News Summary

The New Mexico high school football season will begin on August 18, 2025, featuring numerous talented players ready to make their mark. Communities will participate by voting for players with the most potential impact this season. The spotlight will be on standout wide receivers and running backs, each poised to dominate the field. Key players like Cox-Liggins, Amaro, and Storms are anticipated to shine. With excitement building, fans are encouraged to engage and vote before the deadline on July 30, 2025.

Excitement Builds in Albuquerque for the Upcoming High School Football Season!

The countdown is on! Mark your calendars because the New Mexico high school football season kicks off on August 18, 2025. This year’s season promises to be thrilling, with some incredible players gearing up to showcase their talents. In preparation, High School On SI will be breaking down New Mexico’s top players by position for our preseason coverage. And here’s the best part: the community gets a chance to vote on who they think will have the biggest impact this season. So, gather your friends and family, and make your voices heard! Voting closes on Wednesday, July 30, at 8 p.m. (PT).

Wide Receivers Stealing the Spotlight

Let’s take a closer look at the standout wide receivers. First up is Cox-Liggins, who made a significant impact last year with an impressive 64 catches for a whopping 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns. Averaging 101 yards per game and 17.4 yards per catch, it’s no wonder he’s considered one of New Mexico’s finest sophomores.

Another player to keep an eye on is Duran. He managed an astonishing 941 yards on just 37 catches and tallied 12 touchdowns in the last season, proving he knows how to make every catch count.

Don’t forget about Erickson, who caught 57 passes for 906 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior. He’s remained consistent throughout his games, making him a reliable target on the field.

Freshman sensation Smith made headlines last season by leading his class in receiving yards with 62 catches for 698 yards and 12 touchdowns on a 10-2 team. What an impressive start for a young player!

Lee, another phenomenal junior, caught 58 balls for 1,182 yards and an impressive 17 touchdowns. This 1,000-yard receiver is bound to be a nightmare for defenders this coming season.

In the spotlight is Maldanado, who is projected to be the top wideout in the state heading into 2025 after recording 918 yards and 11 touchdowns last season while playing a crucial role in Cleveland’s 6A title win.

Montano, who achieved 35 receptions for 417 yards and 5 touchdowns last year, is expected to really up his game in 2025. And last but not least, Winnikoff caught 51 passes for 781 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior, with expectations of stepping up as the main receiver for the 6A Cruces team this year.

Running Backs Ready to Dominate

Now, let’s shift our focus to the running backs, where the competition is fierce! Leading the pack is Amaro, who racked up an impressive 1,297 yards and 23 touchdowns on 198 carries without a fumble last year. That’s consistency you can rely on!

Bustillos will be transitioning into a lead-back role this season, having helped Cleveland claim the 6A title with 590 yards and 10 touchdowns on 51 carries in 11 games. His experience will be invaluable.

Cordova had a phenomenal season with 1,521 yards and 24 touchdowns, and he achieved an incredible eight 100-yard games. Expect him to make his presence felt this year!

Another powerhouse to watch is Duncan, who rushed for 1,391 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a jaw-dropping 11 yards per carry as a junior. Then there’s Herrera, who found the end zone 19 times while rushing for 1,388 yards over 12 games.

We can’t overlook Jones, the state’s best freshman tailback, who impressively managed 751 yards and 7 touchdowns while crossing over the 100-yard mark in three games. And look out for Mitchell, a sophomore with potential, who rushed for 477 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.

And who can forget about Olloway, who exploded onto the scene with an astounding 1,704 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore? He recorded 100 yards in eight games, and fans are buzzing with excitement for his next moves.

Finally, Storms returns as the state’s leading rusher with 1,723 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 11 games, averaging over 150 yards per game. What will he pull off this time? And don’t sleep on Wright, who is eager for a breakout 2025 season after helping Hobbs make it to the 6A playoffs with 639 yards and 5 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Season!

As the excitement builds, it’s clear that New Mexico high school football is ready to shine this season with these incredible talents. Remember to cast your vote for who you think will have the most remarkable 2025 season before the deadline! With so much talent on the field, it’s anybody’s game! Let the countdown to kickoff begin!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Iowa High School Baseball State Tournament Begins
Greensboro Hosts All-Star Soccer Showdown
Local Athletes Break Records at IHSA Track and Field Meets
Impact of Immigration Raids on Families and Students in Downtown L.A.
Iowa High School Softball Playoffs Kick Off in Fort Dodge
New Head Track & Field Coach Appointed at Elizabethtown High School
Arizona Celebrates Top High School Girls Track and Field Athletes
Louisville Celebrates Coach John Barbagallo’s Achievement
National High School Football Hall of Fame Relocates to Brook Park
Brook Park Becomes New Home for National High School Football Hall of Fame

Additional Resources