As the 2025 high school football season unfolds, Class 6A is already producing surprising results and breakout performances. With nine weekends left in the regular season, the early rankings are starting to take shape—but the narrative is far from predictable.
Several programs have opened with a perfect 2-0 record, including expected heavyweights like Cleveland and Las Cruces. Yet some surprises have emerged, with teams like Santa Fe, Albuquerque High, Piedra Vista, and the Alamogordo Tigers holding early victories. Of that group, only Piedra Vista, ranked No. 9, appeared in the first top-10 coaches poll.
Alamogordo’s early wins are especially noteworthy. While the Tigers’ victories came against 5A opponents, Friday night’s 27-13 triumph over reigning 5A state champion Roswell stands out as one of the season’s biggest upsets.
“A big win for us,” said Alamogordo coach AJ Cisco. “We beat a top program in the state. That’s a statement.”
The Tigers’ recent success follows a history of sporadic triumphs over higher-ranked programs. Cisco recalled a 2022 win over Las Cruces—though the Bulldawgs only won two games that year—and a 2019 victory against Artesia when both schools were 5A rivals. But beating Roswell, ranked No. 2 in 5A, feels different.
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Alamogordo’s resurgence is led by senior quarterback Nathanael Best, one of the state’s most dynamic dual-threat QBs. Best, who became the starter in Week 3 against Albuquerque High, has amassed nearly 1,150 rushing yards as a junior, demonstrating more prowess as a runner than a passer. Against Roswell, he scored multiple rushing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to exploit defenses and elevate the team.
“He’s one of the best athletes we’ve had here in years,” Cisco said.
Looking ahead, Alamogordo will face Albuquerque High at Milne Stadium on Friday. In a lighter note, Cisco revealed that scouting duties for the Bulldogs would fall to his wife, Andrea Cisco, who also coaches several sports for the Tigers. Afterward, the Tigers will travel to face Piedra Vista on Sept. 12, recalling last season’s double-overtime battle.
Success in these early games is more than just a confidence booster for Alamogordo—it could gradually elevate the program into wider recognition.
“If we play well, people will notice,” Cisco said.
Breaking Streaks Across the State
Even as underdog victories make headlines, some dominant streaks have already ended. Since the season’s start, three of last year’s undefeated state champions have suffered early losses. Melrose, the 8-Man champion, lost both games against Colorado opponents. Bloomfield’s 13-game winning streak in Class 4A ended with a loss to Piedra Vista, while Texico’s 18-game unbeaten streak in 2A was snapped by Santa Rosa on opening night.
Meanwhile, St. Michael’s boasts the state’s longest active winning streak at 22 games. The Horsemen haven’t lost since Oct. 1, 2023, and are on track to challenge some of New Mexico’s historic streaks. The all-time state record remains Animas’ 69-game run from 1985-1990, with Santa Rosa holding the 21st-century record of 29 straight victories.
Breakout Performances in Other Classifications
Class 5A is witnessing its own standout performers. Senior Bryce Parra of Artesia is quickly becoming one of the state’s premier offensive weapons. As a junior, Parra had just over 600 all-purpose yards, but in the first two games this season, he has rushed for 320 yards and accumulated 582 all-purpose yards with six touchdowns, including a kickoff return score that secured a win over Hobbs.
“He is a stud,” said Bulldogs coach Jeremy Maupin. “He’s already proving to be one of the most valuable players on our team—and in the state.”
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In Class 4A, St. Pius junior Hershul Olloway Jr. is emerging as a force on the ground. Olloway, who also holds the Class 4A 100-meter state championship, rushed for over 1,700 yards last season. He has already tallied 278 yards in just two games this year, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Olloway recently received a scholarship offer from New Mexico State and has previously drawn attention from both New Mexico and UTEP.
Looking Ahead
The opening weeks of the season illustrate the depth and talent present across New Mexico’s high school football landscape. With surprising victories, rising stars, and a few dominant streaks still in play, the remaining nine weekends promise intense matchups and opportunities for programs to establish themselves.
Whether it’s under-the-radar teams like Alamogordo or individual standouts like Parra and Olloway, New Mexico football fans have plenty to watch and cheer for as the 2025 season continues.
