WEEK 10 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
“No matter the record, it always seems to go down to the wire.”
“We are coming off a physical and emotional win over one of the best teams in the state only to face the other best team.”
“If it weren’t for different colored jerseys, you wouldn’t know who is who.”
“This district has five caliber playoff teams and all of us are playing well right now.”
Those are all quotes from coaches getting ready for key matchups this week. Here’s a look at some of the games to watch this week.
Artesia (5-3) at
Goddard (7-0-1)
The Rockets probably had this one circled on the calendar for a while. The defending state champs come to the Wool Bowl to face one of this year’s favorites in the Class 5A. The Bulldogs are coming off a last second win over Roswell last week. “It’s always an intense game when Artesia and Goddard play,” said Artesia head coach Rex Henderson. “We are coming off a physical and emotional win over one of the best teams in the state only to face the other best team.”
Bloomfield (5-3) at
Kirtland Central (5-3)
Kirtland Central head coach Greg Jenks called last week’s game against Aztec their biggest in a long time. The Broncos passed that test with flying colors 56-35, making this week’s game even bigger. “Bloomfield looks good and has been ranked high for good reason,” said Jenks. “Both our offenses and defenses are very similar. If it weren’t for different colored jerseys, you wouldn’t know who is who.”
Eldorado (5-3) at
Manzano (4-4)
Not many people expected the Eagles to get shutout at Clovis last week by a score of 47-0. The Eagles are looking for their first win in the month of October. They are counting the days to see if/when quarterback Gabe Smith returns from a collarbone injury. The Monarchs only scored 19 points in each of their last two games, but it was good enough to get them back-to-back victories. “This will be one of the best offensive and defensive lines we have faced this year, said Manzano coach Phillip Martinez. Eldorado hasn’t scored in 6 quarters. “We have to recover from a frustrating loss and try to take care of the football and put some points on the board,” said Eldorado head coach Charlie Dotson.
Escalante (7-2) at
Newcomb (9-0)
Newcomb is one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in the state in any class. This will be their toughest test of the year. “Three important keys to this game are blocking, tackling and playing disciplined football,” said Newcomb coach Eric Stovall.
Eunice (8-0) at
Jal (5-4)
The defending state champs would like to close out another unblemished regular season with a road victory. Jal has only allowed one team to score more than ten points on them since the first week of September.
Hobbs (6-2) at
Mayfield (5-3)
This matchup will go a long way in determining postseason position.
Las Cruces (4-4) at
Carlsbad (4-3-1)
This is one of the tightest races for district position. The Cavemen got healthy against Onate and Gadsden after losses to Mayfield and Centennial. Carlsbad was idle last week. We will find out how much they have in the tank with their two remaining games against the Bulldawgs and Hobbs Eagles. “This district has five caliber playoff teams and all of us are playing well right now,” said Carlsbad head coach Gary Bradley.
Robertson (7-1) at
St. Michael’s (4-4)
The Horsemen took a loss to West Las Vegas last week for the first time in a long time. St. Michael’s is looking to bounce back against another northern rival.
Santa Rosa (8-1) at
Fort Sumner/House (8-0)
This has the makings of a potential postseason matchup. Fort Sumner/House has only given up a total of 28 points all year. They have five shutouts on their resume this season. When talking with the Lions before the season, they were already talking about Fort Sumner/House as one of the teams to beat. They will get their opportunity this week. “Santa Rosa has great team speed and several weapons,” said Ft.Sumner/House head coach Brad Holland. “We definitely will have our hands full this week.”
Volcano Vista (6-2) at
Rio Rancho (4-4)
The Hawks gave Cleveland everything they had last week, but couldn’t stop the Storm from putting up 61 points. The Rams put up a total of 102 combined points in their last two games. Rio Rancho is 3-0 in district with a regular season-finale against Cleveland on the schedule. “I believe we matchup well with Volcano Vista,” said Rams head coach David Howes. “No matter the record, it always seems to go down to the wire. This game should be a good one!”
