New Mexico 5A High School Football Preview
Bulldogs, Coyotes, Tigers, Cougars and much more. It’s a zoo of talent at the 5A level in New Mexico, as the road to a blue trophy in November begins this week.
Here is every favorite, dark horse and sleeper in 5A before the season kicks off.
FAVORITES
ROSWELL
It is the annual question: Coyotes or Bulldogs?
That was also the question in 2025, when rivals Roswell and Artesia met in the title game.
Artesia took that matchup for a 33rd program title, but heading into 2026, it may be Roswell with the edge.
Based on 2025 production, the ‘Yotes return much more talent, with names like running back Luis Rodriguez and receiver Izaic Gonzales, who led the team in rushing yards and receiving yards.
This offense scored over 50 points four times in 2025. Expect some more fireworks this autumn.
Roswell will host 6A’s Hobbs on Aug. 21, 7:00 p.m.
ARTESIA
With a program like the Bulldogs, they usually have no problem reloading a roster.
The question is this: how fast can these new names get up to speed?
A massive senior exodus leaves a lot of question marks around the orange and white, especially in their receiver room, where the top six receivers in receiving yards last season are now all gone. That is hard for any program to immediately fix.
What is the quick answer? Names like quarterback Lucas Atkins, running back Cristian Pando and Layton Whitmire and Destin Pacheco in the passing game.
Once again, a program that has won 33 titles shouldn’t have a problem finding their new look, it's just a question of who this new look will feature.
Artesia will open by hosting 6A’s Carlsbad, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
New Mexico 4A High School Football Preview: READ MORE HERE!
DARK HORSE
LOS LUNAS
It is tough to make predictions when a program moves a class.
For Los Lunas, it may be to their advantage.
Going from 6A to 5A should benefit the Tigers. Many overlooked LL last season, but an 8-4 finish is nothing to scoff at.
This 8-4 swan song in 6A featured solid junior seasons from quarterback Luke Cieremans, running back Jagger Casilias and receiver Tayson Gaxiola. They will look for one last go at finding November success in their final year, now in a new class.
Los Lunas travels to Mayfield for week one, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
PIEDRA VISTA
Don’t let last season's late collapse fool you, the Panthers can be a problem in 2026.
Despite a 5-6 finish, Quarterback Reuban Marquez and running back Amasi Griego brought the highlights to northwest New Mexico last season.
Their defense was a problem last season, and with senior exits, it could be a thorn in their side once again.
But, similar to Los Lunas, it’s a new slate in a new class.
Piedra Vista opens at 6A’s Farmington, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
SLEEPER
CIBOLA
David Howes has brought a Cibola program that was down in the dumps back to surface level, finishing 5-6 after going 2-18 the prior two seasons.
They brought the fight to some top 6A teams last year. Now, they should be punching at a more proper weight class in 5A.
Cibola lost a lot of talent in the offseason, losing 22 seniors. But just like how the Class of 2026 took a leap last season, the 2027 talents will look to do the same. Names like quarterback Terry Maes and defensive edge Isaac Behrens.
The Cougars open with a big matchup against Sandia on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Your turn: how do you think the 5A season will unfold?
Dan Allison is a freelance high school and college sports writer. You can reach him at @danlallison on X.
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