10 Most Intriguing Games Involving APS Schools

The Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) released the 2021 football schedules for all the high schools in the district, and as always the slate is filled with many interesting matchups. Here are our Top 10 most intriguing regular season games of 2021 involving APS schools: <strong>Cibola at La Cueva (Aug. 21)</strong>: Wait, a Week 1 Saturday afternoon duel between the top two 2023 quarterbacks in the state? Oh yeah. Cibola QB [player_tooltip player_id="137861" first="Aden" last="Chavez"] vs. La Cueva QB [player_tooltip player_id="137862" first="Aidan" last="Armenta"]. Talk about starting the season with a loud bang. <strong>West Mesa at Cibola (Oct. 15)</strong>: Another highly anticipated QB duel between Chavez, the top 2023 signal caller, and West Mesa’s [player_tooltip player_id="26242" first="Daniel" last="Ayala"], the top 2022 QB. Both teams have lots of football to play before they square off, but we’ve already made plans to be there. <strong>Carlsbad at Volcano Vista (Sept. 4)</strong>: This could potentially be one of the most entertaining, highest scoring games of the season. Both teams have an array of offensive weapons. Cavemen WR [player_tooltip player_id="138043" first="Eli" last="Asay"] just ran a 4.5 at a camp in Texas. The Hawks have the ‘Special K’ unit at WR. Buckle up. <strong>Albuquerque at Clovis (10/1)</strong>: While the previous game should feature plenty of offensive fireworks, this matchup puts the spotlight on four of the top defensive linemen in the state: AHS DE Landon Thomas is drawing interest from Power 5 schools (Washington State). Clovis has a three talented DL: [player_tooltip player_id="134991" first="Jaden" last="Nigreville"], Will Jordan and Gabe Angeles. <strong>Cibola at Rio Rancho (10/1)</strong>: Behind Chavez and a prolific offense, Cibola believes they are Class 6A championship contenders. If so, this game is their opportunity to prove it. Rio Rancho could be the most talented team in 6A. Their defense will be stout. <strong>West Mesa at Centennial (8/28)</strong>: A fascinating matchup between two programs fighting for respect in their local cities of Albuquerque and Las Cruces. West Mesa’s program has struggled for years while Centennial is a fairly new school (open since 2012) and like everybody else in Las Cruces is chasing the Bulldawgs. <strong>Eldorado at Mayfield (8/28)</strong>: Eldorado could be a sleeper team in Albuquerque this season. The Eagles lose QB [player_tooltip player_id="26222" first="Nick" last="Petty"] and the top two rushers from the spring, but they still have weapons. Mayfield should have one of the top rushing attacks in the state. They’ll make plenty of noise in Class 5A. <strong>La Cruces at Cibola (8/27)</strong>: After the Chavez-Armenta duel in Week 1, Cibola has to turn right around and take on one of the state’s most prominent programs. The good news is the game will be played in Albuquerque. It will be a good test for both programs. <strong>West Mesa at Cleveland (10/22)</strong>: By the time this game is played, both teams should have at least eight games under their belts. The district championship could be on the line. The Storm may have lost a ton of talent on offense, but their defense should be stout. The linebacker corps might be the best in the state. <strong>Highland at Organ Mountain (Sept. 11)</strong>: Yeah, neither program has won a whole lotta games over the past few years (Note: Highland did go 6-5 in 2019 and reach the Class 5A playoffs), but that’s what makes this game even more enthralling. Highland LB [player_tooltip player_id="135135" first="Abraham" last="Lopez"] vs. Organ Mountain QB [player_tooltip player_id="26254" first="Aiden" last="Rosser"] will be worth the price of admission. https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1401219077989748739 https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1402002218446843904 https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1401995062867677187 https://twitter.com/CHSStormFB/status/1401983777925222401 https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1402081386144567297 https://twitter.com/Angrybirdfb/status/1401975689427886084 https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1401359313025736707 https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/1401356552024428545 https://twitter.com/LCHSFOOTBALL/status/1401248587225391120