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Friday Night Firepower: Las Cruces Football Powers Through Midseason with Eyes on Playoffs
LAS CRUCES — The desert winds are shifting, and so is the momentum in southern New Mexico’s high school football scene. As Week 8 approaches, Las Cruces’ trio of powerhouse programs—Centennial, Las Cruces High, and Organ Mountain—are making noise across District 3-6A, with playoff implications heating up under the Friday night lights.
At the top of the heap sits Centennial High School, currently ranked No. 3 statewide in Class 6A according to the latest MaxPreps and NMAA rankings. The Hawks are flying high with a 6–1 record, their only loss coming in a tight battle against La Cueva. Led by a bruising run game and a defense that’s forced turnovers in bunches, Centennial is the team to beat in southern New Mexico. Their recent 42–32 win over Alamogordo sent a clear message: the Hawks are built for November.
Meanwhile, Las Cruces High School, the storied Bulldawgs program, is clawing its way through a rebuilding year. With a 2–4 record, the Dawgs haven’t cracked the top 10, but they remain a dangerous opponent. Their defense has kept games close, and with matchups against Alamogordo and Clovis still ahead, Las Cruces could play spoiler—or surge late into the playoff picture. Coach Ramirez has emphasized fundamentals and grit, telling 47thVoice, “We’re not done yet. We’ve got pride, and we’ve got fight.”
Organ Mountain High School, formerly known as Oñate, is quietly putting together a solid campaign. At 4–2, the Knights are knocking on the door of statewide recognition. Their balanced offense and disciplined secondary have earned respect across the district. A win this weekend against Dexter could be the tipping point that propels them into the rankings.
Across the state, Cleveland High School continues to dominate Class 6A, holding the No. 1 spot with an undefeated record. La Cueva and Hobbs round out the top four, with Hobbs recently dismantling Alamogordo in a 47–26 shootout. Centennial’s presence in the top tier gives Las Cruces fans a reason to believe that southern New Mexico football isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
This weekend’s matchups will be pivotal. Centennial faces off against Carlsbad, Las Cruces hosts Alamogordo in a pride-fueled showdown, and Organ Mountain looks to extend its win streak. With playoff seeding on the line, every snap counts.
Las Cruces football isn’t just about rankings—it’s about legacy, community, and the roar of the crowd echoing off the Organ Mountains. As the season barrels toward its climax, one thing is clear: the city’s teams are ready to write their next chapter. Stay tuned, Las Cruces. The lights are on, and the fight is far from over.
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