Carlsbad Cavemen 2025 Preseason Football Preview
We’re counting down all 21 teams in New Mexico high school football Class 6A for the 2025 season, breaking down each program with key returners, expectations, and the outlook for the fall. From championship favorites to rebuilding programs, every team has its own storyline heading into the new year.
For Carlsbad Cavemen, stability under third-year head coach Cale Sanders and the return of the state’s top-ranked player set the stage for what could be a breakout season in 2025.
No. 11 Carlsbad Cavemen
Head Coach: Cale Sanders | 2024 Record: 4-6 | District: 2-4, 3-6A | Points For: 297 | Points Allowed: 282
Review
Carlsbad opened last year with a tough 44-7 loss to Artesia in the Eddy County Rivalry but quickly rebounded with a 45-22 win over Goddard. The Cavemen added wins over Cibola, Clovis, and Alamogordo but fell in overtime to Organ Mountain (41-40) and dropped their final two games against Las Cruces and Hobbs. Sanders has steadied the program after years of turnover, and the Cavemen appear to be climbing back into contention.
Overview / Roster Breakdown
All eyes will be on Colton McKibbens (2027), New Mexico’s No. 1 overall player and a consensus top-40 national defensive prospect with more than 11 Power Four offers. McKibbens is dominant on both sides of the ball, posting 95 tackles in 2024 and anchoring the Cavemen defense.
The offense returns several weapons. Brock Wright (2027) led the ground game with 613 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns as a sophomore and should be even more productive this season. The receiver corps is deep, led by Robert Castaneda (2026), who hauled in 711 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with Eloy Lopez (2027), Eaven Leos (2026), and Richard Hernandez (2026). Developing a new quarterback will be the priority, but with multiple weapons around him, the transition could be smooth.
Defensively, Carlsbad is loaded with experience beyond McKibbens. Zayland Pesante (2026), Simon Rubio (2026), and Ty Young (2026) provide playmaking ability across all levels of the defense, giving the Cavemen the depth to match up with high-powered district opponents.
Realistic Expectations
The schedule again features tough southeastern regional matchups against Artesia, Goddard, and Lovington to open the season. Winning two of those three could launch the Cavemen toward their best record in years. District play will test them against perennial powers, but this roster has the talent to reach 5–6 wins. Projection: 5-5 overall, with a ceiling closer to 7 wins if everything clicks.
Bottom Line
With McKibbens headlining and a deep core of returning playmakers, Carlsbad has the pieces to rise quickly in Class 6A. Sanders has restored stability, and the Cavemen now look ready to push into the top 10 if they stay healthy and deliver in close games.
Carlsbad Cavemen 2025 Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | vs Artesia | 7:00pm |
| 8/29 | vs Goddard | 7:00pm |
| 9/5 | @ Lovington | 7:00pm |
| 9/11 | @ Cibola | 7:00pm |
| 9/19 | vs Centennial* | 7:00pm |
| 9/26 | vs Clovis* | 7:00pm |
| 10/4 | @ Organ Mountain* | 1:00pm |
| 10/10 | @ Alamogordo* | 7:00pm |
| 10/24 | vs Las Cruces* | 7:00pm |
| 10/31 | @ Hobbs* | 7:00pm |
*Denotes district game