Friday, October 31, 2008

Thursday's New Mexico Prep Football Scores Oct. 30

Thursday’s Scores
La Cueva 24, Sandia 21
Las Cruces 49, Alamogordo 7

Some potential prep football playoff matchups

Depending on seeding and of course assuming both Las Cruces High and Mayfield win their 5A playoff opener, here are some potential semifinal matchups and where they would be played. We'll find out the seeds Nov. 8.

If Las Cruces has to meet Eldorado or Clovis in the semifinals, it would be on the road.
If Mayfield has to meet Eldorado it would be in Albuquerque, if it meets Clovis, it would be here.
And of course if Mayfield and Cruces meet it would be here as well.

Mayfield, Cruces, Clovis and Eldorado are considered near locks for the top four seeds in the 5A playoffs.

- Felix

NMSU/Boise State matchup stat wise

New Mexico State
Offense
Scoring 26.6
Rushing 84.7
Passing 324.1
Total Offense 408.9
KO Return 19.9
Third Down Conversion 40 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 50 percent

Defense
Points Allowed 30.3
Rushing 232.3
Passing 126.3
Total 358.6
Opponents Third Down Conversion 35 percent
Opponents Fourth Down Conversion 33 percent

Boise State
Offense
Scoring 32.6
Rushing 142.9
Passing 274.3
Total Offense 417.9
KO Return 18.0
Third Down Conversion 44 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 80 percent

Defense
Points Allowed 31.3
Rushing 120.9
Passing 175.0
Total 295.9
Opponents Third Down Conversion 30 percent
Opponents Fourth Down Conversion 29 percent

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Trout to fight on Nov., 20, tenatively

looks like unbeaten Las Cruces junior middleweight Austin Trout has landed a Nov. 20 date in Houston. Stayed tuned for more. He was last in action in July, defeating Byron Tyson on ESPN.

- Felix

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

New Mexico has big weekend ahead

What an interesting weekend it will be for the two New Mexico Division I football programs. On Saturday, No. 10 Utah is at New Mexico and No. 11 Boise State is at New Mexico State.

Utah and Boise State are two teams in prime posistion to be BCS busters this year, which means both UNM and NMSU have the chance to ruin the plans of Utah and New Mexico State.

It be nice to see teams like Utah and Boise State do some great things on the national scene. Utah and Boise State are both very good teams in all phases of the game.

Boise State has a favorable schedule the rest of way. After Saturday's game at NMSU, It takes on Nevada on the road and Fresno State at home.

Utah still has two very difficult games after Saturday against TCU and BYU, but both are at home.

New Mexico will probably give Utah fits at home because its defense has been playing really well of late, but offensively the Lobos are a mess waiting to happen on most possessions.

New Mexico State is so banged up on offense that its going to have a hard time scoring against a very good Boise State Broncos team. But the Aggies defense has been playing well and could keep the Aggies in Saturday's game.

Right now, I expect Utah and Boise State to leave New Mexico with wins and keep their BCS hopes alive.

- Felix

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Prep Football Poll

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 H.S. FOOTBALL POLL

1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (9) 153
2. ELDORADO (3) 135
3. CLOVIS 122
4. MAYFIELD 121
5. GODDARD 96
T6. SANDIA 80
T6. MANZANO 80
8. LA CUEVA 69
9. AZTEC 57
10. ARTESIA 51
11. RIO RANCHO 32
12. BELEN 28
13. ONATE 13

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS) SILVER 12, DEXTER 11, LAKE ARTHUR 10,
SANTA ROSA 8, ST. PIUS 5, TEXICO 2, HONDO 2, ALAMOGORDO 1, HOBBS 1,
CARLSBAD 1, ROY 1, SOCORRO 1.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Aggies lose tough one to Idaho

After falling to Idaho 20-14 on Saturday in Moscow, Idaho, the New Mexico State Aggies are under the gun more than ever in Hal Mumme's fourth year.

At 3-2 two weeks ago after a win at Nevada, the Aggies looked to be in good shape. But now the team is 3-4 overall and 1-2 in league play.

Injuries have been a burden, but lack of execution at key moments the last two weeks have been very disappointing. The Aggies should have beaten a poor Idaho team on Saturday. The Vandals were giving up loads of points and yards before Saturday's game, but the Aggies made Idaho look respectable.

Idaho deserves credit for the win because it made the key plays and played hard, but NMSU was just terrible in critical junctures of the game.

The Aggies defense is playing better and special teams came up with a fumble return. Unless NMSU can figure things out on offense, this season could be lost pretty quick.

I really thought NMSU had turned the corner after a win at Nevada, but the team has taken a step or two backward after a loss to Idaho.

Can the Aggies save the 2008 and finish respectably?

- Felix

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Friday's NM Prep Football Scores, Oct. 24

Alamogordo 29, Onate 12
Artesia 46, Moriarty 6
Capital 50, Taos 14
Carrizozo 40, Mescalero Apache 14
Clovis 52, Carlsbad 7
Cobre 14, Hatch Valley 7
Deming 35, Chaparral 14
Dexter 50, Loving 0
Eldorado 42, Los Lunas 0
Fort Sumner 54, Hagerman 7
Gateway Christian 38, Tatum 34
Goddard 42, Roswell 0
Lordsburg 43, Capitan 0
Los Alamos 24, Bernalillo 22
Lovington 17, Portales 14
Mayfield 51, Gadsden 6
Melrose 82, Logan 6
Rio Rancho 64, Gallup 6
Sandia 33, Valley 0
Silver 49, Santa Teresa 12
Socorro 49, Hot Springs 21
Texico 48, Tucumcari 7
Tularosa 42, Cloudcroft 27
Valley Christian 48, Dora 26
West Las Vegas 35, Cuba 0

Mayfiield/Las Cruces High rivalry

The Las Cruces High/Mayfield football rvialry is ranked the ninth best high school footb all rivarly by Rivals.com.
This year, Mayfield is 7-1 and LCHS is 8-0 and will meet on Nov. 7 at Aggie Memorial Stadium
Among the other top games are Midland Lee vs. Odessa Permian from Texas and Ohio's Massillon Washington vs. Canton McKinley.

Felix

Colston out, Marcus Anderson to play

New Mexico State running back Marquell Colston is out for today's game at Idaho, while receiver Marcus Anderson did make the trip and looks like he will play.

Felix

Friday, October 24, 2008

Quick injury update for NMSU football

New Mexico State running back Marquell Colston and receiver Marcus Anderson practiced again on Thursday in preparation of the Aggies' road game at Idaho on Saturday afternoon.

Both were injured in last week's loss to San Jose State and both sat out practice on Monday and Tuesday.

NMSU's game at Idaho starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday and can be heard live on KGRT-FM 103.9 and KKVS-FM 98.7.

The Aggies beat Idaho 45-31 last year. The Aggies lost 28-20 in their last visit to Moscow two years ago.

After NMSU's game at Idaho, it returns to Las Cruces for home games on Nov. 1 vs. Boise State and Nov. 8 vs. Hawaii.

- Felix

Prep Football Seedings for 5A

With the Class 5A playoffs nearing, anticipation of the seeding process is growing.
Here are some different scenarios for the top four seeds.
If Las Cruces High remains unbeaten they'll be No. 1, followed by Eldorado, then I believe it should be Mayfield, then Clovis.
If Mayfield beats LCHS on Nov. 7, Eldorado should be No. 1, followed by Mayfield, Las Cruces High and Clovis.

I believe Mayfield, LCHS and Eldorado are the top three teams in the state and should be seeded that way. After those three, there just a bunch of pretenders.

Either way, there is a decent chance of a Mayfield/Cruces rematch in the playoffs.

Any thoughts?

Felix

Thursday's NM Prep Football Score, Oct. 23

Cibola 65, West Mesa 18

Thursday, October 23, 2008

How will Aggies do vs. Idaho?

My prediction for the NMSU/Idaho football game is 35-21 Aggies.
Here are key reasons why.

Even with some injuries that could hamper the Aggies offense, the Idaho defnense is abysmal. The Vandals don't seem to get much pressure on the QB and they have given up nearly 47 points a game and more than 500 yards of offense.

NMSU's defense is getting better and if it can play with some consistency, it can slow Idaho down just enough.

The Aggies are also better on the road this winning having won 2 of 3, which means they are comfortable on the road and handle travel well.

But if the Aggies are caught sleeping and don't come out with enough intensity, watch out for an upset.

What are your thoughts on the game?

Felix

Julio Cesar Chavez documentary

I just finished watching a 75-minute documentary on former Mexican world boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez, easily the country's greatest and most popular boxer.

The documentary by Diego Luna is an interesting tale of the former boxer's rise to stardom and through his final fight. The documentary had comments from promoters Don King and Bob Arum, fight manager Fernando Beltran, Chavez' mother and son J.C. Chavez Jr. and others.

For the fight fan, you get to know Chavez much better and get to understand more what he is about. Chavez won 108 of 116 bouts, fought in 37 world title fights and beat some of the best in the game, for example Jose Luis Ramirez, Hector Camacho, Edwin Rosario, Rocky Lockridge and Roger Mayweather.

Chavez' career was unique in so many ways and he grew in stature not only in Mexico but among Mexican-Americans as his career progressed. He was a hero to many in the sport and as a latino athlete.

While the documentary is just 75 minutes, this film titled J.C. Chavez is worth the investment in money and in time. There is also rare footage of him behind the scenes and of him and his family.

Chavez' two sons J.C. Chavez Jr. and Omar Chavez are both professinoal fighters. If you are a boxing fan and/or a follower of important latino figures, this documentary is a must see.

- Felix

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Idaho/NMSU stats matchup

Offense
NMSU
Scoring 28.7
Rushing 93.0
Passing 324.2
Total Offense 417.2
KO Return 19.6
Third Down Conversion 42 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 58 percent

Idaho
Scoring 20.5
Rushing 119.2
Passing 207.6
Total Offense 326.9
KO Return 19.3
Third Down Conversion 41 percent
Fourth Down Conversion 29 percent

Defense
NMSU
Points Allowed 32.0
Rush Yards Allowed 225.8
Passing Yards Allowed 137.5
Total Yards Allowed 363.3
Net Punting 36.1
Punt Return 17.0
Opponent Third Down Conversion 33 percent
Opponent Fourth Down Conversion 38 percent

Defense
Idaho
Points Allowed 46.9
Rush Yards Allowed 248.6
Passing Yards Allowed 252.2
Total Yards Allowed 502.9
Net Punting 37.1
Punt Return 8.8
Opponent Third Down Conversion 48 percent
Opponent Fourth Down Conversion 43 percent

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

PREP Football/KRQE/Kasa Fox Poll

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 H.S. FOOTBALL POLL

1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (7) 127
2. ELDORADO (2) 106
3. CLOVIS 100
4. MAYFIELD 98
5. GODDARD 94
6. MANZANO 64
7. LA CUEVA 59
8. SANDIA 56
9. AZTEC 48
10. ARTESIA 36
11. RIO RANCHO 32
12. ONATE 26
13. DEXTER 12
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS) RIO RANCHO 10, SILVER 10, LAKE ARTHUR
10, CIBOLA 7, BELEN 6, ST.PIUS 5, HAGERMAN 5, FT. SUMNER 3, PORTALES 3,
HONDO 2, LOS LUNAS 1, COBRE 1.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Hopkins is well, very good

Wow, what a showing by 43-year-old Bernard Hopkins on Saturday night against Kelly Pavlik in their light heavyweight battle. Hopkins dominated the previously unbeaten Pavlik and routinely beat him to the punch in winning an unanimous decision.

Despite his old age for boxing, Hopkins has defeated Pavlik, Winky Wright and Antonio Tarver in recent years and gave unbeaten Joe Calzaghe all he could handle. Hopkins is 49-5-1 in his solid career and I believe he should be a Hall of Famer. Hopkins has his critics for his way of fighting, which is rugged and defensive, but he's been so consistent in his career.

He says he wants one more fight and that could happen against Roy Jones, who fights Calzaghe next month.

As for Pavlik, he is still one of the top middleweights, if not the best and he should go back to 160 where there are enough big fights awaiting him. Pavlik is still marketable and he has plenty of big years ahead of him.

— Felix

Saturday's New Mexico Prep Football Scores, Oct. 18

Cuba 32, Navajo Prep 7
Gateway Christian 40, Dora 6
La Cueva 28, Valley 10
Manzano 48, Los Lunas 0

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Aggies vs. San Jose analysis

The New Mexico State Aggies dropped a 31-14 decision to San Jose State on Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium. The Aggies are now 3-3 overall and 1-1 in WAC play. SJSU is 5-2 and 3-0.

First of all, San Jose State is very good defensively. Up front Carl Ihenacho and Jarron Gilbert are NFL type players. Both are quick to the quartback and are strong as bulls. They won the battle up front against the Aggies and that was the biggest difference.

NMSU didn't have time to run long routes because quarterback Chase Holbrook simply didn't have the time. San Jose State is the best defense the Aggies have faced this season and might be the best it faces all year.

The Aggies defense had a good game. Linebacker Jamar Cotton is solid and he had his third striaght good game. Justen Alford came in and did some good things on the defensive line and the defensive line played better as a whole on Saturday night. The Aggies gave up just 201 yards of total offense.

But turnovers and special teams were huge. Three NMSU turnovers led to 17 points and two big returns on kicks set up other scores for the Spartans.

San Jose State is for real folks and next up is Boise State for the Spartans. Don't be shocked to see the Spartans scare BSU or even pull the upset.

- Felix

Friday, October 17, 2008

New Mexico Prep Football Scores, Oct. 17

Alamogordo 33, Gadsden 6
Amarillo Heritage Classical, Texas 66, Roy 27
Capital 31, Bernalillo 26
Clovis 34, Artesia 24
Crownpoint 46, Tohatchi 6
Dexter 48, NMMI 0
Dulce 55, Navajo Pine 0
EP Cathedral, Texas 21, Deming 19
Estancia 20, Tucumcari 6
Floyd 60, Logan 14
Fort Sumner 59, Carrizozo 0
Goddard 45, Hobbs 20
Hondo 58, Vaughn 13
Kirtland Central 41, Gallup 19
Lake Arthur 60, House 0
Las Cruces High 42, Onate 14
Lordsburg 34, Cloudcroft 6
Los Alamos 12, Farmington 0
Melrose 82, Clovis Christian 22
Portales 33, Roswell 24
Rio Rancho 24, Carlsbad 3
Socorro 28, Robertson 7
Springer 22, Menaul 18
St. Michael’s 46, West Las Vegas 12
Tatum 48, Valley Christian 16
Tularosa 49, Capitan 6

WAC stats football

Western Athletic Conference Stats
Oct. 17
Scoring offense
Nevada 38.0
Boise St. 33.6
Fresno St. 33.2
New Mexico State 31.6
Idaho 21.4
Hawaii 21.0
San Jose St. 20.0
Utah St. 19.0
Louisiana Tech 16.0

Scoring Defense
Boise St. 11.2
San Jose St. 17.0
Louisiana Tech 26.2
Fresno St. 28.2
Hawaii 30.2
New Mexico St. 32.2
Nevada 34.3
Utah St. 38.7
Idaho 47.0

Pass Offense
NMSU 339.2
Boise St. 284.0
San Jose St. 214.5
Nevada 210
Hawaii 209.8
Fresno St. 206.2
Idaho 205.3
Utah St. 174.3
Louisiana Tech 171.8

Pass Defense
NMSU 155.0
San Jose St. 175.3
Boise St. 179.0
Hawaii 195.8
Fresno St. 211.8
Utah St. 253.0
Idaho 263.1
Louisiana Tech 320.4
Nevada 344.8

Total Offense
Nevada 518.8
NMSU 443.8
Fresno St. 432.2
Boise St. 432.0
Idaho 337.4
Louisiana Tech 331.8
Hawaii 331.5
SJSU 326.5
Utah St. 304.7

Total Defense
SJUS 270.7
Boise St. 315.2
Hawaii 370.2
NMSU 395.8
Fresno St. 408.2
Nevada 418.7
Utah St. 430.0
Louisiana Tech 438.2
Idaho 493.3

Breeders' Cup Pre-Entries

Breeders' Cup Pre-Entries List
NEW YORK — The horses pre-entered for the Breeders’ Cup races to be held Oct. 24-25 at Santa Anita Park in Acadia, Calif. The post position draw is Tuesday, Oct. 21. Note: Listed purses do not include supplemental fees. (Trainers in parentheses)
OCTOBER 24
FILLY & MARE SPRINT
7 furlongs (Dirt), 3&Up
Purse: $1 million
Dearest Trickski (John W. Sadler)
Dream Rush (W.T. Phipps II)
Indian Blessing (Bob Baffert)
Indyanne (Greg Gilchrist)
Intangaroo (Gary L. Sherlock)
La Tee (Mark Glatt)
Lady Sprinter (Juan J. Reviriego)
Magnificience (Bruce Headley)
Miraculous Miss (Steve B. Klesaris)
Psalm (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien)
Tiz Elemental (Carla Gaines)
Tizzy’s Tune (Ronald L. McAnally)
Ventura (Robert J. Frankel)
Zaftig (James A. Jerkens)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Jazzy (ARG) (Mark A. Hennig)
Indian Blessing has second preference in the Sprint; Ventura has second preference in the Mile

JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 mile (Turf), 2YO Fillies
Purse: $1 million
Beyond Our Reach (IRE) (Tommy Stack)
C Karma (Gregory DeGannes)
Consequence (Claude R. McGaughey III)
Dream Empress (Kenneth G. McPeek)
Emmy Darling (John W. Sadler)
Evita Argentina (John W. Sadler)
Freedom Rings (David Donk)
Heart Shaped (Aidan P. O’Brien)
Laragh (John P. Terranova II)
Maram (Chad C. Brown)
Oui Say Oui (IRE) (Tommy Stack)
Renda (Juan Arias)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Sugar Mom (Wayne M. Catalano)
Saucey Evening (H. Graham Motion)
Black Magic Mama (Doug F. O’Neill)
April Pride (GB) (James M. Cassidy)
Internallyflawless (Bob Baffert)
Dave’s Revenge (Robert B. Hess Jr.)
Dancing Daisy (David Donk)
Atka (Mike Harrington)
Screen Gem (Tim Yakteen)
Dream Empress has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies; Emmy Darling has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies; Evita Argentina has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies; Renda has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies; Saucey Evening has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies; Black Magic Mama has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies; Dave’s Revenge has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies

JUVENILE FILLIES
1 1/16 miles (Dirt), 2YO Fillies
Purse: $2 million
Be Smart (D. Wayne Lukas)
C. S. Silk (Dale L. Romans)
Doremifasollatido (James A. Jerkens)
Dream Empress (Kenneth G. McPeek)
Emmy Darling (John W. Sadler)
Evita Argentina (John W. Sadler)
Palacio de Amor (Myung Kwon Cho)
Persistently (Claude R. McGaughey III)
Pursuit of Glory (IRE) (David Wachman)
Renda (Juan Arias)
Saucey Evening (H. Graham Motion)
Sky Diva (Steve B. Klesaris)
Stardom Bound (Christopher S. Paasch)
Van Lear Rose (Catherine M. Day Phillips)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Black Magic Mama (Doug F. O’Neill)
Dave’s Revenge (Robert B. Hess Jr.)
Dream Empress has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; Emmy Darling has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; Evita Argentina has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; Renda has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; Saucey Evening has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; Black Magic Mama has second preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf; Dave’s Revenge has first preference in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

FILLY & MARE TURF
1 1/4 miles (Turf), 3&Up Fillies & Mares
Purse: $2 million
Communique (George R. Arnold II)
Dynaforce (William I. Mott)
Folk Opera (IRE) (Saeed bin Suroor)
Forever Together (Jonathan E. Sheppard)
Goldikova (IRE) (Freddie Head)
Halfway To Heaven (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien)
Mauralakana (FR) (Christophe Clement)
Precious Kitten (Robert J. Frankel)
Pure Clan (Robert E. Holthus)
Sealy Hill (Mark E. Casse)
Vacare (Christophe Clement)
Visit (GB) (Michael R. Stoute)
Wait a While (Todd A. Pletcher)
Precious Kitten has first preference in the Mile; Goldikova (IRE) has first preference in the Mile

LADIES CLASSIC
1 1/8 miles (Dirt), 3&UP Fillies & Mares
Purse: $2 million
Bear Now (Reade Baker)
Carriage Trail (Claude R. McGaughey III)
Cocoa Beach (CHI) (Saeed bin Suroor)
Ginger Punch (Robert J. Frankel)
Hystericalady (Jerry Hollendorfer)
Music Note (Saeed bin Suroor)
Santa Teresita (Eric J. Guillot)
Zenyatta (John A. Shirreffs)

OCTOBER 25
MARATHON
1 1/2 miles (Dirt), 3&UP
Purse: $500,000
Add Heat (Barry Abrams)
Big Booster (Mike R. Mitchell)
Booyah (Jerry M. Fanning)
Casino Drive (Kazuo Fujisawa)
Cedar Mountain (IRE) (Neil D. Drysdale)
Church Service (Mike R. Mitchell)
Delightful Kiss (Pete Anderson)
Fairbanks (Todd A. Pletcher)
Jonesboro (Randy L. Morse)
King of Rome (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien)
Muhannak (IRE) (Ralph M. Beckett)
Sixties Icon (GB) (Jeremy Noseda)
Spring House (Julio C. Canani)
Zappa (John W. Sadler)
Casino Drive has first preference in the Classic; Fairbanks has second preference in the Classic; Jonesboro has first preference in the Dirt Mile; Spring House has first preference in the Turf.

TURF SPRINT
6 1-2 furlongs (Turf), 3&UP
Purse: $1 million
California Flag (Brian J. Koriner)
Diabolical (Saeed bin Suroor)
Fleeting Spirit (IRE) (Jeremy Noseda)
Get Funky (John W. Sadler)
Heros Reward (Dale Capuano)
Idiot Proof (Clifford W. Sise Jr.)
Mr. Nightlinger (William B. Calhoun)
One Union (Richard E. Mandella)
Only Answer (GB) (Andre Fabre)
Rebellion (GB) (H. Graham Motion)
Rouse the Cat (Ollie L. Figgins III)
Salute the Count (Richard E. Dutrow Jr.)
Tropic Storm (Craig Dollase)
True to Tradition (Scott A. Lake)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Desert Code (David E. Hofmans)
Storm Treasure (Steven M. Asmussen)
Eaton’s Gift (Dale L. Romans)
Doppio (Carla Gaines)
Slew’s Tizzy (Doug F. O’Neill)
Rebellion (GB) has first preference in the Dirt Mile; Tropic Storm has second preference in the Sprint; Slew’s Tizzy has second preference in the Dirt Mile.

DIRT MILE
1 mile (Dirt), 3&UP
Purse: $1 million
Albertus Maximus (Vladimir Cerin)
First Defence (Robert J. Frankel)
Jonesboro (Randy L. Morse)
Lewis Michael (Wayne M. Catalano)
Lord Admiral (Charles O’Brien)
Mast Track (Robert J. Frankel)
My Pal Charlie (Albert M. Stall Jr.)
Pyro (Steven M. Asmussen)
Rebellion (GB) (H. Graham Motion)
Surf Cat (Bruce Headley)
Two Step Salsa (Julio C. Canani)
Well Armed (Eoin G. Harty)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Slew’s Tiznow (Doug F. O’Neill)
Slew’s Tizzy (Doug F. O’Neill)
Jonesboro has second preference in the Marathon; Lewis Michael has second preference in the Sprint; Lord Admiral has first preference in the Mile; Mast Track has first preference in the Classic; Pyro has first preference in the Classic; Rebellion (GB) has second preference in the Turf Sprint; Well Armed has second preference in the Classic; Slew’s Tizzy has first preference in the Turf Sprint.

MILE
1 mile (Turf ), 3&Up
Purse: $2 million
Awesome Gem (Craig Dollase)
Bold Chieftain (William J. Morey Jr.)
Daytona (IRE) (Dan L. Hendricks)
Kip Deville (Richard E. Dutrow Jr.)
Lord Admiral (Charles O’Brien)
Precious Kitten (Robert J. Frankel)
Raven’s Pass (John H.M. Gosden)
Shakis (IRE) (Kiaran P. McLaughlin)
Thorn Song (Dale L. Romans)
Us Ranger (Aidan P. O’Brien)
Ventura (Robert J. Frankel)
War Monger (William I. Mott)
Whatsthescript (IRE) (John W. Sadler)
Goldikova (IRE) (Freddie Head)
Awesome Gem has first preference in the Classic; Lord Admiral has second preference in the Dirt Mile; Precious Kitten has second preference in the Filly & Mare Turf; Raven’s Pass has first preference in the Classic; Ventura has first preference in the Filly & Mare Sprint; Goldikova (IRE) has second preference in the Filly & Mare Turf.

JUVENILE
1 1/16 mile (Dirt), 2YO Colts & Geldings
Purse: $2 million
Azul Leon (Doug F. O’Neill)
Believe in Hope (Ronald W. Ellis)
Bushranger (IRE) (David Wachman)
Coronet of a Baron (Eoin G. Harty)
Elusive Bluff (Eric J. Guillot)
Midshipman (Bob Baffert)
Mine That Bird (Richard E. Mandella)
Munnings (Todd A. Pletcher)
Pioneerof the Nile (William I. Mott)
Silent Valor (Todd A. Pletcher)
Square Eddie (Doug F. O’Neill)
Street Hero (Myung Kwon Cho)
Terrain (Albert M. Stall Jr.)
West Side Bernie (Kelly J. Breen)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Gallant Son (Frank Lucarelli)
Forty Thieves (Steve B. Klesaris)
Coronet of a Baron has second preference in the Juvenile Turf; Elusive Bluff has second preference in the Juvenile Turf; Mine That Bird has second preference in the Juvenile Turf; Gallant Son has second preference in the Juvenile Turf.

JUVENILE TURF
1 mile (Turf), 2YO Colts & Geldings
Purse: $1 million
Bittel Road (Todd A. Pletcher)
City Style (Cheryl Asmussen)
Coronet of a Baron (Eoin G. Harty)
Del Conte (Bob Baffert)
Elusive Bluff (Eric J. Guillot)
Grand Adventure (Mark R. Frostad)
Mine That Bird (Richard E. Mandella)
Ninth Client (D. Wayne Lukas)
Paddy The Pro (IRE) (Patrick Gallagher)
Relatively Ready (David Donk)
Skipadate (Mark E. Casse)
Westphalia (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien)
Also Eligible (in order of preference)
Donativum (GB) (John H.M. Gosden)
Vaquero (Michael Leah)
Gallant Son (Frank Lucarelli)
Star of David (Steven M. Asmussen)
Bourbon Bay (Neil D. Drysdale)
Orthodox (John Glenney)
Mark S the Cooler (Doug F. O’Neill)
Coronet of a Baron has first preference in the Juvenile; Elusive Bluff has first preference in the Juvenile; Mine That Bird has first preference in the Juvenile; Gallant Son has first preference in the Juvenile.

SPRINT
6 furlongs (Dirt), 3&Up
Purse: $2 million
Black Seventeen (Brian J. Koriner)
Cost of Freedom (John W. Sadler)
Fabulous Strike (Todd M. Beattie)
Fatal Bullet (Reade Baker)
First Defence (Robert J. Frankel)
In Summation (Christophe Clement)
Indian Blessing (Bob Baffert)
J Be K (Steven M. Asmussen)
Lewis Michael (Wayne M. Catalano) Midnight Lute (Bob Baffert) Sing Baby Sing (Jack A. Bruner) Street Boss (Bruce Headley) Tropic Storm (Craig Dollase)
First Defence has second preference in the Dirt Mile; Indian Blessing has first preference in the Filly & Mare Sprint; Lewis Michael has first preference in the Dirt Mile; Tropic Storm has first preference in the Turf Sprint.

TURF
1 1/2 miles (Turf), 3&Up
Purse: $3 million Better Talk Now (H. Graham Motion) Conduit (IRE) (Michael R. Stoute) Dancing Forever (Claude R. McGaughey III) Eagle Mountain (GB) (Mike F. de Kock) Grand Couturier (GB) (Robert Ribaudo Out of Control (BRZ) (Robert J. Frankel) Red Giant (Todd A. Pletcher) Red Rock Canyon (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien) Red Rocks (IRE) (Mark A. Hennig) Soldier of Fortune (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien) Spring House (Julio C. Canani) Winchester (Dermot K. Weld)
Spring House has second preference in the Marathon

CLASSIC
1 1/4 miles (Dirt), 3&Up
Purse: $5 million Casino Drive (Kazuo Fujisawa) Champs Elysees (GB) (Robert J. Frankel) Colonel John (Eoin G. Harty) Curlin (Steven M. Asmussen) Duke of Marmalade (IRE) (Aidan P. O’Brien) Go Between (William I. Mott) Henrythenavigator (Aidan P. O’Brien) Mast Track (Robert J. Frankel) Pyro (Steven M. Asmussen) Raven’s Pass (John H.M. Gosden) Smooth Air (Ben F. Stutts Jr.) Student Council (Steven M. Asmussen) Tiago (John A. Shirreffs) Well Armed (Eoin G. Harty) Also Eligible (in order of preference) Fairbanks (Todd A. Pletcher) Awesome Gem (Craig Dollase)
Casino Drive has second preference in the Marathon; Mast Track has second preference in the Dirt Mile; Pyro has second preference in the Dirt Mile; Raven’s Pass has second preference in the Mile; Well Armed has first preference in the Dirt Mile; Fairbanks has first preference in the Marathon; Awesome Gem has second preference in the Mile.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

NM Coaches Poll, Football

New Mexico High School Coaches Association
Top 10 Poll!
5A Football
1. Las Cruces(13) 139 1
2. Eldorado(1) 117 2
3. Mayfield 111 3
4. Clovis 91 4
5. La Cueva 75 6
6. Sandia 73 5
7. Manzano 62 7
8. Onate 34 8
9. Rio Rancho 32 9
10. Cibola 15 10
Others: Los Lunas 9, Carlsbad 7, Rio Grande 3, Hobbs 2.

4A Football
1. Goddard(9) 126 1
2. Aztec(2) 116 2
3. Artesia(2) 110 3
4. Belen 85 4
5. Kirtland 72 5
6. Piedra Vista 57 6
7. Moriarty 42 7
8. Silver 29 9
9. St. Pius 24 8
10. Los Alamos 19 nr
Others: Volcano Vista 18, Capital 5, Roswell 5, Del Norte 5, Farmington 3.

3A Football
1. Portales(10) 100 1
2. Bloomfield 77 2
3. Lovington 67 3
4. Socorro 64 4
5. Cobre 59 6
6. St. Mikes 44 5
7. Ruidoso 38 7
8. Raton 33 9
9. Academy 28 10
10. Hatch 26 8
Others: Hot Springs 9, Robertson 4, Pojoaque 1.

2A Football
1. Santa Rosa(2) 94 2
2. Dexter(7) 92 1
3. Texico 82 3
4. Tularosa 74 5
Lordsburg 74 4
6. Estancia 57 6
7. Capitan 9 8
8. Cloudcroft 35 7
9. Tucumcari 28 9
10. Laguna Acoma 8 nr
Others: Eunice 6, Newcomb 3, NMMI 2, Navajo Prep 1.

1A Football
1. Ft Sumner(3) 15
2. Hagerman 12
Clayton 12
4. Carrizozo 9
5. McCurdy 6

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

NMSU vs. SJSU stats matchup

Offense
Scoring
NMSU 31.6
SJSU 20.0

Rushing
NMSU 104.6
SJSU 112.0

Passing
NMSU 339.2
SJSU 214.5

Total Offense
NMSU 443.8
SJSU 326.5

Third Down Conversion
NMSU 45 percent
SJSU 31 percent

Fourth Down Conversion
NMSU 50 percent
SJSU 55 percent

Defense
Scoring
NMSU 32.2
SJSU 17.0

Rushing
NMSU 240.8
SJSU 95.3

Passing
NMSU 155.0
SJSU 175.3

Total
NMSU 395.8
SJSU 270.7

Net Punting
NMSU 37.6
SJSU 32.1

Opp. 3rd Down Conversion
NMSU 34 percent
SJSU 30 percent

Opp. 4th Down Conversion
NMSU 43 percent
SJSU 20 percent

NMSU vs. San Jose St. Past results Last 10 games

2007 SJSU 51, NMSU 17
2006 SJSU 31, NMSU 21
2005 SJSU 27, NMSU 10
1995 SJSU 38, NMSU 37
1994 NMSU 24, SJSU 21
1993 SJSU 52, NMSU 13
1992 NMSU 34, SJSU 24
1991 SJSU 39, NMSU 13
1990 SJSU 56, NMSU 20
1989 SJSU 34, NMSU 6

Aggie Football Visit

Abilene High School quarterback Stephen Warren is reportedly visiting New Mexico State this weekend for the Aggies' home game with San Jose State.

Warren has thrown for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns this year for 7-0 Abilene. Abilene High School is off this weekend. He has also thrown just five interceptions on the sesaon.

Warren has also been offered a scholarship by NMSU.

Felix

Prep Football Poll, Oct. 14

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 H.S. FOOTBALL POLL

1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (9) 141
2. ELDORADO (2) 122
3. MAYFIELD 112
4. CLOVIS 100
5. GODDARD 91
6. MANZANO 77
7. SANDIA 73
8. LA CUEVA 63
9. AZTEC 51
10. ARTESIA 38
11. ONATE 30
12. RIO RANCHO 17
13. LAKE ARTHUR 14
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS) BELEN 13, SILVER 10, DEXTER 9, CIBOLA
7, LOVINGTON 7, LOS LUNAS 5, COBRE 5, ST. PIUS 5, ROSWELL 4, TEXICO 2,
CARLSBAD 2, PORTALES 1, HIGHLAND 1, RIO GRANDE 1.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Aggies and San Jose State

Saturday night's NMSU vs. San Jose State matchup is an interesting one early in the WAC schedule.

The Aggies are coming off a 48-45 win at Nevada and are hitting their stride on offense. Quarterback Chase Holbrook and the Aggie receivers have developed good chemistry.

New Mexico State's running attack is getting better with junior Marquell Colston leading the way. Colston is consistent and is also a threat as a receiver.

The Aggies offensive line is doing a good job up front, but center Richie Bolin is out for the game against San Jose State. That's a big loss, but freshman Mike Grady is a solid player and can handle the load.

San Jose State will pressure NMSU up front and it has a good secondary as well. The Aggies are going to have to take care of the ball and just be patient on offense and see if things open up.

- Felix

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Saturday's Prep Football Scores, Oct. 11

Floyd 54, Springer 0
La Cueva 49, Santa Fe 7
McCurdy 46, Navajo Prep 0
Pojoaque 46, West Las Vegas 6
Roy 48, San Jon 18
Silver 34, Farmington 7
Valley 12, Albuquerque High 0

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Friday's NM Prep Football Scores, Oct. 10

Albuquerque Academy 36, Grants 27
Aztec 41, Bayfield, Colo. 7
Belen 35, Moriarty 14
Capital 49, Espanola Valley 0
Clovis 21, Cibola 14
Cobre 10, Ruidoso 8
Cuba 46, Navajo Pine 6
Dexter 51, Tucumcari 7
Dulce 36, Ramah 0
EP Cathedral, Texas 10, Santa Teresa 7
Estancia 34, NMMI 22
Fort Sumner 29, Jal 0
Gateway Christian 56, Menaul 36
Goddard 56, Carlsbad 20
Hatch Valley 27, Chaparral 0
Hobbs 35, Lovington 10
Lake Arthur 54, Vaughn 0
Las Cruces 45, Gadsden 14
Lordsburg 20, Hot Springs 0
Los Alamos 48, Taos 0
Los Lunas 12, Rio Grande 7
Manzano 49, Highland 42
Mayfield 36, Alamogordo 0
Portales 35, St. Michael’s 0
Raton 28, Robertson 12
Rio Rancho 38, Piedra Vista 0
Tularosa 64, Eunice 14

Friday, October 10, 2008

Holyfield gets another title shot, please

Wow, if reports are true that 45-year-old former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has been offered a title shot against Nikolai Valuev, then that's a sad commentary on boxing and especially the heavyweight division.

Holyfield lost last year to Sultan Ibragimov and hasn't been a force in the division in years. Valuev is nothing more than a paper champion and he's not much of a champion at all.

Holyfield is a great fighter, well was a great fighter and I respect him a great deal for what he's done in his brilliant career. He's beaten Mike Tyson, Bustern Douglas, Carlos De Leon, Dwight Qawi, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer and Michael Moorer.

But he's had his moments and he's been at the top. Now, he's being recycled. It's sad really. He should be enjoying retirment and doing some commentary. Evander Holyfield isn't near the fighter he used to be and it's sad he's even being mentioned for a heavyweight title.

But it wouldn't surprise me if he beat Valuev, who is awful.

The problem with the heavyweight division is that there are so many bad fighters that challengers for the title get recycled. John Ruiz is an example. His name pops up for title shots and it's embarassing because he isn't world champion quality.

Well, such is the state of the heavyweight divison. Forty-six year old former champions with little left get title shots once again.

Let's hope Evander Holyfield is remembered for his greatness in the 1980s and for much of the 1990s and for what he has failed to accomplish in recent years.

Felix

New Mexico Prep Football Scores, Oct. 9

Eldorado 35, Sandia 9

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Peppers Pride

I know this blog item is coming a bit after the fact, but New Mexico bred Peppers Pride won her 17th consecutive race to establish the new allt-time record for consecutive wins by a thoroughbred.
The undefeated Peppers Pride had shared the previous record with Triple Crown winner Citation, two-time horse of the year Cigar and Louisiana-based sprinter Hallowed Dreams.
There has been some discussion about the legitimacy of Peppers Pride's streak because she has done it against New Mexico state-bred femailes.
But regardless of who she has beaten, the streak is a tremendous feat for her and her team, which includes trainer Joel Marr, a New Mexico State graduate. Peppers Pride has been trained well, has been consistent and has been a joy to watch.
Winning often and as consistent as she has isn't easy for humans or equine animals. Peppers Pride has brought national attention to the sport and to New Mexico because of what she has done.
How long will she continue to win? Who knows and who really cares. She's proven to be a tremendous horse at the top of her game in the prime of her career. She'll likely get a chance to make it 18 in a row next month at Zia Park in Hobbs and let's hope she runs at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino sometime later this year or early next.
There have been some great New Mexico bred horses over the years, most recently Rocky Gulch. But Peppers Pride will undoubtedly go down as one of the best the state has ever produced.

Felix

Future NMSU football schedule

I talked to New Mexico State AD McKinley Boston on Tuesday. He said the Aggie football program may play a 13th game in 2009. The Aggies are at Hawaii so they get an extra game. They are scheduled to play non-conference games at San Diego State New Mexico and Ohio State and a home game with UTEP.

Also, it appears NMSU will play at Georgia in 2010. Nothing confirmed yet, but it appears that will be the team's money game.

Felix

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Prep Football Poll 10/7

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 H.S. FOOTBALL POLL


1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (9) 153
2. ELDORADO (3) 135
3. CLOVIS 120
4. MAYFIELD 104
5. SANDIA 86
6. MANZANO 82
7. GODDARD 80
8. LA CUEVA 71
9. AZTEC 54
10. ARTESIA 42
11. ONATE 23
T12.RIO RANCHO 19
T12.CARLSBAD 19

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS) CIBOLA 12, SILVER 10, BELEN 10, LAKE
ARTHUR 10, LOVINGTON 9, HAGERMAN 8, TEXICO 7, RIO GRANDE 6, DEXTER 6,
LOVING 6, SANTA ROSA 4, ST. PIUS 4, LOS LUNAS 3, FT. SUMNER 2,.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Shabazz wins title

Las Cruces amateur boxer Siju Shabazz won the 178-pound championship of the National Police Athletic League boxing tournament on Saturday night in Oxnard, Calif.
Shabazz beat Ayoola Olorunsola of Pasadena, Calif., by a score of 5-0. He went 3-0 at the tournament. Shabazz also won the 2007 Golden Gloves championship.

Saturday's NM Prep Football Scores, Oct. 4

Floyd 50, Foothill 18
Gateway Christian 42, Animas 40
Grants 46, Pojoaque 0
Lake Arthur 63, San Jon 12
Magdalena 49, Valley Christian 16
Moriarty 42, West Mesa 7
Onate 54, Valley 13
Piedra Vista 14, Albuquerque High 7
Tatum 32, Reserve 0

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Thoughts on NMSU's 45-10 win against Alcorn State

Here are some thoughts on New Mexico State's 45-10 win against Alcorn State on Saturday in Las Cruces.

First and foremost, it's nice to see junior Marquell Colston being featured more in the offense. It was apparent he was the best back in camp early on at least from my persepctive. He runs hard, has good vision of the field and gives the team the best playmaker in the backfield.

It looks like Ronald Opetaia is going to get more time in the backfield as well. He's a good blocker and runs hard.

On defense, the Aggies did some things better on the defensive line. It looks like freshmen Donte Savage and Anthony Smith have a bright future. The two caused havoc in the backfield and brought some energy to the team. Also, linebacker Jamar Cotton got some pressure on the quarterback and looked good as well.

The Aggies are 2-2 heading into league play at Nevada next week. It'll be a big week of practice for the Aggies. They play the league home opener against San Jose State on Oct. 18, so two big weeks are ahead. The team needs to be at least 1-1 in league heading into its Oct. 25 road game at Idaho, a very winnable game.

- Felix

Friday, October 3, 2008

Friday's NM Prep Football Scores, Oct. 3

Albuquerque Academy 18, Los Alamos 2
Clovis 35, Goddard 14
Cobre 22, Lordsburg 18
EP Cathedral, Texas 35, Chaparral 14
Eldorado 26, Mayfield 20, OT
Estancia 22, Cloudcroft 14
Fort Sumner 57, Loving 12
Hobbs 21, Alamogordo 20
Hot Springs 28, Capitan 6
La Cueva 38, Cibola 13
Las Cruces 49, Artesia 14
Logan 60, Menaul 22
Lovington 38, Roswell 35
Melrose 82, Dora 14
NMMI 30, Dulce 0
Roy/Wagon Mound 56, Hondo 24
Socorro 42, Santa Teresa 14
Tularosa 31, Hatch Valley 14

Defensive changes

Apparently changes are being made at certain spots after looking at the New Mexico State depth chart on Friday.

On the defensive line freshmen Donte Savage and Pierre Fils will be backups. At nose guard, Dylan Moss is listed as the starter, replacing E.J.Cannon. Jamar Cotton replaces the injured Ross Conner at a linebacker spot.

Free safety Derrick Richardson is likely out with a hamstring injury and his place Michael Zant will start. Freshman Will Morris will likely be Zant's backup.

On offense, the top two running back spots look like this, junior Marquell Colston as the starter and redshirt freshman Ronald Opetaia as the backup.

- Felix

Shabazz advances to finals

Las Cruces amateur fighter Siju Shabazz has moved into Saturday night's championshp round of the 178-pound divison at the National Police Athletic League Championships in Oxnard, Calif.
Shabazz beat Juan Ramos of Colorado Springs, Colo., in the first round, then beat Marcos Vega of Pacioma, Calif., on Thursday night.
Tonight’s championship round is scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

NM Prep Football Score Oct. 2

PREP FOOTBALL
St. Michael’s 21, St. Pius 14

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Austin Trout update

Las Cruces junior middleweight prospect Austin Trout will take on Enrique Gutierrez on Oct. 10 at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Ariz. Trout (15-0) will fight an eight-rounder against the 10-3 Gutierrez.
The fight is part of a Golden Promtions card and could be seen as part of the television portion of the card.

- Felix