The third week of high school football in New Mexico showcased a series of exciting games, with teams battling for supremacy in various districts. Notable performances and tight contests highlighted the action, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
On Thursday, Albuquerque High faced off against Cibola in a closely contested game that ended with the Bulldogs edging the Cougars 12-7. The Bulldogs, now holding a record of 2-0-1, relied on a strong defensive effort to secure the victory. Quarterback Adam Aguirre connected with Giovanni Rivera for a crucial 30-yard touchdown pass, while Deven Poole added a 3-yard rushing touchdown, benefiting from a significant run by Julian Madera that brought the Bulldogs into scoring position.
Hope Christian continued its impressive run, dominating Atrisco Heritage with a commanding 50-0 victory. The Huskies, now 3-0, saw senior receiver Darrien Williams shine once again, scoring three touchdowns for the second consecutive week. Kane Otero contributed to the rout with two rushing touchdowns, showcasing the Huskies' offensive prowess.
In another Thursday matchup, Centennial defeated Artesia 37-14, marking a significant win for the Hawks, who are now 1-2. The defending Class 5A state champions, Artesia, are struggling this season, starting with an 0-3 record for the first time in over four decades. Dailen Ramirez and quarterback Ruiz Laborin both found the end zone in the first half, helping the Hawks establish a 17-0 lead by halftime.
Friday's games featured several thrilling matchups. Volcano Vista made a statement with a 42-31 victory over La Cueva, marking a significant win for the fourth-ranked Hawks against their second-ranked rivals. Junior quarterback Jude Herrera was instrumental in the win, rushing for three touchdowns and throwing for another, as Volcano Vista improved to 3-0.
Sandia and Eldorado engaged in a nail-biting contest that went into double overtime, with Sandia ultimately prevailing 42-36. Coach Tylon Wilder allowed the team captains to address their teammates after the game, emphasizing the resilience displayed by the Matadors throughout the challenging matchup.
Meanwhile, Cleveland continued its unbeaten streak, defeating Amarillo, Texas, 35-28, thanks to a late touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Denison. The Storm's record now stands at 3-0, solidifying their position as a top contender in Class 6A.
Other notable scores from Friday included Roswell's narrow 39-35 victory over Rio Rancho, Belen's 35-21 win against Los Alamos, and Goddard's 28-23 triumph over Los Lunas. Moriarty continued its strong start with a 51-20 win against Albuquerque Academy, while St. Pius rolled to a 54-28 victory over Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Saturday's action saw West Mesa defeating Highland 37-12, with a strong second-half performance that saw the Mustangs score 23 unanswered points. Manzano also secured its first win of the season, dominating Del Norte 54-14. St. Michael's extended its impressive winning streak to 35 games with a 42-0 victory over Robertson.
As the season progresses, teams are beginning to establish their identities, with several players emerging as key contributors. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams continue to vie for playoff positions and seek to improve their standings in their respective districts.
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