2023 Team Previews: Albuquerque Metro Region, Class 5A
In this article:
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<p><strong>2023 5A Albuquerque Metro Preview</strong></p>
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<p><strong>VALLEY</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Billy Cobos </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Vikings </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @ValleyFB54; @CoachCobos77</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Maroon and Gold </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 8-4 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Valley was one of the pleasant surprises of Class 5A in 2022, exceeding expectations by rising as high as No. 4 in the MaxPreps poll and reaching the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs. The Vikings won't sneak up on anybody this season. Valley has become the hunted instead of the hunter, requiring a mental adjustment from the Viking players. Valley returns a dynamic QB-RB trio in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615626' first='Julian' last='Butkivich']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590712' first='Charles' last='Lopez-Burton'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='592353' first='Tazhe' last='Wilson']. </strong>Butkivich had an outstanding 7x7 season and has definitely improved his accuracy. Lopez-Burton has been offered by Eastern New Mexico. Wilson is underrated and possesses elite speed. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275556' first='Ezekiel' last='Ramos']</strong> returns as the No. 1 WR. <strong>Daniel Garcia</strong> looks to have a quality senior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1119224' first='Luis' last='Gomez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275594' first='Justin' last='Vigil']</strong> should have more receptions. <strong>Natavious Stallworth</strong> demonstrated some serious elusiveness and athleticism in 7x7 season. Center/Guard <strong>Tomas Tafoya</strong> anchors the offensive line. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615451' first='Christian' last='Powell']</strong> and Lopez-Burton are the defensive ends. Six-foot-4 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='837220' first='Juan' last='Vigil']</strong> brings impressive size to the DT spot. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='593526' first='Winston' last='Brooks']</strong> and <strong>Daniel Valdez</strong> spearhead the LB corps. Versatile <strong>Chris Melendez</strong> can play CB or safety. </p>
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<p><strong>2023</strong> <strong>Schedule</strong>:</p>
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<p>Aug. 17 BERNALILLO (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Aug. 26 at Cibola (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Aug. 31 ST. PIUS X (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 8 BELEN</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 Bye</p>
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<p>Sept. 22 at Los Lunas</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 at Portales</p>
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<p>Oct. 7 at Manzano (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 13 at Del Norte</p>
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<p>Oct. 19 LOS ALAMOS (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 27 at Rio Grande</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “Since the start of the offseason , all of our players had a business-like approach to the weight room and taken the training seriously. We're not going to sneak up on anybody this year. Last season we had trouble showing up for the big games. So, we're working on building up our players' confidence to make sure we're prepared. When we travel, we're going to treat it like a business trip. Julian has improved in that he doesn't force throws anymore. He's surveying the field a lot better this year. He's not locking in on just one or two receivers. Spirits are high in the North Valley. We have an entire community behind us and they want to see us do well.” – Valley head coach Bily Cobos</p>
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<p>*****************************************************************************</p>
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<p><strong>HIGHLAND </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Phillip Lovato </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Hornets </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @HHS_HornetsFB; @CoachLovato</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Navy Blue and Gold </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 5-4 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Decimated by the pandemic, the road back to respectability for Highland has been long and winding. Last season's 5-4 record marked just the second time since 2010 the Hornets finished with an above .500 record. For Highland, it was a major step in the right direction. Looking for a better fit between scheme and the players' skill, Highland has changed its offense for this season. The new quarterback is senior <strong>Acxel Morales</strong>, but Highland could rotate in others as well as the Wildcat figures to have a major role in Highland's offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275558' first='Joziah' last='Rodriguez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615426' first='Alex' last='Lopez']</strong> will play QB as well. Junior RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='615425' first='Amiri' last='Mumba']</strong> returns after a solid sophomore campaign. He runs very well between the tackles. Junior <strong>Elijah Wigge</strong>, a transfer from La Cueva, and <strong>Erik Ochoa</strong> joins Mumba in the backfield. Whoever has the hot hand will get the ball more. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137423' first='Jose' last='Tapia']</strong> is a promising WR. Once he gets acclimated to varsity level speed, he should become a major contributor. Senior OT <strong>Allen Edmundson</strong> anchors an inexperienced offensive line. He has plenty of experience. The Hornets defense is highlighted by strong junior DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118373' first='Shawn' last='Wharepapa']</strong>. Edmundson will play NT. Freshman LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1272783' first='Jasper' last='Groves']</strong> saw action as an 8<sup>th</sup> grader in 2022. His potential is sky high. </p>
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<p><strong>2023 Schedule</strong>:</p>
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<p>Aug. 19 PORTALES (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Aug. 25 at St. Pius X</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 Bye</p>
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<p>Sept. 7 BERNALILLO (Thur.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 DEL NORTE</p>
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<p>Sept. 23 HOPE CHRISTIAN (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 29 MANZANO</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 at Pojoaque Valley</p>
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<p>Oct. 13 at Belen*</p>
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<p>Oct. 20 at Piedra Vista*</p>
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<p>Oct. 28 MIYAMURA*</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “We have gone through a transformation this year. We ended last season on a sour note. We had some bad losses and negativity. So, this summer I tried to make things better for our kids and coaches. We lost a lot of kids. Our new philosophy is we have to have more fun, be more committed and more about the process. We needed a new vibe. We have about 50 players right now and this was one of the best summers we've ever had in terms of kids showing up consistently and their attitudes. We could surprise a lot of people this season because we are very young. We revamped everything we're doing on offense. Basically, we developed our offense with input from the players. We wanted an offense that took advantage of what our kids do best and what they like” – Highland head coach Phillip Lovato.</p>
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<p><strong>DEL NORTE</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Bruce Langston </p>
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<p><strong>Mascot</strong>: Knights </p>
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<p><strong>Twitter</strong>: @DNHS_Knights</p>
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<p><strong>Colors</strong>: Turquoise and Black </p>
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<p><strong>2022 Record</strong>: 0-10 </p>
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<p><strong>Overview</strong>: Bruce Langston faced a massive rebuilding job when he took over the Del Norte program prior to the 2021 season. The roster was filled with freshmen and sophomores, and Langston now hopes those players have sufficiently grown up, taken their lumps and ready to win games. The schedule, though, does the Knights no favors with road contests at Deming and Valencia to open the campaign. Senior <strong>Kenneth Estrada</strong> has been with the program for four years and he was competing for the starting QB job during preseason camp with <strong>Joziah Turtle-Morales</strong>. Senior <strong>Angelo Molina</strong> is expected to be the No. 1 RB. He'll likely share carries with senior <strong>Rashard Johnson</strong>, who should be a great addition to the Knights but has never played varsity football before. <strong>Xavier Lynn-Choice</strong> will line up at WR or RB. Defensively, sophomore DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751409' first='Gauge' last='Perez']</strong> is loaded with potential. Del Norte alum Dallas Peterson is the new defensive coordinator. Senior <strong>David Peinado</strong>, a standout wrestler, will be the MLB. Junior LB <strong>Ashton Lindsey</strong> has grown up and looks ready to make an impact. The Knights could have a very good defense. Senior <strong>Angel Peregrino</strong> (270+ pounds) and senior <strong>Sean Gilbert</strong> anchor the O-Line. </p>
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<p><strong>2023 Schedule</strong>:</p>
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<p>Aug. 18 at Deming</p>
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<p>Aug. 25 at Valencia</p>
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<p>Sept. 1 BERNALILLO</p>
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<p>Sept. 9 ST. PIUS X (Sat.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 15 at Highland</p>
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<p>Sept. 22 at Rio Grande</p>
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<p>Sept. 30 MIYAMURA</p>
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<p>Oct. 6 Bye</p>
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<p>Oct. 13 VALLEY*</p>
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<p>Oct. 19 at Manzano (Thur.)*</p>
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<p>Oct. 27 at Los Alamos*</p>
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<p>* District Game</p>
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<p><strong>Coach's Comments</strong>: “It's hard rebuilding a program. We went from having a very good team that could compete with anybody to a bunch of young kids. They were young age-wise, physically and new to football. Many of them had never played before. I was proud how our kids stuck together as a team last season even though they were going through a lot of adversity. But it's very frustrating when things don't go the way you want them to go. Our kids worked through it. They are getting bigger and stronger. I think they will be much better prepared to compete this season. Everything is a process and takes time. It's all about consistency and hard work.” – Del Norte head coach Bruce Langston.</p>
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2023 5A Albuquerque Metro Preview
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