The first week of high school football in the Las Cruces area has arrived, bringing a slate of marquee matchups that promise to set the tone for the season. From season‑opening rivalries to new coaching debuts, fans are eager to see how each team will translate preseason optimism into on‑field performance.
Key Storylines to Watch
Organ Mountain will open its campaign under new head coach Gregory Mallory against Deming on August 20. Mallory inherits a defense anchored by returning leaders Diego Acosta and Kyler Peterson, while the offense will rely on standout players such as Romeo Jones and Zeke Weir, with quarterbacks Jaden Gonzales and Enrique Ramirez competing for the starting role.
Centennial, a perennial contender, is scheduled to meet Cleveland on August 21 in a clash that marks their 11th all‑time meeting. The Eagles bring back key contributors Ruiz Laborin, Dailen Ramirez and Andrew Sandoval, while Cleveland enters as the reigning 6A champion, adding extra pressure to the matchup.
Las Cruces will host Rio Rancho on August 21 with the goal of returning to the 6A state championship game after winning two straight contests against the Rams. The Knights' offense will be led by new quarterback Aldo Gallegos, and the defense will lean on returning stars Vaughn Romney and Denton Walter to shore up a unit looking to improve on last year’s results.
Other opening‑week games include Los Lunas taking on Mayfield under new coach Joseph Frias, who guided the team to an 8‑4 record a season ago. Meanwhile, Santa Teresa will face Gadsden, Hatch Valley will meet Chaparral, and Mesilla Valley Christian will square off against Menaul, rounding out a diverse slate of contests across the region.
With new coaches making their debuts, championship‑seeking programs, and fresh quarterback dynamics, the opening week offers a compelling glimpse into the competitive landscape of Las Cruces high school football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as each team begins to shape its identity and aspirations for the season ahead.