Albuquerque is 0-5 against Sandia since September of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Bulldogs are taking a road trip to challenge the Matadors at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Albuquerque is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of New Mexico's top teams: Eldorado, who was ranked 18th at the time (Albuquerque was ranked 19th). The Bulldogs narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Golden Eagles 17-14. Surprisingly, this marked the Bulldogs' fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
Alberto Landeros
| 10/10/25 @ West Mesa | 286 |
| 08/30/25 @ Valley | 157 |
| 10/16/25 @ Eldorado | 155 |
| 09/05/25 vs Alamogordo | 135 |
| 09/19/25 vs Atrisco Heritage Academy | 117 |
| + 3 more games |
Albuquerque's win on Thursday was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Alberto Landeros, who rushed for 155 yards while picking up 7.8 yards per carry. Landeros has become a key player for the Bulldogs: the team is 4-1 when he posts at least 100 rushing yards, but 1-2 otherwise. Julian Madera helped out on the ground, rushing for 128 yards and a rushing touchdown.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Albuquerque was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 296 rushing yards. They are a perfect 4-0 when they've run for more than 200 yards.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Sandia). They took their contest on Thursday with ease, bagging a 54-0 win over West Mesa. The victory continues a trend for the Matadors in their matchups with the Mustangs: they've now won three in a row.
Albuquerque better keep an eye on Jahleel Lewis. He was instrumental in Sandia's win, throwing for 335 yards and six touchdowns while completing 72% of his passes, and also rushing for 58 yards and one TD on only seven carries. Those 335 passing yards gave Lewis a new career-high. Sandia's leading receiver George Smith was Lewis' top target yet again, picking up 93 receiving yards and one score, while also rushing for 32 yards and one touchdown.
Sandia didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Trey Foderaro. He continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last four games he's played.
Albuquerque's record is now 5-3. As for Sandia, their record now sits at 3-5.
Albuquerque couldn't quite get it done against Sandia in their previous matchup back in October of 2024 as they fell 26-17. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
