Cleveland's 50-0 Shutout Sets the Stage for New Mexico Playoff Quarterfinals

Cleveland outscored Rio Rancho 50-0 two weeks ago, a margin that defines the current state of the Class 6A playoffs. The 10-0 Storm, the division’s top seed, plays host to the 6-5 Rams on Friday night. This game marks the start of the quarterfinal round for the top four seeds in every division across New Mexico.

The top seeds in the five 11-Man divisions all had a bye in the previous round. They now begin their bid to defend their 2025 titles. Cleveland’s dominance is the primary narrative in 6A, where the team has allowed no points in its last four games. The other undefeated team in the class, No. 2 Volcano Vista, hosts No. 7 Carlsbad at 1 p.m. Saturday at Nusenda Community Stadium. Volcano Vista is seeking its first state championship title.

Carlsbad coach Cale Sanders noted that the teams had nearly equal total yardage in their last meeting, which Volcano Vista won 38-17. Sanders said the Cavemen must avoid the mistakes made in that district game. He added that his team is built for playoff conditions, specifically cold and rainy weather. The matchup features quarterbacks Jude Herrera and Marley Munoz, with Volcano Vista’s Aiden Gonzales having intercepted three of four passes thrown by Munoz in their previous contest.

In Class 5A, No. 1 seed Roswell hosts No. 8 Santa Fe at 6 p.m. Friday. Roswell quarterback Andruw Fuentez has thrown for 32 touchdowns with only four interceptions this season. Tailback Luis Rodriguez has rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. No. 2 seed Piedra Vista hosts No. 7 Goddard on Saturday. Piedra Vista’s defense has allowed just 12 points per game all season.

Class 4A features five metro-area teams in the quarterfinals. No. 2 seed St. Pius, unbeaten against New Mexico opponents, plays No. 7 Manzano on Friday. St. Pius running back Hershul Olloway Jr. has 1,543 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. No. 1 seed Bloomfield, the two-time defending champion, hosts No. 6 Belen on Saturday. Belen coach Kevin Peña said his team needs a faster start after falling 21-0 at halftime in their last meeting.

In Class 3A, St. Michael’s has won 42 straight games. The 10-0 team welcomes Pojoaque Valley on Saturday after winning their previous matchup 54-0. No. 2 seed Hope Christian hosts No. 10 seed Hot Springs on Saturday. Hope Christian defeated Hot Springs by five touchdowns in their last district meeting.

The 8-Man semifinals feature No. 1 seed Fort Sumner/House hosting No. 4 seed Mesilla Valley on Friday. Fort Sumner’s defense has surrendered only six points all season. In the 6-Man division, the title game is already set, with No. 1 seed Grady seeking its first championship.