers ready to catch his pinpoint passes, too.   Goddard at Lovington: Goddard QB [player_tooltip player_id='1667558' first='Nate' last='Vazquez'] is one of the top dual threats in the state, but doesn't get nearly the amount of attention he deserves. The Rockets are revived. Vazquez and Goddard got some great news on Monday: talented WR [player_tooltip player_id='1604738' first='Jose' last='Cruz Porras'] II has been cleared to play following ACL surgery. Lovington clearly qualifies as a 4A title contender. The Wildcats gained a high profile transfer when DE [player_tooltip player_id='1606138' first='Amryn' last='Wheeler'], one of the top pass rushers in the state, joined the program. The cat and mouse game between Wheeler and Vazquez will be fun to watch.              Manzano at Albuquerque Academy (Sat.): The unit matchup between the Albuquerque Academy offense led by third-year starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='1369761' first='William' last='Braun'] and the Manzano defense led by LB/Edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1272795' first='Vincent' last='Varela Jr.'] is alone worth the price of admission. Both Braun and Varela are next level prospects. Manzano head coach Michael Holguin debuts for the Monarchs.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/thecoachflakes/status/2088084704075603972 </div></figure>   Silver at Legacy Academy: Former ENMU head coach Kelley Lee debuts as Silver head coach. He loves physical football. His son, Colts sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='2114491' first='Kingston' last='Lee'], is an elite multi-sport athlete and very good quarterback. Physical skills are impressive. It will be up to the Legacy Academy defense and DE [player_tooltip player_id='1708067' first='Jay' last='Watts'] to figure out a way to contain him.      Santa Rosa at Texico: Pair of Class 2A powers clash. Both these teams have won 9 or more games in each of the last four seasons. They know how to win. A year ago, Santa Rosa dealt Texico its lone loss to a New Mexico opponent when they won, 22-15, in Week 1. Santa Rosa runs the Wing-T, which is difficult to defend. Texico is the three-time defending 2A champions. [player_tooltip player_id='1613755' first='Cross' last='Figg'] leads the offense and DE [player_tooltip player_id='1827269' first='Dexter' last='Chapman'] headlines the defense for the Wolverines.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SHSColtFootball/status/2089380306130493464 </div></figure>   BEST OF THE REST   Volcano Vista at Atrisco Heritage   Clovis vs. Bloomfield (at Santa Fe)   Bernalillo at Belen   Santa Teresa at Gadsden   Hope Christian at Gallup   Santa Fe at Alamogordo   St. Michael's at Capital   Taos at Pojoaque Valley   Ruidoso at Eunice   Grants at Miyamura   West Las Vegas at Portales   OTHER GAMES    Organ Mountain at Deming   Espanola Valley at Los Alamos   Hot Springs at Tularosa   Hatch Valley at Chaparral (Thur.)   Rio Grande at Highland (Thur.)    Del Norte at Valencia   Valley at Albuquerque High   Hozho Academy at Dexter   Socorro at Robertson   Laguna Acoma at Capitan   Moriarty at Thoreau   Shiprock at Kirtland Central   Raton at Navajo Prep   McCurdy at Cobre   Loving at Estancia   Jal at Tucumcari   Santa Fe Indian at Zuni   NEW MEXICO VS. COLORADO   Bayfield (CO) at Aztec   NEW MEXICO VS. ARIZONA   Tohatchi at Ganado (AZ)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/2090153389552521489 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/2090153500240167064 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_NMAA/status/2090153666829484285 </div></figure>

Kickoff of the 2026 New Mexico High School football season is here! Here are the top 13 games of Week 1, which we call the ‘Baker's Dozen.' Enjoy the games!

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Baker’s Dozen: Week 1 Preview Of Top 13 Games

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