Dante Caro

Last week we found out at the newspaper that Las Cruces High quarterback Dante Caro was selected as the top quarterback in the state by DeBartolo Sports University becoming one of 100 QB's eligible to win the Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year award.

Montana is involved in the selection process of Caro and 49 other quarterbacks across the country. Roughly 50 at-large selections were also chosen by the DeBarolo Sports University. The field will be narrowed to 16 at the end of this month and the winner will be announced in December before Christmas.

Caro has worked hard to be the best he can be in the past two seasons as the team's starting QB. He's been a threat on the ground the past two years as a runner, but this year, has improved as a passer as well, making him a double threat. His passing skills were evident when he hit Mike Bernal with a touchdown pass to help set up the Bulldawgs' 22-21 win against Mayfield on Nov. 7, which clinched the No. 1 seed for LCHS in this year's 5A playoffs.

At the end of the first half, he caught a touchdown pass to pull LCHS within 14-7 at the halftime break.

Caro has been a true leader for the Bulldawgs in their resurgence on the field the past two seasons, which included a semifinal showing last year. This year, the team is 10-0. Just three years ago, the Bulldawgs were down having suffered a losing season, followed by a .500 campaign. But Caro along with several other seniors and juniors have put LCHS back among the state's best.

He has a bright future ahead of him and he's got a great opportunity to play a couple of different spots at the next level.

Caro has rushed for 847 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing 81 of 121 passes for 1,431 yards and 13 scores.