New Mexico High School Football Season Kicks Off

Teams gearing up for the New Mexico high school football season.

News Summary

The New Mexico high school football season is set to start with preseason activities kicking off soon. Fans are encouraged to participate in a player impact poll. Coaches are preparing to highlight top players, with several wide receivers already catching attention ahead of the first games. Other fall sports, including soccer and volleyball, are also gearing up for a competitive season. The community is coming together in anticipation, excitement, and continued support for local sports.

Albuquerque, New Mexico – The New Mexico high school football season is set to begin on August 18, 2025, with eager fans and athletes looking forward to a new year of competition. Preseason activities will kick off on August 4, leading up to the opening games scheduled for the weekend of August 21-23.

This year, fans from the New Mexico high school football community are invited to participate in a voting poll for the player they believe will have the biggest impact in the upcoming season. The poll will remain open until July 30 at 8 p.m. PT. This initiative aims to foster engagement and excitement within the community as the season approaches.

In preparation for the season, coaches and players are gearing up to showcase their talents, with preseason coverage highlighting key players by position. Several standout wide receivers have been identified as ones to watch in 2025.

Top Wide Receivers to Watch

Cox-Liggins has shown remarkable performance with 64 catches for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2024 season, averaging 101 yards per game.
Duran is another contender, having recorded 941 yards on 37 catches along with 12 touchdowns last season.
Erickson had a strong season with 57 catches for 906 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Smith, a freshman standout, led his peers with 62 receptions for 698 yards and 12 touchdowns for a team that achieved a 10-2 record.
Lee had an impressive performance with 58 catches, racking up 1,182 yards and 17 touchdowns for an 8-3 team.
Maldanado is expected to be the top wideout heading into the 2025 season with a noteworthy 918 yards and 11 touchdowns during the previous season when his team won the 6A title.
Montano finished last season with 35 receptions for 417 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing potential for significant growth in 2025.
Winnikoff contributed with 51 catches for 781 yards and 5 touchdowns, and there are expectations he might emerge as the No. 1 wideout this season.

Across the state, other sports are also gearing up for a competitive fall season. Soccer, cross country, volleyball, and golf teams will begin their activities on August 7, ahead of the high school football games.

Previous Season Overview

The Grants Pirates, who finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 6-6, secured a berth in the playoffs. The team is focused on improving their previous year’s performance, aiming for a stronger showing in the 2025 season. This renewed commitment to growth and excellence reflects the ambitions shared among New Mexico’s high school athletic programs.

In other community sports efforts, nearly 100 basketball teams participated in the J.B. White Memorial Tournament, which was organized to raise funds for a scholarship in memory of a former player. Such events not only celebrate athleticism but also foster unity within the community.

As the New Mexico high school football season gears up, anticipation builds among players, coaches, and fans alike for what promises to be an exciting and engaging period of athletic accomplishment and community spirit.