Saturday's Prep Football Scores

Saturday’s New Mexico Scores
PREP FOOTBALL
Cuba 40, McCurdy 36
Eldorado 42, Valley 14
Estancia 57, Escalante 12

Cleaver released

Former New Mexico State tight end Nick Cleaver was released on Friday by the St. Louis Rams.

Earlier this week, former NMSU defensive lineman Maurice Murray was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Also released on Saturday was former NMSU defensive back Courtney Bryan, who was trying to make the the Miami Dolphins roster.

- Felix

Friday Night Football Prep Scores

Friday’s New Mexico Scores
PREP FOOTBALL
Animas 36, Valley Christian 22
Artesia 57, Lovington 7
Aztec 56, Santa Fe 6
Belen 35, Deming 14
Capital 19, Grants 0
Capitan 60, Mescalero Apache 0
Cling Mountain View, Texas 14, Chaparral 8
Cloudcroft 50, Tornillo, Texas 0
Clovis 40, Alamogordo 7
Cobre 9, Silver 6
EP Del Valle, Texas 30, Carlsbad 13
EP Irvin, Texas 33, Santa Teresa 6
Farmington 20, Gallup 18
Gateway Christian 44, Clovis Christian 18
Hatch Valley 19, Bernalillo 15
Hondo 50, Walatowa Charter 0
La Cueva 30, Rio Grande 7
Las Cruces 48, EP El Dorado, Texas 13
Lordsburg 42, Willcox, Ariz. 0
Mayfield 27, EP Chapin, Texas 9
Melrose 54, Magdalena 14
Mountainair 48, Dora 0
Onate 12, EP Bel Air, Texas 9
Rio Rancho 24, Hobbs 20
Roswell 13, EP Americas, Texas 2
Sandia 29, Cibola 14
Socorro 59, Thoreau 8
Tularosa 34, Hot Springs 12
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Dexter vs. Texico, ccd.

Nicholls State coming early

It appears that Nicholls State will arrive in Las Cruces on Sunday or Monday, several days earlier than expected for its game with New Mexico State on Sept. 4. The arrival date was moved up in anticipation that Tropical Storm Gustav will become a major Hurricane and hit the area where Nicholls State is located.

- Felix

Nicholls State football update

I just got off the phone with Nicholls State head football coach Jay Thomas. Nicholls State is scheduled to play New Mexico State next Thursday in Las Cruces and Thomas said the team fully expects to play.
But with Hurricane Gutave on its way to the Gulf of Mexico and with Louisiana a possible targert for what is being predicted as a Category 3 Hurricane, Thomas and his staff are taking precautions.
Coaches will be given Friday morning off to board up their homes and get ready the possible Hurricane. Also, a priority is with the players and their families in case of the emergency. Thomas said several of the players on the team aren't from the region and haven't had to go through something like this.
In 2005, Nicholls State had to cancel two games due to Hurricane Katrina. Thibodaux, Louisiana, is less than an hour from both New Orleans and the Gulf.
Thomas said the Nicholls State administration was meeting Thursday to discuss alternatives for the game. Hurricane Gustave is expected to hit the Gulf this weekend.

- Felix

High School Coaches Volleyball Poll

High School Coaches Association Volleyball Poll
5A Top 10
1. Rio Rancho
2. Las Cruces High
3. La Cueva
4. Mayfield
5. Gadsden
6. Cibola
7. Eldorado
8. Clovis
9. Sandia
10. Manzano

Abe Han and fight

El Paso junior middleweight Abie Han, who is 1-0 as a pro and who trains in Las Crucees will fight Sept. 13 in Oklahoma against a TBA. Han won his pro debut last December on a Top Rank card in Las Cruces.

- Felix

Aggies have one starting tackle

Coming into the 2008 college football season, the New Mexico State Aggies needed to replace two starting offensive tackles.
The left tackle spot has been secured by Kyle Smith.

Patrick Blount and Joe Suder continue to battle for the right tackle spot.

- Felix

First prep games coming up

Next Friday night is approaching and all of the area high schools get started on the gridiron.

Mayfield probably has the hardest challenge. The Trojans start the season in the Sun Bowl against El Paso Chapin, a team with plenty of talent at the skill positions.

The Trojans need to find a way to neutralize Chapin's skill people and that's by controlling the clock on offense and finding a way to create some turnovers.

Las Cruces High and Onate have easier first games against El Paso Bel Air and El Paso El Dorado. The Knights need a big outing in week 1 to gain some momentum for the rest of the season.

LCHS simply needs to play well and get an improved effort on defense. It will be interesting to see how the defense plays in the opener after last year's final two games in which it struggled.

- Felix

Boise State QB

Boise State named Kellen Moore as its quarterback earlier this week. He'll be the first freshman quarterback in school history to start the season opener.

Moore will be following in some pretty big footsteps at Boise State. The Broncos have gotten good QB play over the years from Bart Hendricks, Ryan Dinwiddie, Jared Zabransky and Taylor Tharp.

At WAC media days last month in Salt Lake City, Utah, BSU head coach Chris Petersen talked some about Moore and his potential.

Moore will have some good skill people around him, i.e. running back Ian Johnson and wide receiver Jeremy Childs.

It'll be interesting to see how Moore handles the starting nod and how much he improves now that he has been named the starter.

- Felix

Coaches Poll

New Mexico High School Coaches Preseason Poll
Class 5A
1. Las Cruces High
2. Mayfield
3. Clovis
4. La Cueva
5. Cibola
6. Eldorado
7. Rio Rancho
8. Manzano
9. Alamogordo
10. Onate

Class 4A
1. Artesia
2. Goddard
3. Aztec
4. Silver
5. Los Alamos
6. St. Pius
7. Kirtland Central
8. Moriarty
9. Piedra Vista
10. Santa Fe Capital

Seth Smith leaving and kicker Ryan Jastram has good day

With the departure of junior running back Seth Smith (personal leave), where does that leave the NMSUn running back situation.

Tonny Glenn, Brandon Perez and Marquell Colston will likely get most of the carries now. If these three stay healthy and have a good season, then Smith's departure doesn't mean much. But if the Aggies suffer injuries or don't get the production expected, then Smith leaving will hurt.

New Mexico State head football coach has been high on Colston and Perez all through fall camp. Plus freshmen Donavan Roberts and Ronald Opetaia have been impressive at times.

Mumme said Tuesday that kicker Ryan Jastram has put himself in contention for place kicking duties with Kyle Hughes and Jordan Davenport. Jastram had a good day kicking on Tuesday, so keep an eye out for that battle as the season opener on Sept. 4 approaches.

- Felix

Aggie volleyball

The New Mexico State Aggies volleyball team was ranked No. 23 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason Poll, which was released on Tuesday.
The Aggies earned 229 total points. They finished last season ranked No. 21 in the nation, finishing 26-6 in the process.
New Mexico State starts its season Aug. 29 against Oregon at the University of Illinois Tournament.
Oregon is ranked No. 11 in the poll. The Aggies also face No. 3 Texas, No. 2 Stanford and No. 12 Hawaii during the regular season. Santa Clara, Utah and Illinois, which are also on NMSU’s schedule, received votes in Tuesday’s poll.

Young defensive players

New Mexico State defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn was hoping to find depth on defense during the team's stay in Gallup.

The team might have found some depth with young players. True freshmen defensive linemen Pierre Fils and Donte Savage have made strides during fall camp. And defensive back Michael Zant has shown he can play either cornerback or safety. He returned this summer from his mormon mission.

The Aggies need to be more athletic on defense and create more turnovers if they are going to fare well this season. New defensive coordinator, new players equals a new sense of energy and urgency. Maybe these new guys can help get it done for NMSU on defense.

- Felix

Antonio Margarito/Paul Williams

After his thrilling win against Miguel Cotto last month, there has been some speculation about his next fight. It should be against Paul Wiliams, the tall left-hander who handed Margarito a close decision loss last year.

It's the next big welterweight fight after Margarito/Cotto. Apparently there are some issues between Margarito's and Williams' promoter. But this could be a great fight. Margarito came on strong in the first fight with Williams, but Williams handled the early part of the fight because of his boxing skill.

If Margarito and Williams don't fight, then Margarito could fight Joshua Clottey once again. Margarito beat Clottey in a competitive fight a few years back. The rematch could be a good one as well. Clottey just beat Zab Judah.

Who do you think Margarito should fight next?

- Felix

Aggies and moving some guys around

During Hal Mumme's tenure at New Mexico State, he's moved some guys around, for example moving a guy signed as a running back and then moving them to receiver.

Actually, that's the point of this blog item. Wide receier Chris Williams played running back in high school and was successful and then made the move in college to receiver where he has thrived.

Two other Aggie receivers with potential to have a good year also played running back in high school, Julius Fleming and Todd Lee. Both hail from Baton Rouge, La., and have had good fall camps. In fact Lee is a true freshman who appears to be a serious candidate for a starting spot at wide receiver.

- Felix

NMSU football notes/Gallup

I'm up here in Gallup covering a couple of days of New Mexico State football. The defense, at least the starting 11, continues to make progress in Joe Lee Dunn's 3-3-5 defense. They seem to be playing with more confidence, which is a good thing. But depth is still a question mark. They will need a handful of players at each spot to make a difference.

The Aggies have some good, young players on offense. Behind center, freshman fullback Rueban Martinez of Los Alamos has shown plenty of potential. He seems to have picked up the offense pretty quickly and the offensive coaches are high on him.

Redshirt freshman Ronald Opetaia showed some good things during Friday's two practices. He ran aggressively and with purpose. The Aggies appear to have found added depth in the offensive backfield.

- Felix

Mayfield football player Matt Flores

I spoke briefly with Mayfield High School football player Matt Flores on Tuesday. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder moved from tackle to tight end this fall.

He said he has received interest from New Mexico, New Mexico State and Arizona State. A good season this year could land Flores at a Division I school. Another Trojan, who could start receiving attention with a good year is J.D. Ordunez, who impreseed at a recent statewide combine with his strength and blocking ability. He plays fullback for the Trojans.

- Felix

Charles Gleghorn and Kirtland Central

I talked to former Hatch Valley High School football coach Charles Gleghorn on Sunday night as he prepared for his first practice as the head coach at Kirtland Central.

He said the team has adjusted well to his style of football, which is mostly passing attack. He was hired in March to take over the program.

Gleghorn said the team has a good group of seniors and has some good young players coming up as well.

Kirtland Central plays its opener against Blanding, Utah.

Gleghorn was a successful coach at Hatch Valley, winning state titles in Class 2A in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

The move to 4A Kirtland Central is a step up for him in many ways. The Broncos play in a good district up there with Aztec and Piedra Vista.

Gleghorn said he'd love to play teams from this part of the state. The Broncos are playing Silver this year, but he said he'd like to play a Mayfield, Onate or Las Cruces High down the road.

- Felix

NMSU and Gallup

The New Mexico State Aggies begin their annual one-week stay in Gallup under head coach Hal Mumme.

The next week or so will be very important for the team. The defense desperately needs to find some depth at all positions. The starting 11 has some experience and athleticism. But injuries can always occur, leaving the team without it's first tier players. Plus cornerback Chris Woods is out for a while, so another corner or two will need to step up.

Offensively, the Aggies are ok at most spots. But the tackle spots on the offensive line are still up for grabs, so two players will have to step up there. Plus, the Aggies need to find depth at center and guard.

Also, the Aggies kicking game is still up in the air. Jordan Davenport and Kyle Hughes are battling for who will be the team's kicker. Hughes comes with good credentials and Mumme has been high on Davenport so far through five days of practice.

This is a big year for the Aggie football program. Mumme has had a history of doing well wherever he's been and he's as anxious anyone to see this program succeed. He's been confident of what this year's team can do.

- Felix

Mayfield or Cruces High

Who should be ranked No. 1 in the state of New Mexico in Class 5A football with the season starting today? Las Cruces High or Mayfield?

My top 10
1. Las Cruces High
2. Mayfield
3. La Cueva
4. Cibola
5. Clovis
6. Manzano
7. Rio Rancho
8. Eldorado
9. Onate
10. Sandia

Felix

Couple of Sunday Notes for Aggie Football

It was a quiet Sunday morning at Aggie football as it went through an early practice which started around 6 a.m.

Freshman receiver LaVorick Williams continues to improve, he had a nice diving catch in the end zone and a left-handed catch was impressive, considering he was on the run and the ball was thrown behind him.

Defensive lineman Rhyan Anderson had some good moments in practice and he'll need to have a big year if the Aggies are to make progress on the defense. He's big and very athletic.

Backup QB J.J. McDermott continues to throw good balls in practice. If he can find a little more touch on his balls, he's going to be a handful down the road.

The defense needs to be able to find some depth. Right now there are a bunch of guys at each spot that are trying to make their mark and I'm not sure anyone has stood out in the first four days of practice.

- Felix

Aggie running backs

The Aggies appear to have more quality depth at running back this season and might be able to do more with them.

Fullback Brandon Perez is someone that could reap the benefits. He had a good practice on Saturday and New Mexico State head coach Hal Mumme called him the best blocking back he's ever had.

Junior college transfer Marquell Colston has shown good speed so far and he could be someone that catches some balls out of the backfield.

What are your thoughts on the NMSU offensive backfield.

- Felix

Chris Buckner's move to defensive back

New Mexico State junior defensive back Chris Buckner has switched from receiver to defensive back.

New Mexico State head coach Hal Mumme said Buckner went to the coaching staff about the move. Mumme said they will likely make a decision on where Buckner will play sometime during their trip to Gallup.

I believe the move could be a good one for Buckner. He's had his moments as a receiver, but there is so much more depth at receiver that Buckner might not get much playing time at that spot if that's where he winds up.

A move to defensive back could give Buckner more playing and give the defensive backfield more depth. Buckner is big at 6-feet tall and he has good speed. Plus, the Aggies likely won't have veteran Chris Woods at corner because of a shoulder injury.

We'll see what happens, what do you think?

Felix

Pavlik/Hopkins

On Oct. 18 middleweight king Kelly Pavlik will take on veteran Bernard Hopkins in a light heavyweight bout.

The 43-year-old Hopkins (48-5) is the most rugged fighter that the 26-year-old and 26-year-old Pavlik has taken on. Hopkins gave Joe Calzaghe fits in his last bout in April. But the question is can Hopkins go the distance? He tired against Calzaghe after a strong start.

However, Hopkins was very good for the first eight rounds and there is no doubt he'll be in great shape for his meeting with Pavlik.

Pavlik has been on fire of late, beating Edison Miranda, Jermain Taylor (twice) and Gary Lockett. Pavlik might not have the same power at a higher weight that he has at 160, but he is a strong fighter and a smart fighter in the ring. This is another chance for Pavlik to show why he's one of the best up and coming fighters in the world.

It's going to be a very strategic fight, one that is primed to go the distance. I see Pavlik outhustling Hopkins to win a close decision much like Taylor did in his two fights with Hopkins.

- Felix

NMSU football Two-Deep roster to start season

NMSU's Two Deep Roster
Offense
X (Receiver)
A.J. Harris, 6-0, 208, Sr.
Julius Fleming, 5-8, 170, R-Fr.
Y (Receiver)
Wes Neiman, 5-10, 185, So.
Chris Buckner, 6-0, 185, Jr.
Left Tackle
Kyle Smith, 6-8, 223 R-So.
Joe Suder, 6-6, 330, Jr.
Left Guard
Chuck Taylor, 6-3, 345, So.
Joe Suder, 6-6, 330, Jr.
Center
Richie Bolin, 6-1, 291, Sr.
Joseph Palmer, 6-3, 313, Jr.
Right Guard
Polo Gutierrez, 6-2, 304, Sr.
David Norman, 6-5, 300, Jr.
Right Tackle
Patrick Blount, 6-3, 270, So.
David Norman, 6-5, 300 or Joel Buschmann, 6-3, 270, So.
Tight End
Ryan Franzoy, 6-4, 238, R-So.
Kyle Nelson, 6-4, 228, So.
Z (Receiver)
Chris Williams, 5-9, 155, Sr.
LaVorick Williams, 6-3, 178, Fr.
H (Receiver)
Marcus Anderson, 5-7, 170, Jr.
Kenneth Buckley, 5-9, 191, Sr.
Quarterback
Chase Holbrook, 6-5, 240, Sr.
J.J. McDermott, 6-5, 220, So.
Running Back
Tonny Glynn, 5-8, 190, Jr.
Seth Smith, 5-9, 200, Jr.
Fullback
Brandon Perez, 5-9, 233, Jr.
Dylan Moss, 5-11, 240, Jr.

Defense
Left Tackle
Rhyan Anderson, 6-4, 280, Sr.
Kawika Shook, 6-3, 248, Jr.
Nose Guard
E.J. Cannon, 6-0, 305, Jr.
TBA
Right Tackle
Oren Long, 6-2, 245, Sr.
Ka'ua Adolpho, 6-1, 234, So.
Right End
Ross Conner, 5-10, 216, Jr.
Jamar Cotton, 6-0, 216, Jr.
Middle Linebacker
Nick Paden, 6-3, 235, Jr.
Boyblue Aoelua, 5-10, 230, R-Fr.
Left End
La'Auli Fonoti, 6-4, 253, Sr.
Jason Scott, 5-10, 200, Jr.
Right Corner
Vincent Butler, 5-10, 177, Sr.
Kenny Evora, 6-4, 218, So.
Left Corner
Davon House, 6-0, 168, So.
Marvin Betts, 5-9, 177, Sr.
Left Strong Safety
Brennan Baiamonte, 6-0, 204, Sr.
Marc Waters, 5-10, 185, R-Fr.
Right Strong Safety
Alphonso Powell, 5-9, 176, So.
Ben Bradley, 5-10, 180, R-Fr.
Free Safety
Derrick Richardson, 5-11, 190, Sr.
Baer Philipbar, 5-10, 194, So.
Kicker
Kyle Hughes, 6-0, 182 R-Fr.
Jordan Davenport, 5-10, 170, Fr.
Punter
Kyle Hughes, 6-0, 182 R-Fr.
Jordan Davenport, 5-10, 170, Fr.

NMSU football

Ok, with the 2008 football season upon us, here are a few questions for you Aggie fans.

Which new offensive player will have the biggest impact?
WR Julius Fleming
WR Marcus Anderson
RB Seth Smith
RB Marquell Colston
OL Joe Suder

Which area of the team will need to make the most improvement?
Special Teams
Defense

Which game are you looking forward to the most at AMS?
Boise State
Hawaii
New Mexico

- Felix

NMSU's Rhyan Anderson

New Mexico State senior defensive end Rhyan Anderson will practice with the squad when it starts practice for the 2008 season on Thursday.

Anderson was arrested last month and charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery.

He pleaded guilty to one battery charge, while the other was dismissed by prosecutors. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 18.

Any punishment handed down by the university against Anderson will be up to head coach Hal Mumme according to NMSU policy because the charge is a misdemeanor.

Mumme didn't comment on any punishment on Wednesday.

- Felix

Aggie Practice Schedule for Aug. 7-11

Here is the New Mexico State football practice schedule for the next few days over at NMSU.

Aug. 7 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 8 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 9 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 10 6-8 a.m.
Aug. 11 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

The team heads to Gallup after the Aug. 11 practice.

- Felix

Sammy Di Pace Fight

Las Cruces bantamweight Sammy Di Pace will fight Sept. 5 at Isleta Casino and Resort. He does not have an opponent as of yet, but will fight a four-round fight.

Di Pace is 3-0 in his young career and last fought on May 9 in Albuquerque, winning by first round technical knockout over Wilmer Suarez.

- Felix

Boxing show in the works in Cruces

A Sept. 13 boxing card is being talked about involving Austin Trout at the Pan American Center. Other names being tossed around are Gustavo Enriquez, Abie Han and David Rodriguez. Stayed tuned as more develops.

Felix

UNM vs. NMSU football advance schedule

In case you Aggie football fans were wondering about future dates for the Aggies/Lobos game, here four future dates. Courtesy of UNM's first 2008 football release given out on media day.

2009
NMSU at New Mexico on Sept. 26

2010
UNM at NMSU, Sept. 25

2011
NMSU at UNM, Sept. 24

2012
UNM at NMSU, Sept. 22

Of note, the Lobos will play at WAC member Nevada in 2011.

- Felix

University of New Mexico Football

Before returning to Las Cruces, I stopped by the University of New Mexico football media day on Monday at noon.

The Lobos and Aggies hook up on Sept. 27 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico is coming off a 9-4 mark and a New Mexico Bowl win. The team returns 38 letterwinners and 12 starters. The Lobos were picked to finish No. 4 in the MWC by the league's media.

The Lobos have big shoes to fill at receiver, on the offensive line and at linebacker. The Lobos are also engaging in what has to be arguably the school's toughest and best non-conference schedule, particularly at home.

New Mexico plays Texas A&M and Arizona at home and on the road at Tulsa and New Mexico State. In addition, the Lobos start at home this season with a Mountain West contest against a very good Texas Christian squad on Aug. 30.

New Mexico head coach Rocky Long believes he has good talent, enough to compete for MWC title and do well in non-league games. But he also knows that he has some young players that must grow early and be ready to compete on Aug. 30 in what will be a big game because of league standing ramifications.

Long noted that he really likes this year's schedule in that it can do wonders for the program's fan base and because he believes it will help his team get ready for league play.

I also talked to former Mayfield wide receiver Chris Hernandez, who will be battling for playing time this year after playing mostly on special teams a year ago.

Hernandez said he felt more comfortable in offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin's offense. Baldwin is in his second year as the program's OC. Baldwin said Hernandez has big-play ability and more confidence this year. He said Hernandez was a bit insecure last year in adapting to the new offense and in reading defenses. But he said Hernandez has made strides in that regard this year.

I will have more on Hernandez in the coming days.

- Felix