Nine games. Five classifications. One Friday night that could completely reshape New Mexico’s state football championship picture.

The opening round delivered plenty of drama, from Rio Rancho’s overtime upset of Las Cruces to Belen’s last-second escape against Grants. Now the quarterfinals bring the top seeds into the postseason, and the road to the Blue Trophy gets considerably tougher.

No. 4 Centennial Hawks (6-4, 5-2) vs. No. 5 Sandia Matadors (9-2, 5-2)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | Field of Dreams

The Breakdown: If there’s one game I’d pay to watch Friday night, this is it. Sandia heads south following a 60-7 dismantling of Farmington, and the Matadors are playing some of their best football at exactly the right time. Quarterback Jahleel Lewis threw five touchdown passes and ran for another in the opening round, with Deon Session hauling in three touchdown receptions. Centennial enters after a first-round bye, having finished the regular season with a heartbreaking 29-28 loss to Las Cruces. The Hawks have defeated Carlsbad 35-7, Artesia 37-14 and Eldorado 21-7, but they’ve also struggled against the state’s elite competition. Sandia’s offense is the difference-maker in this matchup. Lewis entered the playoffs with 2,414 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, while George Smith had 794 receiving yards. Centennial has the athletes to make this competitive, but the Hawks must find a way to slow an offense that has scored at least 42 points in five consecutive games.

Keys to the Game: Centennial needs to control the tempo, establish its running game and keep Lewis on the sideline. Sandia must protect the football and avoid giving the Hawks short fields. If this turns into a shootout, I like the Matadors.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: I’ve been high on Sandia throughout the postseason, and I’m not backing away now. Centennial is dangerous at home, but Lewis is playing with tremendous confidence. I think the Matadors have a legitimate opportunity to reach the semifinals and potentially challenge Cleveland.

Grine Line: Sandia -6.5

Grine’s Pick: Sandia 38, Centennial 31

No. 1 Cleveland Storm (10-0, 7-0) vs. No. 9 Rio Rancho Rams (6-5, 4-3)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | Thunderbolt Stadium

The Breakdown: Rio Rancho provided one of the opening round’s most memorable moments, defeating Las Cruces 21-20 in overtime on Micah Takahashi’s two-point conversion pass to Noah Lovato. The Rams showed tremendous resilience on the road, and running back Eli Vigil delivered another strong performance with more than 100 rushing yards. Unfortunately for Rio Rancho, the reward is a rematch against undefeated Cleveland. The Storm defeated the Rams 50-0 in their regular-season finale, and there’s little reason to believe Cleveland will overlook its crosstown rival. Quarterback Michael Denison entered the postseason with 2,593 passing yards and 38 touchdowns against just two interceptions, while Evan Nanez has been one of the state’s most explosive receivers with 1,227 yards and 17 touchdowns. Cleveland has scored at least 42 points in seven consecutive games and has demonstrated the ability to dominate opponents on both sides of the football.

Keys to the Game: Rio Rancho must avoid turnovers, establish its running game and find a way to shorten the contest. Cleveland needs to do what it has done all season: establish an early lead and force opponents into uncomfortable situations.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: I loved Rio Rancho’s decision to go for two against Las Cruces. That’s playoff football. But Cleveland is an entirely different animal. The Storm have been the most complete team in Class 6A, and I don’t see that changing Friday night.

Grine Line: Cleveland -34.5

Grine’s Pick: Cleveland 49, Rio Rancho 14

No. 3 La Cueva Bears (7-3, 6-1) vs. No. 6 Eldorado Eagles (6-4-1, 5-2)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | Wilson Stadium

The Breakdown: It’s another chapter in one of Albuquerque’s most familiar football rivalries, only this time the season is on the line. La Cueva defeated Eldorado 59-21 in the season opener, but the Eagles have developed considerably since that meeting. Sophomore quarterback Landon Smith delivered an outstanding performance in Eldorado’s 50-35 opening-round victory over Albuquerque, completing 14 of 22 passes for 202 yards and four touchdowns. Brodie Cochran caught six passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns, while Jahari Morehead added two touchdown receptions. Daijon Jackson contributed 51 rushing yards and two scores. La Cueva enters following a first-round bye and has won six of its last seven games, including a thrilling 43-42 victory over Sandia in the regular-season finale. The Bears have scored at least 42 points in six consecutive victories.

Keys to the Game: Eldorado must find a way to slow La Cueva’s explosive offense while getting another strong performance from Smith. The Bears need to establish themselves early and avoid allowing the Eagles to hang around into the second half.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: Smith is one of the more intriguing young quarterbacks in New Mexico, and Eldorado has enough offensive talent to make this interesting. But La Cueva has been playing at another level, and I believe the Bears are the better football team. Expect a competitive first half before La Cueva pulls away.

Grine Line: La Cueva -17.5

Grine’s Pick: La Cueva 42, Eldorado 24

CLASS 5A

No. 1 Roswell Coyotes (9-1, 7-0) vs. No. 8 Santa Fe Demons (7-4, 5-2)

Friday, November 13 | 6:00 PM | Wool Bowl

The Breakdown: Santa Fe has enjoyed one of its better seasons in recent memory, and the Demons opened the postseason with a convincing 23-7 victory over Cibola. Now comes the ultimate test against the top seed in Class 5A. Roswell has won nine consecutive games and enters with one of the state’s most explosive offenses. Quarterback Andruw Fuentez has put together a remarkable season, entering the postseason with 2,376 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. Receiver Danny Castro has been equally impressive with 981 receiving yards and 14 scores. The Coyotes have defeated Artesia 62-36, Gadsden 49-14 and Goddard 42-35, demonstrating their ability to score against some of the classification’s strongest teams. Santa Fe quarterback Manuel Peña entered the postseason with 1,588 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, while receiver Alex Bobolsky has been a productive target in the passing game.

Keys to the Game: Santa Fe must control possession and limit Roswell’s explosive plays. The Demons cannot afford to get into a track meet against an offense that has scored at least 42 points in eight consecutive games.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: Credit Adrian Gonzales and the Demons for an outstanding season. Santa Fe has made tremendous progress, but Roswell is simply operating at another level offensively. The Coyotes are my favorite to win Class 5A, and I expect them to make another statement Friday night.

Grine Line: Roswell -34.5

Grine’s Pick: Roswell 49, Santa Fe 14

CLASS 4A

No. 2 St. Pius X Sartans (8-1, 6-0) vs. No. 7 Manzano Monarchs (7-4, 6-2)

Friday, November 13 | 6:00 PM | Community Stadium

The Breakdown: St. Pius X begins its postseason pursuit of another Class 4A championship appearance against a Manzano team that has won four consecutive games. The Sartans enter on a seven-game winning streak, including victories over Portales, Belen and Lovington. Running back Hershul Olloway Jr. has been one of New Mexico’s most explosive offensive players, entering the postseason with 1,543 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Quarterback Isaiah Carpenter has provided balance through the air with 1,787 passing yards and 19 scores. Manzano advanced with a 39-24 victory over Bernalillo and has been one of Class 4A’s better turnaround stories under first-year head coach Michael Holguin. Running back Broden Price entered the postseason with 1,296 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, giving the Monarchs a legitimate offensive weapon capable of breaking a big play. But Manzano will face a considerably tougher defensive challenge against the Sartans.

Keys to the Game: Manzano must establish Price early and control the clock. St. Pius X needs to contain the Monarchs’ rushing attack while allowing Olloway and Carpenter to dictate the tempo offensively.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: Manzano deserves credit for its turnaround, but the Sartans have been tested against some of Class 4A’s strongest teams. I expect St. Pius X to control the line of scrimmage, establish its running game and take another step toward a potential third consecutive championship appearance.

Grine Line: St. Pius X -21.5

Grine’s Pick: St. Pius X 42, Manzano 20

No. 3 Portales Rams (8-2, 5-1) vs. No. 6 Belen Eagles (8-3, 3-3)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | ENMU Greyhound Stadium

The Breakdown: Belen might still be wondering how it survived the opening round. The Eagles trailed Grants 16-7 with less than four minutes remaining before quarterback Gonzalo Cano connected with Ramon Martinez for a touchdown. Belen recovered an onside kick, and Luke Gallegos delivered a game-winning 30-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to secure a remarkable 17-16 victory. Now Belen gets another opportunity against a Portales team that defeated the Eagles 34-27 during the regular season. The Rams enter having won four consecutive games and have been particularly impressive offensively. Running back Slade Segovia entered the postseason with 1,360 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, while quarterback Jacoby Bamforth has thrown for 1,598 yards and 25 touchdowns against just one interception. Belen counters with Cano, who entered the playoffs with 1,326 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 1,006 passing yards.

Keys to the Game: Belen must avoid another slow start and establish Cano early. Portales needs to control the line of scrimmage and force the Eagles into passing situations. Both teams have enough offensive talent to make this a four-quarter battle.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: This is one of my favorite games of the night. Belen showed tremendous heart against Grants, but I’m not convinced the Eagles can afford another dramatic comeback against a team as talented as Portales. The Rams already won the first meeting, and I like them to make it two straight.

Grine Line: Portales -6.5

Grine’s Pick: Portales 35, Belen 28

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CLASS 3A

No. 4 Moriarty Pintos (8-2, 5-2) vs. No. 5 Robertson Cardinals (8-3, 5-2)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | Moriarty HS

The Breakdown: On paper, this looks like an intriguing matchup between two eight-win teams. But I’m not buying the idea that this will be particularly close. Moriarty enters having won three consecutive games, including a 36-0 victory over New Mexico Military in the regular-season finale. The Pintos have been one of Class 3A’s most physical teams and have demonstrated the ability to dominate opponents with their rushing attack. Running back Mario Romero entered the postseason with 1,318 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, while Mateo Manley-Griego added 914 rushing yards and 11 scores. Robertson advanced with a 33-7 victory over Gallup, but the Cardinals have been inconsistent against stronger competition. Their regular-season finale resulted in a 6-0 loss to West Las Vegas, and they also suffered a 42-0 defeat against St. Michael’s.

Keys to the Game: Robertson must find a way to slow Moriarty’s rushing attack and avoid falling behind early. The Pintos need to establish their physicality, control the clock and force the Cardinals to play from behind.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: Robertson has the tradition and talent to make this competitive, but I believe Moriarty is the better football team by a considerable margin. The Pintos have been impressive throughout the season, and I expect them to make a statement Friday night. Give me Moriarty by three touchdowns.

Grine Line: Moriarty -20.5

Grine’s Pick: Moriarty 35, Robertson 14

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CLASS 2A

No. 2 Estancia Bears (9-1, 4-0) vs. No. 7 Tucumcari Rattlers (8-3, 2-1)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | Estancia High School

The Breakdown: This might be the most underrated game on Friday night’s schedule. Estancia defeated Tucumcari 34-28 during the regular season, and now the Rattlers get another opportunity with a semifinal berth on the line. The Bears have won nine consecutive games since dropping their season opener to Loving 46-33. Head coach Stewart Burnett has guided Estancia through an impressive campaign that includes victories over Santa Rosa, Raton, Legacy Academy and Tucumcari. The Rattlers advanced with a 40-20 victory over Tularosa, avenging a regular-season loss to the Wildcats. Running back Jermy Jones entered the postseason with more than 1,200 rushing yards and has been one of Class 2A’s most productive two-way players. The first meeting between these teams was decided by just six points, and there’s little reason to believe the rematch will be easy for either side.

Keys to the Game: Tucumcari must establish Jones early and avoid giving Estancia additional possessions. The Bears need to control the line of scrimmage and force the Rattlers into uncomfortable situations offensively.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: I’ve had this matchup circled since the quarterfinal bracket was finalized. Estancia has been one of Class 2A’s most consistent teams, but Tucumcari already demonstrated it can compete with the Bears. I expect another physical, competitive game that could come down to the fourth quarter. Give me Estancia, but don’t be surprised if the Rattlers make things interesting.

Grine Line: Estancia -6.5

Grine’s Pick: Estancia 28, Tucumcari 21

No. 1 Texico Wolverines (8-1, 4-0) vs. No. 9 Legacy Academy Silverbacks (6-5, 3-1)

Friday, November 13 | 7:00 PM | Texico High School

The Breakdown: Legacy Academy delivered one of the opening round’s biggest statements, defeating Navajo Prep 48-14 on the road.The Silverbacks were outstanding offensively, with Xander Chavez rushing for 156 yards and four touchdowns while quarterback Cameron Maldonado threw for 240 yards and three scores.Now Legacy gets another opportunity against a Texico team that defeated the Silverbacks 35-0 during the regular season.The Wolverines enter on a seven-game winning streak and have been particularly impressive against Class 2A competition. Texico defeated Dexter 42-21, Eunice 38-7 and Santa Rosa 25-12 during the regular season. Running back Cross Figg entered the postseason with 1,221 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, while quarterback Austin Haakma has provided balance through the passing game.

Keys to the Game: Legacy Academy must establish Chavez and find ways to create explosive plays through the air. Texico needs to control the line of scrimmage and avoid allowing the Silverbacks to gain confidence early.

Grine’s Final Thoughts: Legacy Academy deserves plenty of credit for its first-round performance, and I expect the Silverbacks to be more competitive than they were in the first meeting. But Texico has been the team to beat in Class 2A, and I don’t see that changing Friday night. The Wolverines advance.

Grine Line: Texico -20.5

Grine’s Pick: Texico 42, Legacy Academy 21

GRINE’S FRIDAY NIGHT PICKS

Classification	Grine’s Pick	Predicted Score
6A	Sandia over Centennial	38-31
6A	Cleveland over Rio Rancho	49-14
6A	La Cueva over Eldorado	42-24
5A	Roswell over Santa Fe	49-14
4A	St. Pius X over Manzano	42-20
4A	Portales over Belen	35-28
3A	Moriarty over Robertson	35-14
2A	Estancia over Tucumcari	28-21
2A	Texico over Legacy Academy	42-21