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Impressive victories over cross-town rival Mayfield, as well as highly-ranked teams Volcano Vista, Rio Rancho, Cleveland and Hobbs, have Las Cruces off to a fantastic start in its pursuit of a state football championship. The top-ranked Bulldawgs (5-0, 1-0 in 6A District 3 play) have scored 236 points in those five contests while allowing just 95.
Las Cruces’ powerful offense is led by senior running back Daniel Amaro, who leads the state in total touchdowns with 20, and in rushing yards, with 916. Amaro is averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Senior wideout Francisco Winnikoff is the state leader in receiving yards. He has turned 29 catches into 512 yards and three scores.
The Dawgs are equally dominant on defense, where junior linebackers Denton Walker (78 tackles, seven sacks) and Hunter Parmeter (59 tackles) establish the tone. Las Cruces faces Organ Mountain this week, and its Oct. 16 visit to Alamagordo followed by a season-ending Halloween night date with Centennial should determine how the Bulldawgs will enter the postseason.
"This team has shown high character and a strong desire to do what's necessary for success,” said Las Cruces head coach Mark Lopez. “They've been a blessing to us as coaches."
Before it can get to that season finale with the Dawgs, Centennial (4-1, 1-0) has an important home contest against Alamogordo (1-0, 4-1) of its own. Running back Dailen Ramirez is having the same kind of campaign as Amaro. The junior has amassed 95 carries for 860 yards and nine scores to power the Hawks. Johnathon Valenzuela-Chaires provides an anchor for the Centennial defensive unit.
Organ Mountain (2-3, 0-1) has been up and down to begin the season, but hopes are high that the play of quarterback Jaden Gonzalez could steady the ship. The junior leads the team in passing yards (557) and rushing yards (284) and has scored five TDs. When the Knights go to the air, big plays usually follow, and junior receiver Zeke Weir is averaging nearly 20 yards per grab.
Playing in Class 5A District 2, Mayfield (1-4, 1-1) is hoping its first win of the season last week will lead to bigger and better things.
