2023 Team Preview: Las Cruces Bulldawgs
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<p><strong>2023 Las Cruces Bulldawgs Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Mark Lopez </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Bulldawgs </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @LCHSFootball; @mjlopezdawgs</p>
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<p><strong>Website</strong>: https://dawgfootball.net/ </p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Red and Blue </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 2-7 (No Playoffs) </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Last fall wasn't what we expected from Las Cruces football. The Bulldawgs struggled all season long and ended up winning just two of nine games. Las Cruces failed to make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. The dominant topic of discussion surrounding the Bulldawgs during the offseason has been the quarterback position. [player_tooltip player_id='334468' first='Matthew' last='Lashley'] played there last year but has moved to defensive back. The new quarterback will be sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853029' first='Gunnar' last='Guardiola']</strong> or junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615513' first='Kelly' last='Stevens']</strong>. Even though he's a year younger, Guardiola started at least one varsity game in 2022 and has the experience factor in his favor as far as understanding the offense is concerned. Stevens sat out last season but he's taller and threw the ball well during 7x7 season.</p>
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<p>Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137388' first='Daniel' last='Amaro']</strong> is the new running back for Las Cruces, meaning there's a chance the Bulldawgs could have two sophomores (Guardiola, Amaro) in the offensive backfield this season. Amaro played outside linebacker in 2022 as a freshman and demonstrated his playmaking abilities. Amaro is shifty, powerful and has great hands. After Amaro, it's basically running back by committee. The wide receiver spot is deep with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615455' first='Nate' last='Libby']</strong> (offered by New Mexico Highlands), sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142363' first='Francisco' last='Winnikoff']</strong>, junior <strong>Joseph Abeyta</strong> and others.</p>
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<p>The offensive line was young and sophomore-dominated in 2022 but the good news is many of those guys now have a year of varsity experience under their belts. Center <strong>Joshua Quintero</strong> has the potential to be one of the top players at his position in the state. He has added about 25 pounds to his already large frame during the offseason and possesses a high football IQ. He'll be the leader of the OL group. <strong>Joaquin Woffard</strong> (6-5, 300 pounds) and <strong>Adryk Albidrez</strong> (6-4, 400) are big, nasty, bookend tackles. The lone senior is guard <strong>Cristian Flores</strong>, who is moving from tackle.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1672411' first='Julian' last='Chavez-Lopez']</strong> will be the other guard.</p>
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<p>Defensively, Las Cruces has historically been solid and this season the Bulldawgs appear to have plenty of talent. The secondary features four seniors, something they haven't had in a while. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='334468' first='Matthew' last='Lashley']</strong> (offered by NMHU) leads the group from his safety spot along with <strong>Zavier Udero</strong>. Honorable mention All-State honoree <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590659' first='Coen' last='Morales']</strong>, who's 6-foot-1 and extremely quick, anchors the cornerback spot with Lopez.</p>
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<p>Linebacker <strong>Dalin Walters</strong> is also the Bulldawgs' placekicker. He'll move to strongside LB this season. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615393' first='Riley' last='Mendez']</strong> moves from DE to MLB, his more natural position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340292' first='Kash' last='Alley']</strong> moves to DE after being an undersized DT last season. Alley has been described as a ‘disruptor.' Junior <strong>Brenden Franco</strong> is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle that should have college recruiters salivating before the end of the season. <strong>Carlos Zamboa</strong> gained experienced last season as a freshman in 2022 and should be even better this year. </p>
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<p><strong>2023 Schedule</strong>: Las Cruces plays one of the most challenging schedules in the state, opening against Volcano Vista on Aug. 18. A pair of games against two of the top teams in El Paso highlight Weeks 2 and 3. Then the Bulldawgs have to travel to Cleveland before facing long-time rival Mayfield at the Field of Dreams. District play opens with consecutive road contests at Hobbs and Alamogordo. The season finale against Centennial could be for the district title. </p>
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<p>Aug. 18 VOLCANO VISTA</p>
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<p>Aug. 24 AMERICAS (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 at El Paso (TX) Eastwood</p>
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<p>Sept. 8 at Cleveland</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 at Mayfield (FOD)</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 at Hobbs*</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 at Alamogordo*</p>
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<p>Oct. 13 ORGAN MOUNTAIN*</p>
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<p>Oct. 19 CARLSBAD (Thur.)*</p>
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<p>Oct. 27 at Centennial (FOD)*</p>
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<p>* District Game </p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “We had an incredible offseason. It was reenergizing for all of us, myself included. One of the messages was simply we had to get bigger and stronger. We started eight sophomores and four freshmen at one point last season. When you do that, it will be tough at times. I was happy with how we competed throughout the season but physically we had to get bigger and stronger and put on some quality weight. We did that. The guys took it to heart and bought in to our program. They improved their nutrition and hit the weight room hard. We also had to improve the mental part and understand what it takes to be successful on the 6A level and how to focus in on the process on a daily basis. They did an incredible job. We have a high character group. They are fun to be around. We have tremendous leadership. . .We're blessed to have depth at the quarterback position. We've had some great quarterbacks here. Both quarterbacks are working their tail off. Gunnar probably understands the offense better because he's been in it longer. He's one of the better ram talents we've had in our program in the last two-plus decades. Kelly is a big, strong guy and he's continuing to learn the offense. . .We have a lot of depth at receiver. We're excited about our receiving group and their playmaking ability. . .We should be significantly better along the offensive line than what we were a year ago. That will help us throwing the ball. We'll have the ability to be more explosive this year. . .With our schedule, the key is making sure our guys understand the grind and focus on what it takes to be successful. We want to live in the zone of the process. Hopefully, we'll have some success early in the season and then get geared up for district.” – Las Cruces head coach Mark Lopez.</p>
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2023 Las Cruces Bulldawgs Preview
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