Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Future NMSU football schedule

New Mexico State could have a home and home series with Big 12 member Baylor beginning this year. If Baylor doesn't work out, then Division I-AA Texas Southern could be in the mix.

The Aggies will also begin a home and home series with Ohio in 2010. Also in the mix for future games are Georgia and Kansas.

- Felix

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Prep Hoops scores. Dec. 30

Boys Basketball
Albuquerque Academy 45, La Cueva 44, OT
Artesia 73, Shiprock 47
Eldorado 91, EP Ysleta, Texas 74
Highland 56, Las Cruces 51
Hobbs 59, Gadsden 31
Moriarty 72, Evangel Christian 27
St. Michael’s 52, Los Lunas 50, OT

Alamogordo Tournament
EP Burges, Texas 65, Alamogordo 81
Carlsbad 55, Chaparral 48
Santa Teresa 69, Cloudcroft 28
West Mesa 46, EP Jefferson, Texas 33

Las Vegas Tournament
Rio Grande 76, West Las Vegas 65

Girls Basketball
Magdalena 48, Estancia 31
Moriarty 31, Del Norte 23
Robertson 50, Capital 49
Roswell 44, Carlsbad 27
Santa Rosa 68, Cobre 45

Clovis Tournament
Alamogordo 48, Portales 44, OT

Goddard Tournament
Goddard 50, Tohatchi 38
Los Alamos 45, Santa Teresa 35

Littlefield, Texas Tournament
Lockney, Texas 57, Artesia 44

Slaton Tournament
Hobbs 50, Lubbock, Texas 43

Of note on NMSU football

Former New Mexico State receiver Fred Montgomery could be interested in an assistant coach job at his old school. He is currently an assistant coach on the high school level in Georgia. Montgomery played for NMSU during the 1991 and 1992 seasons.

- Felix

NM Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 29

Monday’s Scores
Boys Basketball
Artesia 77, St. Pius 62
Clovis 86, Santa Fe 39
Fort Sumner 77, McCurdy 61
Rio Grande 82, Bernalillo 67
Silver 56, Lordsburg 54

Alamogordo Tournament
Alamogordo 88, Chaparral 63
EP Burges, Texas 75, Carlsbad 69
EP Jefferson, Texas 55, Cloudcroft 37
West Mesa 37, Santa Teresa 34

Hobbs Tournament
Hobbs 82, Phoenix Camelback, Ariz. 45
Lawton, Okla. 67, Albuquerque Academy 47
Phoenix South Mountain, Ariz. 55, La Cueva 53
Gadsden 39, San Antonio Lanier 34

Las Vegas Tournament
Rio Grande 82, Bernalillo 67

Girls Basketball
Del Norte 56, Santa Rosa 39
Goddard Tournament
Carlsbad 49, Robertson 42
Goddard 62, Santa Teresa 49
Roswell 64, Capital 24
Tohatchi 53, Los Alamos 45

Littlefield, Texas Tournament
Artesia 60, Tulia, Texas 43

Walker is the guy, what next?

Well, it appears that UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker has been offered and accepted the head coaching job. All that's left are details.

So what next for the longtime defensive coach?

The Aggie coaching staff, I'm assuming Earnest Wilson and Joe Lee Dunn for the most part have been doing recruiting, and there are offers out there.

But Walker, who is known for his recruiting ties, must get a huge jump start in the coming weeks. The Aggies need added depth on the offensive line, at defensive back and on the defensive line.

Plus with quarterback Chase Holbrook gone and rumors swirling that backup J.J. McDermott is leaving, a quarterback signing is a must.

In addition, a new staff is obviously a priority. I still think Wilson and Dunn should be retained, but that is up to Walker.

Should Dunn and Wilson be retained?

- Felix

Monday, December 29, 2008

DeWayne Walker and NMSU

Barring any crazy circumstances, DeWayne Walker will likely be the new coach at NMSU, replacing Hal Mumme.

A source told me Monday night that Walker called Louisiana State University and told the staff there he was no longer interested in the defensive coordinator spot.

A decision or announcement on Walker is expected Tuesday.

- Felix

All-Star Football Teams

Class 4A/5A All-Star Football Teams
North
Offense
Center
Mikey Long, Manzano

Guards
Cody Williams, Sandia
Travis Gentry, Eldorado
Marcos Ramirez, Rio Rancho

Tackles
Shane Smith, St. Pius
Rio Mares, Cibola

Tight End
Orin Sears, Eldorado

Wide Receivers
Ross Williams, Eldorado
Adam Keith, Cibola
Nick Linden, Manzano

Quarterback
Cody Blocker, Del Norte
Tanner Ireland, Sandia

Running Back
Troy Harris, Rio Rancho
Clovis Rivera, Belen
Raul Rodriguez, Los Alamos

Defense
Defensive Line
Tyler East, Belen
Eric Nott, La Cueva
Daniel Murphy, Rio Grande
Jordan Madrid, Del Norte

Defensive Ends
Malcolm Butters, Rio Rancho
Chance Roberts, Los Lunas

Linebacker
Carlo Lirogi, Rio Rancho
Gus Bowe, La Cueva
Brad Elliot, Eldorado
Pat Corr, Moriarty

Defensive Backs
Trevor Hammargren, Aztec
Zach Mang, Los Alamos
Jami Abdullah, Eldorado
Corey Clark, Los Alamos

South
Offense
Center
Lance Lukkar, Clovis

Guard
Zane Bischof, Las Cruces High
Michael Nakamoto, Mayfield

Tackle
Joel Rice, Carlsbad
Kevin Cordova, Deming
Luis Olivas, Las Cruces High

Tight End
Patrick Jaquess, Las Cruces High
Matt Flores, Mayfield

Wide Receiver
Hoby McClain, Goddard
Jacob Lilley, Las Cruces High
Moses Bibbs, Clovis

Quarterback
Eric Flores, Onate
Dante Caro, Las Cruces High

Running Back
Jacob Ceniceros, Mayfield
Will Bruce, Las Cruces High
Stefan Mills, Clovis

Defense
Defensive Line
Shane Willis, Goddard
J.D. Ordunez, Mayfield
Terrance Willis, Silver High

Ends
Morris Sharp, Clovis
Mike Bernal, Las Cruces High
Issac McConkey, Mayfield

Linebackers
Dallas Bollema, Artesia
Lane Ward, Clovis
Brandon Solomon, Hobbs

Defensive Backs
Zach Seawolf, Silver
Chase Kyser, Goddard
Andrew Aho, Roswell High
James Hall, Las Cruces High
Josh Bryan, Clovis

All-State Volleyball

Class 5A Coaches All-State Volleyball team
First Team
Outside Hitters
Jene Coppedge, Las Cruces High
Darian Mullen, Rio Rancho
Carolyn Weed, La Cueva

Setters
Jocelyn Hamilton, Rio Rancho
Joanna Morales, Gadsden
Kristen Romney, Mayfield

Middle Hitters
Jessica Groen, Mayfield
Vanessa Leal, Rio Rancho

Libero
Jacklyn Rodriguez, Rio Rancho

Second Team
Outside Hitters
Lainey Flatow, Clovis
Jenna Franzoy, Mayfield
Kylee Terhune, La Cueva

Setters
Samantha Grant, Eldorado
Savannah Stockton, Alamogordo

Middle Hitters
Katie Diaz, Mayfield
Antiesha Brown, Clovis

Libero
Cori Perrault, Las Cruces High

Honorable Mention
Outside Hitters
Kristy Baker, Alamogordo
Whitney Fay, Eldorado
Devon Mulheron, Las Cruces High
Jayla Trombley, Rio Rancho

Setter
Angelique Keefner, Cibola

Middle Hitter
Camille Boal, Sandia
Whitney Polosky, Eldorado
Madison Rhoades, Rio Rancho

Libero
Mellissa Rohr, Cibola
Vanessa Villalobos, Gadsden

NMSU coaching news

Apparently former Washington State QB and NFL QB Timm Rosenbach could be on the New Mexico State football staff if UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker is hired as the school's head coach.

Rosenbach has coaching experience at WSU and Eastern Wash. and is apparently in Las Cruces with Walker visiting campus and meeting with NMSU officials.

Felix

Friday, December 26, 2008

Aggies on all-freshman team

Three New Mexico State freshman were named to the Rivals.com All-WAC freshman team. Offensive lineman Mike Grady, safety Michael Zant and place-kicker Kyle Hughes were named to the team.

Grady played tackle and center and helped lead the team to some solid numbers throughout the season.

Hughes made all 33 extra point attempts and was 7 for 11 in the field goal department.

Zant, who returned last summer from a Mormon Mission, had 28 tackles and two tackles for a loss.

- Felix

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Note on coaching search for NMSU

A source told me Sunday night that UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker has emerged as the front runner for the NMSU head football job after a weekend of interviews.

But apparently NMSU has scheduled two more interviews for Tuesday with two unknown candidates according to the source, who did not know the names of the two coaches, only that they are from two schools preparing for bowl games.

Stay tuned.

Felix

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Prep Basketball Scores, Dec. 20

Boys Basketball
Artesia 78, Lovington 65
Carlsbad 64, Portales 61, 2OT
Clovis 91, Goddard 68
Floyd 50, Clovis Christian 40
Grants 58, Pojoaque 46
Hagerman 48, Tatum 44
Hobbs 60, Onate 48
Temple Baptist 61, Desert Academy 20
Valley 69, Gallup 65

Girls Basketball
Aztec 41, Los Alamos 40
Gallup 65, Piedra Vista 24
Magdalena 79, Mountainair 16
Mora 68, Escalante 28

All-State Football, 2008, Class 5A

5A Football All-State

First Team
Offense
Quarterback Dante Caro Las Cruces

Running Back James Hall Las Cruces
Troy Harris Rio Rancho
Gary Maestas Eldorado

Tight End Orrin Sears Eldorado
Patrick Jaquess Las Cruces


Wide Receiver Ross Williams Eldorado
Jami Abdullah Eldorado

Lineman Shane Smith Eldorado
Zane Bischof Las Cruces
Rio Mares Cibola
Jacob Avalos Las Cruces
Luis Olivas Las Cruces

Punter Darren Cedillo Mayfield

Special Teams James Hall Las Cruces

Defense
Linebacker Will Bruce Las Cruces
Christian Maes Mayfield
Orrin Sears Eldorado
Brad Elliott Eldorado

DE/OLB Michael Bernal Las Cruces
Shane Smith Eldorado
Lineman J.D. Ordunez Mayfield
Zane Bischoff Las Cruces
Willie Pounds Eldorado

Secondary Jami Abdullah Eldorado
Tanner Ireland Sandia
James Hall Las Cruces
Ryan Yduarte Mayfield

Kicker Zach Diaz Las Cruces

Second Team
Quarterback Armin Day Eldorado
Running back Stephan Mills Clovis
Jacob Ceniceros Mayfield
Ronnie Daniels La Cueva

Tight End (Top two tied in points. Both made 1st team)

Wide Receiver Jacob Lilly Las Cruces
Nick Linden Manzano

Lineman Lance Lukkar Clovis
Jon Padilla Mayfield
Mikey Long Manzano
Michael Nakamoto Mayfield
Cody Williams Sandia

Punter Robert Valencia Albuquerque High

Special Teams Scott McMath Clovis

Defense
Linebacker Lane Ward Clovis
Carlos Lirosi Rio Rancho
Zach Drapeau Rio Rancho
Jose Garcia Las Cruces

DE/OLB Isaac McConkey Mayfield
Morris Sharp Clovis

Lineman David Testa Las Cruces
Malcolm Butters Rio Rancho
Mark Rode Eldorado

Secondary Scott McMath Clovis
Jacob Lilly Las Cruces
Justin Sedillo Eldorado
Broc Galbreth La Cueva
KickerMelchor Quezada Rio Grande

Honorable Mention
Offense
Quarterback Tanner Ireland Sandia

Running back Jordan Llamas Manzano
Marcus Washington Sandia
Gus Bowe La Cueva

Tight End Matt Flores Mayfield

Wide Receiver Isaiah Fuller La Cueva
Jason Sandoval Onate

Lineman David Alba Las Cruces
Travis Gentry Eldorado
Caleb Einspahr Eldorado
Kyle Pannell Las Cruces
Andrew Anthony La Cueva
Punter Ronnie Daniels La Cueva

Special Teams Ronnie Daniels La Cueva
Defense

Linebacker Gus Bowe La Cueva
Matt Boland Eldorado
Emery Sierra Clovis
Jonathon Sanchez Onate

DE/OLB Cody Williams Sandia
Brian Richards La Cueva

Lineman Eric Nott La Cueva
Marcus Ricketson Clovis
John Cachora Onate

Secondary Josh Bryan Clovis
Denzel Pleasant Clovis
Zach Diaz Las Cruces
Rolando Trammel Highland

Kicker Andrew North Clovis

Saturday's Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 19

Boys Basketball
Alamogordo 71, Deming 61
Artesia 84, Ruidoso 41
Bloomfield 76, Navajo Prep 45
Capital 64, Bernalillo 32
Chaparral 50, Mesilla Valley Christian 40
Cibola 38, Volcano Vista High School 36
Clayton 59, Roy 21
Cliff 58, Lordsburg 51
Cuba 73, Kirtland Central 67
Del Norte 51, Albuquerque High 50
East Mountain 51, Menaul 38
Espanola Valley 80, Santa Fe 48
Farwell, Texas 65, Melrose 38
Floyd 41, Tucumcari 32
Hagerman 65, Dexter 62
Hobbs 48, Mayfield 46
La Cueva 79, Los Lunas 56
Manzano 81, Rio Rancho 65
Piedra Vista 50, Valencia 40
Portales 66, Muleshoe, Texas 40
Quemado 49, Zuni 38
Reserve 63, Jemez Valley 48
Roswell 68, Lovington 28
Santa Teresa 62, Clint, Texas 48
St. Michael’s 68, Taos 26
Texico 54, Friona, Texas 40
Tularosa 66, Estancia 43
Ben Lujan Tournament
Los Alamos 71, Pojoaque 61

Girls Basketball
Alamogordo 84, Deming 79, OT
Bloomfield 49, Dulce 36
Carlsbad 39, Gadsden 36
Cibola 44, Highland 37
Clovis 52, Moriarty 47
Eldorado 78, Santa Fe 11
Farwell, Texas 65, Melrose 28
Floyd 48, Tucumcari 26
Hagerman 58, Dexter 27
Jemez Valley 61, Reserve 39
Kirtland Central 40, Fruita, Colo. 29
La Cueva 51, West Mesa 33
Los Alamos 37, Piedra Vista 28
Menaul 56, East Mountain 54, OT
Onate 52, Los Lunas 49
Pojoaque 72, Cimarron 59
Portales 49, Muleshoe, Texas 35
Rio Rancho 39, Manzano 27
Texico 54, Friona, Texas 13

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Interesting prep football note

Former Hatch Valley football coach Charles Gleghorn, former Alamogordo football coach Bruce Dollar and forrmer Lovington coach Spedy Faith are all reportedly finalists for the Hobbs High School football job. Gleghorn coached HV to three 2A titles, while Dollar led AHS to the 2006 5A title game.

Felix

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

New Mexico Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 16

Boys Basketball
Clovis 77, Portales 55
Deming 50, Onate 41
Hagerman 72, Valley Christian 46
Hobbs 90, Goddard 59
Santa Teresa 59, Hot Springs 44
Tornillo 64, Chaparral 59
Tularosa 78, Dexter 59

Girls Basketball
Reserve 49, Ramah 41
Hagerman 47, Valley Christian 22
Hobbs 37, Roswell 34
Las Cruces High 74, Deming 43
Mesilla Valley Christian 47, Cobre 24
Tularosa 54, Hot Springs 52, OT

Monday, December 15, 2008

NMSU football recruiting

The Aggies have offered scholarships to two El Paso high school football players, according to their respective coaches.
Montwood offensive guard Jake Swenson and Hanks receiver Ryan Pettis are the two players who have received attention from the Aggies.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Pettis caught 20 touchdown passes in the past two years and Hanks coach Jeff Cleveland said Pettis has great potential for the future. He said Pettis’ offer from NMSU was the first he has received from a university. Other schools looking at Pettis include Texas-El Paso and Houston.
“Ryan has great potential,” Cleveland said. “He has good hands and good speed. He runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. He also has good hands and has play-making ability.”
Meanwhile, Swenson had a solid season on the offensive and defensive lines according to Montwood head coach Chuck Veliz.
“He’s a tough guy up front and he has great potential for the next level,” Veliz said. “He had a good performance in the playoffs this year against good teams and his future is on the offensive line at the next level.”
Veliz said NMSU’s offer was the first for the 6-foot-6, 300-pound Swenson.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Some thoughts on Oscar De La Hoya

After watching the destruction of Oscar De La Hoya by Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 6, it's now time for the former Olympic champion and the great professional that he's been to give it up and retire.

De La Hoya looked slow and less than his best in being stopped by the smaller Pacquiao.

De La Hoya was supposed to be the bigger man, but weighed just 147 on the night of the fight. He may have overtrained for the fight and he certainly wasn't as sharp as he has been in previous fights.

Pacquiao was tremendous on the night of Dec. 6. He threw good combinations, was very good defensively and had great motivation.

De La Hoya is still good enough to beat B-level fighters, but against A-level fighters he won't do well.

De La Hoya has had a great career, beating the likes of Pernell Whitaker, J.C. Chavez, Miguel Angel Gonzalez and giving a brave effort against Bernard Hopkins.

But it's time for Oscar to go and not tarnish his legacy in the ring.

- Felix

Saturday, December 13, 2008

New Mexico Prep hoops scores, Dec. 13

Boys Basketball
Albuquerque Academy 48, Cibola 44
Bovina, Texas 72, Melrose 67
Clovis 95, Los Alamos 60
Las Cruces 59, Mesa Mountain View, Ariz. 38
Portales 88, Moriarty 52
Artesia Tournament
Seventh Place
Goddard 68, Aztec 44
Fifth Place
Denver Lincoln, Colo. 53, Lovington 35
Third Place
Deming 43, EP Jefferson, Texas 28
Championship
Artesia 59, Carlsbad 37
Capital Tournament
Seventh Place
Capital 64, Valencia 29
Fifth Place
St. Michael’s 56, Del Norte 52, OT
Third Place
Espanola Valley 59, Los Lunas 50
Championship
Pueblo South, Colo. 52, Santa Fe 42
Cloudcroft Mountain Top Tournament
Championship
Cliff 67, Hagerman 63
Farmington Tournament
Third Place
Alamogordo 57, Farmington 55
Grants Tournament
Third Place
Pojoaque 64, Santa Fe Indian 61
Hot Springs Tournament
Hot Springs 71, Quemado 66
Plains, Texas Tournament
Third Place
Tatum 56, Post, Texas 52
Sandia Prep Invite
Seventh Place
McCurdy 76, Navajo Prep 65
Fifth Place
Ruidoso 67, Tohatchi 48
Third Place
Pecos 63, Questa 58
Championship
Sandia Prep 58, Australian Travel Team 47
Tucumcari Tournament
Seventh Place
Clovis - C Team 79, Monte del Sol 21
Fifth Place
Elida 58, San Jon 27
Third Place
Floyd 41, Logan 36
Championship
Fort Sumner 53, Tucumcari 45
Tularosa Basin Classic
Seventh Place
Dexter 79, Mescalero Apache 23
Fifth Place
Dora 68, Lordsburg 66
Third Place
Mesilla Valley Christian 53, Tularosa 32
Championship
Santa Rosa 67, Mesa Vista 61

Girls Basketball
Belen 64, Onate 40
Cibola 49, Albuquerque Academy 37
Deming 66, Hatch Valley 36
EP Montwood, Texas 46, Tularosa 35
Gallup JV 43, Gallup Catholic 29
Magdalena 65, Mescalero Apache 32
Tohatchi 61, Silver 52
Alamogordo Tournament
Championship
Roswell 35, Sandia 32, OT
Alice King Tournament
Seventh Place
Valencia 46, Goddard 38
Fifth Place
Farmington 61, Highland 59
Third Place
Volcano Vista High School 53, Santa Rosa 51
Championship
Las Cruces 39, Moriarty 38
Artesia Tournament
Seventh Place
Jal 64, Denver Lincoln 36
Fifth Place
Shiprock 49, Artesia 43
Third Place
Lovington 54, Dexter 27
Championship
Carlsbad 38, Ruidoso 33
Grants Tournament
Seventh Place
Piedra Vista 41, Bloomfield 24
Championship
Pojoaque 65, Grants 37
Rio Rancho Tournament
Seventh Place
Portales 61, Albuquerque High 21
Fifth Place
Aztec 51, Los Lunas 38
Third Place
Mayfield 65, Clovis 57
Championship
Rio Rancho 61, La Cueva 52

NMSU coaching search

A couple of names that have come up from various sources today for the New Mexico State head football job are Nevada offensive coordinator Chris Klenakis and Richmond University head coach Mike London.

Felix

Friday, December 12, 2008

Prep Scores, Dec. 12

Boys Basketball
Bosque School 54, Santa Fe Prep 36
Clayton 67, Roy 33
El Paso Americas 53, Mayfield 49
Las Cruces High 53, El Paso Horizon 31
El Paso Chapin 84, Las Cruces High 79
Melrose 60, Amherst, Texas 20
Rio Rancho 69, Los Alamos 57
Santa Fe 76, Los Lunas 69
Santa Teresa 50, Faith Christian 32
Sudan, Texas 43, Tatum 34
Artesia Tournament
Consolation Semifinal
Denver Lincoln 62, Goddard 52
Lovington 49, Aztec 33
Semifinal
Carlsbad 51, Deming 45, OT
Capital Tournament
Del Norte 71, Valencia 39
Pueblo South, Colo. 58, Espanola Valley 45
St. Michael’s 50, Capital 49
Cloudcroft
Mountain Top Tournament
Cliff 60, Hot Springs 27
Farmington Tournament
EP Montwood, Texas 60, Farmington 36
Grants Tournament
Shiprock 60, Pojoaque 52
Sandia Prep Invite
Australian Team, Va. 58, Pecos 53
Consolation Semifinal
Ruidoso 71, McCurdy 51
Tohatchi 55, Navajo Prep 48
Semifinal
Sandia Prep 59, Questa 44
Tucumcari Tournament
Consolation
Semifinal
Elida 64, Clovis - C Team 47
San Jon 71, Monte del Sol 58
Semifinal
Fort Sumner 46, Floyd 37
Tularosa Basin Classic
Dora 67, Dexter 63
Lordsburg 69, Mescalero Apache 29
Mesa Vista 77, Mesilla Valley Christian 69

Girls Basketball
Clovis Christian 60, Clovis JV 54
Eldorado 45, Cibola 40
Highland 69, Goddard 35
Las Cruces 71, Volcano Vista High School 47
Los Alamos 51, Albuquerque Academy 44
Manzano 42, Santa Fe 28
Moriarty 38, Santa Rosa 25
St. Pius 63, Hope Christian 48
Alamogordo Tournament
Hobbs 23, Roswell 25
West Mesa 70, Tularosa 47
Alice King Tournament
Farmington 50, Valencia 43
Artesia Tournament
Consolation Semifinal
Artesia 54, Denver Lincoln 31
Shiprock 59, Jal 22
Semifinal
Carlsbad 48, Lovington 41
Grants Tournament
Pojoaque 45, St. Michael’s 31
Northern Rio Grande Tournament
Semifinal
Mora 48, Coronado 38
Rio Rancho Tournament
Aztec 33, Portales 28
La Cueva 43, Mayfield 42
Los Lunas 50, Albuquerque High 44
Rio Rancho 61, Clovis 55
Tucumcari Tournament
Elida 75, Fort Sumner 39
Logan 36, Tucumcari 35
Consolation Semifinal
Floyd 69, Clovis - C Team 20
Portales JV 39, San Jon 34, OT

Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 11

Thursday’s Scores
Boys Basketball
Clovis 77, Cibola 62
Hope Christian 55, St. Pius 44
La Cueva 58, Eldorado 54
Los Alamos 55, Albuquerque Academy 52
Rio Grande 61, Albuquerque High 54
Rio Rancho 82, Sandia 71
Socorro 63, Thoreau 29
Tatum 55, Hale Center, Texas 45
Valley 60, West Mesa 39
Artesia Tournament
Artesia 65, Aztec 15
Carlsbad 50, Denver Lincoln 47
Deming 64, Goddard 51
EP Jefferson, Texas 48, Lovington 40
Cowbell Tournament
Des Moines 73, Raton 65
Springer 80, Maxwell 26
Farmington Tournament
Alamogordo 52, Durango, Colo. 48
EP Montwood, Texas 50, Piedra Vista 28
Farmington 55, Kearns, Utah 47
Gallup 64, J.K. Mullen, Colo. 56, OT
Grants Tournament
Grants 81, Cuba 47
Pojoaque 85, Kirtland Central 67
Shiprock 69, Dulce 24
Sandia Prep Invite
Australian Team, Va. 71, McCurdy 39
Pecos 57, Ruidoso 43
Questa 83, Tohatchi 52
Sandia Prep 67, Navajo Prep 29
SF Capital Tournament
Espanola Valley 62, Capital 52
Los Lunas 69, Del Norte 48
Pueblo South, Colo. 63, St. Michael’s 41
Santa Fe 79, Valencia 52
Tucumcari Tournament
Cliff 63, Gateway Christian 47
Floyd 62, Elida 45
Hagerman 53, Cloudcroft 45
Logan 63, Monte del Sol 51
Quemado 60, Animas 55
Tularosa Basin Classic
Mesa Vista 68, Lordsburg 49
Mesilla Valley Christian 93, Mescalero Apache 34
Santa Rosa 73, Dexter 41
Tularosa 73, Dora 46

Girls Basketball
Albuquerque Academy 55, Manzano 35
Cibola 63, Hope Christian 38
Clovis 69, Albuquerque High 38
Eldorado 44, St. Pius 35
La Cueva 49, Portales 25
Las Cruces 81, Highland 52
Los Alamos 54, Santa Fe 43
Mayfield 57, Aztec 46
Menaul 47, Bosque School 39
Mesilla Valley Christian 58, Hondo 26
Moriarty 67, Valencia 15
Rio Rancho 65, Los Lunas 22
Volcano Vista High School 53, Goddard 36
Alamogordo Tournament
Alamogordo 66, West Mesa 35
Hobbs 53, EP Montwood, Texas 46
Roswell 38, EP Burges, Texas 31
Sandia 46, Tularosa 26
Alice King Tournament
Santa Rosa 64, Farmington 44
Artesia Tournament
Carlsbad 62, Jal 44
Dexter 44, Denver Lincoln 39
Lovington 50, Shiprock 43
Ruidoso 59, Artesia 49
Cloudcroft Mountain Top Tournament
Hagerman 49, Cloudcroft 26
Cowbell Tournament
Cimarron 60, Mosquero 23
Des Moines 50, Raton 37
Grants Tournament
Pojoaque 53, Navajo Pine 31
St. Michael’s 31, Piedra Vista 14
Tucumcari Tournament
Elida 41, Floyd 29

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Updates, Caro, James Hall Jr.

It appears that Las Cruces High quarterback Dante Caro and LCHS running James Hall Jr. could be getting some attention from Wyoming.

The Cowboys just hired former NMSU defensive line coach Mike Fanoga as its outside linebackers coach.

Caro received an offer from NMSU, while Hall has offers from NMSU, Air Force and Army.

Las Cruces Cruces High was ranked in a tie at No. 61 on the national level according to calpreps.com.

The Bulldawgs won the Class 5A title last week with a 26-21 at Eldorado.

- Felix

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 9

Boys Basketball
Bloomfield 66, Navajo Prep 47
Bosque School JV 61, Evangel Christian 49
Canutillo, Texas 44, Onate 41
Canyon, Texas 62, Clovis 53
Highland 72, Albuquerque High 27
Hope Christian 64, Bernalillo 50
Jemez Valley 72, Walatowa Charter 30
Kirtland Central 56, Durango, Colo. 55
La Cueva 70, Capital 63
Las Cruces High 57, El Paso Jefferson 45
Los Alamos 67, Belen 62
Mesilla Valley Christian 57, Hot Springs 45
Onate 44, Canutillo 41
Rio Grande 85, Valencia 35
Roswell 72, Portales 55
Santa Teresa 66, Hatch Valley 39
Valley 79, Manzano 74
Dexter Invitational Tournament
NMMI 60, Hagerman 48
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Gateway Christian vs. Cloudcroft, ppd.
Mescalero Apache vs. Tularosa, ppd.
Adrian, Texas vs. Grady, ppd.
Girls Basketball
Clovis Christian 53, Melrose 29
Cuba 55, Bosque School 33
Deming 41, Gadsden 26
Hobbs 38, Portales 37, OT
Las Cruces 53, EP Chapin, Texas 37
Los Lunas 43, Belen 39
Navajo Pine 63, Zuni 51
NMSD 32, Monte del Sol 17
Rehoboth 54, Miyamura 51
St. Michael’s 63, Hope Christian 50
Valley 53, Gallup 50
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Tularosa vs. Mescalero Apache, ppd.
Mayfield vs. Silver, ppd.
Cloudcroft vs. Gateway Christian, ppd.

One more applicant for NMSU job and Fanoga

Veteran assistant coach Mike Fanoga has accepted a job coaching outoside linebacker at Wyoming. He'll join the staff of Dave Christensen, who was hired to replaced Joe Glenn.

Fanoga spent four years on Hal Mumme's staff at NMSU. Mumme was dismissed last week.

Also, former Florida International assistant coach Bruce Hardy has applied for the NMSU coaching job according to a source.

He played collegiately at Arizona State and with the Miami Dolphins from 1978-1990.

He coached at FIU from 1999-2006. He's also coached in the Arena Football League with the Arizona Rattlers.

- Felix

Some new info on NMSU coaching search

Some interesting tidbits to report on the NMSU coaching search. These come from solid sources.

Former NMSU assistant and current Nebraska assistant Barney Cotton has not been contacted for job.

Former Oklahoma St. coach Bob Simmons, who took Oklahoma St. to the Alamo Bowl has expressed interest.

West Texas A&M coach Don Carthel has sent in his stuff to be looked at.

Apparently reprensentives of former Auburn coach Terry Bowden have been pushing him, although no contact has been made with the former coach himself.


- Felix

Monday, December 8, 2008

An interesting name came up tonight

I haven't gotten any confirmation but a name that popped up late Monday night for the New Mexico State head coaching job is South Carolina St. head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough. He has been at SC State since 2002, but prior to that was on Lou Holtz' staff at South Carolina when the team was pretty solid.

- Felix

NMSU interested in LCHS' Mike Bernal?

Word on the street is that New Mexico State is showing interest in Las Cruces High football player Mike Bernal, at least in terms of a walk-on spot.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Bernal had a very good game on defense as a defensive end in the Class 5A state title game against Eldorado, which LCHS won 26-21.

Bernal had double-digit sacks this year and also played a significant role on offense at receiver.

- Felix

Rodriguez possible fight

Unbeaten El Paso heavyweight David Rodriguez, who trains part-time in Las Cruces under trainer Louie Burke could have an interesting fight in the works.

Word on the street is that negotiations are could soon start on a fight with Argentina's Gonzalo Omar Basile, who is 36-4 with 16 knockouts. Rodriguez is 30-0 with 28 knockouts. Omar Basile is ranked No. 14 by the World Boxing Organization.

The fight could happen within the first few weeks of 2009.

- Felix

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Las Cruces High follow up

Las Cruces High's win against Eldorado on Saturday afternoon in the Class 5A state football title game was impressive in many ways.

The Bulldawgs got a big effort from in all three phases of the game, they had to go on the road to beat a good team and it was a total team effort.

Las Cruces High finished 13-0 and that says a lot about this year's version of the Bulldawgs. They had to beat crosstown rival Mayfield twice this year. The Trojans had won three straight 5A titles entering the season. Las Cruces High also survived a scare from Manzano in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs.

Running back James Hall scored 28 touchdowns this year, one of the top five marks of all-time in the state and quarterback Dante Caro was one of the team's leaders when it mattered most.

This year's Bulldawgs might not have had the depth that maybe the 1999, 2000 and 2002 teams did, but this was certainly a fun team to watch over the course of this year and last year. The team went 23-2 in that time and could have easily won the two games they lost, which came in 2007 against Mayfield and Clovis.

This year's Bulldawgs football team had good chemistry, worked hard and was resillient.

-Felix

Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 6

Boys Basketball
Alamogordo 68, Austin High, Texas 56
Belen 63, Mayfield 56
El Paso Burges 78, Onate 62
Los Alamos 70, Farmington 46
Los Lunas 50, Las Cruces 49
Mesilla Valley Christian 64, Socorro 60
Moriarty 56, Piedra Vista 49
Pojoaque 76, Bernalillo 71, OT
Seagraves, Texas 71, Jal 52
Tularosa 77, NMMI 47
Cliff Tournament
Cliff 61, Reserve 42
Lordsburg 57, Quemado 51
Taos Tournament
Roswell 96, West Las Vegas 40
Girls Basketball
Alamogordo 60, Goddard 34
Clovis 47, Santa Fe Indian 45
Grady 46, Tucumcari 22
Los Lunas 51, Silver 49
Mora 35, Fort Sumner 27
Seagraves, Texas 51, Jal 48
Gallup Tournament
Winslow, Ariz. 48, Gallup 45
Magdalena Tournament
Magdalena 46, Tularosa 32

Saturday, December 6, 2008

NMSU football news

According a dependable source, New Mexico State freshman receiver LaVorick Williams is looking into a possible transfer.
Nothing is definite yet and Williams could still stay, depending on who the new coach for the Aggies will be.

Wililams was signed by former NMSU head coach Hal Mumme, who was fired after four years on the job.

Also, sources tell the Sun-News that Eldorado High School wide receiver Ross Williams could be offered a walk-on spot with the team for the 2009 season.

Williams is a 6-foot-3, 175-pound receiver and caught two touchdown passes against Las Cruces High in Saturday's 5A state title game, which was won by LCHS by a score of 26-21.

- Felix

Friday, December 5, 2008

Friday's Prep Basketball Scores, Dec. 5

Boys Basketball
Bernalillo 50, Piedra Vista 47
Cibola 73, Sandia 43
Del Norte 45, Volcano Vista High School 36
El Paso Coronado 64, Chaparral 48
Espanola Valley 56, Roswell 45
Floyd 49, Santa Fe Prep 48
Gateway Christian 65, NMMI 58
Hagerman 68, Valley Christian 32
Hope Christian 72, Eldorado 63
La Cueva 76, Rio Grande 68
Laguna-Acoma 56, Zuni 39
Los Lunas 37, Mayfield 35
Lubbock Estacado, Texas 62, Hobbs 50
Mesilla Valley Christian 61, Cobre 36
Moriarty 63, Farmington 58
Questa 82, Taos 76
Santa Teresa 44, El Paso, Texas 35
St. Pius 66, Sandia Prep 52
Tatum 67, Wink, Texas 47
Tularosa 75, Pecos 70
Valley 51, Albuquerque Academy 42

Girls Basketball
Cimarron 56, Mora 39
Eldorado 54, La Cueva 43
Espanola Valley 47, Taos 28
Fort Defiance Window Rock, Ariz. 64, Los Lunas 23
Gallup 49, Santa Fe Indian 48
Gateway Christian 43, NMMI 32
Hagerman 55, Valley Christian 20
Hobbs 55, Midland Lee, Texas 27
Kirtland Central 43, Silver 23
Las Cruces High 82, El Paso High 53
Mayfield 59, El Paso Montwood 31
Miyamura 48, Red Mesa, Ariz. 43
Pecos 56, Penasco 51
Rio Grande 61, Del Norte 56
Santa Rosa 66, Fort Sumner 33
Thoreau 44, McCurdy 29
Valley 53, Sandia 51, OT
Volcano Vista High School 51, Sandia Prep 28
Winslow, Ariz. 59, Clovis 45
APS Tournament
West Mesa 56, Hope Christian 49
Magdalena Tournament
Magdalena 56, Menaul 37

Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya

Saturday night's Manny Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 knockouts) vs. De La Hoya (39-5, 30 knockouts) promises to be intriguing if nothing else.

The 12-round fight at welterweight is a battle between the smaller man, Pacquiao (142) vs. De La Hoya (145).

Pacquiao started his career at 106, De La Hoya at 130. But De La Hoya hasn't fought at 147 in years. He's been at 154 or 160 for the most part.

I like Pacquiao for many reasons. He's faster, I believe he's hungrier and he is such a tough fighter when he steps in that ring.

De La Hoya hasn't been been awful in recent bouts, but he hasn't been superb either. Both men have put in a great deal of time for this fight.

But I just have a hunch that Pacquiao will outwork and outhustle De La Hoya. I'm not sure he can knock De La Hoya out, but he can do good things to frustrate De La Hoya. But he can't get lazy or take a round off against De La Hoya, who packs a good punch.

De La Hoya might get frustrated early and might deviate from his game plan. Pacquiao does have weaknesses and he can get hit. De La Hoya must use his jab and keep Pacquiao on the outside.

A loss for De La Hoya has to mean his career is over. He couldn't get over a loss to Pacquiao.

Pacquiao by decision over De La Hoya, 8 rounds to 4.

-Felix

Las Cruces High vs. Eldorado

Saturday's Class 5A high school football state campionship game between Las Cruces High and Eldorado is shaping up to be a very good game.

Both team have offenses that can do good things via the ground and through the air.

Both defenses also have the ability to come up with big plays as well.

Cruces High's duo of running back James Hall Jr. and quarterback Dante Caro will be the difference, however. These two are very explosive and if the Bulldawgs get the running game going, the passing gave could very well thrive.

Expect Eldorado to come out and play well early. If EHS can control the tempo of the game and make it more of a low-scoring game, it could be to their benefit.

My prediction is LCHS 31, Eldorado 17.

- Felix

Jay Norvell

Oklahoma co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell's name has emerged as a possible candidate for the New Mexico State head coaching job. He's coached at OU, Nebraska and in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders.

- Felix

New Mexico Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 4

Boys Basketball
Clayton 64, Roy 40
Espanola Valley 53, Santa Fe Indian 45
Evangel Christian 55, Vaughn 43
Hondo 58, Lake Arthur 37
Jemez Valley 78, Coronado 36
Los Alamos 62, St. Michael’s 52
Manzano 59, La Cueva 51
Socorro 54, Robertson 34
Springer 72, Santa Fe Prep 68
Valley Christian 72, House 58
Canutillo Tournament
Santa Teresa 57, Lydia Patterson Institute, Texas 47
Cliff Tournament
Animas 62, Reserve 47
Cliff 73, Academia Juarez, Mexico 26
Orange & Black Classic
Des Moines 48, Floyd 41
Taos Tournament
Roswell 64, Penasco 45
Girls Basketball
Cibola 54, Eldorado 51
Cimarron 62, Thoreau 46
Deming 81, Santa Fe 55
Fort Sumner 40, Penasco 34
Gallup 61, Silver 45
Gallup Catholic 64, Newcomb 27
Hondo 52, Lake Arthur 33
Magdalena 68, Mountainair 23
Robertson 84, Shiprock Northwest 17
Ruidoso 64, Raton 24
Santa Fe Indian 50, Kirtland Central 48
Santa Rosa 64, Pecos 43
St. Pius 57, La Cueva 45
Valley Christian 42, House 20
West Las Vegas 65, Socorro 37
Lady Lion Classic
Mora 45, McCurdy 31
Magdalena Tournament
Magdalena 68, Mountainair 23
Orange & Black Classic
Floyd 54, Des Moines JV 44

Earnest Wilson applies

New Mexico State running backs coach Earnest Wilson said Friday morning he has officially applied for the New Mexico State head football job.

Wilson is also the team's recruiting coordinator and is helping the program right now in the transition between the firing of Hal Mumme and the new head coach.

Mumme was fired on Tuesday after four years on the job.

- Felix

Thursday, December 4, 2008

New coach at Utah State

Andersen takes Utah State coaching job
The Associated Press
LOGAN, Utah — Defensive coordinator Gary Andersen is leaving Utah to become the football coach at Utah State.
Utah State introduced Andersen on Thursday, bringing in the longtime Utah assistant to take over a program that hasn’t had winning record since 1996.
Andersen told his players at Utah on Wednesday night that he was accepting Utah State’s offer.
Andersen planned to meet with Utah coach on Kyle Whittingham on Friday to decide whether he’ll still have a role with the seventh-ranked Utes in their bowl game. Utah went 12-0 during the regular season and is awaiting a Bowl Championship Series bid Sunday.

Title game scores

New Mexico big school championship games
New Mexico went to five classes in 2000
4A title games were played form 1969-99
2A title games were played 1953-68
2007 Mayfield 49, Clovis 48
2006 Mayfield 31, Alamogordo 7
2005 Mayfield 17, Clovis 7
2004 La Cueva 40, Clovis 0
2003 La Cueva 24, Mayfield 21
2002 Las Cruces 17, Mayfield 14
2001 Clovis 17, Mayfield 10
2000 Las Cruces High 45, Carlsbad 21
1999 Las Cruces High 24, Goddard 12
1998 Mayfield 13, Goddard 7
1997 Goddard 3, Clovis 0
1996 Mayfield 14, Manzano 0
1995 Mayfield 13, Clovis 12
1994 Clovis 14, Goddard 10
1993 Goddard 24, Clovis 21
1992 La Cueva 35, Roswell 0
1991 Clovis 13, Eldorado 10
1990 Clovis 28, Eldorado 0
1989 Highland 6, Clovis 0
1988 Roswell 14, Clovis 3
1987 Roswell 29, Mayfield 7
1986 Highland 14, Roswell 7
1985 Clovis 36, Alamogordo 12
1984 Clovis 17, Roswell 0
1983 Clovis 50, Roswell 18
1982 Clovis 20, Alamogordo 7
1981 Clovis 27, Hobbs 7
1980 Eldroado 14, Clovis 11
1979 Santa Fe 19, Eldorado 15
1978 Clovis 7, Eldorado 3
1977 Clovis 3, Sandia 0
1976 Sandia 23, Mayfield l6
1975 Las Cruces 29, Eldorado 15
1974 Del Norte 14, Hobbs 6
1973 Clovis 16, Hobbs 0
1972 Hobbs 31, Mayfield 15
1971 Mayfield 24, West Mesa 20
1970 Hobbs 20, Highland 0
1969 Artesia 21, Hobbs 8
1968 Artesia 40, Sandia 0
1967 Artesia 40, Albuquerque High 14
1966 Artesia 40, Highland 14
1965 Highland 13, Hobbs 10
1964 Artesia 20, Highland 6
1963 Highland 20, Las Cruces High 0
1962 Carlsbad 34, Farmington 0
1961 Carlsbad 27, AHS 0
1960 Clovis 20, Farmington 14
1959 Las Cruces 31, Artesia 7
1958 Carlsbad 20, Las Cruces 14
1957 Artesia 27, Highland 7
1956 Carlsbad 26, Highland 7
1955 Roswell 19, Las Cruces 14
1954 Highland 20, Artesia 0
1953 Roswell 21, AHS 19

NMSU football

A key source has informed me that UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker and USC linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. have been interviewed for the head football job at New Mexico State.

New Mexico State is looking for a new football coach after Hal Mumme was fired on Tuesday after four years and one year remaining on his contract, which expires on Jan. 31, 2010.

The source added that Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson is still a possibility in the coaching search and that Nebraska receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Ted Gilmore is also in the mix.

Stay tuned

- Felix

James Hall Jr. update

Las Cruces High running back James Hall Jr. hasn't set up an official visits yet to universities, but he said Wednesday that he plans on visiting Air Force and NMSU.

The 12-0 Bulldawgs are at Eldorado on Saturday at 1 p.m. for the 5A state football title.

- Felix

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Another name to throw out there

Another name to throw out there for the NMSU head football job: Rob Ianello, the recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at Notre Dame.

-Felix

Kent Baer and NMSU football job

A key source has told me that San Jose State assistant Kent Baer is someone to keep an eye for in the head coaching job.

Baer has plenty of experience at the collegiate level. He's currently at San Jose State as the linebackers coach. But he's been defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, Stanford, Califorina and Arizona St.

Baer was up for the NMSU job in 2004 when Hal Mumme got the job. Mumme was fired on Tuesday after going 11-38 in four years.

- Felix

Basketball Coaches Poll, Dec. 3

New Mexico High School Coaches Association
Boys & Girls Basketball Top 10 Poll
Dec. 3, 2008
5A Boys
1. Highland(9) 124
2. Clovis(1) 97
3. Manzano(1) 89
4. Hobbs(2) 85
5. La Cueva 84
6. Eldorado 72
7. Las Cruces 47
8. Gallup 40
9. Valley 21
10. Cibola 17
Others: Rio Grande 15, Rio Rancho 13, Alamogordo 6, Sandia 4, Onate 3, West Mesa 1, Mayfield 1, Los Lunas 1.
4A Boys
1. Academy(5) 105
2. Espanola(2) 101
3. Artesia(2) 88
4. St. Pius(1) 75
5. Roswell(2) 70
6. Capital(1) 68
7. Los Alamos 67
8. Belen 59
9. Deming(1) 44
10. Goddard 27
Others: Del Norte 18, Bernalillo 9, Chaparral 9, Farmington 6, Grants 5, Santa Teresa 5, Kirtland Central 4, Aztec 1, Silver 1.
3A Boys
1. Pojoaque(2) 56
Hope Christian(3) 56
3. Sandia Prep(1) 54
4. Portales 50
5. St. Michaels(1) 43
6. Socorro 30
7. Santa Fe Indian 25
8. W. Las Vegas 19
9. Wingate 16
10. Lovington 12
Ruidoso 12
Others: Cuba 8, Bloomfield 3, Crownpoint 1.
2A Boys
1. Mesilla Valley(6) 87
2. Mesa Vista(2) 63
3. Bosque School 47
4. Santa Rosa 45
5. Texico(1) 42
6. Questa 37
7. Navajo Pine 31
8. Penasco 28
9. Mora 17
10. Santa Fe Prep 17
Others: Tularosa 13, Estancia 12, Dulce 7, Lordsburg 6, Jemez Valley 6, Pecos 5, Coronado 4, Ramah 3, Clayton 3, Escalante 2, McCurdy 2, Cloudcroft 2, Rehoboth 1.

Girls Basketball
5A Girls
1. Eldorado(4) 111
2. Cibola(3) 109
3. Sandia(1) 96
4. La Cueva(3) 78
5. Las Cruces(3) 73
6. Rio Rancho 61
7. Mayfield 48
8. Hobbs 47
9. Gallup 29
10. Clovis 21
Others: Alamogordo 13, Valley 10, Rio Grande 8, Santa Fe 1
4A Girls
1. Moriarty(2) 56
2. St. Pius(3) 51
3. Kirtland Central 36
Goddard(1) 36
5. Roswell 34
6. Del Norte 27
7. Aztec 24
8. Belen(1) 22
9. Artesia 15
10. Academy 14
Others: Shiprock 13, Los Alamos 13, Deming 13, Silver 9, Piedra Vista 6 Capital 4, Chaparral 4, Grants 4, Farmington 2, Espanola 2, Volcano Vista 2.
3A Girls Basketball
3A did not have enough Coaches votes

2A Girls Basketball
1. Navajo Prep(3) 84
2. Texico(5) 77
3. Santa Rosa 38
4. Rehoboth 32
5. McCurdy 29
6. Clayton 27
7. Tularosa 19
Estancia 19
9. Mesa Vista(1) 18
10. Coronado 15
Mora 15
Others: Navajo Pine 14, Eunice 11, Lordsburg 9, Mesilla Valley 9, Jal 9, Jemez Valley 8, Tse Yi Gai 5, Capitan 5, Santa Fe Prep 4, Bosque 4, Penasco 3, Questa 2.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Prep Basketball Scores, Dec. 2

Boys Basketball
Albuquerque High 49, Volcano Vista High School 44
Bosque School 69, Coronado 23
Capital 55, Pojoaque 42
Chaparral 59, Fabens, Texas 55
Gallup 76, Los Lunas 59
Grants 74, Cuba 48
Highland 53, Cibola 38
Los Alamos 75, Moriarty 52
Loving 66, Lake Arthur 25
Manzano 65, Hope Christian 44
Mayfield 52, Silver 45
Mesilla Valley Christian 69, Hatch Valley 38
Midland Lee, Texas 85, Hobbs 68
Monte del Sol 55, East Mountain 40
Piedra Vista 66, Bayfield, Colo. 41
Rio Grande 59, Eldorado 55
Roswell 77, Lovington 39
Santa Fe Prep 67, Jemez Valley 35
Socorro 56, NMMI 35
Valley 61, Del Norte 51
Vega, Texas 54, Texico 41
APS Tournament
Albuquerque Academy 55, St. Pius 45

Girls Basketball
Bayfield, Colo. 54, Piedra Vista 38
Capital 63, Valencia 49
Carlsbad 65, Goddard 48
Cibola 57, Valley 52
Crownpoint 66, Navajo Prep 48
Deming 65, Hot Springs 43
El Paso, Texas 66, Las Cruces 62, OT
Eldorado 63, West Mesa 26
Gallup Catholic 70, Miyamura 58
Highland 43, Sandia Prep 39
Kirtland Central 42, Los Alamos 31
Los Lunas 44, Gallup 31
Rio Grande 56, Manzano 40
St. Pius 62, Sandia 51 APS Tournament
Albuquerque Academy 57, Volcano Vista High School 34
Del Norte 65, Albuquerque High 58
La Cueva 73, Hope Christian 39

Kirby Wilson is a candidate for Aggie football job

Pittsburgh’s Wilson could be possible candidate
By Felix Chavez
Sun-News reporter
LAS CRUCES — Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson’s name has emerged as a possible candidate for the New Mexico State head football job.
The 46-year-old Wilson was a finalist for the head coaching job in 2004 when the job when to Hal Mumme, who was fired on Tuesday after four years on the job.
New Mexico State Athletics Director McKinley Boston said Wilson was a strong finalist in 2004 and hinted at a possible meeting with the Steelers running backs coach.
Boston said he plans on hitting the road on Friday to work on hiring the new coach.
Wilson has an extensive coaching background. He’s coached for 19 years at the collegiate and professional levels.
Wilson helped coach Willie Parker into leading the NFL in rushing through the first 16 weeks in 2007. His run ended when Parker broke his leg, ending his season, on the first play from scrimmage in the second-to-last game of the season. Parker also earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection under Wilson’s direction.
He also coached for the Arizona Cardinals from 2004-06 after spending two seasons as running backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-03).
After one season (2001) as wide receiver coach at Southern California, Wilson joined head coach Jon Gruden’s staff in Tampa Bay in 2002. That season, the trio of running backs Michael Pittman and Aaron Stecker and Pro Bowl fullback Mike Alstott collectively gained over 1,400 rushing yards and helped the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory over Oakland. His 2003 backfield duo of Pittman (751 yards rushing/597 receiving) and Thomas Jones (627 yards rushing/180 receiving) accounted for nearly 40 percent (2,155) of the Bucs’ 5,453 total net yards. Pittman’s 75 pass receptions led all NFC running backs and were a single-season career-high.
Prior to his stint with the Buccaneers, Wilson spent four years as running backs coach with the New England Patriots (1997-99) and Washington Redskins (2000), tutoring a trio of running backs, including Patriots backs Curtis Martin (1997) and Robert Edwards (1998), and later Redskins running back Stephen Davis (2000). In addition, Wilson honed the skills of Washington fullback Larry Centers, who led his team with 80 pass receptions in 2000. Centers (827 pass receptions) and Keith Byars (610 receptions), whom Wilson coached in New England in 1997, rank one and three in career receptions by a running back in NFL history (Marshall Faulk is no. 2 at 723).
•••
Meanwhile, Nebraska assistant coach Marvin Sanders said Tuesday night he has not been contacted by NMSU officials for the head coaching job nor has he applied for the job. Sanders is the secondary coach at Nebraska and was an assistant coach for the Aggies in 2000 under head coach Tony Samuel.
Sanders called Las Cruces an unique area and a place he enjoyed being around.
•••
New Mexico State running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Earnest Wilson said Tuesday night he hasn’t decided whether he will apply for the head coaching job.
Earnest Wilson spent a big part of the day handling the day-to-day operations of the football program.
He said returning players are concerned and have questions about the future of the program, but he added that this is a time to be calm and just be patient to see how things work out as the NMSU administration works on hiring a new coach.
Earnest Wilson said Tuesday was a hectic day and it was a learning experience for him.

Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@lcsun-news.com; (575) 541-5444

New Mexico Prep Hoops Scores, Dec. 1

Monday’s Scores
Boys Basketball
Floyd 48, Tatum 45
Rio Grande 69, Albuquerque Academy 60
Albuquerque Metro Tournament
Cibola 69, Albuquerque High 51
Eldorado 54, St. Pius 51
Highland 61, Volcano Vista High School 24
Hope Christian 68, Valley 58
La Cueva 60, Sandia Prep 58
Manzano 66, Del Norte 43
Girls Basketball
Cibola 49, Sandia Prep 10
Hope Christian 31, Albuquerque Academy 28
Pojoaque 68, Santa Fe 40
Socorro 60, Ruidoso 50
Albuquerque Metro Tournament
Eldorado 83, Albuquerque High 27
La Cueva 57, Volcano Vista High School 45
Sandia 59, Rio Grande 38
St. Pius 65, Manzano 33
Valley 61, Highland 35
West Mesa 48, Del Norte 34

NMSU Football Search Committee

New Mexico State has established a search committee for its new head football coach. Here's the list.

Chair – Danny Villanueva
Jim Peach
Kevin McGrath
Lou Sisbarro
Larry Lujan
John Cordova
Walt Hines
Dale Archuleta
Ray Locklin
Bob Gallagher

Early internal NMSU candidates

Athletics director McKinley Boston said Tuesday morning that he expects NMSU defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn and running backs coach/recruiting coordinator Earnest Wilson to apply for the head coaching job.

Hal Mumme was fired on Tuesday after four years and just 11 wins as the program's head coach.

- Felix

NMSU football of note

Depending on what the new New Mexico State head football coaches does in terms of retention of assistant coaches, the future of New Mexico High School football players will be interesting.

Word from a couple of sources makes me believe that if part of Hal Mumme's staff is kept, offers to Las Cruces High Dante Caro and Mayfield's Matt Flores could be forthcoming.

Caro plays quarterback at LCHS, but is considered a defensive back or wide receiver prospect. Flores played tight end and on the defensive line for MHS and has good size at 6-4, 240.

- Felix

All-District 3-5A football team

Offense
Tackles
First Team
Luis Olivas, LCHS
David Alba, LCHS
Jon Padilla, Mayfield
Second Team
Eric Castaneda, Gadsden
Ricky Gallardo, Mayfield
Caleb Choate, Alamgordo
Honorable Mention
Mario Vasquez, Gadsden
Brian Johnston, Alamogordo
Lorenzo Najera, Onate

Centers
First Team
Jacob Avalos, LCHS
Andrew Anthony, Mayfield
Second team
Jesus Diaz, Gadsden

Guards
First Team
Zane Bischof, LCHS
Michael Nakamoto, Mayfield
Second Team
Kyle Pannell, LCHS
Daniel Coffeen, Mayfield
Honorable Mention
Dylan Ramiez, Gadsden
James Sieler, Alamogordo

Tight Ends
First Team
Patrick Jaquess, LCHS
Matt Flores, Mayfield
Second Team
Marcus Oakley, Alamogordo
David Testa, LCHS
Angel Granados, Gadsden
Honoreable Mention
Steven Minton, Gadsden

Wide Receivers
First Team
Jacob Lilley, LCHS
Ryan Yduarte, Mayfield
Second Team
Ryan Farley, LCHS
Taylor Weary, Alamogordo
Ryan Lopez, Onate
Honorable Mention
Mike Bernal, LCHS
Justin Ramirez, Gadsden
Joe Koerper, Onate

Slot Receivers
First Team
Aaron Sandoval, Onate
Jason Sandoval, Onate
Michael Hallock, Mayfield
Second Team
Fabian Vigil, Mayfield
Omar Salinas, Gadsden

Running Backs
First Team
James Hall, LCHS
Jacob Ceniceros, Mayfield
Dwanudle Baker, Alamogordo
Second Team
Zach Hernandez, Onate
Honoroable Mention
Brycen Salopek, Mayfield
Bobby Wride, Alamogordo

Fullback
First Team
J.D. Ordunez, Mayfield
Will Bruces, LCHS

Quarterback
First Team
Austin Hooker, Mayfield
Dante Caro, LCHS
Second Team
Eric Flores, Onate
Honorable Mention
Isaac Talavera, Gadsden

Defense
Nose Guard
First Team
Zane Bischof, LCHS
J.D. Ordunez, Mayfield

Defensive Tackles
First Team
David Testa, LCHS
John Cachora, Onate
Darren Cedillo, Mayfield
Second Team
Matt Flores, Mayfield
John Padilla, Mayfield
Honorable Mention
Chris Skipper, LCHS
Oscar Escajeda, Gadsden

Defensive Ends
First Team
Mike Bernal, LCHS
Isaac McConkey, Mayfield
Sean Powe, Alamogordo
Second Team
Jeremiah Willis, Mayfield
Matt Vega, Alamogordo
Honorable Mention
Carson Koch, LCHS
Patrick Jaquess, LCHS
Zach Hernandez, Onate

Linebacker
First Team
Will Bruces, LCHS
Zach Daugherty, Onate
Christian Maes, Mayfield
Wyatt Tharp, Mayfield
Second Team
Jose Garcia, LCHS
Jonathan Sanchez, Onate
Richard Lerma, Gadsden
Alex Garnade, Alamogordo
Honorable Mention
Estevan Flores, Gadsden
Kameron Acosta, Gadsden

Safeties
First Team
Ryan Farley, LCHS
Zac Diaz, LCHS
Jeff Molina, Mayfield
Ryan Yduarte, Mayfield
Second Team
Rudy Lopez, Onate
Damien Blanco, Gadsden
Torey Pinson, Alamogordo
Honorable Mention
Dominic Blanco, Gadsden

Cornerbacks
First Team
Jacob Lilley, LCHS
James Hall, LCHS
Second Team
Devante Minor, Mayfield
Alex Avila, Mayfield
Honorable Mention
Derrick Mesa, Gadsden
Gearen Hale, Alamogordo

Placekicker
First Team
Zac Diaz, LCHS
Brock Baca, Mayfield

Punter
First Team
Darren Cedillo, Mayfield
Steven Minters, Gadsden

Another name to keep an eye on

Another coach whose name could pop up for the New Mexico State head football job is former assistant coach Gerry Gdowski, a former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at NMSU under Tony Samuel. He's at Ohio.

- Felix

Monday, December 1, 2008

Whose in place to replace Mumme

Obviously there will be a lot of names in place for the likely vacant job as New Mexico State head football coach. Two names to keep an eye out for are Nebraska assistants Barney Cotton and Marvin Sanders. Both have ties to Tony Samuel's staff when he was the head coach prior to the hiring of Hal Mumme.

- Felix

Mumme is out

A well-placed source at New Mexico State University confirmed that NMSU football coach Hal Mumme is out as the team's head coach after four years.

Charley Johnson will be named interim coach until a coach is named.

The source said NMSU hopes to have a coach in place by mid-December.

- Felix

Announcement on Mumme

An annoucement on Hal Mumme's future will be held tomorrow, Dec. 2 at 10:30. Speculation is that Mumme will be let go with one year left on his contract.

The Aggies lost to Utah State on Saturday, the team's seventh straight loss. NMSU finished 3-9 on the year. Mumme won just 11 games in his four years.

- Felix