89 to 1: New Mexico HS Football Preseason Preview - Del Norte Knights
As the countdown to kickoff begins, NMPreps.com launches its annual New Mexico High School Football Preseason Rankings, unveiling every team in the state from No. 89 to No. 1. All summer long, we’ll deliver the most in-depth team previews, player spotlights, and district breakdowns across Classes 6A to 2A, setting the stage for the 2025 season.
No. 62 Del Norte Knights
Head Coach: Dallas Petersen
2024 Record: 1-9 overall, 1-6 District 1-5A
Classification: 5A (District 1-5A)
Points For: 118
Points Against: 401
2024 Final Ranking: No. 63 overall, No. 15 in 5A
2025 Preseason Ranking: No. 62 overall, No. 15 in 5A
Review
The Knights opened 2024 with six straight losses before finally edging Rio Grande 21-19 in mid-October. Any momentum was short-lived as they dropped their final three games, closing a fourth consecutive one-win season. Since the departure of long-time coach Bruce Binkley in 2019, Del Norte’s yearly records read 1-8, 0-10, 1-9, and 1-9, stark contrast to the 4-6 mark in Binkley’s farewell year and a playoff appearance in 2018. Simply put, the program has slipped to the bottom tier of 5A football and is fighting to find its footing.
Overview
Second-year coach Dallas Petersen, a 28-year-old alumnus, understands the uphill climb of restoring Knight pride. His first season was about installing culture and scheme; year two shifts to player development and retaining numbers. Stability up front offers a foothold, but replacing every primary skill-position contributor from 2024 means the offense will again be learning on the fly. Patience remains the operative word in the Northeast Heights.
Roster Breakdown
The bright spot is an offensive line that returns Noah Onomoto (2028), Mason Munoz (2026), Santos Nevarez (2026), and two-way stalwart Nicholas Saiz (2026)—also the anchor of the defensive front. Skill positions are a mystery. Basketball standout Francois Satchivi (2026) could rejoin the team at wideout; if not, freshman Kordell Erby (2028) may be pressed into early duty at quarterback. At tight end and defensive end, 6-2 Dillon Bishop (2026) is the name to know, offering length and athleticism the roster sorely needs. In the secondary, Gauge Perez (2026) and Ke’andre Wyatt (2026) provide the lone returning experience for a defense that surrendered 40 points per game.
Realistic Expectations
The Knights are still at the foundation pouring stage of a rebuild. Offensive growth will depend on how quickly a new quarterback settles and whether the returning line can open lanes. The defense must shave significant points off last year’s 401 allowed. Realistically, another 1-9 season is the benchmark, with the early-season matchup against Rio Grande again presenting the best chance to snap losing streaks and build confidence.
Bottom Line
Del Norte’s turnaround won’t come overnight, but Dallas Petersen brings energy, familiarity, and a long-view plan. Keeping numbers strong, developing the sophomore and junior core, and remaining competitive for four quarters are this year’s true wins. If the Knights can match last season’s lone victory( perhaps add one more) they’ll have taken a small yet meaningful step out of the 5A cellar.
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2025 Preseason Rankings:
No. 63 Rio Grande Ravens – Read Here
No. 64 Aztec Tigers – Read Here
No. 65 Legacy Academy Silverbacks – Read Here
No. 66 Tularosa Wildcats – Read Here
No. 67 Raton Tigers – Read Here
No. 68 Hot Springs Tigers – Read Here
No. 69 Loving Falcons – Read here
No. 70 Ruidoso Warriors – Read Here
No. 71 Cobre Indians – Read Here
No. 72 Jal Panthers – Read Here
No. 73 Estancia Bears – Read Here
No. 74 – No 89
No. 74 Tucumcari Rattlers – Preview
No. 75 Navajo Prep Eagles – Preview
No. 76 Thoreau Hawks – Preview
No. 77 McCurdy Bobcats – Preview
No. 78 Laguna-Acoma Hawks – Preview
No. 79 Hozho Academy Wolves – Preview
No. 80 Cuba Rams – Preview
No. 81 Tohatchi Cougars – Preview
No. 82 Crownpoint Eagles – Preview
No. 83 Shiprock Chieftains – Preview
No. 84 Santa Fe Indian Braves – Preview
No. 85 Newcomb Skyhawks – Preview
No. 86 Gallup Bengals – Preview
No. 87 Zuni Thunderbirds – Preview
No. 88 Wingate Bears – Preview
No. 89 Capitan Tigers – Preview
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