Baker’s Dozen: Week 9 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 9 of New Mexico High School football season is here! Here are the top 13 games of Week 9, which we call the ‘Baker's Dozen.' District races are getting hot! Here we go:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GAME OF THE WEEK:</strong> <strong>Las Cruces at Volcano Vista (Fri., 7 p.m., Community Stadium)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into the season, most analysts thought District 6A-2 was the best in the state. It certainly hasn't disappointed. In fact, the battle for the district title has turned into a four-team rock fight between these two teams, Centennial and Eldorado.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When unbeaten Volcano Vista's top running back last season transferred to Cleveland following last season, some folks probably expected the Hawks to slip. Didn't happen. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2109033' first='Jude' last='Herrera']</strong> has been solid at quarterback with nearly 1,700 yards, 26 TD passes and a 65.2 completion percentage. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114576' first='Jude' last='Gonzales']</strong> leads the ground attack. Elite playmakers include the WR trio of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608127' first='Aurelius' last='Wiley']</strong> (40 receptions), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679989' first='Isaiah' last='McCary']</strong> and junior <strong>Zion Ward</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Volcano Vista defense led by Power 4 prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613703' first='Aiden' last='Gonzales']</strong> (7 INT), LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1825989' first='Max' last='Marcum']</strong> and LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2079456' first='Ixavier' last='Hansen']</strong> (10.0 TFL) has been lights out as well with three shutouts in seven games. The Hawks have allowed more than 17 points only once, and are averaging more than 7 TFL per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All eyes were on Las Cruces junior dual threat QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2182154' first='Aldo' last='Gallegos']</strong> when the season started since he was replacing a three-year starter. But Gallegos has flourished with over 800 yards and 16 TD rushing. &nbsp;He is the Bulldawgs' leading rusher by a wide margin. Las Cruces has relied mostly on the ground game, attempting just 70 passes in seven games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldawgs defense has proven tough to score on. They've allowed seven or fewer points in five of the their seven games with three shutouts. The senior LB duo of UNM Lobos commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606042' first='Denton' last='Walter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606076' first='Hunter' last='Parmeter']</strong> makes a ton of plays. The defensive line is rugged, as well. Both defenses could be tough to score on, so expect a tight, low-scoring, defensive battle. First team to 21 wins? Perhaps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2450079,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-13-at-16-58-18-20-Aldo-Gallegos-on-X-Las-Cruces-NM-Vs-Volcano-Vista-October-16-7-00-Pm-NUSENDA-COMMUNITY-STADIUM-https-__t.co_Ca9dSUWuBj-_-X.png?w=353" alt="" class="wp-image-2450079" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Roswell at Artesia</strong>: Most years, this rivalry, the state's oldest, would be the Game of the Week. But these two powerhouses are likely to meet again in the Class 5A state championship game on Thanksgiving weekend, so consider this a preview of coming attractions. Both teams have cruised through their first four district games, easily winning each one, some by the mercy rule. Both quarterbacks are having fantastic seasons. Artesia senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2246666' first='Lucas' last='Atkins']</strong> has passed for 1,475 yards with 20 TD and just 1 INT. His Roswell counterpart, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1853724' first='Andruw' last='Fuentez']</strong>, has posted similar numbers: 1,597 passing yards, 23 TD passes and 2 INT. Neither QB makes mistakes. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silver at Hope Christian (Sat., 1 p.m.):</strong> The District 3A-2 title is likely on the line when these two 6-1 teams meet Saturday afternoon at Wilson Stadium. Kelley Lee's first season as Silver coach has been a major success. His son, Colts QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114491' first='Kingston' last='Lee']</strong>, is a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball. RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826113' first='Cody' last='Cooper']</strong> (799 rushing yards) is headed towards a 1,000-yard season. Hope Christian's offense is led by freshman sensation <strong>Nick Miller</strong> at QB and senior WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605990' first='Darrien' last='Williams']</strong>, who has already been offered by multiple D2 schools. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Los Lunas at Piedra Vista</strong>: Both teams are 4-0 in District 5A-1, so the winner takes a major step forward towards claiming the district title and a likely top four seed in the 5A playoffs. Piedra Vista (6-1) has battled Artesia and Roswell all season long for the No. 1 spot in the MaxPreps 5A rankings. Dual threat QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104394' first='Reuban' last='Marquez']</strong> and RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556720' first='Amasi' last='Griego']</strong> fuel the Panthers offense. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1787301' first='Luke' last='Cieremans']</strong> and dynamic WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2075776' first='Tayson' last='Gaxiola']</strong> spark the Los Lunas (5-2) offense. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Pius X at Belen</strong>: St. Pius X will take a major step towards securing the District 4A-2 title with a victory on the road Friday night. The Sartans are undefeated in district play (3-0), although a matchup with Lovington is pending in Week 11. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154948' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter']</strong>, a New Mexico State commit, has an array of weapons around him starting with elite RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154954' first='Hershul' last='Olloway']</strong>, a UNM Lobos commit. Belen is looking to snap a two-game losing streak after starting the season 6-0. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604925' first='Gonzalo' last='Cano']</strong> is a dynamic dual threat QB for the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/2109664292303958337","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/artesiafootball/status/2109664292303958337 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bernalillo at Valley (Sat., 11 a.m.)</strong>: The Cobos Bowl is renewed. Valley is riding a five-game winning streak in the wake of last week's come-from-behind win over Manzano. The Vikings' offense is led by sophomore QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256683' first='Jeremiah' last='Garcia']</strong> (1,568 passing yards + 22 TD), RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605046' first='Zachary' last='Perez-Verdeja']</strong> and WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532837' first='Gabe' last='Gonzales']</strong>. That's one of the top offensive trios in Albuquerque. Their matchup with Bernalillo's ‘Goon Squad' defense will be fun to watch. The Spartans' quartet of leading tackler <strong>Dusty Debeer</strong>, next level prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853757' first='Ulisses' last='Castro']</strong>, <strong>Teo Martinez y Marr</strong> and <strong>Riley Tafoya</strong> is formidable. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hobbs at Centennial</strong>: Centennial (4-3, 3-1) is tied with rival Las Cruces for third in District 6A-2 and still in the hunt for a top four playoff seed. Senior dual threat QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604943' first='Ruiz' last='Laborin']</strong> has&nbsp; thrown for close to 1,200 yards and leads the Hawks in rushing with 10 TD on the ground. Hobbs (3-4, 1-3) probably hasn't had the season they envisioned, but the Eagles could set themselves up nicely for a strong end-of the season push towards the playoffs with a victory here. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605057' first='Junior' last='Medrano']</strong> is still a dangerous dual threat QB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Albuquerque High at Rio Rancho:</strong> Believe it or not, the top story line of this matchup is Albuquerque High's quest to snap their 30+ year playoff drought. The Bulldogs are 4-2-1 and a victory at Rams Stadium would likely secure a postseason berth. Junior <strong>QBAdam Aguirre</strong> is underrated. Rio Rancho played without QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604705' first='Micah' last='Takahashi']</strong> and leading WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2246575' first='Gilly' last='Terrazas']</strong> in last week's loss to Sandia. Will they return for this game? If not, freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2207409' first='Crew' last='Victor']</strong> will quarterback the Rams offense again. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alamogordo at Gadsden:</strong> A key battle for 5A playoff seeding behind Roswell and Artesia. Alamogordo is coming off a much-needed win over Mayfield. RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2108925' first='Qymani' last='Patterson']</strong> has emerged as the Tigers' leading ball carrier. With the Artesia and Roswell games behind them, Gadsden can focus on finishing out the regular season strong and head into the playoffs with some momentum. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2108931' first='Deion' last='Torres']</strong> is an elite two-way player for the Panthers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GadsdenPanthers/status/2109320637508632957","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GadsdenPanthers/status/2109320637508632957 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Las Vegas at Pojoaque Valley</strong>: If you're willing to concede the District 3A-1 title to St. Michael's (six straight shutouts), there is an intriguing four-team battle going on for second place (and a higher seed in the 3A playoffs). From that perspective, this is a must-win for West Las Vegas (5-2, 2-2), who have dropped two in a row. Pojoaque Valley &nbsp;(4-3, 3-1) will stay at least tied for second with Robertson (at Thoreau) with a win. The Elks are hoping for a win here and Thoreau to pull off the major upset. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Texico at Loving:</strong> Texico (6-1) is looking every bit the part of the favorite to win its fourth straight Class 2A state championship. The Wolverines are loaded at nearly every position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613755' first='Cross' last='Figg']</strong> is one of the state's top rushers. Loving looks to halt a four-game losing streak since a 3-0 start. Can they compete with one of 2A's powerhouses?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cibola at Highland (Thur.)</strong>: The second key Week 9 contest in District 5A-1. The winner is guaranteed to be tied for second place in the district standings with the loser of the aforementioned Los Lunas-Piedra Vista contest. Highland will rely offensively &nbsp;on the dynamic RB duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1688720' first='William' last='Anchondo']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1272783' first='Jasper' last='Groves']</strong>. Cibola freshman RB <strong>Gabriel Benavidez</strong> is an emerging talent. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cobre at Estancia</strong>: If you haven't heard of Estancia QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114509' first='Devon' last='Chavez']</strong>, starting doing your due diligence now. Chavez is the state's leading rusher with over 1,500 yards and 23 TD in seven games. The mission of the Cobre defense is easy: keep Chavez contained or risk being blown out by Estancia's prolific offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/vvhsfootball/status/2110404708464538074","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/vvhsfootball/status/2110404708464538074 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BEST OF THE REST</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Farmington at La Cueva</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Organ Mountain at Carlsbad</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mayfield at Goddard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valencia at Albuquerque Academy (Fri., 3 p.m.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Espanola Valley at Manzano</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bloomfield at Grants</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moriarty at Ruidoso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raton at Santa Rosa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newcomb at Santa Fe Indian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirtland Central at Aztec</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OTHER GAMES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Mesa at Cleveland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eldorado at Clovis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandia at Atrisco Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lovington at Santa Teresa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miyamura at Santa Fe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Los Alamos at Capital</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral at Deming</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dexter at Jal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capitan at Tularosa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robertson at Thoreau</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Socorro at Hatch Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hot Springs at NMMI</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hozho Academy at Tohatchi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Navajo Prep at Shiprock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Del Norte at Rio Grande</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laguna Acoma at Crownpoint</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucumcari at McCurdy (Sat.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->