Baker’s Dozen: Week 10 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 10 of New Mexico High School football season is here! Here are the top 13 games of Week 10, which we call the ‘Baker's Dozen.' District races are getting hot! Here we go: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GAME OF THE WEEK:</strong> <strong>Eunice at Texico (Fri. 7 p.m., Wolverine Stadium)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Game of the Week takes place at Wolverine Stadium near I-40 along the New Mexico-Texas border. When the season started, we thought District 2A-4 would be the toughest in the classification, and that has certainly turned out to be true. These two teams (both are 7-1 overall), along with Dexter, will likely be the top three seeds in the 2A playoffs. This game will help determine the order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Texico (7-1, 3-0), the three-time defending 2A champions, hasn't lost to a New Mexico opponent since Week 1 of the 2025 season. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613755' first='Cross' last='Figg']</strong> is one of the top running backs in the state, and has a team-leading 13.0 TFL on defense. Eunice (7-1, 2-0) is led by sophomore QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256783' first='Isaac' last='Melancon']</strong>, whose debut season as the Cardinals starting QB has probably been better than expected. Going into Week 10, he's the state's leading passer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2458483,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-21-at-19-30-12-2A-District-4-District-Football-Standings.png?w=861" alt="" class="wp-image-2458483" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centennial at Eldorado</strong>: The District 6A-2 race is still wide open. Not only is this Week 10 matchup on the agenda, but we have two huge matchups ahead next weekend. So, nothing is settled yet. In fact, a Centennial win here and a Volcano Vista upset loss at Organ Mountain Thursday would create a three-way tie for first. Eldorado RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613434' first='Nolan' last='Romero-Williams']</strong> has been on a tear and had developed into one of the top ball carriers in 6A. Centennial QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin']</strong> is a solid dual threat. RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605033' first='Dailen' last='Ramirez']</strong> returned to action recently after missing more than a month with a leg injury. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carlsbad at Las Cruces</strong>: A key game for seeding in the 6A playoffs. Carlsbad (5-3, 2-3) sits alone in fifth place in District 6A-2 following last week's lopsided win over Organ Mountain. The Cavemen are looking to host a first-round game. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101127' first='Marley' last='Munoz']</strong> and RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605005' first='Brock' last='Wright']</strong> are an elite backfield duo. The Bulldawgs hope a win here and next week against rival Centennial results in a third-place finish in the district and a first-round playoff game at FOD. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2182154' first='Aldo' last='Gallegos']</strong> is a strong candidate for Breakout Player of the Year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Artesia at Goddard</strong>: Artesia (4-4, 4-1) looks to bounce back after last week's rivalry loss to Roswell. But they'll be tested against an improving Goddard team in the Wool Bowl. Win this game, as well as next week's matchup with Mayfield, and Artesia should secure the No. 2 seed in the 5A playoffs. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2246666' first='Lucas' last='Atkins']</strong> has thrown for nearly 1,800 yards and he has three receivers with 28+ receptions. Goddard (4-4, 3-2) has a dynamic QB as well in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667558' first='Nate' last='Vazquez']</strong> and nice talent around him (RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1787584' first='Isaiah' last='Montoya']</strong>, WR <strong>Jose Cruz Porras</strong>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/2112229941878366361","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <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/2112229941878366361 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Piedra Vista at Highland</strong>: Piedra Vista (7-1, 5-0) will move a step closer to clinching the District 5A-1 title and a top four seed with a victory over the Hornets. The Panthers are ranked No. 2 in 5A by MaxPreps, and could be the best bet to halt Roswell and Artesia's stranglehold over 5A. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104394' first='Reuban' last='Marquez']</strong> is a solid dual threat QB, and he's surrounded by an array of talent. Highland brings its high-powered round game into this one with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1688720' first='William' last='Anchondo']</strong> and senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1272783' first='Jasper' last='Groves']</strong> leading the way.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Albuquerque High at Cleveland</strong>: With elite next level talent on both sides of the ball, Cleveland (8-0, has been as dominant as expected in pursuit of their eighth straight appearance in the 6A state championship game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2181232' first='Michael' last='Denison']</strong> has been fantastic in his first year as the Storm's QB. Albuquerque High is striving for its first playoff berth in 30+ years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2108944' first='Liam' last='Smartt-Saunders']</strong> (41 receptions) is an underrated WR. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pojoaque Valley at Kirtland Central</strong>: Red hot Pojoaque Valley (5-3, 4-1) has won three straight games by lopsided margins and now the Elks trail unbeaten St. Michael's by just one game in the district standings. Pojoaque Valley QB <strong>Josh Gonzales</strong> is progressing towards a 1,000-1,000 yards season. He's already surpassed 1,000-yards rushing. This is the regular season finale for Kirtland Central (6-2, 4-2). Broncos QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604919' first='Chance' last='Aspaas']</strong> has thrown for nearly 1,500 yards and is the team's second leading rusher.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Pius X at Valencia</strong>: St. Pius X (6-1, 4-0) can take another step closer to securing the District 4A-2 title with a win here. Another road test for the Sartans after last week's stirring comeback win at Belen. UNM Lobos commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong> had one of the best games of his career with 291 rushing yards, including a 99-yard TD run. Valencia (5-3, 2-2) has sole possession of fourth place in the district after consecutive wins over Santa Teresa and Albuquerque Academy. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604768' first='Santino' last='Mares']</strong> is a superb dual threat QB for the Jaguars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Los Lunas at Cibola (Thur.):</strong> The battle for second place in District 5A-1. Both teams are 4-1 in the district, one game behind unbeaten Piedra Vista. One of these teams could find themselves tied with the Panthers if Highland knocks off PV. If that happens, and Cibola wins this game, that would set up a showdown Week 11 game between the Cougars and PV. Senior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1787301' first='Luke' last='Cieremans']</strong> has had a solid senior season. Cibola RB <strong>Gabriel Benavidez</strong> is a rising star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2458489,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-21-at-19-32-33-5A-District-1-District-Football-Standings.png?w=866" alt="" class="wp-image-2458489" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valley at Espanola Valley</strong>: The Valley Vikings are one of the ‘feel good' stories in Class 4A this season. Valley (6-2, 6-0) has won six straight games – all in district play - since beginning the season with two losses and would set up a likely winner-take-all district championship game at Bloomfield in Week 11 with a win here. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256683' first='Jeremiah' last='Garcia']</strong> and RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605046' first='Zachary' last='Perez-Verdeja']</strong> are a formidable backfield duo. Espanola Valley (5-3, 4-2) is tied for third in District 4A-1 in Frank Galvan's first year as head coach. 2028 ATH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606533' first='Benny' last='Trujillo']</strong> is a next level talent. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hope Christian at Hot Springs (Thur.)</strong>: Hope Cristian (7-1, 4-1) grabbed control of District 3A-2 with last Saturday's win over Silver. Now the Huskies are looking to close the deal. But the trip to Truth or Consequences won't be easy. Freshman QB <strong>Nick Miller</strong> and WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605990' first='Darrien' last='Williams']</strong> is an elite connection. The Tigers have won two in a row and three of the last four. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613430' first='Zaiden' last='Baker']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155121' first='Billy' last='Baca']</strong> are a highly productive duo for Hot Springs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santa Rosa at Tucumcari</strong>: Roles are reversed in this fierce I-40 Eastern New Mexico rivalry. Historically, Santa Rosa enters the game with a better record. But the Lions are .500 overall (4-4) and have been in a win one, lose one mode since Week 3. RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605069' first='Preston' last='Muniz']</strong> has already rushed for over 1,000 yards. Tucumcari has been one of the season's pleasant surprises. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684748' first='Jermy' last='Jones']</strong> has likewise rushed for 1,000 yards. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hatch Valley at Moriarty</strong>: These two teams are locked in a three-way tie for third in District 3A-2. Moriarty (6-2, 3-2) brings one of the top ground games into this contest with THREE running backs amassing 575+ rushing yards in 8 games. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606046' first='Mario' last='Romero']</strong> is four yards from reaching 1,000 yards on the season for the second time in his career. Hatch Valley (4-4, 3-2) has flown under the radar for most of the season, but they own a victory over district leader Hope Christian. The Bears also like to run the ball, utilizing a balanced attack led by <strong>Felipe Carranza</strong> (500+ yards).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2458468,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-21-at-16-43-16-19-Aldo-Gallegos-on-X-Las-cruces-vs-Carlsbad-6-pm-Field-of-Dreams.-https-__t.co_EbfcQtsiwH-_-X.png?w=367" alt="" class="wp-image-2458468" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BEST OF THE REST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Volcano Vista at Organ Mountain (Thur.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deming at Alamogordo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral at Gadsden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albuquerque Academy at Lovington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grants at Bernalillo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aztec at Robertson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manzano at Taos</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Los Alamos at Santa Fe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy Academy at Tularosa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loving at Dexter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GadsdenPanthers/status/2111925402734301418","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GadsdenPanthers/status/2111925402734301418 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHER GAMES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>La Cueva at Atrisco Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Rancho at West Mesa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandia at Farmington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clovis at Hobbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roswell at Mayfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Teresa at Portales</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gallup at St. Michael's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NMMI at Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estancia at Capitan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruidoso at Socorro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thoreau at West Las Vegas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cuba at Newcomb</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capital at Miyamura</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rio Grande at Bloomfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laguna Acoma at Zuni</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Fe Indian at Shiprock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCurdy at Raton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crownpoint at Hozho Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->