Las Cruces Claims Top Spot in New Mexico High School Football

News Summary

In a thrilling encounter, the Las Cruces Bulldawgs defeated the Cleveland Storm 38-34, clinching the No. 1 ranking in New Mexico high school football. After trailing 21-7 in the first quarter, Las Cruces orchestrated a remarkable comeback, with key performances from Daniel Amaro and Gunnar Guardiola. The win has sent shockwaves through the rankings, as Cleveland must now regroup for their upcoming match against Pebble Hills. This victory marks a significant achievement for Las Cruces and sets the stage for an electrifying season ahead.

Las Cruces Tops New Mexico High School Football Rankings After Stunning Victory

In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Las Cruces Bulldawgs pulled off a thrilling upset against the previously top-ranked Cleveland Storm, winning 38-34. This remarkable comeback has propelled Las Cruces to the coveted No. 1 spot in the New Mexico high school football rankings as of September 17, 2025, marking a joyous milestone for the team and its supporters.

Early Struggles and a Powerful Comeback

The game didn’t start well for the Bulldawgs, as they found themselves trailing 21-7 in the first quarter. Many fans were left wondering if the surge from Cleveland would continue, but Las Cruces wasn’t ready to back down just yet. With determination and skill, they mounted a comeback that would be remembered for years to come.

Leading the charge was Daniel Amaro, who showcased his rushing talents with an impressive 179 yards and two crucial touchdowns. Alongside him, teammate Gunnar Guardiola made significant contributions, also scoring two rushing touchdowns. Their efforts not only inspired their teammates but electrified the crowd, turning the game’s momentum in favor of Las Cruces.

A Thrilling Finish

The climax of the game unfolded dramatically with just 1:29 left on the clock. A pivotal score saw Las Cruces take the lead for the first time, much to the delight of their fans. However, the excitement didn’t stop there! In a nail-biting final few seconds, Josiah Gutierrez intercepted a Cleveland pass with only 19 seconds remaining, securing the thrilling victory for the Bulldawgs.

Ranking Shifts and Next Challenges

This shocking defeat for Cleveland has caused ripples in the rankings and has left fans questioning how this powerhouse team will respond. With this loss, they have to recalibrate as they prepare to face Pebble Hills next. Meanwhile, the Centennial Hawks are celebrating their own success with a record of 3-0 after edging out Rio Rancho with a narrow 42-40 victory. This was especially impressive, considering they started their season with a tough loss to Cleveland, 55-42.

Las Cruces’ rise to the top wasn’t a solo act. Volcano Vista has also secured the No. 2 ranking thanks to an impressive win against La Cueva, who maintains a steady No. 4 ranking due to their strong schedule, including a previous loss to a top-ranked Arizona team. This shows that while rankings can change, performance against tough competition remains vital.

The State of New Mexico High School Football