New Mexico high school football 2025 preseason rankings. Bloomfield will look to defend their title this Fall, riding a 12-game winning streak into the season after claiming the 4A state championship — 62-28 – over St. Pius X. The Bobcats have played in four of the last six state championship games winning two (2022 being […]
New Mexico high school football 2025 preseason rankings. Bloomfield will look to defend their title this Fall, riding a 12-game winning streak into the season after claiming the 4A state championship — 62-28 – over St. Pius X. The Bobcats have played in four of the last six state championship games winning two (2022 being the other). We breakdown the contenders, pretenders and other playoff hopefuls in our Class 4A New Mexico high school football preseason preview.
1. Bloomfield Bobcats – Head Coach: Mike Kovacs – 2024 Record: 12-0 (7-0 District 1-4A)
Kovacs has built a powerhouse in the northwest corner of the state, delivering the program’s latest state title in undefeated fashion. The Bobcats will have to replace a 3,000-yard passer in Spencer, but returning running back Peyton Duncan gives them a dynamic weapon. Duncan ran for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns last season while also adding 740 receiving yards and 11 scores. Receiver Kaleb Hutchens (653 yards, 12 TDs) provides another reliable target in a potent offense.
2. St. Pius X Sartans – Head Coach: Curtis Flakes – 2024 Record: 10-3 (6-0 District 2-4A)
Flakes has restored the Sartans into a perennial power. After reaching the state final a year ago, St. Pius X returns eight starters on each side of the ball, including four next-level talents. Running back Hershul Olloway Jr. (2027) already holds two Division I offers, quarterback Isaiah Carpenter (2027) passed for over 3,000 yards, and receivers Cayl Cox-Liggins (1,112 yards, 12 TDs) and Curtis Flakes III (520 yards, 5 TDs) headline a loaded skill group.
3. Portales Rams – Head Coach: Jaime Ramirez – 2024 Record: 6-5 (4-2 District 2-4A)
Even in a “down” year, Portales still reached six wins. With Slade Segovia (2028) — a versatile freshman who ran for 419 yards — back in the fold, the Rams may have the next big name under center in 4A.
4. Taos Tigers – Head Coach: Johnny Olguin – 2024 Record: 7-4 (5-2 District 1-4A)
Year two under Olguin brings high expectations. Quarterback Evan Salazar (2026) returns after throwing for 1,032 yards and 8 TDs while rushing for 422 yards and 4 more scores.
5. Grants Pirates – Head Coach: Steven Brown – 2024 Record: 6-6 (4-3 District 1-4A)
Grants took a playoff step forward last year and return QB Tristan Fernandez (2026), who accounted for over 1,780 total yards and 16 touchdowns.
6. Bernalillo Spartans – Head Coach: John Cobos – 2024 Record: 9-3 (5-2 District 1-4A)
The loss of record-setting quarterback Castro will be felt, but the Spartans still have weapons. Ulissess Castro (591 yards, 6 TDs), Joseph Duran (941 yards, 12 TDs), Kenneth Saiz, and Ivan Ruiz lead a deep receiving corps.
7. Manzano Monarchs – Head Coach: Stephen Johnston – 2024 Record: 5-6 (2-4 District 2-4A)
The rebuild may be turning a corner. Aiden Erickson (2026), Justin Duran (2026), and Broden Price (2028) provide hope for a breakout year.
8. Silver Colts – Head Coach: Jerome Ortiz – 2024 Record: 4-7 (2-4 District 2-4A)
Like Portales, Silver looks to bounce back behind young talent. Running backs Urijah Arrey (2027) and Cody Cooper (2028) gained valuable experience last season.
9. Valencia Jaguars – Head Coach: LeDarrius Cage – 2024 Record: 8-4 (4-2 District 2-4A)
Michael Storms III (2026) is a game-changer after rushing for 1,723 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024. The Jaguars are a dangerous playoff threat.
10. Moriarty Pintos – Head Coach: Gabriel Romero – 2024 Record: 4-7 (2-5 District 1-4A)
Injuries derailed a promising start last season. The backfield tandem of Mateo Griego-Manley and Royce Dennisson (each over 400 yards, 4 TDs) could power a bounce-back.
11-15: Albuquerque Academy (QB William Braun, 2,300 yards, 19 TDs), Española Valley (new coach after historic semifinal run), Chaparral (QB Israel Nieto, RB Raul Lopez), and Kirtland Central (QB Chance Aspaas) aim to close the gap on the top tier. The final team on our rankings is the Aztec Tigers looking to bounce back from a 0-9 overall season.
Join the Conversation
Category: General Sports
