Local Teams Face Major Tests in Week 3 Coaches Poll
Story by Walter Dorman
The latest New Mexico high school football coaches poll has been released, and several San Juan County teams are holding strong as district play begins. Farmington, Piedra Vista, Bloomfield and Kirtland Central remain among the state’s most recognized programs, while Aztec, Navajo Prep and Newcomb continue working toward a climb in the rankings.
In Class 6A, Farmington remains just outside the Top 10 following its loss to Durango. The Scorpions hold the equivalent of the No. 11 position after receiving five votes.
Farmington now begins district play with its biggest challenge of the season. The Scorpions will host top-ranked Cleveland Friday night at 7 p.m. A strong performance against the Storm could help Farmington make its way into the official Top 10.
Piedra Vista moved up to No. 3 in the Class 5A poll despite suffering a 29-14 loss on the road against Olympus in Utah. The Panthers played well against a strong out-of-state opponent and apparently impressed voters enough to move up in the rankings.
The Panthers open district play this week against the Los Alamos Hilltoppers. Piedra Vista should remain in a strong position in the Class 5A rankings with another solid performance.
Bloomfield remains the No. 1 team in Class 4A after opening district play with an impressive 55-0 victory over Taos. However, Lovington continues to inch closer to the two-time defending state champions in the voting.
The Bobcats will be tested again Saturday when they travel to Albuquerque to face Manzano. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Another convincing victory would help Bloomfield strengthen its hold on the top spot.
Kirtland Central remained at No. 7 in Class 3A after having a bye last week. The Broncos now prepare to begin district play against top-ranked St. Michael’s.
This matchup should provide a good measuring stick for Kirtland Central. Facing the No. 1 team will give the Broncos an opportunity to see what they may need to improve if they hope to compete for a state championship later this season.
Aztec remains among the teams receiving votes in Class 3A and has an opportunity to move up this week. The Tigers host Thoreau Friday night at 7 p.m. Thoreau currently has eight votes, while Aztec has three, so a Tigers victory could push Aztec past Thoreau and closer to the Top 10.
In Class 2A, Navajo Prep remains outside the Top 10 despite an impressive 42-6 victory over Zuni. The Eagles continue to lead the “Others Receiving Votes” category with 19 points and will host Tohatchi Thursday night.
Another convincing win could finally be enough to move Navajo Prep into the Top 10.
One surprising omission from the Class 2A poll is Newcomb. The Skyhawks dominated McCurdy 42-6 last week but did not receive any votes. Newcomb will look to keep rolling when it takes on Crownpoint.
If the Skyhawks earn another strong victory,They could begin attracting attention from voters and move closer to Navajo Prep and the Class 2A Top 10.
