New Mexico High School Football 8-Man & 6-Man Previews for Week 13
For both classifications, the end of the 2025 New Mexico high school football season is coming fast. The semifinals are set in 8-Man, and the 6-Man state championship. Today we break down each 8-Man matchup heading into a pivotal weekend.
8-MAN SEMIFINALS
No. 1 Fort Sumner vs No. 4 Mesilla Valley Christian
Friday, November 14 — 7:00pm — at Bernalillo HS (neutral site)
Side Note: Yes, this is a neutral-site game, and yes, “Meet in the Middle” by Diamond Rio probably played in your head too.
Preview: This matchup was originally slated for Las Cruces at Mesilla Valley, but it now shifts north to Bernalillo High School. The No. 1 Fort Sumner Foxes enter the semifinal at 9-0 overall and 5-0 in district play, averaging 50 points per game. Their defense has been nearly flawless, allowing just 34 total points all season, a staggering stat that backs up their title contender status.
This group is hungry. They remember last year’s semifinal loss, a 28-22 defeat to Mesilla Valley, and they haven’t forgotten the sting (if you remember the side chatter on this loss to the private school). Friday is their chance at revenge from the 2024 postseason.
The Foxes feature quarterback Jordan Holland (2027), son of head coach Brad Holland, one of the most dynamic players in 8-Man football. Holland brings 1,866 passing yards, 39 passing touchdowns, 500 rushing yards, and 9 rushing touchdowns into this game. On defense he’s equally involved with 86 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. His primary offensive target is Travon Bond (2027), who has 960 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns, and 46 tackles on defense. They are supported by RB AJ Lucero (2026) and WR Carlos De La Rosa (2028), giving Fort Sumner a multi-layered attack capable of striking quickly. Defensively, Larry Roybal (2028) shines with 52 tackles and 7 sacks, complementing Holland and Bond to create a three-headed defensive force.
Mesilla Valley arrives at 7-2 overall and 4-2 in district, averaging 44 points per game while riding a three-game win streak into the semifinal. They started 4-0 before late-September losses to Melrose and Tatum. They feature quarterback Kaleb Redfearn (2027), who has thrown for 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns. Kaden Warner (2026) has been his go-to receiving threat with 428 yards and 5 touchdowns. Offensive depth comes from Luke Dwyer (2028), Jaxson Warner (2029), and Payton Tharp (2026). Defensively, Tharp (66 tackles) and Dwyer (50 tackles) anchor the unit, along with John Krieger (2027) and his 40 tackles.
Prediction: Fort Sumner 45, Mesilla Valley 38
No. 2 Melrose vs No. 3 Tatum
Friday, November 14 — 7:00pm — at Melrose HS
Preview: This semifinal carries plenty of intrigue as defending champion Melrose hosts a hungry Tatum squad looking to flip the script from their regular-season meeting. Melrose enters the game 9-2 overall (6-0 in district), scoring 444 points and allowing just 132. Tatum stands at 8-3 overall (4-2 district), with 400 points scored and 188 allowed. Their October 24 matchup was lopsided (a 48-6 Melrose victory) but the playoffs often provide a different energy.
Tatum is led by freshman quarterback Aaron Marizcal (2029), one of the most exciting young players in New Mexico eight-man football. Marizcal has thrown for 849 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 702 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, giving the Coyotes a dual-threat weapon capable of breaking open a game. Supporting him is Jasiel Esparza (2026), a powerful runner with 642 yards and 12 touchdowns. Esparza also brings 51 tackles on defense.
Through the air, Marizcal can find Garrett Anthony (2027) with 311 yards and 4 touchdowns, or Anthony Montez (2026), who adds 320 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. Montez is also a defensive standout with 8 interceptions. Up front, Alonso Salazar (2026) leads the defensive charge with 58 tackles and 8 sacks.
Melrose counters with experience, pedigree, and championship DNA. The Buffaloes opened the season on a 24-game winning streak (snapped by out-of-state competition), but they remain the defending 2024 and 2023 8-Man champions. Despite graduating key players, they still carry a roster built for deep playoff runs. All eyes will be on Jaxon Odom, the standout from last fall and an impact player again this season. Junior quarterback Trevin Yeary directs the offense efficiently and can push the ball downfield. Spencer Eldridge (2027) and Carson Jones (2026) give Yeary reliable targets and flexibility to attack Tatum’s defense from multiple angles.
This is a matchup between Tatum’s rising youth and Melrose’s proven strength. The Buffaloes have been here before, and they know what it takes to advance.
Prediction: Melrose 55, Tatum 21