MaxPreps 2012 New Mexico preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012 New Mexico Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Las Cruces
2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Jim Miller
Team preview
The Bulldawgs haven't won a state championship since 2008, but they appear to be the favorite entering the 2012 season. With eight starters back on offense and seven returning on defense, coach Jim Miller's team can also boast a 9-1 JV team moving up. While Miller's top threat, Xavier Hall, has graduated, he welcomes back a solid offensive line paced by All-State lineman Lane Cummings as well as Jacob Banegas and Taylor Tisby. The defense should also be outstanding with All-State picks Tisby and Kamryn Dixon back on the defensive line.

2. Cleveland (Rio Rancho)
2011 finish: 13-0
Head coach: Heath Ridenour
Team preview
The school hasn't been around very long, but already Cleveland is a powerhouse in New Mexico. The Storm has won two straight 5A District 1 championships and claimed the 5A state title last year with a 13-0 record. While quarterback Cole Gautsche has gone on to New Mexico (one of four New Mexicans to sign), running back Romell Jordan returns after making All-State as a junior with more than 1,500 yards rushing. He's joined by All-State defensive back Steven Steele and defensive lineman Desmond Branch. The Storm averaged close to 50 points a game last season in racking up 641 total points. The Storm have a new head coach in Heath Ridenour, who replaces Kirk Potter. Cleveland is already featured prominently on the list of New Mexico state football champions for the past 10 years.

3. Goddard (Roswell)
2011 finish: 12-1
Head coach: Sam Jernigan
Team preview
The Rockets won 12 in a row last year before falling to Aztec 28-27 in the Class 4A championship game. Goddard has won four straight district championships and captured state titles in 2008 and 2009. While All-State running back David Anaya has graduated, a number of linemen return as well as two-way All-State player Cody French (WR/DB). A junior, French is expected to move to quarterback this year. He'll have some impressive linemen in front of him, including All-Stater Kullen Wooton and tight end Josh Quiroz. All-State defensive end Nik Aston is the top returning defender for the Rockets.

4. Mayfield (Las Cruces)
2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Michael Bradley
Team preview
Mayfield has been the team to beat in the Class 5A playoffs for the better part of the last decade, winning state titles in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. The Trojans also reached the 5A championship game in 2011, falling to Cleveland 51-28. Although All-State offensive standouts Ricky Milks (RB), Cayman Greene (OL) and Chris Trujillo (TE) have graduated, Mayfield returns a pair of standouts on defense in Devante Weaks (6-4, 255) on the defensive line and Joah Franzoy at linebacker. Mayfield tops the list of the New Mexico Top 10 most consistent football programs.

5. La Cueva (Albuquerque)
2011 finish: 8-4
Head coach: Ed Lucero
Team preview
The Bears return 11 starters from last year's 8-4 squad that fell to Cleveland 41-13 in the Class 5A quarterfinals. One of those starters is Chris Loidolt, a returning All-State linebacker. Coach Ed Lucero will also look to Zach Silva at quarterback and Calvin Allen (6-5, 240) and J.T. Boone on the offensive line. La Cueva ranks No. 2 on our June, 2011 list of the Top 10 New Mexico football dynasties.