Prep Football: Bulldawgs Battled for Gridiron Glory; Chaparral, Gadsden and Mesilla Valley Christian Go Penultimate

Prep football across our broader community delivered a season defined by depth, resilience, and postseason relevance. Four local programs reached the state semifinals or beyond, with Las Cruces High School advancing further than any other team in the region. While no school claimed a football state championship — and therefore no Neighbors Cup bonus points were awarded — district performance and postseason runs combined to shape a competitive and nuanced Fall Football standings picture.

• District 3/6A Champion: Las Cruces (3 Neighbors Cup points)
• District 2/4A Runner-Up: Chaparral (2 points)
• Third-Place District Finishers: Centennial, Hatch Valley, Mesilla Valley Christian (1 point each)
• Playoff Qualifiers Without District 2/5A Points: Gadsden, Mayfield
• State Championship Game Appearance: Las Cruces
• State Semifinalists: Chaparral, Gadsden, Mesilla Valley Christian

Class 6A: The Standard and the Chase

Schools: Las Cruces, Centennial, Organ Mountain

The Bulldawgs emerged as the football flagship of the fall season, pairing a district championship with a run all the way to the Class 6A state title game. Though they fell just one score short of a championship, their postseason résumé stood alone among area teams and secured the maximum Neighbors Cup points available for football.

The LCHS roster was stacked with eventual All-State honorees on both sides of the line of scrimmage. On a bright September morning before the first snap of the season, during the LCPS Fall Sports Media Day, all four chairs at the Bulldawg table were filled with future All-State selections.

Las Cruces High School All-State Honorees (from left to right): QB Gunnar Guardiola, WR Francisco Winnikoff, DB Isaac Gomez, RB Daniel Amaro)

In a first-of-its-kind event, the poise demonstrated by these high school athletes was impressive. Each player answered questions from local media with the confidence and humility of seasoned, camera-savvy professionals. Bulldawg quarterback Gunnar Guardiola was quick to praise the team’s offensive line, stating unequivocally:

“I’ll tell you right now, we’ve got some of the best offensive linemen in the state… They come out every day with fire, ready to go, and I feel really safe back there.”

Las Cruces High School Offensive Line fires at the snap of the ball in season-opening action against Mayfield (No. 53, All-State Honoree Gracin Poe, center).

Guardiola’s confidence was well placed. Three Bulldawg offensive linemen earned All-State recognition: Gracin Poe, Julian Chavez-Lopez, and center Jaime Mendez. Representing the defense at the table, coverage specialist Isaac Gomez highlighted Defensive Lineman Carlos Gamboa and Defensive End Vaughn Romney—both eventual All-State selections.

This Bulldawgs team was clearly self-aware as a unit, without unwarranted hype or grandstanding. From the outset, they recognized their talent and were quick to share credit.

Among these noteworthy Bulldawgs, one player captured the spotlight above the rest. Running back Daniel Amaro was named the 2025 MaxPreps New Mexico High School Football Player of the Year. MaxPreps summarized his accomplishments for the season:

“Amaro ran for 1,931 yards and 42 touchdowns, adding 23 receptions for 418 yards and three more scores.”

No. 22, Daniel Amaro, taking care of the ball.

Centennial made the most competitive run among the Class 6A field, setting themselves up for a championship bid in the ultimate game of the regular season. Centennial earned a Neighbors Cup point with a third-place district finish.

Photo: Courtesy Centennial Hawk Football (via Facebook)

Class 5A: Depth Without the District Hardware

Schools: Mayfield, Gadsden, Santa Teresa

Class 5A provided one of the most compelling and nuanced storylines of the fall season. For Gadsden, it marked the second consecutive year the program advanced to the state semifinals—a deep postseason run achieved without a banner or trophy to display in the gym. Yet the success of the team was unmistakable, sparking a swelling of support and energy throughout the community. In a milestone moment, the Panthers hosted the Artesia Bulldogs—the preeminent football program in New Mexico—for the first time in nearly a century of Gadsden football, a game that brought both pride and excitement to Sal Gonzalez Stadium… and the community, as well.

Despite challenges that make broad promotion of the program difficult, the Panthers’ achievements underscore the resilience and talent at the heart of Gadsden football. Their story is, in many ways, the true story of football in our broader community—a tale of grit, determination, and local pride that speaks volumes even when it cannot be fully told.

Mayfield endured a season stacked against them from the opening snap. Their first game was against rival Las Cruces, where the Trojans faced a team that suited up twice as many players. Being placed in an overcrowded district added another layer of difficulty for a program still working to rekindle a winning tradition. Still, the Trojans battled through the season to secure a playoff berth, exemplifying perseverance and determination. Like Gadsden, their story represents the heart of local prep football, a testament to struggle, teamwork, and community pride that goes beyond points or standings.

Both Gadsden and Mayfield remind us that the measure of a football program is not always found in district trophies or championship banners. Their campaigns this fall capture the essence of the game in our broader community—effort, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Mayfield’s All-State Punter, Xavier Ochoa, boots one deep against cross-town rival, Las Cruces.

Class 4A: Chaparral’s Quiet Consistency Pays Off

School: Chaparral

Chaparral has quietly built a program defined by reliability, resilience, and steady excellence. The Lobos finished second in their district, earning two Neighbors Cup points, and carried that performance all the way to the state semifinals—a testament to their ability to compete at a high level in a class where margins for error are razor-thin.

In many ways, Chaparral’s story this fall unfolded away from the spotlight. There are no photos to capture the Lobos in action—no media day portraits or highlight reels—but the team’s impact was felt every Friday night on the field. Emerging from the shadows of larger, more established programs, Chaparral demonstrated that consistency, determination, and teamwork can lay the foundation for a legacy that rivals any in the broader community.

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Small-School Football: Punching Above Weight

Class 3A: Hatch Valley
8-Man: Mesilla Valley Christian

Hatch Valley and Mesilla Valley Christian carried the banner for small-school football locally. Hatch Valley secured a third-place district finish in Class 3A to earn a Neighbors Cup point, while Mesilla Valley Christian matched that contribution in 8-Man play.

Mesilla Valley Christian added postseason credibility with a second consecutive semifinal appearance, further underlining the competitiveness of the region across all classifications.

Looking Ahead

With football setting the tone for Fall Sports, the focus now shifts to the remaining seasonal recaps — where one state championship did enter the picture and begin reshaping the Neighbors Cup race in earnest.

Next up: Volleyball.