Class 5A: The One Player On Every Team You Need To Know (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The start of the 2026 New Mexico high school football season is less than two weeks away. In Part 1 of a series, here is the one key player to know for eight Class 5A teams:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alamogordo: [player_tooltip player_id='1605059' first='Bryson' last='Bloom']</strong>. A recent commitment to the UNM Lobos, Bloom is one of the fastest players in the state, clocking a laser-timed 4.4 in the 40. He's also one of the state's most productive two-way players, rushing for over 1,000 yards and making 60+ tackles on defense for the Tigers last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm excited to announce that I am 100% committed to UNM! Go Bos!<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AGTG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AGTG</a><a href="https://x.com/Perroni247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Perroni247</a> <a href="https://x.com/MikeRoach247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeRoach247</a> <a href="https://x.com/MikeFarrellESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeFarrellESPN</a> <a href="https://x.com/Coach_Eck?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Eck</a> <a href="https://x.com/Beau_Davidson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Beau_Davidson</a> <a href="https://x.com/DGS_4ya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DGS_4ya</a><a href="https://x.com/CoachCiscoAHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCiscoAHS</a> <a href="https://x.com/AaronCisco4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AaronCisco4</a><a href="https://x.com/ScottSing82?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottSing82</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachDrefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDrefs</a><a href="https://x.com/CoachKyleShoot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKyleShoot</a> <a href="https://x.com/cjrecruiting2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cjrecruiting2</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://t.co/JhJPLb9Zxk">pic.twitter.com/JhJPLb9Zxk</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1605059' first='Bryson' last='Bloom'] (@BrysonBloom) <a href="https://x.com/BrysonBloom/status/2082135262872969645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Artesia: [player_tooltip player_id='2103755' first='Corbyn' last='Dominguez']</strong>. He will serve two important functions in 2026. Dominguez is the Bulldogs' top returning tackler and will start at inside linebacker. He's also Artesia's placekicker with a booming leg. He booted a key 48-yard field goal in last November's state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Season K | P Highlights <br>C/O 27<a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@artesiafootball</a> <a href="https://x.com/jeremy_maupin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeremy_maupin</a> <a href="https://x.com/DannyUrquhartFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DannyUrquhartFB</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachKennyPerry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKennyPerry</a> <a href="https://x.com/Jxrdan_v?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jxrdan_v</a> <br>Full Hudl Highlight: <a href="https://t.co/k9AM7ZPRTM">https://t.co/k9AM7ZPRTM</a> <a href="https://t.co/twclfY59B4">pic.twitter.com/twclfY59B4</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='2103755' first='Corbyn' last='Dominguez'] (@CorbynDominguez) <a href="https://x.com/CorbynDominguez/status/2020333440852512907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Capital: [player_tooltip player_id='1604951' first='Ace' last='Bachicha']</strong>. If the Jaguars want to return to the 5A playoffs, they'll need a big season from Bachicha. The senior QB returns to direct a balanced Jaguars offense that intends to mix elements of the Air Raid with a ‘wide zone' scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1604951' first='Ace' last='Bachicha']|QB|Class of 2027|165lbs|Junior Season Highlights 2025-2026|Capital High School<a href="https://t.co/h1edF56UKr">https://t.co/h1edF56UKr</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/hudl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hudl</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1604951' first='Ace' last='Bachicha'] (@AceBachicha15) <a href="https://x.com/AceBachicha15/status/2072918449442136199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chaparral: [player_tooltip player_id='1155082' first='Raul' last='Lopez']</strong>. Chaparral has a new head coach in Anthony Martinez and one of the most underrated running backs in the state in Lopez. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 TD in 2025, and has been a key figure ein the Lobos' revival the past couple of year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior Szn Highlights! <br>155 Carries <br>1108 Yards <br>11 TDS <br>23 Receptions <br>480 Yards <br>4 TDs <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/evan__greene?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@evan__greene</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachDavis04?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDavis04</a> <a href="https://x.com/COACHJMACRB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@COACHJMACRB</a> <a href="https://x.com/DCobb27?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DCobb27</a> @COACHJJ_LOBOS <a href="https://x.com/CoachSwanson_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSwanson_</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachCala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCala</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachDavis04?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDavis04</a> <a href="https://x.com/Fchavezeptimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Fchavezeptimes</a> <a href="https://t.co/HiCKNSkooP">https://t.co/HiCKNSkooP</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1155082' first='Raul' last='Lopez'] (@ayeeeraul) <a href="https://x.com/ayeeeraul/status/1993819766255984858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cibola: [player_tooltip player_id='1679747' first='Isaac' last='Behrens']</strong>. The FCS Southern Utah commit has quickly emerged as one of the top defensive ends and edge rushers in the state. Fantastic size at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds with a quick first step and good strength. Made 60 tackles with 9.0 TFL in 2025. Cougars head coach David Howes is a defensive guru, so you know he'll get the most from Behrens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a lot of prayer, thought, and conversations with my family and coaches, I am blessed and excited to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and athletic career at Southern Utah University. Go Birds! <a href="https://t.co/Te4pH5Jxf0">pic.twitter.com/Te4pH5Jxf0</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1679747' first='Isaac' last='Behrens'] (@IsaacBehre22224) <a href="https://x.com/IsaacBehre22224/status/2072082467771797661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deming: </strong><strong>Keon Wilderman</strong>. Deming suffered through a winless season in 2025, which produced a change at head coach. James Fetrow is the new head coach for the Wildcats. He'll rely on Wilderman, the team' top returning tackler, top lead the way for the Wildcats' defense. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gadsden: [player_tooltip player_id='1155087' first='Anthony' last='Palomares']</strong>. A four-year starter for the Panthers, Palomares returns to lead what should be a deep wide receiver corps for Gadsden after pacing the Panthers in receptions, receiving yards and TD catches in 2025. Gadsden's top five receivers last season all return. &nbsp;Palomares is a next level talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2025 Junior Szn Highlights <br>600 receiving yards <br>24 rec<br>7 Receiving TDs<br>Avg 27.7 yards per catch <a href="https://x.com/GadsdenPanthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GadsdenPanthers</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachFacio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachFacio</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmprepcosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmprepcosports</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/Prep1USA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Prep1USA</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachSWUTEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSWUTEP</a> <a href="https://x.com/Coach_Eck?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Eck</a> <a href="https://x.com/Coach_TSanchez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_TSanchez</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachTaufaasau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTaufaasau</a> <a href="https://x.com/coach_bhickman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coach_bhickman</a> <a href="https://t.co/6rgfUVxhUn">https://t.co/6rgfUVxhUn</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1155087' first='Anthony' last='Palomares'] (@Anthony__013) <a href="https://x.com/Anthony__013/status/1998071714031251472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Goddard: [player_tooltip player_id='1667558' first='Nate' last='Vazquez']</strong>. Living in the shadow of Roswell, Vazquez had been flying under the radar as one of the top young quarterbacks in the state. This summer, though, he has burst to the forefront with an impressive series of performances in camps and 7x7 tourneys. He threw for over 1,400 yards and 16 TD while completing about 61 percent of his passes last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore season Varsity QB stats<br>100-164 61%<br>1402 Passings Yds<br>16 TDs<br>6 INT<br>41 Carries, 206 YDs<br>4 Rushing TDs<a href="https://x.com/CoachBolanos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBolanos</a> <a href="https://x.com/Coach_Hendrix1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Hendrix1</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachManzanares?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachManzanares</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://x.com/GoddardRocketFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoddardRocketFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/5zGJQnZog4">https://t.co/5zGJQnZog4</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1667558' first='Nate' last='Vazquez'] (@NateVazquez08) <a href="https://x.com/NateVazquez08/status/1987358920718098729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->