Prep Football Poll

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


1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (6) 138
2. MAYFIELD (4) 133
3. CLOVIS 102
4. GODDARD (2) 100
5. ELDORADO 96
6. SANDIA 66
7. ARTESIA 62
8. MANZANO 59
9. LA CUEVA 54
10. AZTEC 43
11. RIO RANCHO 28
12. CIBOLA 18
13. DEXTER 16

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS)
ONATE 12, SILVER 12, LAKE ARTHUR 10, CARLSBAD 10, BELEN 7, TEXICO 6,
SANTA ROSA 6, ST. PIUS 5, CLOVIS CHRISTIAN 4, ALAMOGORDO 3, HIGHLAND 3,
CAPITAN 2, BLOOMFIELD 2, VALLEY CHRISTIAN 1.

Aggies/Lobos recap

The New Mexico State Aggies fell to 1-2 on the season after a 35-24 loss to New Mexico on Saturday night.

Again, the NMSU defense struggle against the run, allowing nearly 300 yards on the ground. The defense was effective in the third quarter in slowing down the run. A key pass interference call against NMSU with the Aggies leading 24-16 hurt the team. The Lobos took advantage of the call, scored and cut the lead to 24-22 and the rest is history.

I don't know what NMSU can do to get better against the run. From my perspective, it's hard for NMSU to simulate game action in terms of physical play because the Aggies are a spread team and aren't as physical in practice as others. So when the game happens and you play physical teams, it's tough to play that type of game.

You have to give the Lobos credit for coming back from a 56-14 loss last week to Tulsa and for surviving an early 14-0 deficit against NMSU.

The Aggies got some solid play from their receivers once again, but it wasn't enough to offset the Lobos, who controlled the clock with 38:54 of possession.

- Felix

Mayfield pounds Rio Grande 38-7

The Mayfield High School Trojans improved to 5-0 on the season with a 38-7 win over Rio Grande on Saturday afternoon in Albuquerque.

The Trojans are at home vs. Eldorado next Friday. Apparently, MHS running back Jacob Ceniceros was knocked out of the game in the first half and replaced by Brycen Salopek, who had a solid game.

Mayfield was up 17-7 in the third quarter and intercepted a pass to help them pull away.

- Felix

New Mexico prep football scores, Sept. 26

Friday’s Scores

Alamogordo 42, Roswell 21
Artesia 28, Carlsbad 24
Belen 43, Los Alamos 37
Bernalillo 50, Anthony, Texas 22
Bloomfield 21, Socorro 7
Capital 48, Pojoaque 0
Capitan 61, Laguna-Acoma 21
Cloudcroft 46, NMMI 0
Clovis Christian 84, Dora 6
Cobre 10, Deming 0
Floyd 22, Magdalena 15
Gadsden 14, Santa Teresa 7
Gateway Christian 20, Mountainair 18
Goddard 62, Portales 19
Hondo 43, San Jon 22
Kirtland Central 54, Silver 21
Lake Arthur 68, EP Jesus Chapel, Texas 20
Las Cruces 62, Manzano 21
Lordsburg 46, Tornillo, Texas 7
Los Lunas 22, Albuquerque High 14
Melrose 68, Springer 8
Piedra Vista 27, Moriarty 20
Roy 62, Elida 12
Ruidoso 27, Hatch Valley 24
Sandia 24, Onate 7
Santa Rosa 7, Fort Sumner 6
Texico 28, Hagerman 0
Tularosa 55, Estancia 41
Valley Christian 58, Menaul 24
Van Horn, Texas 60, Jal 0
Vaughn 60, Walatowa Charter 20
Wink, Texas 46, Eunice 7
Wolfforth Frenship, Texas 42, Hobbs 20
Zuni 40, Crownpoint 20

Thursday's New Mexico Prep Football Scores

Thursday’s Scores
Del Norte 24, West Mesa 7
Eldorado 40, La Cueva 7

UNM/NMSU Football Results

New Mexico/New Mexico State Series
UNM leads 65-28-5
1894 NMSU 18, NMSU 6
1905 NMSU 40, UNM 0
1906 NMSU 25, UNM 5
1908 UNM 10, NMSU 6
1909 UNM 51, NMSU 0
1911 NMSU 10, UNM 6
1912 NMSU 27, UNM 0
1913 NMSU 13, UNM 0
1914 NMSU 7, UNM 7
1915 UNM 13, NMSU 0
1916 UNM 51, NMSU 0
1917 NMSU 110, UNM 3
1919 UNM 24, NMSU 2
1920 NMSU 14, UNM 7
1921 UNM 6, NMSU 0
1922 NMSU 7, UNM 0
1923 NMSU 6, UNM 0
1924 NMSU 6, UNM 0
1925 UNM 20, NMSU 9
1926 NMSU 6, UNM 6
1927 UNM 26, NMSU 9
1928 UNM 14, NMSU 13
1929 NMSU 7, UNM 7
1930 NMSU 14, UNM 6
1931 NMSU 13, UNM 6
1932 NMSU 0, UNM 0
1933 UNM 14, NMSU 7
1934 UNM 12, NMSU 6
1935 NMSU 32, UNM 0
1936 NMSU 7, UNM 6
1937 NMSU 5, UNM 0
1938 UNM 6, NMSU 2
1939 UNM 9, NMSU 6
1940 UNM 39, NMSU 6
1941 UNM 28, NMSU 0
1942 UNM 32, NMSU 0
1946 UNM 7, NMSU 6
1947 UNM 20, NMSU 0
1948 UNM 61, NMSU 0
1949 UNM 14, NMSU 13
1950 UNM 26, NMSU 13
1951 UNM 20, NMSU 0
1952 UNM 23, NMSU 0
1953 UNM 28, NMSU 6
1954 UNM 39, NMSU 27
1955 UNM 14, NMSU 7
1956 UNM 14, NMSU 6
1957 UNM 25, NMSU 7
1958 UNM 16, NMSU 7
1959 NMSU 29, UNM 12
1960 NMSU 34, UNM 0
1961 UNM 41, NMSU 7
1962 UNM 28, NMSU 17
1963 NMSU 13, UNM 12
1964 UNM 18, NMSU 14
1965 NMSU 20, UNM 6
1966 NMSU 47, UNM 12
1967 NMSU 54, UNM 7
1968 NMSU 33, UNM 6
1969 UNM 24, NMSU 21
1970 UNM 24, NSMU 17
1971 NMSU 35, UNM 35
1972 UNM 55, NMSU 20
1973 UNM 48, NMSU 6
1974 UNM 26, NMSU 24
1975 UNM 52, NMSU 28
1976 NMSU 16, UNM 7
1977 UNM 35, NMSU 13
1978 UNM 35, NMSU 20
1979 UNM 30, NMSU 16
1980 UNM 52, NMSU 19
1981 UNM 17, NMSU 13
1982 UNM 66, NMSU 14
1983 UNM 31, NMSU 10
1984 UNM 61, NMSU 21
1985 UNM 34, NMSU 27
1986 UNM 45, NMSU 14
1987 NMSU 17, UNM 14
1988 UNM 36, NMSU 34
1989 UNM 45, NMSU 3
1990 UNM 29, NMSU 12
1991 UNM 17, NMSU 10
1992 NMSU 42, UNM 39
1993 UNM 42, NMSU 7
1994 UNM 56, NMSU 31
1995 UNM 36, NMSU 24
1996 UNM 28, NMSU 7
1997 UNM 61, NMSU 24
1998 NMSU 28, UNM 27
1999 NMSU 35, UNM 28
2000 UNM 16, NMSU 13
2001 UNM 53, NMSU 0
2002 NMSU 24, UNM 13
2003 UNM 24, NMSU 17
2004 UNM 38, NMSU 3
2005 UNM 38, NMSU 21
2006 UNM 34, NMSU 28
2007 UNM 44, NMSU 34

5A Prep Football Standings, Sept. 25

5A Prep Football Standings
District 1-5A
Rio Rancho 2-1
West Mesa 2-2
Cibola 1-3
Gallup 1-3

District 2-5A
Sandia 4-0
La Cueva 2-2
Valley 2-2
Albuququerque High 1-3
Sante Fe High 1-3

District 3-5A
Las Cruces High 4-0
Mayfield 4-0
Gadsden 1-3
Onate 3-1
Alamogordo 0-4

District 4-5A
Carlsbad 2-2
Clovis 3-1
Hobbs 1-3

District 5-5A
Eldorado 3-0
Manzano 3-1
Rio Grande 3-1
Los Lunas 2-2
Highland 2-2

De La Hoya's new trainer

Boxer Oscar De La Hoya made a good choice for his new trainer for his Dec. 6 fight with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nev. Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, who has trained several Mexican fighters to world championships will be the main voice in his corner, replacing Floyd Mayweather, Sr.

Beristain is a solid trainer, knows Pacquiao well and could be the difference in helping De La Hoya win. Beristain's fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez has fought Pacquiao twice, earning a draw in one fight and losing a close decision in the other.

- Felix

Prep Football Poll

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL


1ST PLACE POINTS POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (6) 126
2. MAYFIELD (5) 124
3. CLOVIS 96
4. GODDARD 88
5. ELDORADO 84
6. LA CUEVA 74
7. MANZANO 69
8. SANDIA 55
9. ARTESIA 49
10. AZTEC 41
11. RIO RANCHO 31
12. ONATE 16
13. SILVER 9

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:(points) CIBOLA 8, SANTA ROSA 7, DEXTER 7, BELEN
6, LAKE ARTHUR 4, ST. MIKE'S 4, ST. PIUS 4, CARLSBAD 3, LOVINGTON 3,
TEXICO 2, SOCORRO 2, CAPITAN 1.

Aggies/Lobos week heats up

There are several intriguing story lines in the New Mexico/New Mexico State matchup, which takes place on Saturday night at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

One of them will be UNM's offense against the Aggie defense. Now that UNM quarterback Donovan Porterie is out the year, the brunt of the QB duties for the Lobos falls on redshirt freshman Brad Gruner. Gruner has played in two games this year and has been described as having a good arm and he can run the option.

The Lobos were probably going to run the ball a great deal anyway with backs Rodney Ferguson and Paul Baker. But with a redshirt freshman under center, I would guess they will run more. Ferguson is a load and Baker is capable as well.

New Mexico State has struggled against the run in two games and it will have to be better on Saturday night against the Lobos.

The Lobos will want to try and burn time off the clock and limit NMSU's possessions on offense. The Aggies need to create turnovers and force several three and outs.

- Felix

Big win for NMSU football team

If ever a team needed a win on Saturday night, it was the New Mexico State football team. The Aggies won 34-33 at Texas El Paso to end a six game losing streak dating back to last year.

The 1-1 Aggies got just enough offense, five touchdown passes from Chase Holbrook and a good effort on defense and on special teams.

Holbrook connected with junior receiver Marcus Anderson for three of the touchdowns and Anderson also set up a score with a 35-yard punt return.

The defense played more physical and came up with some key stops in the fourth quarter, including a fumble recovery when UTEP was driving late in the fourth quarter. The defense also stopped UTEP late in the game while it was clinging to a one-point lead.

Linebacker Nick Paden played well with a couple of sacks and safety Derrick Richardson had 21 tackles. Punter Kyle Hughes had a good night punting and the special teams as a whole was pretty good.

The Aggies needed the win big time with 1-3 New Mexico coming to town next weekend.

New Mexico State fell behind 10-0 but hung around and made some adjustments on offense to help get back into the game. The Aggies did a good job in the short passing game and the receivers did a good job of taking a short pass and turning into a big gain.

NMSU still hasn't played its best offensive game yet. Turnovers cost the team 17 points and that must be kept to a minimum. One turnover came on a botched handoff, one came when Holbrook was hit as he threw and the other was when a receiver dropped a lateral.

UTEP is athletic as can be and don't be surprised to see the Miners knock off a couple of big teams in Conference USA.

- Felix

Aggies lost tackle Kyle Smith at least for a series

New Mexico State starting left tackle Kyle Smith didn't play in the second drive. Looks like a right ankle or foot injury.
Joel Buschmann in his place.

- Felix

Jackson out for UTEP

UTEP running back Terrell Jackson didn't start for UTEP on Saturday night in the Sun Bowl vs. New Mexico State. Word is he reaggravted a sprained ankle. Vernon Frazier started instead.

- Felix

Prep Football Scores, New Mexico Sept. 19

Artesia 52, Deming 0
Belen 52, Roswell 28
Clovis 8, La Cueva 7
Cobre 64, Thoreau 0
Dexter 27, Tularosa 21
Estancia 33, Moriarty JV 14
Gadsden 21, Chaparral 15
Hagerman 25, NMMI 7
Hondo 52, San Jon 6
Laguna-Acoma 34, Dulce 0
Las Cruces 49, Los Lunas 6
Lordsburg 35, Anthony, Texas 21
Lovington 27, Hatch Valley 19
Magdalena 58, Foothill 0
Manzano 42, Albuquerque High 0
Mayfield 42, Cibola 20
Plains, Texas 52, Eunice 6
Portales 64, Raton 21
Roy 50, House 25
Sandia 48, West Mesa 7
Santa Rosa 40, Hot Springs 12
Tatum 20, Mountainair 14

Prediction for NMSU/UTEP football

On Saturday night in El Paso, my final pick is NMSU 45, UTEP 35. The Aggies play better on offense, make just enough plays on defense and get a good game from their special teams.

Of course I could be way off. This pick isn't 100 percent and I certainly wouldn't tell anyone to bet their next paycheck on either team. Both teams need this one, I just think NMSU's experience at QB and WR will help. Plus, UTEP's youth in the secondary could hurt.

- Felix

Williams moves up to 160 pounds

Former welterweight champion Paul Williams moves up to 160 pounds next week on a card that will be shown on Versus. He will take on Andy Kolle.

Willliams' two most notable victories at welterweight came against Carlos Quintana and Antonio Margarito.

Williams is 6-foot-1 and has an 82-inch reach, which gives him an advantage as a middleweight. Williams is a sound fighter and he always had to battle to make the welterweight limit. It'll be interesting to see how he handles the weight and if he looks impressive, what big fights will go his way.

- Felix

Thursday New Mexico Prep Football Scores

Thursday’s Scores
PREP FOOTBALL
Highland 36, Del Norte 34
Socorro 41, Valencia 6

UTEP/NMSU football results over the years

Series Results UTEP/NMSU
UTEP leads series 49-34-2
1914 NMSU 19, UTEP 0
1915 NMSU 33, UTEP 0
1916 UTEP 6, NMSU 3
1920 NMSU 12, UTEP 7
1921 NMSU 13, UTEP 0
1922 NMSU 64, UTEP 0
1923 NMSU 23, UTEP 2
1924 NMSU 19, UTEP 0
1925 NMSU 6, UTEP 6
1926 NMSU 10, UTEP 8
1927 UTEP 19, NMSU 7
1928 UTEP 6, NMSU 0
1929 UTEP 8, NMSU 0
1930 UTEP 25, NMSU 0
1931 UTEP 20, NMSU 0
1932 UTEP 31, NMSU 6
1933 UTEP 9, NMSU 0
1935 NMSU 7, UTEP 0
1936 UTEP 27, NMSU 7
1937 NMSU 14, UTEP 0
1938 NMSU 13, UTEP 9
1939 UTEP 34, NMSU 0
1940 UTEP 40, NMSU 26
1941 UTEP 24, NMSU 13
1942 UTEP 61, NMSU 6
1946 NMSU 14, UTEP 7
1947 UTEP 26, NMSU 0
1948 UTEP 92, NMSU 7
1949 UTEP 69, NMSU 7
1950 UTEP 40, NMSU 0
1951 UTEP 41, NMSU 7
1952 NMSU 20, UTEP 20
1953 UTEP 39, NMSU 0
1954 UTEP 12, NMSU 7
1955 UTEP 41, NMSU 6
1956 UTEP 51, NMSU 7
1957 UTEP 42, NMSU 12
1958 NMSU 17, UTEP 16
1959 UTEP 20, NMSU 15
1960 NMSU 27, UTEP 15
1961 NMSU 42, UTEP 6
1962 UTEP 21, NMSU 0
1963 UTEP 14, NMSU 13
1964 NMSU 13, UTEP 7
1965 UTEP 21, NMSU 7
1966 UTEP 28, NMSU 14
1967 UTEP 46, NMSU 24
1968 UTEP 30, NMSU 14
1969 NMSU 41, UTEP 38
1970 UTEP 21, NMSU 14
1971 UTEP 14, NMSU 7
1972 UTEP 21, NMSU 20
1973 NMSU 27, UTEP 23
1974 NMSU 14, UTEP 13
1975 NMSU 31, UTEP 24
1976 NMSU 13, UTEP 10
1977 UTEP 23, NMSU 21
1978 NMSU 35, UTEP 32
1979 NMSU 14, UTEP 13
1980 NMSU 6, UTEP 3
1981 NMSU 14, UTEP 7
1982 UTEP 20, NMSU 17
1983 UTEP 20, NMSU 9
1984 NMSU 27, UTEP 16
1985 NMSU 22, UTEP 20
1986 UTEP 47, NMSU 33
1987 UTEP 31, NMSU 0
1988 UTEP 42, NMSU 9
1989 UTEP 29, NMSU 27
1990 UTEP 27, NMSU 24
1991 UTEP 22, NMSU 21
1992 NMSU 30, UTEP 24
1993 NMSU 31, UTEP 14
1994 NMSU 23, UTEP 22
1995 NMSU 45, UTEP 17
1996 UTEP 14, NMSU 7
1997 UTEP 24, NMSU 16
1998 NMSU 33, UTEP 24
1999 UTEP 54, NMSU 23
2000 UTEP 41, NMSU 31
2002 NMSU 49, UTEP 14
2004 UTEP 45, NMSU 0
2005 UTEP 34, NMSU 17
2006 UTEP 44, NMSU 38
2007 NMSU 29, UTEP 24

Keys for NMSU vs. UTEP football, game Sept. 20

From my perspective, this Saturday's NMSU/UTEP college football game could very well be billed as the Desperation Bowl. Desperate because both teams need a win, desperate because both teams need to put together a full game.

The Miners have lost eight straight dating back to last year, while NMSU has lost six straight. A win by; either team gives that program hope for the rest of the season. A loss will hurt the confidence of the other team.

If NMSU is to be the team that wins, here are three things it must do.

- Get vertical. In the opener against Nebraska, the Aggies never could get a long pass play although there were chances. If the offense can get its timing down, good things can occur. Nebraska was never forced to take any chances on defense, that trend must reverse against UTEP.
- Stop the run. Nebraska was big and bad against NMSU with 330 yards rushing. That has to concern the Aggie defensive coaches. UTEP has a good back in Terrell Jackson and the Miners can be a balanced offense, but I wouldn't be surprised to see if UTEP tries to pound the Aggies on the ground.
- Turnovers. New Mexico State got one turnover against Nebraska and turned that into seven points. The Aggies gave up two picks and both hurt the Aggies. The Aggies must win the turnover battle and if they do get turnovers, must do damage with them.

- Felix

This week's Prep School Sept. 16

KRQE NEWS 13/KASA FOX 2 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL


1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

T1. LAS CRUCES (7) 161
T1. MAYFIELD (5) 161
3. CLOVIS 106
4. ELDORADO 102
5. GODDARD 96
6. MANZANO 95
T7. LA CUEVA 79
T7. ARTESIA 79
9. SANDIA 65
10. RIO RANCHO 64
11. AZTEC 45
12. DEXTER 20
13. ONATE 19

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:(points) LAKE ARTHUR 17, CIBOLA 16, TEXICO 15,
SANTA ROSA 13, SOCORRO 7, COBRE 6, ST. MIKE'S 5, FT. SUMNER 4, ST. PIUS
4, SILVER 4, TULAROSA 2, BELEN 2, HOBBS 2, MORIARTY 1, LOVINGTON 1,
HAGERMAN 1.

Juan Manuel Marquez' win

Saturday night's victory by Juan Manuel Marquez over Joel Casamayor in a battle of top lightweights was significant in many ways.

Marquez is a bigger name in the sport and now he can aim for fights against the likes of Juan Diaz and Nate Campbell down the road.

Marquez started slow against Casamayor but eventually wore him down and stopped him in the 11th round.

A potential fight with either Diaz or Campbell would be an intriguing fight. Marquez seems to still be giving a tremendous effort at his age and his skill level is still high.

It's great to see him finally getting some recognition for his career after getting stuck in obscurity for so long.

Who do you think Marquez should fight next?

— Felix

Initial thoughts on NMSU football opener

Well, the New Mexico State Aggies lost their season opener at Nebraksa 38-7 on Saturday night in Lincoln, Neb.

First the bad news. The Aggies were beaten up on the line. Nebraska rushed for more than 300 yards and controlled the action and had some long runs. The 3-3-5 defense showed vulnerability against the run. Nebraska's big offensive line did a good job of surging forward.

The Aggies also fell prey to some play action fake and bootleg plays. Nebraska took advantage of its experience in the backfield and took advantage of NMSU's inexperience in running the new defense.

New Mexico State missed too many assignments and will need to correct those before next week.

On offense, the Aggies missed too many chances to get some points on the board. They had a field goal blocked and threw a pick deep in Nebraska territory.

But the Aggies might have found their starting running back. Junior college transfer Marquell Colston did a good job of running hard and he showed a burst of speed that has been missing in the team's running backs.

The starting tackles, Kyle Smith and Patrick Blount, both of whom are starting for the first time, played fairly well.

Richie Bolin took a shot to his back in the first half and didn't return. Tight end Ryan Franzoy had his left knee in a brace in the second half. I should have more on that later in the week.

New Mexico State plays at UTEP next Saturday.

- Felix

FYI for Chase Holbrook fans

I just had a short conversation with a Houston Texans scout, who is at the Nebraska/New Mexico State game in Lincoln, Neb. He is here to watch New Mexico State quarterback Chase Holbrook among others.

There have been a few scouts in Las Cruces during fall camp to watch Holbrook and others such as Chris Williams at WR and DE Rhyan Anderson.

Felix

Friday's New Mexico Prep Football Scores, Sept.

Friday¹s Scores
By The Associated Press
PREP FOOTBALL
Animas 44, Foothill 14
Belen 39, Los Lunas 22
Bloomfield 30, Kirtland Central 27
Clayton 27, NMMI 0
Cloudcroft 20, Eunice 6
Clovis 41, Highland 6
Clovis Christian 42, Valley Christian 12
Del Norte 22, Farmington 20
Deming 19, Hatch Valley 14
Dexter 29, Hagerman 0
EP Austin, Texas 32, Gadsden 6
EP Bowie, Texas 12, Chaparral 0
EP Ysleta, Texas 33, Santa Teresa 14
Fort Sumner 58, Capitan 8
Gateway Christian 46, Logan 8
Hobbs 34, Roswell 27
Lovington 25, Cobre 10
Marfa, Texas 17, Carrizozo 14
Mayfield 49, Carlsbad 6
Melrose 40, Tatum 0
Moriarty 35, Robertson 13
Mountainair 8, Magdalena 7
Ramah 42, Crownpoint 8
Reserve 54, Menaul 14
Ruidoso 20, Hot Springs 0
Sandia 30, Alamogordo 20
Socorro 40, Raton 12
Texico 101, Loving 0

Nebraska, what a great place

What a place it is on Game Day in Lincoln, Neb. Beginning several hours before game time, fans were tailgaiting, asking questions about New Mexico State and just getting ready to watch their beloved Cornhuskers.

Around the area of Memorial Stadium, there were team flags of the other Big 12 schools, there were cars with various Nebraska stickers on their cars and near the stadium there was a tribute to former coaches Bob Davney and Tom Osborne.

The Tom Osborne facility is a beautiful building. It houses a weight room, trainingn room and other offices.

There was a piece on former New Mexico State player T.J. O'Leary in of the papers here this week. He was a deep snaper at New Mexico State in 2004 and is now doing the same for Nebraska.

There has always been talk of the great passion of Nebraska fans have for Nebraska football. That's no lie. Fans are passionate, there was a great deal of talk of the game the past two days on the radio and around Lincoln.

In the press box there are photos of former greats, including former New Mexico State assistant coach Rich Glover, a standout defensive lineman for Nebraska and former All-American.

- Felix

Abie Han wins second fight

El Paso junior middleweight Abie Han won his second fight in as many outings on Friday night in Lawton, Okla, stopping Chris Shelton in the first round.

Han, who trains in Las Cruces, was very accurate with his punches said trainer Louie Burke. Han fought for the first time since winning his debut in Las Cruces last December.

- Felix

Sorry to hear about Nevada running back

I was saddened to hear about Nevada running back Luke Lippincott earlier in the week. He injured his left knee earlier in the week and is out for the year.

Apparently Nevada wil petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. Lippincott was the WAC's leading rusher a season ago. He's a good guy as well and hopefully he'll get one more year in a Wolf Pack uniform.

It'll be interesting to see if Nevada's offense slows down much due to him not being there.

Felix

Which new NMSU football player will have the biggest impact?

On Saturday night in Lincoln, Neb., the Aggies will debut several new players for the 2008 college football campaign. Which player will have the most impact?

RB Marquell Colston
WR Todd Lee
WR LaVorick Williams
LB Nick Paden
DE Pierre Fils

My pick is Colston. With Seth Smith leaving the team in August and Colston's ability to make plays as a runner and pass catcher, he has the ability to make things happen in a big way. He'll share time early with Brandon Perez and Tonny Glynn, but if Colston is consistent and can adjust to the speed of Division I football, he has a chance to have a big season.

- Felix

Fresno State football

The Fresno St Bulldogs football program has prided itself on playing some of the top teams in the country in recent years. It appears the Bulldogs will visit Nebraska in 2011 and 2016 and entertain the Huskers in 2014. This year FSU has already beaten Rutgers and will play Wisconsin and UCLA.

- Felix

NMSU/Nebraska Football

If the New Mexico State Aggies are going to be successful in their college football season opener against Nebraska, some things will have to happen.

The Aggies must hit Nebraska in the mouth early on in terms of offensive success. Nebraska has played better defense so far this year, but remember the Huskers gave up lots of yards and points last year. The Aggies need to put some points on the board and see if they can make Nebraska start wondering if some of the problems of last year are still around.
Nebraska lost a key defensive player in end Barry Turner last week and we'll see if that will hurt them this week as it tries to put a great deal of pressure on NMSU quarterback Chase Holbrook.

The Aggies also can't give up a lot of rushing yards to Nebraska. The Cornhuskers had just 99 yards rushing last week and against NMSU's 3-man front, don't be surprised to see the Cornhuskers try and get their running game on track.

Special teams are also a key for the Aggies. They must convert on any field goal attempts and help the defense out with good punts asnd kickoff coverage.

- Felix

Thursday's NM prep football Scores Sept. 11

Manzano 38, Artesia 24
Onate 55, Silver 26

Nebraska/NMSU two-deeps

New Mexico State
Offense
Right Tackle
73 Patrick Blount, 6-3, 275, So.
74 Joe Suder, 6-5, 246, Jr.
Right Guard
65 Polo Gutierrez, 6-2, 304, Sr.
67 Joe Palmer, 6-3, 308, Jr.
Center
63 Richie Bolin, 6-2, 291, Sr.
62 Mike Grady, 6-3, 302, Fr.
Left Guard
76 Chuck Taylor, 6-3, 345, So.
59 David Norman, 6-4, 300, Jr.
Left Tackle
78 Kyle Smith, 6-6, 312, R-So.
77 Joel Buschmann, 6-3, 289, SO.
Quarterback
12 Chase Holbrook, 6-5, 246, Sr.
16 J.J. McDermott, 6-5, 220, So.
Z Receiver
28 Chris Williams, 5-8, 157, Sr.
14 LaVorick Williams, 6-1, 170, Fr.
X Receiver
18 A.J. Harris, 6-0, 210, Sr.
5 Julius Fleming, 5-8, 162, R-Fr.
H Receiver
10 Marcus Anderson, 5-8, 166, Jr.
Or 7 Todd Lee, 5-9, 175, Fr.
Tight End
17 Kyle Nelson, 6-4 232, So.
or 82 Ryan Franzoy, 6-4, 238, R.-So.
Y Receiver
2 Wes Neiman, 5-10, 190, So.
81 Kenneth Buckley, 5-9, 187, Sr.
Running Back
38 Brandon Perez, 5-8, 236, Jr.
23 Tonny Glynn 5-8, 192, Jr.
or 3 Marquell Colston, 5-9, 205, Jr.

Defense
Left Tackle
97 Rhyan Anderson, 6-5, 263, Sr.
48 Pierre Fils, 6-3, 230, Fr.
Nose Guard
90 EJ Cannon, 6-0, 292, R-Jr.
24 Justen Alford, 6-2, 227, Jr.
Right Tackle
95 Oren Long, 6-2, 260, Sr.
37 Kaua Adolpho, 6-1, 233, So.
Left End
51 Ross Conner, 5-10, 212, Jr.
9 La'Auli Fonoti, 6-4, 253, Sr.
Middle Linebacker
42 Nick Paden, 6-3, 235, Jr.
56 Sam King, 6-0, 223, Sr.
Right End
34 Jason Scott, 5-10, 207, Jr.
35 Chris Nwoko, 6-1, 228, Sr.
Left Safety
41 Brennen Baiamonte, 6-1, 211, Sr.
36 Mark Waters, 5-10, 180, Fr.
Right Safety
40 Michael Zant, 5-9,171, Fr.
31 Alphonso Powell, 5-9, 182, So.
Left Corner
4 Davon House, 6-0, 172, So.
8 Chris Buckner, 6-0, 188, Jr.
Right Corner
20 Marvin Betts, 5-9, 180, R-Sr.
or 27 Vincent Butler, 5-10, 188, Sr.
Free Safety
22 Derrick Richardson, 5-11, 190, Sr.
40 Michale Zant, 5-9, 171, Fr.

Special Teams
Placekicker and Punter
96 Kyle Hughes, 6-0, 184, R-So.
46 Jordan Davenport, 5-10, 170, Fr.

Nebraska
Offense
Left Tackle
65 Mike Smith, 6-6, 285, So.
72 Jaivorio Burkes 6-5, 325, So.
Left Guard
61 Mike Huff, 6-4, 300, Sr.
68 Keith Williams 6-5, 305, So.
Center
67 Jacob Hickmann, 6-4, 290, Jr.
58 Mike Caputo, 6-1, 275, R-Fr.
Right Guard
70 Matt Slauson, 6-5, 320, Sr.
73 D.J. Jones 6-5, 305, So.
Right Tackle
76 Lydon Murtha 6-7, 315, Sr.
78 Marcel Jones 6-7, 310, R-Fr.
Wide Receiver X
87 Nate Swift, 6-2, 200, Sro
18 Menelik Holt, 6-4, 200, Jr.
Wide Receiver Z
17 Todd Peterson, 6-4, 215, Sr.
24 Niles Paul 6-1, 210, So.
Tight End
44 Mike McNeil, 6-4, 240, SO.
49 Dreu Young, 6-4, 245, So.
Quarterback
12 Joe Ganz, 6-1, 210, Sr.
2 Patrick Witt, 6-4, 225, R-Fr.
Fullback
36 Thomas Lawson, 6-0, 250, Sr.
45 Justin Makovicka, 6-1, 240, So.
I-Back
5 Marlon Lucky, 6-0, 215, Sr.
10 Roy Helu, 215, So.

Defense
Base End
98 Zach Porter, 6-7, 280, Sr.
88 Clayton Sievers, 6-4, 255, Sr.
Nose Tackle
93 Ndamukong Suh, 6-4, 300, Jr.
56 Shukree Barfield, 6-4, 290, Sr.
Defensive Tackle
43 Ty Steinkuhler, 6-3, 280, Sr.
94 Jared Chick, 6-6, 280, R-Fr.
Open End
95 Pierre Allen, 6-5, 265, So.
88 Clayton Sievers, 6-4, 255, Sr.
Buck Linebacker
53 Tyler Wortman, 6-3, 235, Sr.
42 Sean Fisher, 6-6, 225, Fr.
Mike Linebacker
52 Phillip Dillard, 6-1, 235, Jr.
51 Will Compton, 6-2, 230, Fr.
Will Linebacker
34 Cody Glenn, 6-0, 235, Sr.
40 Blake Lawrence, 6-3, 225, So.
Right Corner
5 Anthony West, 6-0, 220, So.
21 Prince Amukamara, 6-1, 195, So.
Left Corner
6 Armando Murillo, 6-0, 190, Sr.
28 Eric Hagg, 6-1, 200, So.
Free Safety
3 Rickey Thenarse, 6-0, 195, Jr.
33 Matt O'Hanlon, 5-11, 195, Jr.
Strong Safety
4 Larry Asante, 6-1, 210, Jr.
2 Major Culbert, 6-0, 205, Jr.

Special Teams
Placekicker
90 Alex Henery, 6-2, 175
Punter
97 Dan Titchener, 6-0, 200, Sr.

Local baseball stars staying home

Onate High baseball players Joe Koerper and Randy Montoya have committed to play baseball at New Mexico State beginning in the fall of 2009. Koerper plays 1B and Montoya is a SS/Pitcher.

The duo helped lead OHS to a runner-up showing in the 5A state tournament this past May and were members of the 2007 team that reached the semifinals.

Look for a story in Friday's Las Cruces Sun-News.

Also, former OHS star Abe Tarin has committed to the University of New Mexico according to Montoya. Tarin transferred to La Cueva for his senior year.

- Felix

Game time for Alcorn State

Aggie Football versus Alcorn State Game Time Set for 11:30 a.m.

New Mexico State Athletics Director Dr. McKinley Boston announced Wednesday afternoon that the Aggie football game on Oct. 4th against Alcorn State will be played at 11:30 a.m. The Aggies added the game against Alcorn State after their game with Nicholls State was cancelled due to Hurricane Gustav in early September.

Ticket holders will use their tickets from the Nicholls State game for entrance into the Alcorn State game. No exchange will be necessary, as all Nicholls State tickets will be honored at the entrance gates.

Prep Football Poll Sept. 8

Here are the results of a statewide football poll that I get to vote on.

Felix

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


1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS

1. LAS CRUCES (5) 131
2. MAYFIELD (5) 130
3. ARTESIA (1) 116
4. LA CUEVA 89
5. GODDARD 85
6. CLOVIS 73
7. ELDORADO 67
8. RIO RANCHO 57
9. SANDIA 44
10. AZTEC 42
11. CIBOLA 36
12. MANZANO 20
13. LAKE ARTHUR 13

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: (POINTS) HAGERMAN 12, DEXTER 11, SANTA ROSA 9,
COBRE 9, LOVINGTON 8, CARLSBAD 8, ST. MIKE'S 5, HOT SPRINGS 5, ST. PIUS
4, HIGHLAND 3, TULAROSA 3, ONATE 3, CAPITAN 3, LOS LUNAS 2, SILVER 2,
GATEWAY CHRISTIAN 1, MORIARTY 1.

Nebraska DE out for year

Nebraska DE Turner likely to miss season with broken leg

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska defensive end Barry Turner has a broken bone in his left leg and probably is out for the season.

Turner was hurt early in Nebraska's 35-12 win against San Jose State on Saturday. Pierre Allen replaced Turner and finished with a team-high 10 tackles and a pass breakup.

"It's a painful thing, losing Barry," defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said Sunday. "He's a senior and one of our leaders. But Pierre is a special player. I'd rather have the two of them."

Turner is eligible to apply for a medical redshirt, which would allow him to play for the Cornhuskers in 2009. He had a sack and two other tackles in the opener against Western Michigan. He was injured on San Jose State's third play from scrimmage.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pounder from Antioch, Tenn., was the most experienced of the Huskers' starters on the defensive line. He has 11½ career sacks. Last season he started 11 games and had a team-leading three sacks.

- Courtesy of AP

WAC Football Notes

Here are a couple of notes in regards to WAC football over the weekend.
- Idaho ended an 11-game losing streak by beating Idaho State, 42-27.
- Hawaii beat Weber State 36-17 behind quarterback Tyler Graunke, who came off the bench to complete 13 of 20 passes for 218 yards.
- Nevada was outscored 21-7 after pulling within 14-12 in the third quarter vs. Texas Tech to lose 35-19.

New LCHS boys basketball player

For you high school basketball fans out there, Rudy Young, the younger brother of Jahmar Young has enrolled at Las Cruces High. The word on the street is that he is a good shooter.

- Felix

Sam Di Pace/Rick Vasquez

Las Cruces boxers Sammy Di Pace (4-0) and Ricky Vasquez (3-1-1) won their fights on Friday night in Albuquerque. Both won by decision. More to come on Sunday.

Felix

NM Prep Footballl Scores, Sept. 5

Animas 46, Mountainair 34
Aztec 43, Belen 20
Capitan 20, Carrizozo 14
Cobre 41, Queen Creek Canyon State, Ariz. 6
Dexter 46, Cloudcroft 16
Eldorado 22, Clovis 21, OT
EP Hanks, Texas 57, Gadsden 0
EP Socorro, Texas 21, Onate 14, OT
Estancia 32, West Las Vegas 28
Fort Sumner 35, Clayton 0
Gateway Christian 52, Floyd 8
Goddard 49, Alamogordo 13
Hagerman 43, Loving 0
Hot Springs 34, Deming 32
Lake Arthur 62, Walatowa Charter 0
Lordsburg 51, Laguna-Acoma 0
Los Lunas 20, Valley 11
Lovington 34, Robertson 6
Magdalena 53, Tatum 16
Mayfield 35, EP Montwood, Texas 13
McCurdy 46, Thoreau 6
Melrose 68, Menaul 0
Moriarty 47, Capital 14
Muleshoe, Texas 63, Portales 35
San Elizario, Texas 14, Chaparral 0
Santa Rosa 47, Albuquerque Academy 30
Santa Teresa 27, EP Burges, Texas 14
Shiprock 33, Crownpoint 6
Socorro 22, Ruidoso 14
St. Pius 12, Silver 10
Tucumcari 29, NMMI 14
Tularosa 60, Mescalero Apache 0
Wink, Texas 35, Jal 0

Aggie football team likely to play Oct. 4

It looks like Oct. 4 is the date that the New Mexico State Aggies football team will make up their postponement of Thursday's lost game to Nicholls State.

No opponent was given by NMSU officials, but my sources tell me it will be a SWAC opponent.

Details are still trying to be worked out and a final deal could be announced soon.

Oct. 4 is the only open date for the Aggies until after the end of the regular season on Nov. 29.

NMSU opens its season Sept. 13 at Nebraska.

NMSU head coach Hal Mumme was pleased with Friday's afternoon practice. He said the team had its sharpest offensive practice in a while and the game plan for Nebraska is in.

- Felix

Thursday's New Mexico Prep Football Scores

Thursday's Scores
Cibola 14, Manzano 10
Hondo 59, NMSD 12
La Cueva 35, Highland 6
Las Cruces 49, EP Eastwood, Texas 8

Couple of Aggies practice notes: Sept. 2

Looks like Michael Zant has improved enough to win the right bandit safety spot for the Aggies at least for the time being. The native of Midland, Texas, just returned from his mission in Idaho this summer.
Also, senior Marvin Betts is the No. 1 at right corner as of today. The Aggies open the 2008 season at Nebraska on Sept. 13.

- Felix

Prep Football Poll

Here is a statewide poll that various writers around the state vote in, including myself.

Felix

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

1ST PLACE VOTES
PTS.
1. LAS CRUCES (10) 154
2. MAYFIELD (2) 145
3. CLOVIS 125
4. ARTESIA 115
5. LA CUEVA 109
6. GODDARD 91
7. ELDORADO 60
T8. SANDIA 55
T8. RIO RANCHO 55
10. CIBOLA 38
11. MANZANO 31
12. AZTEC 29
13. ONATE 20

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Hobbs 17, Tularosa 7, St. Mike's 7, Santa Rosa
7, Hot Springs 6,Silver 5, St. Pius 4, Alamogordo 3, Moriarty 3, Dexter
3, Carlsbad 2, Roswell 2, Raton 2, Lake Arthur 1, Portales 1.

NMSU practice notes

Just a couple of things from NMSU practice on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Running back Tonny Glynn has pads back on and is working out again after resting a hamstring pull.
Also, it looks like Patrick Blount has pulled ahead in the running for the right tackle slot. Kyle Smith is the expected starter at left tackle.

- Felix

Disaster

What a disaster it was for future New Mexico State football opponents in week 1. New Mexico got clubbed by Texas Christian 26-3, Texas-El Paso was outworked by Buffalo 42-17 and Idaho was simply battered by Arizona.

TCU was simply too fast for the Lobos on defense and it didn't help that the Lobos lost their starting QB for the part of the game. It was a big game for the Lobos for two reasons: One it was a Mountain West game at home and two the schedule is tough for the next few weeks. The Lobos take on a Texas A&M team that somehow lost to Arkansas State, then take on Arizona, then it's off to Tulsa before finishing the month in Las Cruces.

When UNM comes to Las Cruces, it'll be interesting to see where they are at record-wise, emotionally and physically.

UTEP appears to be in some trouble. The Miners lost a game they could have won at Buffalo and this week get Texas. They will be 0-2 before NMSU visits Sept. 20. But the Miners have two weeks off and that could be a good thing for them.

As for Idaho, wow. I mean the Vandals weren't going to win that game, but to come out and lose 70-0 isn't a good sign. It could be another long year in Moscow on the Division I level. WAC commissioner Karl Benson wanted the Idaho's, Utah State's and New Mexico State's to be better in 2008. Idaho doesn't appear to be there just yet.

- Felix