New Mexico 6A High School Football Preview
We have previewed the David’s, now it’s time to take a look at the Goliaths.
After offseason district realignment and a transfer ruling frenzy, 6A football should be as exciting as ever in the state of New Mexico.
Here is every favorite, dark horse and sleeper in 6A before the season kicks off.
FAVORITES
CLEVELAND
The numbers speak for themselves.
Cleveland became seven-time champions in 2025, their second consecutive title and third in four years. The Class of 2026 was a talented one, but just like how it's been for seemingly the last decade, the Storm never had trouble reloading.
All eyes will be on quarterback Michael Denison, as he takes over for NM Gatorade Player of the Year Jordan Hatch. Cleveland’s sophomore tosser will be tested early with matchups against Centennial and two out-of-state foes, including traveling to Texas’s Amarillo High.
However, he will have plenty of backup. Evan Nanez is arguably the top receiver in the state, while running back D’Angelo Mitchell transfers in from Volcano Vista.
The 6A crown has been Cleveland’s for over 600 days, and it will remain theirs until someone rips it away.
Cleveland will open up the season by hosting Centennial, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
LA CUEVA
The Bears enter 2026 with a sour taste in their mouth.
Last season ended La Cueva’s three-year run of making the title game. Now a year later, the Class of 2027 is eager to get back to the November finale.
Quarterback Monty Melendez returns as one of the best signal callers in 6A, while names like tight end Cash Brewer and receiver Chris Lopez add intrigue to this roster.
They will also get a crack at Cleveland earlier than normal, now sharing a district with the Storm in what will be a postseason feel when these two meet in mid-September.
La Cueva starts with Eldorado at home, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
DARK HORSES
CENTENNIAL
Much like their crosstown foe, Las Cruces, did last season with Danny Amaro, ruthless production from the backfield may be the key to 2026 for the Hawks.
It all starts with quarterback Ruiz Laborin and running back Dailen Ramirez as a remarkable QB-RB duo. Ramirez ran for 1,151 last fall, with some impressive single game performances.
Centennial will need to run Laborin and Ramirez to the promised land if they want to get there. If these two are firing, the district should be in their hands.
The Hawks will have their hands full early with a week one visit to Cleveland, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
SANDIA
The Matadors were the talk of the town this summer after being the big winners of NMAA’s new transfer rules.
Top talents from Atrisco Heritage Academy, J’ven Smith and Donovan Smith, joined Jahleel Lewis’s receiving core. They also join receiver George Smith, who posted 700 yards receiving and eight touchdowns as just a sophomore for Sandia.
Tylon Wilder has proven himself as a quick program rebuilder, doing so at Espanola Valley before heading to Albuquerque. After a 4-6 debut, can he make Sandia take a big leap?
SLEEPER
ELDORADO
If you are looking to highlight any bellcow running backs before the season starts, Nolan Romero-Williams is your guy.
Romero-Williams finished with over 1,000 yards rushing as a sophomore, building up some hype around the state entering his junior season.
Accompanied by receiver Jahari Morehead and quarterback Landon Smith, this Eagles offense should be able to pass their 2025 mark of 5-6.
Eldorado will be tested early with a visit to La Cueva, Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m.
From Centennial's explosive Ruiz Laborin–Dailen Ramirez tandem looking to run through the district, to a reloaded Sandia offense featuring a star-studded receiving corps under Tylon Wilder, the dark horses are loaded. Meanwhile, Eldorado lurks quietly on the horizon, anchored by junior bellcow Nolan Romero-Williams and a balanced skill group ready to blow past last year's record. With brutal Week 1 tests waiting on August 21, these three programs aren't just looking to contend, they're coming to take over Cleveland’s top spot..