2013 Southern NM Football

Football 2013
Southern NM
A publication of the
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RETURN TO GLORY
Mayeld looks to return to states elite

PAGE 3
STRONG TEAM REMAINS
Champion Bulldawgs solid core remains

PAGE 8 STATEMENT SEASON
Oate has playoff berth as ultimate goal
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

Martin brings fresh perspective, outlook to NMSU football program
PAGE 13
PROGRESSIVE GROWTH
Centennial looks to build off rst year

PAGE 16
Thursday, 8.29.2013
Football |
SUN-NEWS
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
THE LINEUP
MAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

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It was an abnormal 2012season at Mayfield a 7-5campaign that saw them eliminated early from playoff contention. The Trojans now look to right the ship. PAGES 47: Meet the 2013Mayfield Trojans.
LAS CRUCES HIGH SCHOOL

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After winning the state championship on the wings of an explosive offense, the Las Cruces Bulldawgs will now turn to its defensive unit in 2013. PAGES 9 & 12: Meet the 2013Las Cruces Bulldawgs.
OATE HIGH SCHOOL

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The Oate Knights havent been to the postseason since 2009. Can they reverse that trend in Year 3of the Caleb Hull era? PAGES 1416: Meet the 2013Oate Knights.
CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL

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A high-flying attack granted the Centennial Hawks a .500record in 2012. Theyll now look to continue and make strides as a second-year program. PAGES 1718: Meet the 2013Centennial Hawks.
OTHER AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

PAGE 18: PAGE 19:
Gadsden Deming PAGE 19: Alamogordo PAGE 20: Mesilla Valley Christian
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Chaparral PAGE 21: Santa Teresa PAGE 22: Silver PAGE 22: Hatch Valley
COLLEGES
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A position-by-position look at the New Mexico State Aggies. Game-by-game prognostications of NMSUs independent schedule. PAGE 27: Keys to the Aggies 2013season. PAGE 2628: Previewing UNM, WNMU and UTEP. Online Extras: Videos on Mayfield, Las Cruces High, Oate, Centennial and New Mexico State can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM Online Updates: Follow our sports staff on Twitter @TEDDYFEINBERG and @JPGROVES for news, updates and analysis on high school football throughout the year
SOUTHERN NM FOOTBALL STAFF
NMSU 101is a supplement of For advertising opportunities, please call the Sun-News at 575-541-5400. Publisher: Frank Leto Vice President and Editor: Jim Lawitz Advertising Director: Heidi Melendrez Sports editor: Teddy Feinberg Layout and design: Michael L. Lewis Sports reporter: Jason Groves Photographers: Shari V. Hill, Steve MacIntyre, Robin Zielinski Online: Jason Gibbs, Lucas Peerman Contributors: Bill Armendariz, Michael Johnson, Danny Udero Cover photo: ROBIN ZIELINSKI SUN-NEWS Special thanks: Estep Photography and Kim Jew Photography for high school football head shots
SUN-NEWS
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MAYFIELD TROJANS
Ready to rebound
Sun-News staff report
INSIDE THE HEADSET
As high school offenses continue to spread the field and move the football, Mayfield has become somewhat of a throwback. Of course, the Trojans still put multiple formations on the field, but the teams identity will likely remain with a good rushing attack and a disciplined offensive line. The 2013 Trojans should be solid defensively. And Mayfield has several returners at the skill positions, including junior quarterback Kavika Johnson, senior receiver Joah Franzoy and running back David Stookey. Raymond Fierro is the lone returning starter on the the Trojans need to come offensive line and will lead together. Johnson is an imthis years group a unit pressive athlete and, after
Bradleys won three state championships and coached in five state title games since taking over as head coach of the Mayfield program in 2006. Mayfields played in two of the past three state championship contests, meaning the Trojans are due for another playoff run after losing in the quarterfinals round last year.
TEAM CAPSULE
Coach: Michael Bradley 2012 season: 7-5, 3-1 in district (Lost in Class 5A quarterfinals) District: 3-5A
splitting time at quarterback last year, hell take over the full-time role in 2013. His maturity at the position will set the tone for the entire offense. Mayfield improved as last season progressed, but the Trojans suffered losses due to growing pains and a challenging schedule. This year, Mayfield opens the season with home games against two very good El Paso teams. Still, at least the SHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS Trojans will have the benefit of beginning the year in their Trojans offensive and defensive lineman Tyler Whitlock, front, hits the field hard during an August practice at Mayfield High School. own backyard.
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MAYFIELD TROJANS Kavika Johnson: After an impressive showing as a sophomore, expectations are high for Johnson as he takes over quarterback duties full-time for the Trojans. Entering his junior season, Johnson has shown supreme athleticism and can get out of the pocket and make plays with his legs. Isaac Figueroa: The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Figueroa came on last season and will play free safety and wide receiver this season. He is a 4.0 student and a three-sport athlete. He placed fourth
7 KEY PLAYERS
in the Class 5A high jump, clearing 6-feet last year. David Stookey: The 5-foot-7Stookey is a hard runner and the Trojans most experienced returner in the offensive backfield. Mayfield is notorious for having talent at the skill positions, and Stookey hopes to carry that torch entering the 2013season. Raymond Fierro: The lone returning starter on the offensive line at tackle, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Fierro will also start on the defensive side of the ball for the Trojans. Fierro is someone that will be
relied upon for leadership on the offensive line. Shane Tieman: After seeing significant time on the defensive line last season, Tieman will also start at offensive tackle in 2013. Due to injuries, he was one of 13Trojans to play along the front seven last year, making for a deep group in 2013. Isaiah Lerman: Teaming with Phillip Ehly in the defensive backfield at the safety position, Lerman led the Trojans with nine interceptions last season. Hell also see time at the slashreceiver position, which
is a split-end type position that has been important to the Mayfield offense over the years. Joseph Arguello: Playing defensive end last year, Arguello was somewhat undersized at 6-feet, 190 pounds. Hell now move back to his natural position at linebacker. Arguello was a rotation player last year, but now he and senior Joah Franzoy form a solid duo at linebackers in the Trojans 5-2 defensive front.
Riley Folkman
Ethan Alvarado
Isaac Figueroa
Jeremiah Lopez
Nick Flores
Kavika Johnson
10
Joeray Valencia
11
Elijah Stout
TELLING NUMBER
the road last year.
Home games for the 2 Trojans to start this season after an 0-2start on
12
Isaiah Carrera
13
Patrick Shannon
14
Andrew Flores
Jonathan Marquez
14
AUGUST 29- SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
SUN-NEWS
| Football
MAYFIELD TROJANS
2013 MAYFIELD SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME
15
Payson Rogers
Tyler Harrison
17
Isaiah Lerman
18
18
Phillip Ehly
19
Ryan Hammond
20
Lloyd Gardner
Marciano Giron
20
21
Abner Gomez
21
David Stookey
22
Matthew Zertuche
23
David Santome
24
Erick Prieto
25
Seth White
27
Angel Aguilera
28
Matthew Pettes
29
Robert Sandoval
Aug. 30 vs. El Dorado (El Paso) Sept. 6 vs. Franklin Sept. 13 @ Carlsbad Sept. 21 @ Manzano Sept. 28 vs. Eldorado Oct. 4 @ Volcano Vista Oct. 10 vs. Gadsden* Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 @ Oate* Nov. 1 vs. Alamogordo* Nov. 8 @ Las Cruces* * District 3-5A game
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 1p.m. 1p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m.
30
Joah Franzoy
31
Christopher Manuel
Jesse Jimenez
32
33
Ernest Nevarez
35
Frankie Cordova
35
Robert Zarate
37
Josh Sullivan
Andrew Lamond
38
39
Joshua Slappey
Louie Lombardi
40
41
Isaac Tarin
42
Mitchell Matheison
Brennon Shay
Biology
Wide Receiver
Wishes our Athletes a Arts and Sciences Student Successful Season!

College of
Free Safety Justin Smith Criminal Justice
Quarterback
Andrew McDonald
Strong Safety
Individualized Studies
Anthony Edwards
Offensive Lineman
Andrew Cunningham
Criminal Justice
Punter
Jake Capraro
Punter
Criminal Justice
Cayle Chapman-Brown
Long Snapper
Michael Kaiser
Defensive Line
Nick Oliva
Running Back
Jeremy Fielder
Wide Receiver
Joshua Bowen
Sociology
Offensive Lineman
Dada Richards
Criminal Justice
Wide Receiver
Jordan Bergstrom
Place Kicker
Maxwell Johnson
Offensive Lineman
Houston Clemente
Criminal Justice
Free Safety
Justin Smith
Line Backer
Criminal Justice
Dele Junaid
Football |
SUN-NEWS
MAYFIELD TROJANS David Stookey on carrying the load in the Trojans ground game: Michael Bradley on Im just going to work defending modern high to be the best and try my school offenses: You hardest. I learned Im not need depth and you need the biggest guy out there, speed. Depth on the defense is good versus these so its probably better to spread offenses. Weve got try to get around guys than run through them. a good mix of speed and size, so I think we can play Isaiah Lerman on playboth ways this year. ing the slash position Kavika Johnson on in the Mayfield offense: Mayfields 2013expecta- Its kind of big shoes to fill tions: Our main goal is to knowing past players. Its just come together. Our ul- kind of an honor to play the timate goal is to make it to position. Its tough, but I the state championship. think we can get it done.
WHAT THEYRE SAYING
43
Ryan Escalera
44
Marcus Reyes
45
Caleb Gattis
46
Anthony Lopez
47
Joe Arguello
48
Trevor Yurcic
49
Trevor Nunley
50
Juan Torres
51
Colton Evans
52
Garret Dozier
Eligio Tena-Olivas
53
53
Jordan McWhorter
54
Cameron Mills
54
Matthew Franco
58
Dominik Trujillo
59
Andrew Lopez
59
James Noe
59
Justin Gonzales
60
Andrew Bolanos
60
Justin Sotelo
Kristian Rodriguez
61
62
Jordan Zuniga
63
Chris Lopez
65
Jeremy Stock
67
Christian Sanchez
68
Tyler Whitlock
72
Raymond Fierro
73
Abraham Ordunez
SUN-NEWS
| Football
MAYFIELD TROJANS Joah Franzoy, linebacker/ receiver Q: What are your expectations for the season? A: I would like to have high expectations. Its my senior year so you want to go out with a bang. Q: Do you prefer offense or defense? A: I kind of just play wherever the team needs me. Whatever helps them out the most. It doesnt really matter to me. Q: Do you and your team consider last year a down year? A: Mayfield has a winning tradition, so yes, you would consider last year a down year. We have high standards. Q: As the season starts, what is the strength of this seasons Mayfield team?
Q&A
73
Everett Garibay
75
Zachary Bustillos
76
Kyle Owen
77
Joseph Lujan
78
Shane Tiemann
80
Chad Faubion
81
Anthony Armendariz
82
Noah Pierce
83
Dominic Carrasco
83
Nicholas Bustamante
85
Ben Monsivaiz
86
SHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS
Tommy Montoya
Online: For individual photos of local high school football players, go to our Sun-News Sports Facebook page:
Mayfield linebacker Joah Franzoy, center, runs through drills during a recent practice at the school. Franzoy returns as one of the Trojans top players, both at linebacker and wide receiver. A: Well just have to test it out and, throughout the season, see what we are. Q: Is there a non-district game that youre looking forward to this year? A: I think were looking forward to Franklin (from) El Paso. They got us really bad (last year) and were looking forward to getting them back. It will be here this year.
FACEBOOK.COM/SUNNEWSSPORTS
87
Matthew Rivera
88
Brandon Whitlock
89
Brett Kowalski
93
Roberto Melendrez
Online: Videos on the Mayfield team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM
Football | SUN-NEWS
LAS CRUCES BULLDAWGS
Defending the title

The Bulldawgs scored over 30 points per game in all 13 of their 2012 wins, rolling to a Class 5A state championship in the process. The Bulldawgs are an intriguing team offensively again, but the strength and experience entering the new year is now on the defensive side of the ball. It begins with head coach Jim Miller, who steps in as defensive coordinator after longtime assistant coach Brent Jaquess announced his retirement following last year. The Bulldawgs have nine starters back on defense including Division I prospect contend with spread offenses Sam Denmark at middle that have taken over the high linebacker, as the Bulldawgs school football ranks. add the 4-3 defensive front to Offensively, Millers son
Jim Miller is 5-0in state championship games at Las Cruces High School. Millers done virtually everything during his 17years as head coach, and this season hell take over as defensive coordinator while one of the programs veteran assistant coaches, Mark Lopez, handles the offensive side of the ball.
INSIDE THE HEADSET
TEAM CAPSULE
Coach: Jim Miller 2012season: 13-1, 4-0in district (Won Class 5A state championship) District: 3-5A
sophomore quarterback Kameron Miller will start the season under center. The Bulldawgs implemented a new vertical passing game last season, and theyre loaded at the skill positions, but Jesse Olson is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. Austin Salas and J.J. Granados are quality running backs that can make Kameron Millers SHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS transition to quarterback a successful one if the offen- Las Cruces Highs Austin Salas tries to break through two Bulldawg tacklers at the school sive line comes together. practice field earlier this month.
Kameron Miller, quarterback Q: Whats the biggest thing you learned from quarterback Jonathan Joy last year? A: He led the team to a state championship. He showed me how to stay calm and dont let your team down. He taught me how to lead the team. Q: What is your strength as a quarterback? What did you work the hardest to improve on? A: Im more of a stay-inthe-pocket kind of guy and wait to see receivers get open. At the beginning of last year, my arm strength was not so good, but Ive worked on it for the past two summers. I believe I can make every throw now. Q: Whos your favorite NFL player? A: Peyton Manning. Im a die-hard Colts fan even though he went to the
Q&A
Amidst a sea of Bulldawg blockers and pass rushers, Las Cruces High quarterback Kameron Miller throws downfield during an August practice at the school. Broncos. Hes a Hall of Fame player no matter what. He had neck surgery and still led his team to the playoffs. Q: Who is the best Las Cruces quarterback youve seen play? A: Its going to be either Dante (Caro) or Joy. Dante was a running quarterback that led the team to the state championship and Joy was a passing quarterback who won. Those two guys combined would be the perfect quarterback. Q: What does it mean to you to play for your dad? A: Ive been waiting for it for all my life. He will push me harder than any other kid on the team, I guarantee you.
SUN-NEWS
| Football
2013 LAS CRUCES SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME
Kameron Miller
Ricardo Terrazas
Nick Guerrero
Ean Smith
Sam Ellis
11
Dylan Perez
13
Joseph Montoya
14
Andrew Thatcher
15
J.R. Hernandez
16
Tommy Pierce
17
Sam Suarez
18
Thomas Esparza
19
Daniel Herrera
20
J.J. Granados
21
Junshiro Molinar
22
Isaiah McIntyre
Aug. 29 @ Chapin (El Paso) Sept. 6 @ Eldorado Sept. 14 vs. Cibola Sept. 20 Rio Rancho Sept. 27 @ La Cueva Oct. 4 vs. Artesia Oct. 11 vs. Oate* Oct. 18 @ Alamogordo* Oct.25 BYE Nov. 1 @ Gadsden* Nov. 8 vs. Mayfield* * District 3-5A game
7p.m. 7p.m. 1p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m.
23
Jalen Bishop
24
Gabe Saavedra
26
Dominik Frietze
28
Marcell Garza
30
Jacob Robles
31
A.J. Martinez
32
Austin Salas
33
Dante Lujan
35
Aeneas Reynolds
36
Sam Denmark
37
Forrest McKee
38
Seth Ball
39
Adam Chavez
40
Steele Blue
David Ramirez
41
42
Cory Noel
43
Vince Montez
Alex Hernandez-Hualde
44
45
Aaron Watson
49
Diego Garcia
50
Jesse Olson
52
Adrian Campos
53
Jacob Diaz
54
Xavier Armendariz
WHAT THEYRE SAYING

Jim Miller on expectations: Sometimes you live on what you did last year. They have been working hard and they know there is a target on their back. Sam Denmark on starting at tight end and linebacker: The biggest challenge is that its draining playing both ways once you
get to the third and fourth quarters. But I dont know if I would be happy not playing both ways. It feels great being able to contribute on both sides of the ball. J.J. Granados on what it takes to defend a championship: Were going to need to work together a little bit more because theres going to be a target on our back as state champs. But
anything is possible. If we work hard, I think we can make another run at it. Jesse Olson on replacing their entire offensive line: Its definitely been different from last year. The other guys are not as experienced as I am and dont know the offense as well. Were not as big and physical up front this year, so we have to focus more on technique.
10
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Ricky Garcia
56
57
Caleb Englehart
59
A.J. Kovach
62
Aslei Morales
64
Simon Valdez
66
Gabriel Martinez
67
Laz Gomez
68
Daniel Ontiveros
69
Andrew Lawendy
71
Connor Stringam
Alejandro Jose Gomez
72
73
Carlos Campos
Las Cruces High senior linebacker Sam Denmark, left, will be a valuable asset to both the Bulldawgs offensive and defensive units during the 2013season. field mate J.J. Granados to form a physical one-two Sam Denmark: Denmark punch for the Bulldawgs ofis valuable in all aspects fense. The 2013season will for the also see Salas play outside Bulldawgs, linebacker for the LCHS moving to a defense. true middle Isaiah McIntyre: McIinlinebacker tyre started at safety last role for the season for Las Cruces High, team defenwhere his sively, while speed made providing a target in the him a playpassing offense and a physi- maker on the cal blocker in the run game. defensive All tolled, hes a clutch side of the player who seems to make ball. A state the big play when the chips qualifier are down. in the 110-meter hurdles, J.J. Granados: A scorMcIntyre is one of the fasting machine last season, est players on the BullGranados hit dawgs football roster. This paydirt on year hell also see time at 24percent receiver. of his carries Jesse Olson: At 5-foot-11, in 2012. Gra240pounds, Olson wasnt nados scored even the biggest offensive 34rushing or defensive lineman on the touchdowns LCHS roster last year. But last year and accumulated the senior 1,119yards on the ground. is the only Entering his senior season, returning he should enjoy a similar role starter on the LCHS attack. an offensive front that Austin flat-out had Salas: While its way with rushing for opposing teams in 2012. 754yards While this years Bulldawgs last year, Saoffensive line might not las teamed have the same dominant with back-
7 KEY PLAYERS
74
David Mulheron
75
Frankie Gonzales
77
Sergio Ledesma
79
Stefano Hernandez
Online: Videos on the Las Cruces team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM
presence, expect the unit to still hold its own. David Ramirez: After starting last season at defensive end, Ramirez will man the position once again in 2013. While Bulldawgs head coach Jim Miller said the defensive end wont be asked to drop into coverage often in the teams 4-3defensive front, Ramirez remains a versatile player. Carlos Campos: At 300 pounds, Campos will step into a starting role as a junior at offensive and defensive tackle. Campos was among the standouts at the NMPreps .com Combine in Rio Rancho this summer. What he lacks in varsity experience, he certainly makes up in size and strength.
Number of returning 9 starters on the defensive side of the ball.
TELLING NUMBER
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OATE KNIGHTS
Pushing forward
TEAM CAPSULE
District: 3-5A
INSIDE THE HEADSET

In his third year at Oate, Hull wont call plays this year, yet will rather oversee the Knights program in its entirety. Assistant coach Gilbert Gonzalez will run the offense while Hull brought in Richard Grace to be the programs new defensive coordinator. Grace, whos had previous stops at Gadsden and Santa STEVE MACINTYRE FOR THE SUN-NEWS Teresa, will implement a 4-3 Isaiah Fielders proven that he can be a strong feature back in the Oate offense. defense at OHS.
Oate was 3-3 entering District 3-5A play last season and held hopes of a playoff berth, only to go winless in district play during head coach Caleb Hulls second season with the program. The Knights were competitive against teams with comparable talent, but a lack of depth and injuries to key players took a toll late in the year. Offensively, the Knights showed an ability to put points on the board with playmakers such as running Isaiah Fielder and wide receiver Rhyan Araiza. The running game should alo be bolstered by what Hull said was the biggest offensive line
Coach: Caleb Hull 2012 season: 3-7, 0-4in district

hes had in three seasons with the program. Such a group can hopefully provide adequate blocking for the explosive Fielder. Oate needs anywhere between ve-to-seven victories to reach the postseason for the rst time since 2009. Acquiring a playoff berth has been a goal of the coaching staff and players at Oate, and theres certainly opportunities on the schedule to get the Knights there this season.
Travis Johnson, quarterback Q: What are your strengths as a quarterback? A: I think my biggest strength is that Im a dual threat. Im able to pass and able to run. Q: How is the offensive line coming along? A: Our offensive line has some pretty good depth with three starters returning. The offensive line is pretty big, so I think well be able to bully some people in the trenches this year. Q: What would it take to get the Knights back into the postseason? A: A total commitment by the whole football team. We also need to beat Cruces and Mayfield. If we want to be able to make the playoffs and be successful in the playoffs, we have to beat Cruces and Mayfield. Q: Is there a particular game youre looking for-
Q&A
STEVE MACINTYRE FOR THE SUN-NEWS
Travis Johnson looks to step up as Oates starting quarterback in 2013. ward to? A: Im looking forward to the Bel Air game because its the first game of the season and theyve been talking a lot on social-networking sites. Q: Have you always played quarterback? A: Since the fifth grade. I started as a tight end, but they moved me to quarterback because I could throw the ball far at that age.
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OATE KNIGHTS
2013 OATE SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME
Aug. 29 vs. Bel Air (El Paso) Sept. 6 @ Socorro (Texas) Sept. 13 @ Cleveland Sept. 21 vs. Hobbs Sept. 27 vs. Volcano Vista Oct. 5 @ West Mesa Oct. 11 @ Las Cruces* Oct. 18 @ Gadsden* Oct. 25 Mayfield* Nov. 1 BYE Nov. 7 Alamogordo* * District 3-5A game
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 2p.m. 7p.m. 1p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m. 7p.m.
Fabian Reyes
Jovan Lopez
Jose Bustillos
Brandon Lopez
Richard Enriquez
Nathan Steigely
Gabe Benavidez
Travis Johnson
11
Ethan Tahuahua
13
Aaren McShan
Michael Salcedo
15
16
Sarah Patterson
19
David Soto
20
Mathew Guerra
21
Jaime Quintana
22
Isaiah Fielder
23
Dustin Schneider
24
Rhyan Araiza
Garrett Hernandez
27
28
C.J. Gant
31
Christian Armendariz
Zachary Weisenberger
33
36
Jonathan Rodriguez
40
Mario Pacheco
41
Timothy Patrick
42
Zak Lauterbach
44
Albert Rowe
46
Javier Corral
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OATE KNIGHTS
7 KEY PLAYERS
Marcos Montoya
47
48
Gabriel Gonzales
Julian Hill
51
52
Daniel Martinez
53
Luis Duarte
54
Antonio Guzman
55
Nathan Trevizo
56
Fidel Garcia
Nicolas Sedillo
60
Luis Ruiz
62
63
David Rodriguez
65
Anthony Manchaca
at the fullback position. The senior will also line up at Rhyan Araiza: After steptight end, yet fills a similar ping into a lead role for the role for the OHS offense in Knights offense last year, 2013: clearing the way for Travis Johnson: At 6-foot- running back Fielder while Araiza made a consider4, 173pounds, Johnson able impact providing an insurance is more imposing and has at wide policy for first-year quartergreater arm strength than receiver. He back Johnson. last years starting quarteralso made back, Curtis Darren Jackson: Standhis presence Hynes. ing at 6-feet, 215pounds, felt on speJohnson Jackson could be a breakcial teams, should have out player at defensive lining up as a bigger end for the a dangerous player in the offensive Knights in kick-return game. Araiza 2013. The will also fill in at cornerback line in front of him and Knights in key situations on the a proven running back, but switched defensive side of the ball. will need to develop as a from a 5-2 Isaiah Fielder: A workhorse first-year starter in Oates defensive running back, Fielder has spread offense. front to a the size to 4-3for players like Jackson, get through Mario Pacheco: A security who Oate coaches believe the line of blanket for could be a game-changer, scrimmage the Knights rushing the passer off the and speed last season, edge. Jackson will also see to pull Pacheco playing time at tight end on away from was capable offense. defenders. of gaining Fielder was the Knights tough yards Danny Martinez: The
most consistent offensive player last season as a junior and doesnt figure to see a drop off in production.
Knights smallest offensive lineman, Martinez (who weighs in at 195pounds) is a twoyear starter whose motor and instincts have made up for his lack of size. Martinez plays left tackle for the Knights and is an emotional and vocal leader on the Oate line. Austin Hales: Entering his junior season, Hales showed the ability to knock passes down at the line of scrimmage as a defensive tackle. Hales has good length, and looks primed for a solid year after putting in a good offseason with the program.
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OATE KNIGHTS
Bigger, faster, stronger

72
Victor Pea
CENTENNIAL HAWKS
69
Carlos Jimenez
70
Tyler Stockberger
73
David Tabullo
74
Daniel Sidwell
76
Josh Villalobos
77
Miguel Corral
79
David Houserman
90
Darren Jackson
97
Austin Hales
Online: Videos on the Oate team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM
Last time Oate made the New Mexico high school football state playoffs.
2009
TELLING NUMBER
Centennials 5-5 record last year came as a pleasant surprise for the Hawks coaching staff as, with virtually no offseason, the Hawks proved to be a competitive Class 4A team. Centennial lost to El Paso Americas junior varsity team and El Paso Fabens by a combined four points, ultimately costing the Hawks what could have been a playoff berth. CHS players are now a year older with a handful of seniors and impact contributors on the roster. The Hawks believe a strength entering the season is their offensive and defensive lines, but theyre looking for impact players on the offense to vary their attack. Defensively, the teams linebackers and defensive backs will have to be become better playmakers than they were last season. An early look at the schedule indicates the Hawks should improve on their ve wins from a year
Coach: Aaron Ocampo 2012season: 5-5, 1-2in district District: 3-4A Aaron Ocampo was a quality choice as the first football coach at a brand-new high school. He won games and scored points while at Manzano in Albuquerque, and has laid similar groundwork at Centennial. The team played competitively during its first season with no seniors on the roster.
TEAM CAPSULE
INSIDE THE HEADSET
Running back Daniel Conklin looks to have a strong year in Centennials offensive attack.
TELLING NUMBER
ago. But with no Class 4A lone league win is the best classmen in 2013, teams on the pre-district chance they have for post- which marks the first senior docket, improving on their season football in 2013. class at the school.
10 Centennial upper
Caleb Hull on the direction of his football program: We have the highest number of athletes right now throughout the entire season and offseason. We have team goals, but it shows were improving as a program if we go into that next stage. Mario Pacheco on the Knights offense: Were better than last year, (so) I think well be a lot better than last year. We just have to work on the defensive side a little bit. Javier Corral on playing middle linebacker in the Knights new 4-3defense: It was a 5-2last year, so I learned a couple things at linebacker. Its more taking
WHAT THEYRE SAYING
The Knights believe wide receiver Rhyan Araiza can be a versatile player across the board offensiely. responsibility and stepping up and filling the holes. Isaiah Fielder on team expectations for the 2013 season: We need to come out and get some victories in our first couple of games, and try to get a playoff berth.
Senior left tackle Joaquin Melendez Q: Whats the biggest thing you learned last year? A: Last year was my first year of varsity football and it was a really great experience. I saw an opportunity and we had a great year for how young our team is. Q: Why did you choose to attend Centennial? A: I have family in Albuquerque and they talked about how great coach Ocampo was and that he was going to go to Centennial. My family basically convinced me and it turned out to be a great experience.
Q&A
Q: What will it take to win District 3-4A? A: Just facing adversity and working harder. I feel that we can do better. We have young players who have stepped up. Q: What do you like about playing offensive line? A: Were brothers. I love every single one of them. We learned a lot last year for being how small we were. This year weve gotten bigger up front. Q: What does it mean to be part of Centennials first senior class? A: I never thought that STEVE MACINTYRE FOR THE SUN-NEWS would happen. We have a The Hawks cool off on the first official day of fall practice great senior class that is in early August. going along with me.
SUN-NEWS
| Football
| 17
CENTENNIAL HAWKS Quevin Redding: The senior quarterback was the last man standing on offense toward the end of 2012, as two of his favorite targets went down with injuries. Redding is a strong runner and was among the best athletes on the team last year. As a senior, hes capable of leading the Hawks on offense. Christian Barrera: Prior to going down with a seasonending knee injury last season, Barrera was clearly the Hawks most dangerous target in the passing game. The team hopes the 5-foot-7 senior can bounce back for more in 2013. Daniel Conklin: Well on his way to a 1,000 yard campaign last season, Conklin suffered a broken leg prior to district play. He now enters his senior season nearly 100 percent and, at 6-feet and 170pounds, has proven to be a hard running back to bring down. Joaquin Melendez: Often in football the left tackle is the most important player along the offensive line,
7 KEY PLAYERS
and Melendez is certainly that for Centennial. While standing at just 5-foot8, 220 pounds, Melendez makes up for a lack of size with his feisty attitude and leadership. Jerry Gurrola: As a sophomore last year, Gurrola was arguably the Hawks best player on defense. He played nose guard and defensive end and, at 6-foot, 230pounds, Gurrola is among the most physical players on the roster. The coaching staff has also spoken highly of his football IQ. Christian Cedano: Among the best athletes in Centennials program, the 5-foot-11, 156-pound Cedano started at safety last year as a sophomore. Cedano even played quarterback during offseason workouts. Now entering his junior season, Sedano could also see time at the wide receiver position. Andres Chavez: The team believes Chavez is among a handful of Hawks players with potential for a breakout year. Chavez showed glimpses last season after wide receiver Christian Barrera was injured, and should see increased playing time as a junior.
Daniel Conklin
Quevin Redding
Christian Cedano
Cristian Barrera
Ysmael Gomez
10
Matt Alvarez
11
Marco Fernandez
12
Thomas Lopez
13
Michael Aguirre
14
Angel Cruz
15
Isaac Legarreta
16
Johnathan Castillo
17
Jose Ruiz
18
Marc Sotelo
19
Jerry Gallegos
20
Johnny Gomez
21
Ricardo Montoya
23
Cris Cesarez
27
Keith Jasso
28
Brian Kirker
31
Dustin Gonzalez
32
Frank Martinez
33
Lorenzo Ramirez
34
Jonathon Faulkner
36
Michael Sutherlin
40
Alex Chacon
42
Alex Voelz
45
Stephen Garcia
Quarterback Quevin Redding on goals for the 2013 season: To get through Head coach Aaron Ocevery game with a W and ampo on District 3-4A: make sure every game, were We dont have a 4A team on our pre-district schedule, getting better. so doing well in district is important. Deming is still Defensive lineman Jerry talented, and Santa Teresa Gurrola on the Hawks has their line back from last defense: Were going to year. have tough challenges with
WHAT THEYRE SAYING
all the different teams. We have to fly off the ball and hit them first. Offensive lineman Joaquin Melendez on the Hawks 2013schedule: Well stick it out this year. We have really good teams that were facing. Were working hard to overcome those teams.
18
Football |
SUN-NEWS
CENTENNIAL HAWKS
2013 CENTENNIAL SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME
Aug. 30 @ Ruidoso Sept. 6 BYE Sept. 13 vs. Atrisco Heritage Sept. 20 @ Fabens Sept. 26 vs. Estancia Oct. 3 vs. Hatch Oct. 12 @ St. Michaels Oct. 18 vs. Ruidoso Oct. 25 @ Santa Teresa* Oct. 31 Chaparral* Nov. 8 @ Deming* * District 3-4A game
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 6p.m. 7p.m. 2 p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m.
46
Jaime Balcazar
50
Chase Austin
51
Zeke Herrera
52
Adrien Garcia
53
Aaron Rigales
55
Gerardo Bermudez
59
Cameron Burkley
60
Amani Thompson
61
Jorge Suarez
62
Duncan Gallegos
63
Nicholas Rosales
64
Scott Glines
65
Vincent Rubino
66
Levi Melloy
67
Joaquin Melendez
70
Justin Williams
72
Santiago Sosa
73
George Nio
74
Leonel Olivas
76
Justin Mauldin
77
Vic Montoya
Michael Luna
78
80
Gabe Pacheco
81
Tony Tello
88
Mark Virgil
97
Xzavion Patterson
Online: Videos on the Centennial team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM
GADSDEN PANTHERS
After .500 season, Panthers look to build off success

LOOKING BACK >>
Roy Gerela took over after an 0-10 season in 2011 and Gadsden went 5-5 and 2-2 in District 3-5A play last year. We were probably overachievers, Gerela said. But its very possible to repeat that if we stay healthy and the quarterback has a good season. Gerela didnt have to worry about the quarterback position last year, as Aaron Gomez was the heart and soul of the Panthers. Gomez ended his football career by earning Most Valuable Player honors in the North vs. South All-Star game last month. Aaron also probably had the best hands on the team and he also played safety, Gerela said. The Panthers started the
Its very possible to repeat that if we stay healthy and the quarterback has a good season
Gadsden coach Roy Gerela
Coach: Roy Gerela 2012season: 5-5, 2-2 District: 3-5A

a great start. Gadsden hadnt won a district game since 2006 before a 31-24 victory over Oate at the Field of Dreams. The Panthers then beat Alamogordo the next week at home. LOOKING FORWARD >> Can the Panthers build off the success of last season? While Gomez was a senior, Gadsden had a large sophomore class, which speaks well for the next two years. We had a lot of sophoROBIN ZIELINSKI SUN-NEWS mores last year and a lot of them did very well, Ge- After a surprise season in 2012, head coach Roy Gerela and the Gadsden Panthers are
GADSDEN: PAGE 19
TEAM CAPSULE
season with a 34-33 home victory over Hobbs, which marked a sign of things to come for a program that experienced a great deal of success in 2012. When I first took the job, I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. But I saw them develop in sevenon-seven, Gerela said. I thought that if we won two or three games, it would be
looking to build off momentum.
SUN-NEWS
| Football
| 19
ALAMOGORDO TIGERS
New coach to lead Tigers

The 2012 season was a struggle once again at Alamogordo, with the team nishing well under .500 and the eventual departure of Tommy Standefer as head coach. The Tigers lone district win was against Oate, and the team elected for a coaching change at seasons end. Dale Hooper was the man hired to right the ship in Alamo, a program thats enjoyed just one winning season since 2007. LOOKING AHEAD >> The 2013 Tigers look to provide fresh faces and a youthful spirit. Hooper, whos spent the last four seasons as Grants High Schools head football coach (he was also a graduate of the school), said he wants to build the AHS football program into one that will be competitive at the 5A level every year. I think were going to be really successful, Hooper said. I really look forward to the challenges ahead. The Tigers offense doesnt return a single starter from a year ago. Defensively, Hooper is counting on his nine returning defensive veterans to hold down the fort until the offense comes around. Hooper said hes an offensive coach, and plans for the Tigers to open things up with a spread offense -- a vast departure from previous years under Standefer, who preferred the past two seasons to go with a veer run-rst mentality. Ive been a spread guy for a long time, probably 12 or 14 years, Hooper said. We do run a power game, but I denitely try and cover the whole eld. I make people defend from sideline to the other sideline. KEY PLAYERS >> Hooper had high praise for John Matzke, Alamos featured back who figures to get plenty of touches. The head coach
LOOKING BACK >>
BILL ARMENDARIZ DEMING HEADLIGHT
Deming High football coach Fernie Holguin said the Wildcat program has drawn 60 athletes and he was expecting as many as 10more once classes began in mid-August. DEMING WILDCATS
Cats hope to go further

LOOKING BACK >> Deming made it two-straight District 3-4A football championships with a 3-0 run to the top of the league standings. The Wildcats blanked Roswell in the rst round of the Class 4A Playoffs, 36-0, and traveled to Belen for the quarternals where their season ended in a disappointing 58-6 loss. Two of Demings losses
ALAMOGORDO DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO
TEAM CAPSULE
Coach: Fernie Holguin 2012record: 9-3, 3-0in district District: 3-4A
were to Belen (14-7 and 58-6 nal scores) and the other was to Artesia (49-14). Big wins came against Class 3A Silver (14-12), Class 5A Alamogordo (29-28), El
Paso Cathedral (22-14) and District 3-4A foe Santa Teresa (21-14). The Wildcats ran the ball effectively and the passing attack became more of a factor as the season progressed. Coach Holguin built a defense that played loose between the 20s and hardened like cement inside the red zone.
DEMING: PAGE 20
Alamogordo welcomes a new coach this year and hopes to put last seasons struggles behind.
Coach: Dale Hooper 2012record: 3-7, 1-3in district District: 3-5A

also pointed to wide receivers Andrew Yates and Keyshawn Gatson as big-play threats. Hooper said the quarterback positions up for grabs amongst under classmen, while he pointed to his defenses overall experience across the board as
TEAM CAPSULE
I think were going to be really successful. I really look forward to the challenges ahead.
Tigers coach Dale Hooper
Gadsden
FROM PAGE 18
2013 GADSDEN SCHEDULE

DATE
rela said. Were going to be very young and inexperienced, but the rst group got to see some things last year. KEY PLAYERS >> One of the previously-mentioned sophomores was Arturo Sotelo, who started last season in the defensive backeld for the Panthers. Sotelo steps in to replace Gomez at quarterback this year. Hes a great athlete who just lacks the experience, Gerela said. Eric Lopez is a 6-foot-2,
Aug. 30 @ Hobbs Sept. 6 @ Rio Rancho Sept. 13 @ Eastwood Sept. 20 vs. Santa Teresa Sept. 27 vs. Chaparral Oct. 4 @ Roswell Oct. 10 @ Mayfield* Oct. 18 vs. Oate* Oct. 25 @ Alamogordo* Nov. 1 vs. Las Cruces* Nov. 7 BYE * District 3-5A game
OPPONENT
TIME
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m.
a strength. He added the Tigers will run a 4-2-5 defensive scheme in 2013. Michael Johnson
DATE
2013 ALAMOGORDO SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 BYE Sept. 6 @ Los Lunas Sept. 14 @ West Mesa Sept. 20 vs. Carlsbad Sept. 27 vs. Socorro (Texas) Oct. 4 @ Hobbs Oct. 11 vs. Deming Oct. 18 vs. Las Cruces High* Oct. 25 vs. Gadsden* Nov. 1 vs. Mayfield* Nov. 7 vs. Oate* * District 3-5A game
OPPONENT
TIME
260-pound defensive end turning player is senior runand offensive guard who ning back/linebacker Kevin is one of the Panthers top Loera. returners. Another top re Jason Groves
7p.m. 1p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m. 7p.m.
20
Football |
SUN-NEWS
CHAPARRAL LOBOS
Regrouping after no wins

LOOKING BACK >>
SonBlazers quarterback Tristan Franzoy is a returning player with starting experience. MESILLA VALLEY CHRISTIAN SONBLAZERS
MVCS continues to grow

ley Christian had 19 players on its roster last year under rst-year head coach Mike Draper. The SonBlazers went 4-6 overall and 1-3 in District 3-2A play, but snuck into the Class 2A playoffs where they lost to Tucumcari. Eunice had to lose to Hot Springs for us to get in and I didnt think it would happen but it did, Draper said. Our loss in district to Lordsburg put us behind the eight ball,
LOOKING BACK >> Mesilla Val-
TEAM CAPSULE
Coach: Mike Draper 2012record: 4-6, 1-3in district (Lost in first round of Class 2A playoffs) District: 3-2A
but other things fell into place. I was happy to make the playoffs with 19 players on the roster. LOOKING AHEAD >> Draper said the SonBlazers program has grown to 25 players this year.
Theyre getting used to me and its taken some time for them to learn from me, Draper said. (Previous coach Charles Gleghorn) was a popular coach. I run the ball a little more than they did before. Mesilla Valley lost three key contributors, but the SonBlazers did gain more athletes from the schools basketball team who did not play football last year. I expect for us to be more
MVCS: PAGE 21
A fter breaking into the win column the past two years, Chaparral took a step back last season, going winless in 2012 while remaining winless all-time in district play (the programs entering its seventh year of existence). Previous head coach Tom Smith won seven games in three seasons at the school, but after a four-win campaign in 2011, the Lobos are now hold a 7-51 all-time record in football. Chaparrals closest games last year were a one-point loss in the season opener at San Elizario and a one-point defeat to El Paso Jefferson. LOOKING FORWARD >> Assistant coach Mark Aguilar replaced Tom Smith as head coach. Its Aguilars first football head coaching job, but he has previous experience as a head track coach in the El Paso area. Ive been at different schools and every school that is fairly new, its taken a little while to get football off the ground, Aguilar said. It takes numbers and confidence and building tradition. I think the soccer team winning the state championship last year has really kick-started things. In fact, some of them are kicking for us and are starters at
ROBIN ZIELINSKI SUN-NEWS
Chaparrals Johnny Joya makes a one-handed grab during a mid-August practice at the school.
the skill positions this year. Aguilar said the Lobos TEAM CAPSULE had solid participation num- Coach: Mark Aguilar bers this past offwseason 2012record: 0-10, 0-3in and that such effort wasnt district
CHAPARRAL: PAGE 21
District: 3-4A
Deming
FROM PAGE 19
The Wildcats return eight starters on offense including the entire backeld and seven starters on defense including the entire secondary. Twenty-ve players who will open the season at Belen on Aug. 30 saw varsity action last year. We are a running team,
LOOKING FORWARD >>
but we will throw more this season, Holguin said. The plan is to continue with the spread and pro-I on offense and dig in a 50 or 3-5 a variation of the 3-4 front on defense. The line on both sides of the football will be the biggest Holguin has coached in the past ve seasons. The average weight is well over 200 pounds and the personnel is athletic and mobile, according to Holguin. Practices have been efficient and productive, ac-
Its a hardworking bunch, and there really was no offseason.

Deming coach Fernie Holguin
cording to Holguin. Its a hard-working bunch, and there really was no off-season, Holguin said. They came in and hit the
weights and played 7-on-7 all summer long. That work ethic continues in practice and will get us ready for the season. KEY PLAYERS >> Senior Nestor Ponce (6-0, 235) and junior Juan Carlos Wilson (6-0, 225) gure to anchor the offensive and defensive lines, along with junior Aaron Garcia (5-10, 215), junior Lalo Lerma (5-11, 220) junior Daniel Galvan (5-10, 220) and sophomore Jordan Perales (5-9, 210). Bill Armendariz
2013 DEMING SCHEDULE

DATE
Aug. 30 @ Belen Sept. 6 vs. Hot Springs Sept. 13 @ Santa Fe Sept. 20 vs. Artesia Sept. 27 BYE Oct. 4 @ Silver Oct. 11 @ Alamogordo Oct. 18 vs. Cathedral Oct. 25 vs. Chaparral* Nov. 1 @ Santa Teresa* Nov. 8 vs. Centennial* * District 3-4A game
OPPONENT
TIME
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m.
SUN-NEWS
| Football
| 21
SANTA TERESA DESERT WARRIORS
LOOKING BACK >> With a senior-laden team and quarterback Alex Sedillo running the offense, Santa Teresa was expected to do better last year than their 3-7 nal record. But injuries contributed to a 1-6 start and failing to reach the playoffs for the second-straight year. When the Desert Warriors were healthy at the end of the season, they won two of their last three games with a 21-14 loss to District 3-4A champion Deming. We were just snakebit a little, head coach Shae Vierra said. Deming is one of the top teams in Class 4A now. I think we can make a run at them or have a good enough record to get into the playoffs. LOOKING FORWARD >> Unlike last year, Santa Teresa is short on experience with five returning starters on offense and four on defense. All of the returning starters play on either the offensive or defensive line. Were not as talented as we were last year, but its a more cohesive group, Vierra said.
After injury-laden season, a chance to rebound

DATE
2013 SANTA TERESA SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 vs. Fabens Sept. 6 vs. Austin Sept. 12 @ Irvin Sept. 20 @ Gadsden Sept. 27 vs. Roswell Oct. 4 @ Cathedral Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 18 @ Silver Oct. 25 vs. Centennial* Nov. 1 vs. Deming* Nov. 8 @ Chaparral* * District 3-4A game
OPPONENT
TIME
TEAM CAPSULE
Coach: Shae Vierra 2012record: 3-7, 2-1 District: 3-4A
Key games on the schedule include Gadsden, Roswell and Silver. Winning those games would put us in a good position to ... get an invite if we dont win the district, Vierra said. KEY PLAYERS >> The Desert Warriors do have some experience at the quarter-
back position. Junior Luke Perea started three games last year while Sedillo was injured. Running back Tristen Villegas was a starter last year on both sides of the ball. In front of them will be returning offensive linemen Angel Nunez and David Aldama, who Vierra is high on. I feel like hes one of the better offensive linemen in the state, Vierra said. Hes strong and hes a leader. Hes ROBIN ZIELINSKI SUN-NEWS important to what we do this year. Santa Teresa High School lineman Isaac Lara works on his game during a mid-August Jason Groves practice at the school.
MVCS
FROM PAGE 20
DATE
2013 MESILLA VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 @ Anthony Sept. 6 vs. Tornillo Sept. 13 BYE Sept. 20 @ Mountain View Sept. 27 @ NMMI Oct. 4 vs. Hot Springs Oct. 11 vs. Hatch Valley* Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 @ Cobre* Nov. 1 vs. Tularosa* Nov. 8 @ Lordsburg* * District 3-2A game
OPPONENT
TIME
competitive, Draper said. We are a little more athletic at the skill positions. We lost some key players on the line and we have to replace them on the offense and defensive side of the ball. KEY PLAYERS >> Tristan Franzoy started at quarterback three games into his sophomore season and kept the position for the rest of the year. In order to bolster the losses on the offensive and defensive lines, Micah Gray and Zane Wagner return up front. From a skill-position
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m.
Chaparral
FROM PAGE 20
2013 CHAPARRAL SCHEDULE

DATE
standpoint, Rene Medina is is one of a handful of basketthe SonBlazers most expe- ball players who are playing rienced running back and football this year. wide receiver Nick Nunley Jason Groves
reflective of a team thats still looking for its rst district win in program history. If we play up to our ability and try to do the right thing in the classroom and on the field, the wins will take care of themselves, 7p.m. Aguilar said. 7p.m. KEY PLAYERS >> The Lobos 7p.m. return five players on offense and defense. Aguilar wants to balance the offense this year with more of a ground attack featurSenior receiver Lakota Andres Castro and Garcia ing returning quarterback Huff is the teams top re- at linebacker are the teams Roy Lopez and fullback Ray- turning receiver. Defen- top returning players. mond Garcia. sively, senior nose guard Jason Groves
Aug. 30 vs. San Elizario Sept. 6 vs. Irvin Sept. 13 @ Jefferson Sept. 20 @ Roswell Sept. 27 @ Gadsden Oct. 4 vs. Mountain View Oct. 11 vs. Cathedral Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 @ Deming* Oct. 31 @ Centennial* Nov. 8 vs. Santa Teresa* * District 3-4A game
OPPONENT
TIME
7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m.
22
Football |
SUN-NEWS
SILVER FIGHTING COLTS
Year after reaching championship, Colts reload

LOOKING BACK >> The Fighting Colts have progressed over the years, and last season saw them reach the Class 3A state championship game. Silver had just three losses all year, and two of them came to St. Michaels High School one of which was a 10-7 road defeat for the state title. The Colts did have their chances in that particular contest, but some key turnovers and a failure to get into the end zone haunted them throughout. Silvers other loss came to rival Deming a Class 4A school by a nal score of 14-12. Silver had little trouble getting to the championship game with wins over Albuquerque Academy (49-10 nal) and Ruidoso (37-10 nal). In District 3-3A action, the Colts rolled to another title, beating Socorro, 4214, and then pounding Hot Springs, 45-6. LOOKING FORWARD >> There were some key personnel
Hes about as close as you can get to a coach on the field. ... Were looking for him to take care of the football and make some good decisions.
Silver coach Butch Banson on quarterback Derek Salas
Coach: Butch Branson 2012record: 10-3overall, 2-0in district (Lost in Class 3A state championship) District: 3-3A
Salas. Hes in his third year as a starter, and led the Colts to a state championship last year. He also helped the offense average about 33 points per game throughout the season. Hes about as close as you can get to a coach on the eld, Branson said. And, thats a tremendous plus for us. Were looking for him to take care of the football and make some good decisions. Silvers schedule proves to be a tough one again. The Colts open at home with cross-county rival Cobre High, but an early bye wont see Silver on the football eld again until a trip to Albuquerque to play Hope Christian. Games with Grants,
SILVER: PAGE 24
TEAM CAPSULE
PHOTO BY DANNY UDERO SUN-NEWS
Silver High senior quarterback Derek Salas will attempt to lead his Colts back to the Class 3A state championship when the season opens up.
losses on both offense and defense, but the Colts will look to reload. Dakota Bencomo and Nevada Bencomo graduated after playing a big roles on offense (both came out of the backeld) and defense (at the linebacker position). The Colts also lost Ishmael Jacquez at wide receiver, and Justin Trewern at linebacker. Silver will put 14 seniors on the field, and it begins with the quarterback Derek
HATCH VALLEY BEARS
Hatch Valley eyes district title and beyond in 2013

LOOKING BACK >> In his rst year at the Class 2A level, Hatch Valley head coach Jack Cisco led the Bears to the Class 2A seminals, where they lost 34-20 to state champion Santa Rosa. The Bears nished with an 8-4 overall record and a 3-1 mark in District 3-2A. It was where we belong from a size standpoint, Cisco said of his programs class affiliation. We play against schools in towns with no Walmart and if we move up, we will be playing against schools where there is a Walmart and we dont
Now that Emory and Jim Coleman have both worked their way through the Tularosa program, the Bears could overtake the Wildcats atop the District 3-2A standings. I feel like were at least even with Tularosa now, Cisco said. I feel very good about our chance to win the district. KEY PLAYERS >> Hatch Valley returns six starters on offense and eight on defense. Chase Carson is a three-year starter at quarterback, and a rst-team All-State player
LOOKING FORWARD >>
have a Walmart.
Coach: Jack Cisco 2012record: 8-4, 3-1(Lost in Class 2A semifinals) District: 3-2A
last year. My rst three years here there was a different quarterback each year, Cisco said. Now we can call anything and (Carson) gets the team to execute. Mike Gonzalez is a 6-foot3, 300-pound All-State player on the offensive and defensive lines, while junior Tyrell Harrison is a three-
TEAM CAPSULE
year starter on both lines and a first-team All-State nose guard last year as a sophomore. JR Carraza is a three-year starter at fullback and linebacker and senior Marcos Olivas is a returning player at defensive tackle. In order for the Bears to be successful, it will take some of the younger players to be productive, Cisco said. We have some younger athletes who have to grow up, but we have a chance to be better from a skill standpoint, Cisco said. Jason Groves
2013 HATCH VALLEY SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT
TIME
Aug. 30 NMMI Sept. 6 @ Estancia Sept. 13 @ Texico (@ Estancia) Sept. 20 Silver Sept. 27 West Las Vegas Oct. 3 @ Centennial Oct. 11 @ Mesilla Valley* Oct. 18 @ Tularosa * Oct. 25 BYE Nov. 1 Lordsburg * Nov. 8 Cobre * * District 3-2A game
SUN-NEWS
| Football
| 23
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES
A new look
Highlighted by an independent schedule and a first-year head coach, NMSU enters a historic season on the gridiron
coaching the team through a 2013 independent schedule before the program joins the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. Here, we take a positionby-position look at the Aggies, as they enter a historic season for the program:
By Teddy Feinberg tfeinberg@lcsun-news.com @TeddyFeinberg on Twitter
A new coach, an independent playing schedule and similar challenges that have forever surrounded Aggie football. Thats what New Mexico State faces in 2013, a year after the team nished with another poor record (an 1-11 mark), lost its head coach (DeWayne Walker left to take an NFL assistant coaching job) and is starting from scratch once again. First-year head coach Doug Martin is literally building from the ground up,
LAS CRUCES >>
Quarterbacks
A week into fall camp, the team moved Travaughn Colwell, who was thought to have a slight edge initially for the starting quarterback job, to the wide receiver position. In turn, NMSU appointed senior Andrew McDonald to No. 1 quarterback and elevated true freshman King Davis III to No. 2.
McDonald took a handful of snaps in a blowout loss at Ohio (not only did he not see the eld the rest of the way, but his junior year of eligibility was burned in the process). Expect him to supply similar attributes to what Matt Christian brought two years ago a good knowledge of the system, a good decision-maker and an underrated runner with the football. With that, the move of Colwell was made as much for Davis progress. The coaching staff is high on him, and would like to groom a quarterback of the future. Therefore, hell be the primary backup. Colwell will remain No. 3 on the depth chart and now the Aggies could have a unique offensive package in place: three quarterbacks on the eld simultaneously.
Jordan Bergstrom is one of a handful of Aggie wide receivers who will need to step up in 2013.
ruled academically ineligible earlier this month. With that, a collective group takes shape, with players such as Joseph Matthews (junior), Jerrel Brown (junior), Adam Shapiro (junior), and Jordan Bergstrom (transfer from Santa Rosa Junior College) having to step up to ll the void. And even while players such as Matthews and Brown have shown potential, none seem to have the game-breaking ability that Franklin possesses (he was one of the teams few big-play threats entering the year). One intriguing player is Travaughn Colwell, a quarterback-turned-wide receiver who has the physical tools to play the position listed at 6-foot-3 and just over 200 pounds, Colwell has good hands, speed and is one of the teams top athletes. Martin has spoken highly of tight end Perris Scoggins, and the junior college transfer from a year ago has always looked the part (listed at 6-3, 242 pounds).
Freshman quarterback King Davis III (foreground) will likely see playing time during the upcoming year.
Francisco) before training camp. True freshman and Las Cruces High graduate Running backs Xavier Hall has also gotten Last years starter Germi some work during August Morrison is a proven player, practices. a pounder and tough runner between the tackles. Hell be Wide receivers anked by Brandon BetanThis is a unit thats develcourt, a Mayeld High grad- oped some very good playuate and NMSU junior whos ers in recent years Taveon displayed a burst, and could Rogers, Todd Lee, Kemonte provide some big-play pop. Bateman and Austin FrankThe Aggies brought in lin were all talented pieces. freshman Marquette WashThis year, there doesnt ington, a player who put appear to be one single up good numbers at Kai- player that encompasses ser High School in Fontana, such skills Franklin, of Calif. The team also added course, would have been Jermichael Selders (a trans- that player, but the team was fer from City College of San dealt a big blow when he was
Offensive line
This unit already looks improved after a poor 2012 campaign. Three solidied starters return to the offensive front senior
AGGIES: PAGE 24
24
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SUN-NEWS
Aggies
FROM PAGE 23
Davonte Wallace (left tackle), sophomore Andy Cunningham (guard) and junior Valerian Ume-Ezeoke (center) under rst-year assistant coach Bart Miller. The other starting positions figure to be held down by Isaiah Folasa-Lutui (guard) and Dada Richards (tackle). But perhaps more important is an improved offensive scheme, which will help the line both in run blocking and pass protection. Gone is last years dropback passing attack and straight-ahead runSHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS ning philosophy. In its place is a more variant offense fea- Senior cornerback Cameron Fuller, left, and wide receiver Joseph Matthews run through turing the quarterback-op- drills recently during practice at NMSU. tion, which will look to get the QB out of the pocket and on the move as a runner. as Kalvin Cruz and Kevin the run during spring and manned by senior Bryan BoLaudermill lling the gaps. fall practices, however. nilla and Melrose, NM native Defensive line The coaching staff has also Clint Barnard. This personnel group ac- been high on junior-college Linebackers tually has some quality tal- transfers Mason Russell and Two outside linebackers Secondary ent. It starts with Mayeld Jay Fisher James. have shown good pass-rushFormer Aggie head coach graduate Matt Ramondo NMSU will move to a 3-4 ing skills for the Aggies DeWayne Walker made it a (who transferred to NMSU defense that will act more that being senior Trashaun point during his tenure to refrom Michigan State two as a 4-3 in function three Nixon and redshirt soph- cruit talent to the defensive years ago) and Willie Mob- down lineman, with one out- omore Stephen Meredith. backeld and such a trend ley (a fth-year senior from side linebacker playing es- They add to the improved remains apparent today. the University of Arizona), sentially as a standup de- skill along the defensive This years group is hightwo BCS-caliber players fensive end. The linemen will front-seven. lighted by senior cornerwho could both play signi- play an aggressive, slanting Kalei Auelua joins Mer- backs Darien Johnson, cant roles for the Aggies. style, designed to get quick, edith as the boundary line- Cameron Fuller and WinNMSU also has some undersized players to knife backer (again, essentially ston Rose. The safety comdepth on the defensive front through the line. The NMSU a standup defensive end), bination of George Callender this year, with players such defense struggled stopping while the middle will be and Davis Cazares is a good
one on paper. NMSU will play more zone defense in the secondary than in years past and, in turn, will utilize more zone blitzes up front. The idea is to create more turnovers pressuring the opposing quarterback, with defensive backs facing the ball in coverage in an attempt to pick off hurried throws. While the idea is to create the big play for the defense, the hope is the Aggies wont be susceptible to the big play in return. One of the teams top players last year was punter Cayle Chapman-Brown, and he returns for his senior season. The Sydney, Australia native punted 70 times for a 44.3 yards-per-punt average in 2013. The team also returns place-kicker Maxwell Johnson and kickoff man Brock Baca. One thing the Aggies need: improvement in the punt-return game, as last year the team averaged a paultry 1.2 yards on 15 returns (a statistic that ranked No. 119 out of 120 Division I football schools, just ahead of the University of Idaho). Upon his hire, Martin announced hed coach the Aggies special teams units in 2013, a job title he held for five years as an assistant coach at East Carolina.
Martin seems to be a good fit for the NMSU program at the right time, a resourceful coach who actually worked at the school before.
Coaching
Martin seems to be a good t for the NMSU program at the right time, a resourceful coach who actually worked at the school before (as offensive coordinator at NMSU in 2011). He brought in a quality coordinator in Brandon, and the NMSU offense as a whole should be better. Defensively, David Elson returns to run the show, and will have a chance to implement his scheme again, a slanting technique up front, increased blitzing and more zone defense in the back-end. The Aggies would like to create more turnovers in 2013. Overall, the team needed a breath of fresh air and a new start under a rst-year head coach. With that being said, this year could very well be a building season for the program, with an independent schedule will likely be very difficult to manage for the mid-major program.
Special teams
Silver
FROM PAGE 22
Deming, Ruidoso and St. Michaels will test the Colts before the District 3-3A season begins. Again, theres just two teams in the district, so both contests will prove to be important once again. KEY PLAYERS >> Quarterback Derek Salas will anchor the offense. Dereks a guy that can
certainly play at the next level, Branson said. Im not looking for him to run or throw the football. Im looking for him to take care of the football. His experience will certainly help us out in the big games we will face this year. Gabe Morales is a senior that should be Salas go-to target in the passing game. Morales made some big scoring catches last year, and the quarterback-wide receiver combo have exhibited a tight bond on the eld.
Junior running back Frankie Castillo will have to take on the load that the Bencomo brothers carried last year. He exhibited great speed and the ability to carry the football between the tackles, as well as on the perimeter, last year. If he can remain healthy for us and take that pounding he is going to get, we are going to get a lot of yardage from him, Branson said. Last year he missed five games because of injury. We are going to try and see
where he will be at this year, and take it from there. Jorge Rodriguez and Manuel Ortega are the most experienced linemen Silver will have on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Michael Maria Jr., Joe Rivera, Shawn Gutierrez and Shane Perry are all ghting for the linebacking spots that were left vacant from graduating seniors. Branson said all will get playing time on defense. Danny Udero
2013 SILVER SCHEDULE

DATE
Aug. 30 Cobre Sept. 6 BYE Sept. 14 @ Hope Christian Sept. 20 @ Hatch Sept. 27 @ Grants Oct. 4 Deming Oct. 11 @ Ruidoso Oct. 18 Santa Teresa Oct. 25 @ St. Michaels Nov. 1 Socorro* Nov. 8 @ Hot Springs* * District 3-3A game
OPPONENT
TIME
7p.m.
1p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m. 7p.m.
SUN-NEWS
| Football
| 25
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES be an easy task. Minnesota is still a Big Ten team, and for those pointing out the Aggies beat the Golden Gophers in 2011, understand The Aggies will be playing these are two different up throughout the 2013 clubs from that point in college football season, an time. For one, Minnesota independent schedule on tap for an FBS program try- finished 6-6last year, and went to a minor bowl game ing to find its footing. in the process (Meineke The tasks: beginning the Car Care Bowl). Also, the year on the road at the University of Texas, followed team returns virtually their entire starting lineup from by a home game against last season, and some of Minnesota of the Big Ten; the teams two rivals (UTEP those returnees just might and New Mexico), as well as remember NMSUs 28-21 upset win in Minneapolis Pac 12power UCLA and a solid San Diego State team two years ago. on the schedule and that all comes before the Aggies Week 3 bye week in early October. Sept. 14 vs. UTEP From there, the schedule does get a bit more manScouting report: Another ageable, and hopefully some key game for the Aggies, wins will be in the cards because its one they can when the dust settles. certainly shoot for. The For now, all we can do is Miners find themselves with prognosticate. With that, a first-year coach of their we take a look at the Aggies own former UTEP player 2013competition: Sean Kugler took over the reigns from Mike Price this Week 1 offseason. Theyre breaking in a new quarterback (such Aug. 31 a factor could dictate the at Texas entire season for the Miners) Scouting report: What a way to start. The Longhorns and new starters across the board on defense. The team are going to have top-level could look to run the ball talent across the board and, as if thats not enough, head more in 2013 Kugler is a former offensive lineman, coach Mack Brown is on and has coached the posithe hot seat entering the new year. A Top-25team in tion in the college and NFL ranks. Aggie head coach the preseason polls, dont Doug Martin has been pointexpect Texas to go easy on ing to the programs rivalry the opposition in this one. games since the day he got Rather, theyll look to take the job, and will get his first things right to the Aggies. chance at one here. Sept. 7 vs. Minnesota Scouting report: This is going to be an important contest for Aggie football home opener, good crowd and a new coach (Doug Martin) running an NMSU team with a new vision. Certainly it would be nice if the Aggies were to be competitive, and give the locals something to feel good about. But it wont
PROGNOSTICATING ON THE 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHEDULE
The tasks: begin on the road at Texas, followed by Minnesota at home, rivals UTEP and New Mexico, as well as UCLA and thats all before the Aggies bye week in early October.
finishing with a 7-6overall record (4-4in Conference USA), and return a solid core. Expect the Owls to be hunting for bowl eligibility again in 2013. Again, a tough one at home for the Aggies.
Week 8
Week 5
Sept. 28 vs. San Diego State Scouting report: Another challenging contest for the Aggies, as San Diego State is a quality team under former University of New Mexico head coach Rocky Long. For those familiar with Long, theyll know the Aztecs will bring in a solid defense and should be prepared. A veteran roster will also be in tow. If the Aggies could get this one, it would be a huge win for their football program. Oct. 5 at New Mexico Scouting report: Can the Aggies beat UNM? Why not? After all, theyve done it three of the last four years. But the Lobos were improved in 2012under head coach Bob Davie (one of their four wins was against the Aggies, 28-14, in Las Cruces) and this years contest will be in northern New Mexico. This in-state rivalry affair also comes after a gauntlet of games for the Aggies. A winnable contest? Sure. But far from an easy one.
Oct. 26 vs. Abilene Christian Scouting report: NMSU has to win this football game over an FCS program that recently played Division II football. Abilene Christian does have some history behind its program, and has put some players in the NFL over the years. While on paper it looks like a game the Aggies should win, the Wildcats might not be pushovers once they come to town. Nov. 2 at Louisiana-Lafayette Scouting report: This is a high-quality team folks. After finishing 9-4and winning the New Orleans Bowl last year, the Ragin Cajuns were picked to win the Sun Belt Conference entering
the 2013campaign. Aggie head coach Doug Martin said this would be a key measuring-stick game for his program the Aggies will be in the Sun Belt in 2014, and will compete in the same Western Division as Louisiana-Lafayette. But make no mistake: the Ragin Cajuns look to be a bowl team once again. Nov. 9 vs. Boston College Scouting report: Can the Aggies pocket a win here? Its not out of the question. Boston College was not a good team last season, finishing with a 2-10record. While the Eagles were competitive in some of those contests, they also had a loss to Army on their resume. Martin was offensive coordinator at BC in 2012, and should be familiar with the opposition. And while the Eagles will make the trip to Las Cruces, theyll also do so between two ACC home games on their schedule vs. Virginia Tech and vs. NC State. Yes, theyre still a BCS team. But theyre also a beatable one.
Week 11
Week 10
Nov. 23 at Florida Atlantic Scouting report: Again, perhaps a winnable game for the Aggies, as Florida Atlantic went 3-9 last season. The only issues: its an away game, and who knows where the Aggies will be from a health standpoint at this point of the season. With that being said, certainly one NMSU can shoot for. Nov. 30 vs. Idaho Scouting report: Similar to Abilene Christian, this seems like a game the Aggies have to win. They get the Vandals at home, and Idahos in a similar position in 2013: a program that should be scratching for wins while playing an independent schedule. Who knows where these two clubs will be when they meet in Las Cruces for the last week of the season. The underlying factor here could be which team holds the better health. Teddy Feinberg
Week 12
Week 9
Week 6
Week 2
Week 4
Sept. 21 at UCLA Scouting report: This is similar to Texas power team from a power conference in a heralded away venue. The Bruins were improved last year under first-year head coach Jim Mora Jr. This big-money game will be another chief challenge for the Aggies on the 2013schedule.
Week 7
Oct. 19 vs. Rice Scouting report: Rice was a bowl team last year,
Strong safety Dior Moore, left, and linebacker Dele Junaid stay hydrated during practice recently at the New Mexico State University practice fields.
26
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SUN-NEWS
NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES >> ROSTER

NO. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 NAME Travaugn Colwell Winston Rose Gregory Hogan Trashaun Nixon King Davis III Cameron Fuller Austin Franklin Darien Johnson George Callender Joseph Matthews Joshua Bowen Dele Junaid Cayle Chapman-Brown Adam Shapiro Barry Coffman Justin Smith Evan Cavaliere Kedeem Thomas-Davis Brennon Shay Tre Wilcoxen Jordan Bergstrom Bryan Bonilla Andrew McDonald Justin Allen Clint Barnard Matt Jaramillo Anthony Joyner Kawe Johnson Preston Schollander Jerrel Brown Maxwell Johnson Brayden Price Brenden Barker Xavian Brandon Samuel Oyenuga Brandon Betancourt Anthony Edwards Xavier Hall Jerrion Burton Jermichael Selders Josh Smith Marquette Washington Germi Morrison Thomas Warren Breeon Moreno Chris Jinna Lewis Hill Yolandus Pratt Davis Cazares Dylan Davis POS. WR CB WR LB QB CB WR CB SS WR WR LB P WR QB FS DB CB WR SS WR LB QB WR LB DL TE DB TE WR PK QB CB WR CB RB SS RB DB RB LB RB RB CB CB CB CB RB FS LB HT./WT. CLASS 6-3/202 Jr. 6-0/174 Jr. 6-1/182 Fr. 6-1/235 Sr. 6-1/200 Fr. 5-11/175 Sr. 6-2/184 Jr. 5-9/185 Sr. 6-1/205 Sr. 6-2/203 Jr. 5-10/175 So. 6-1/219 Sr. 6-5/231 Sr. 6-1/192 Jr. 6-3/200 Fr. 6-2/205 Sr. 6-1/190 So. 5-10/170 So. 6-3/204 Sr. 6-0/198 Fr. 5-10/180 Jr. 6-1/240 Sr. 6-2/205 Sr. 6-0/190 Jr. 6-3/240 RJr. 6-3/250 So. 6-3/250 RJr. 5-8/177 Fr. 6-0/200 Fr. 6-0/190 Jr. 5-10/185 Jr. 6-2/205 Fr. 5-11/180 Fr. 6-3/185 RSr. 5-11/180 So. 5-10/187 Jr. 6-0/190 Sr. 5-8/180 Fr. 5-11/163 Fr. 5-11/197 Jr. 6-0/227 Sr. 5-10/215 Fr. 6-0/195 RSr. 5-11/175 Fr. 5-9/187 Jr. 6-0/175 RSr. 5-10/175 So. 5-8/198 Sr. 5-11/190 Sr. 6-0/230 Sr. HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Manvel, Texas (Manvel HS) Inglewood, Calif. (Los Angeles Valley College) Houston, Texas (Summer Creek High School) Oxnard, Calif. (Ventura College) Mesquite, Texas (North Mesquite High School) Richmond, Calif. (Contra Costa College) Dallas, Texas (Kimnball High School) Fontana, Calif. (Bishop Amat High School) Miami, Fla. (Dural Academy) Tucson, Ariz. (Rincon HIgh School) Albuquerque, NM (Manzano High School) Houston, Texas (Eastern Arizona College) Sydney, Australia (Snow College) Rio Rancho, NM (Rio Rancho High School) Albuquerque, NM (Sandia High School) Safford, Ariz. (Safford High School) Atlanta, Ga. (Dean College) El Paso, Texas (El Dorado High School) Farmington, NM (West Texas A&M) Inglewood, Calif. (Inglewood High School) Portland, Ore. (Santa Rosa Junior College) Pomona, Calif. (Diamond Ranch High School) Newport Beach, Calif. (Santa Ana College) Houston, Texas (City College of San Francisco) Melrose, NM (New Mexico Highlands University) Albuquerque, NM (West Mesa High School) San Diego, Calif. (Point Loma High School) Kahuku, Hawaii (Kahuku High School) Los Lunas, NM (Los Lunas High School) Inglewood, Calif. (St. John Bosco High School) Astoria, Ore. (Oregon State University) Hobbs, NM (Hobbs High School) Albuquerque, NM (Sandia High School) Duluth, Ga. (Northview High School) Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett High School) Las Cruces, NM (Mayeld High School) Lancaster, Calif. (Antelope Valley College) Las Cruces, NM (Las Cruces High School) Rialto, Calif. (Eisenhower HIgh School) Houston, Texas (City College of San Francisco) Inglewood, Calif. Morningside High School) Fontana, Calif. (Kaiser High School) Panorama City, Calif. (Los Angeles Valley College) Phoenix, Ariz. (Mountain Point High School) Salinas, Calif. (East Los Angeles College) West Covina, Calif. (Citrus College) Frisco, Texas (Monroe College) High Point, NC (Hudson Valley College) Monrovia, Calif. (Bishop Amat High School) Ventura College (St. Bonaventure High School) NO. 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 45 46 47 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 62 65 66 69 70 71 72 74 75 77 80 81 82 83 84 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 95 98 99 NAME Jesse Forte Zachery Baker Gino Satriana Jeremy Fielder Isaac Leon Robert Wagner Brock Baca Jake Capraro Andrew Zapien Mike Kaiser Dalton Rocha Eduardo Rodriguez Dior Moore Andrew Kenney Chance Roberts Kalei Auelua Larry Butler Abram Holland Thomas McGwire Jay Eakins Rodney Butler Spence Ueli-Faatoalia Valerian Ume-Ezeoke Kevin Laudermill Hector Cazales Jr. Isaiah Folasa-Lutui Ryan Arbelaez Dada Richards Alexander Trujillo Andy Cunningham Dustin Lamb Peter Foreman Davonte Wallace Antonio Ortega Houston Clemente Perris Scoggins James Ooten Thomas Shepard Teldrick Morgan Zach Jones Rayvean Moore Prentavious Morehead Joe Cordova Andrew Dean Nick Oliva Kalvin Cruz Mason Russell Matt Ramondo Inuka Rhaheed Willie Mobley Stephen Meredith POS. RB LB P RB LB LB PK P LS LS LB K LB LS DL DE LB OL OL DE LB OL OL DL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL TE WR DL WR TE WR WR WR TE DL DL DL DL DL DE DL HT./WT. CLASS 5-11/200 Jr. 6-1/220 Jr. 5-10/180 So. 5-7/186 Sr. 5-10/200 So. 6-1/234 RFr. 5-10/215 So. 6-1/215 Sr. 5-10/221 RSo. 6-2/247 Sr. 6-1/232 Fr. 6-1/240 Jr. 6-1/222 Jr. 6-0/222 Fr. 6-4/243 Sr. 6-2/240 Fr. 6-0/233 Jr. 6-2/270 RFr. 6-5/282 Fr. 6-2/275 Jr. 6-1/212 Fr. 6-1/308 Fr. 6-3/295 Jr. 6-2/277 Sr. 5-11/225 Jr. 6-3/309 So. 6-1/295 Jr. 6-3/307 Sr. 6-2/285 So. 6-3/308 So. 6-6/320 Fr. 6-4/295 So. 6-4/315 Sr. 6-3/293 RFr. 6-4/303 So. 6-3/242 Sr. 6-3/180 Fr. 6-4/225 RFr. 6-0/185 So. 6-4/260 RFr. 5-10/168 RFr. 6-3/165 Fr. 6-8/251 Sr. 6-3/244 Jr. 6-5/255 Sr. 6-2/274 Sr. 6-5/260 Sr. 6-5/310 So. 6-2/285 So. 6-2/282 Sr. 6-3/240 RSo. HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL) Atlanta, Ga. (Parkview High School) Las Cruces, NM (Las Cruces High School) Rio Rancho, NM (Rio Rancho High School) Safford Ariz. (Safford High School) Albuquerque, NM (St. Pius X High School) Ontario, Calif. (Colony High School) Las Cruces, NM (Mayeld High School) Claremont, Calif. (Damien High School) Las Cruces, NM (Mayeld High School) Carlsbad, Calif. (La Costa Canyon High School) Ventura, Calif. (St. Bonaventure High School) Ventura, Calif. (East Los Angeles College) Las Vegas, Nev. (Butte College) Chandler, Ariz. (Perry High School) Los Lunas, NM (Los Lunas High School) Honolulu, Hawaii (St. Louis High School) Baton Rouge, La. (Eastern Arizona College) Rio Rancho, NM (Cleveland High School) Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Los Osos High School) Apple Valley, Calif. (San Bernardino Valley College) Palm Spring, Calif. (Palm Springs High School) La Mirada, Calif. (Palm Spring High School) Garland, Texas (Garland Lakeview Centennial High School) Los Angeles, Calif. (West Los Angeles Community College) Los Angeles, Calif. (East Los Angeles College) Corona, Calif. (Santiago High School) San Diego, Calif. (Mira Mesa High School) Pittsburgh, Calif. (Diablo Valley College) Spring, Texas (Centennial High School) Frisco, Texas (Frisco High School) Linsay, Calif. (Lindsay High School) Houston, Texas (St. Thomas High School) El Paso, Texas (Irvin High School) Vado, NM (Gadsden High School) Honolulu, Hawaii (St. Louis High School) Fontana, Calif. (Mt. San Jacinto College) Perris, Calif. (Citrus Hill High School) Denver, Colo. (Denver South High School) Hanover, Md. (Meade High School) Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Thunder Ridge High School) Tucson, Ariz. (Tucson Magnet High School) Dallas, Texas (Justin F. Kimball High School) Marietta, Ga. (Blessed Trinity Catholic High School) Camarillo, Calif. (Adolfo Camarillo High School) Saugus, Calif. (College of the Canyons) Littleton Colo. (Ventura College) Turlock, Calif. (San Joaquin Delta College) Las Cruces, NM (Michigan State) Ft. Pierce, Fla. (Westwood High School) Eden Prairie, Minn. (University of Arizona) Garden Grove, Calif. (Garden Grove High School)
NEW MEXICO LOBOS
5 ways for the Lobos to win this year, not just get close
The Associated Press
Depending on the perspective, New Mexicos 4-9 season in 2012 can be viewed as another failure, or as a resounding success. The win total was actually one more than the Lobos had compiled in the previous three seasons combined, so from that aspect there was quite a bit to like. Whats more, New Mexico was competitive in nearly every game, which could not have been said about the Lobos in previous years. Last season, we showed
we can play with anybody, said senior defensive lineman Jacori Greer. But we dont want to be close this year. We want to win those games. Five things to watch as the Lobos continue to try to climb back to respectability under second-year coach Bob Davie: DEFENSIVE STOPS >> New Mexicos opponents averaged 30 points a game and gained 444 yards per outing. That was too much for a team reliant on its running game, no matter how strong it may be. Thats one of the
biggest emphasis, Greer said. We want to be the most improved defense. We think we can. AERIAL ATTACK >> New Mexico managed just 895 yards through the air, less than 70 per game. The Lobos completed just ve touchdown passes all season while allowing 33. We know we cannot survive like that this year, said offensive coordinator Bob DeBesse. Weve got to be more diverse. We cant be this predictable. So weve had to tweak our offense. STOP THE BLEEDING >> New
Mexico closed out the season with six consecutive losses. And in half of those losses, the Lobos had second-half leads that they lost. All of us want to see tangible improvement, Davie said. Last year we came close in a lot of games. That doesnt necessarily mean we are going to come close again. GROUND AND POUND >> As impotent as the passing was, the rushing attack was sterling, finishing with more than 300 yards a game, fth nationally. Kasey Carrier averaged 122.4 yards, 12th nationally. Hes really a good
fit in what we do, Davie said. Our third-down passing game was Kasey Carrier running the ball. I bet there was not a back in the country that converted more thirddown-and-four or more yards for rst downs. The Lobos are just recovering from a probationary period that cost the squad 15 scholarships over a three-year period, while additional players left the program upon Davies hiring, leaving it short in many areas. Numbers at all positions are much better, Davie said,
BERS >> NUMBERS, NUMBERS, NUM-
creating competition and a hunger for playing time. Although depth was an issue across the board, it was particularly telling in the defensive backeld and under center. Weve got depth, defensive coordinator Jeff Mills said. When you have depth, you have competition. When you have competition, it pushes each person to evaluate the things they need to work at because theyre all hungry. They have a little bit of intensity that theyre bringing it each day and I think thats making each guy better.
SUN-NEWS
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| 27
5 KEYS TO THE SEASON
With New Mexico States college football season less than two weeks away, we take a look at five keys entering the new year: Survive and advance: Lets just say it the Aggies are over-scheduled for the 2013season. With that, keeping the teams health and confidence intact through the year will be a top priority for the coaching staff and players. Theres some winnable games on the independent docket Abilene Christian, Idaho, UTEP and Florida Atlantic, to name a few. But the team will need to be ready for such competition once it rolls around,
and needs to capitalize if it wants to avoid another one- or two-win season. Not getting beat down physically and mentally by elite competition will be a chief challenge. Aggie defense: Spring 2 and fall practices saw the Aggie offense have
Walker and Mike Rutenberg anymore, who now both tutor defensive backs for the NFLs Jacksonville Jaguars. The entire Aggie defense will be tested throughout the season, and it at least needs to be a respectable unit that can keep the team in games. Aggie offense: NMSU 3 is implementing a new offensive scheme as well,
the season, however. If the quarterbacks fit the scheme well, and the Aggies can generate a more balanced offense with a productive ground game, the team might be able to win some time-of-possession battles.
team averaged just 1.2yards per return, which ranked No. 119our of 120FBS teams. One thing to watch: Head coach Doug Martin will be coordinating such units in 2013, so hopefully an uptick in production will follow.
considerable success running the ball on the NMSU defense. While it does signal an improved attack in 2013, its also worth asking: If the Aggies are having trouble containing the run during practice, how will it stop the University of Texas in Week 1? In the secondary, while an experienced group does return, the unit will not be coached by DeWayne
ing game. Punter Cayle Chapman-Brown was a albeit one that appears to good player for NMSU in be improved from recent 2012, and the team plans on years. The quarterbackhaving Maxwell Johnson as option run game is a focal place kicker and Brock Boca point, and with that the handling kickoff duties. rushing attack and offensive Wholl handle punt returns? line has looked better during Thats an entirely different spring and August practic- question, although the Ages. Such a performance will gies need to find someone need to transfer over into to fill the role. Last year the
Special teams: The The 2014 season: In 4 Aggies at least seem 5 many respects, this adequate in the kickupcoming campaign is as
much about the future as it is the present. After playing an independent schedule in 2013, the Aggies will move into the Sun Belt Conference as a football-only member in 2014, a more suitable fit for the program to begin with. The hope is that in the Sun Belt, NMSU will have a shot at a .500 season (even if that particu-
lar conference is considerably improved from years past as well). That means this year could be used as much as a spring board than anything else. If the Aggies can pocket a handful of wins and be competitive in some other contests (tall orders nonetheless), it would provide considerable momentum heading into their new league. That, and perhaps the upcoming year will give the program a chance to get young players on the field against quality competition. In short, as much as the Aggies are playing for today, theyre also playing for tomorrow. Teddy Feinberg
WESTERN NEW MEXICO MUSTANGS
Mustangs look to finish better, earn respect

For the past several seasons, the Western New Mexico University football team hasnt finished where it wanted to be in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings. But, this year, head coach Adam Clark is ready to change that around, have a breakout year and earn some respect in the RMAC. The Mustangs were picked to nish seventh in the conference, which was a spot further than last years preseason selection. Western nished the year at 4-7 overall and had a great opportunity to win at least four more games. The offense had a great season, scoring an average of 29.2 points per game. Quarterback Mitch Glasmann had a breakout year, and Clark expects him to be that much better this season. Glasmann is coming off a banner year that saw him named conference Offensive Freshman of the Year, set-
We have some leadership that we have never had before, and we hope that translates onto the football field.
WNMU head coach Adam Clark
2013 WESTERN NEW MEXICO SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT
TIME
ting Division II-era (since 1993) school records for passing yards and touchdowns in a season. He threw for 3,139 yards and 27 touchdowns, completing 249-of426. He broke the marks that were previously set the year before by David Ingram, who amassed 2,927 yards passing and 24 touchdowns. Glasman had two games where he threw for over 400 yards and three others that went for over 300. His favorite target should be junior wide receiver Don-
Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16
@ University of San Diego @ CSU-Pueblo @ Fort Lewis College Colorado School of Mines @ Colorado Mesa University Western State College @ Adams State University Chadron State College @ Black Hills State New Mexico Highlands
7p.m. 2p.m. noon 1:30p.m. 2p.m. noon 1p.m. noon 1p.m. noon
COURTESY PHOTO
Westerns running game is going to have to step up this year to take some of the load off the passing attack.
ald Byrd, who was named to the Third-Team offense. Byrd was second on the Mustangs in receiving categories, including catches with 65, yards with 847 and touchdowns with seven. On the defense, Junior defensive end Zachary Dembrowski rounded out the
Mustangs on the All-Conference teams, as he was named to the Third-Team defense. He was stellar along the defensive line for WNMU, leading the team in total tackles with 69, tackles for loss with 11.5 for 79 yards and sacks with nine for 68 yards. He was also second in the conference in sacks. We are happy to be back out on the eld, Clark said. We have some leadership that we have never had be-
fore, and we hope that translates onto the football eld. Westerns schedule is going to be a difficult one, as the Mustangs will be on the road for the rst three games. Its going to be tough being on the road for us for the rst month, Clark said. But, we have a real good opportunity to win some of these games, and come home ready to play. Danny Udero
28
Football |
SUN-NEWS
Q&A: Aggie coach ready to tackle questions

By Teddy Feinberg tfeinberg@lcsun-news.com @TeddyFeinberg on Twitter
NEW MEXICO STATE FOOTBALL
LAS CRUCES >> Upon his return to Las Cruces, this time as a rst-year head coach, Doug Martin brought an air of positivity and a fresh start to the Aggie football program. We sat down with Martin for a recent interview to get his thoughts on the upcoming year, and all things Aggie football:
SUN-NEWS >>
The other thing is....a young quarterback like King (Davis III), you can ruin a kid like that real early if you put him in a lot of bad situations.(Its) developing a quarterback.
SN >> How many of your current players could play at Boston College? DM >>
were your thoughts?

DM >> The negatives that I saw, particularly defensively, was the lack of turnovers (nine total)....And I felt like we were very predictable on defense. You were going to play man coverage, and you were going to get a 4-3....I think with our talent and what we have, we need to be really diverse and really multiple, and be able to put our guys in a lot of different situations to be able to succeed....And then offensively....I thought the skill players really had a lot of potential. Germi Morrison, I thought was a really good back, and obviously the receivers I really like....My feeling was that the offensive line was better than it was when I was here before. And I think thats turned out to be true, watching them up to this point. SN >>
Whats your perception of Aggie football today? My perception of Aggie football is untapped resources....Theres a lot of potential here. Theres a lot of people here that want you to succeed. In the community, former players, alums....The administration.... And I see all that, maybe for the rst time in a long time, being on the same page, and moving forward and having a direction. I think its kind of been a rudderless ship, maybe, before....I think thats my job, is to dictate what direction we want to go in, what we want the program to look like in all phases, and then get everybody else on board with it. And I really like where we are right now.
DOUG MARTIN >> SN >> In your estimation, when talking bowl game, how long do you think itll take to get the program to that point? DM >> I dont ever talk to the players about bowl games. And I dont talk to them about winning seasons....I believe this....UTEP and UNM: that is the measuring stick....You beat those two teams in the same season, that winning season and
ROBIN ZIELINSKI SUN-NEWS
Aggie head football coach Doug Martin draws up a play from the NMSU coaches offices last week. Online: Read more what our football team is goDOUG MARTIN BIO questions and answers ing to look like one day: its 0-0at New Mexico State Martin at WWW.LCSUNgoing to come running down (first-year head coach of the from NEWS.COM that tunnel, its going to be a Aggies) fast, physical football team, 29-53record as head been a championship year. plays with a lot of passion coach at Kent State (2004and a lot of discipline. And 10) SN >> What will Aggie foot- its just a very athletic team. Martin served as offensive ball do differently that hasnt And team in every sense of coordinator at NMSU in been done before, on and off the word. We dont have a 2011, and also has coordithe eld? lot of great star power here. nating experience at Boston And thats OK. The best footCollege (2012), East CaroDM >> Really, weve already ball teams Ive ever been lina (1996-2002) and East accomplished that off the around were just that - they Tennessee State (1989-91) eld. With all the community were teams. And Im after Martin was a four-year service things weve done - I guys that are willing to give letterwinner at the Univerdont even know how many themselves to each other and sity of Kentucky (1981-84) hours weve done, but its a play for each other. lot. Weve had a lot of suc Born on Feb. 4, 1963, cessful camps, weve kind of SN >> As you see it, what are Martin and his wife Vicki have a daughter, Molly, and re-engaged the community. the incremental steps in deOur players have really en- veloping a quarterback? two sons, Cory and Bobby
bowl game....is going to take care of itself. Just look at the history....Every year, when New Mexico State has won those two games in the same season, its been a great year, its been a winning year, its joyed that....I think the other thing is to get this campus to embrace us. The students.... And then I think the thing that has to be different is the way we play football....The identity of what we want the football team to look like....I have a vision in my head of
DM >> No. 1 is, you gotta have a guy who has condence, or moxy, or whatever you want to call it. That it factor....Theres just something special about a real quarterback. They just have a different air about them....
I would say (Davonte) Wallace could play at BC, (Valerian) Ume(-Ezeoke) could play at BC, (Perris) Scoggins could certainly play. A lot of the receivers could play, thats what they had the hardest time getting at Boston College....I think King (Davis III), obviously, could play there. Defensively, our secondary would be pretty effective....Theyve got pretty good linebackers, but Tra Nixons a guy who could certainly play there.
S N >>
Whats your assessment of regional football talDM >> I think organization ent, particularly in Las Cruand having a vision....Hav- ces and El Paso? ing a plan that I wont deviate from....The classroom DM >> I think theres certainly especially. Im really ada- going to be one or two playmant that we are going to ers, obviously, in those areas be great in the classroom.... that we would offer and reQuite honestly, were not cruit. And weve done that good enough in the class- this year. Now whether or room right now to meet my not they want to come is a standard....I dont believe different issue....I will say youll ever be successful on this: I want kids that want the field until youre suc- to be here. I dont want cessful off the field. I will somebody that I have to out-stubborn them on that talk them into coming here, issue....And Id like to think or they come here because I know something about of- they didnt get the offer that fensive football. And how to they wanted from some big score points....I have a lot of school.....I want the kid that enthusiasm for young men. wants to play for New MexMy college coaches had a ico State. Because that guy great impact on me, I enjoy will want to be coached, hell doing that, and hope that play here with passion.... comes across on the play- Well win with the guys that ers that I really care about want to be here. them. Sports Editor Teddy FeinSN >> When you looked at berg can be reached at 575game film last year, what 541-5455
W hat a re you r strengths as a coach?

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Football 2013

LCSUN-NEWS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/LCSUNNEWS TWITTER.COM/CRUCESSUNNEWS

Mayeld looks to return to states elite

STRONG TEAM REMAINS

Champion Bulldawgs solid core remains

Oate has playoff berth as ultimate goal

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

Centennial looks to build off rst year

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

MAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

LAS CRUCES HIGH SCHOOL

OATE HIGH SCHOOL

CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL

OTHER AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

SOUTHERN NM FOOTBALL STAFF

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

INSIDE THE HEADSET

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

AUGUST 29- SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

2013 MAYFIELD SCHEDULE

Wishes our Athletes a Arts and Sciences Student Successful Season!

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

WHAT THEYRE SAYING

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

SHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS

Online: Videos on the Mayfield team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

LAS CRUCES BULLDAWGS

Defending the title

INSIDE THE HEADSET

SHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

LAS CRUCES BULLDAWGS

2013 LAS CRUCES SCHEDULE

WHAT THEYRE SAYING

AUGUST 29- SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

LAS CRUCES BULLDAWGS

Alejandro Jose Gomez

SHARI V. HILL SUN-NEWS

Online: Videos on the Las Cruces team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM

Number of returning 9 starters on the defensive side of the ball.

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

INSIDE THE HEADSET

Coach: Caleb Hull 2012 season: 3-7, 0-4in district

STEVE MACINTYRE FOR THE SUN-NEWS

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

2013 OATE SCHEDULE

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Bigger, faster, stronger

Sun-News staff report

Online: Videos on the Oate team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM

INSIDE THE HEADSET

WHAT THEYRE SAYING

STEVE MACINTYRE FOR THE SUN-NEWS

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

WHAT THEYRE SAYING

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

2013 CENTENNIAL SCHEDULE

Online: Videos on the Centennial team can be found at LCSUN-NEWS.COM

After .500 season, Panthers look to build off success

Coach: Roy Gerela 2012season: 5-5, 2-2 District: 3-5A