MaxPreps 2017 New Mexico preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Jaylen Mckinley's highlights vs. Clovis High School
See the Rio Rancho rising junior running back in action from the Rams' championship season.


1. Rio Rancho
2016 record: 13-0
Head coach: David Howes

The defending 6A champion Rams must replace a few skill positions, including quarterback and running back.

Rising senior Logan Bruere looks to replace quarterback Nic Little (1,767 yards and 23 TDs), while Zion Lopez and a trio of junior backs look to fill the void of Josh Foley's 1,872 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. Along with Lopez, who also fills the middle linebacker spot, Dominic Martinez, Dmetrius Rhoten and Jaylen Morgan all should see time at running back.

Derrick Reyes is a big target (6-4, 225) at tight end.



On the defensive line, Keshawn Banks should control things while Evan Tafoya-Vallo is a 6-3, 270 beast on the offensive line.
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2. Las Cruces
2016 record: 11-2
Head coach: Mark Lopez

The Bulldawgs look to get back to the championship game after falling in 2016 to Rio Rancho.

Senior quarterback Payton Ball returns to lead Las Cruces, which must replace its offensive line. That task could start with senior center Domonic Jimenez and Rolando Martinez.

The Bulldawgs return plenty of skills guys, including senior receiver Brandon Baeza and junior Ivan Molina.

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3. Cleveland (Rio Rancho)
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Heath Ridenour

The Storm return their quarterback and secondary, but must find a running back as well as offensive and defensive lines.

Quarterback Angelo Trujillo is back for his senior season after throwing for 1,677 yards and 18 TDs last season. Trujillo also is the leading returning rusher with 460 yards as Niko Papadopoulos (1,230 yards and 22 TDs) graduated.

Justin Ainsworth returns at receiver with 27 catches for 374 yards and four scores. Michael Taylor will lead both lines at 6-2, 280 pounds.

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4. St. Pius X (Albuquerque)
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Dave Montoya



The defending 5A champions Sartans enter 2017 with new coach Dave Montoya, who takes over with the retirement of San Juan Mendonza. Montoya coached and played at St. Pius and replaces a coach who won 160 games and two titles.

Montoya must replace graduated quarterback Drew Ortiz (2,000 yards and 25 TDs) and one possibility is rising senior Matt Lobato.

Ryan McGaha returns at wideout, and Nic Santistevan and Carson Stock return on the offensive line.

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5. Centennial (Las Cruces)
2016 record: 8-3
Head coach: Aaron Ocampo

Rising senior running back Joaquin Gutierrez returns for the Hawks, who were bounced in last season's quarterfinals.



Centennial will be young on the line, but expect senior Jonathan Soto to step into a leadership role.
The linebacking corps should be stout led by James Blowers and Josiah Leon.