2019 Albuquerque Preseason
Football Capsules
Rio Grande Ravens
With their losing streak now at 47 games after yet another winless season in 2018, the Ravens are
vying to surprise some teams next year, with home dates against Atrisco Heritage and Albuquerque
circled on the calendar. Rio Grande will have to replace extensive experience on the offensive line
as both 6-foot-1, 305-pound tackle Martin Ramos and 5-9, 275-pound guard Jordan Gray have
graduated, but senior center Roberto Parra is back to bolster the interior. The Ravens will also have
to replace wide receivers Oscar Bencamo and Cruz Bolivar, as well.
Rio Grande Rams
The last time Rio Rancho found itself in this position—coming off a 4-7 season and a disappointing
playoff exit—the Rams followed with 9-3 records the next two years. After slipping slightly after the
latter of those two seasons, a 7-5 campaign in 2013, Rio Rancho went undefeated in 2014 and again
in 2016. The Rams might not have the juice to go undefeated this year for the third time, but long-time
David Howes should have his team well over .500 once more. It starts first with returning starting
quarterback Isaiah Chavez, who passed for 2,220 and 24 touchdowns (with nine interceptions) as a
junior and added 484 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He’ll miss his two top receivers in Jeremy
Rotert (49 catches, 802 yards, 12 touchdowns) and Elijah Alvarado, who caught 59 balls for 593 yards,
but youngster Zach Vigil could blossom into a star as a sophomore after a combined 400-plus yards
as a freshman.
The Rams have plenty of returning firepower on defense as senior Jeremiah Esquibel returns
after leading the team with 104 tackles. He’ll be aided by an impressive junior core including Jasper
Pennington (75 tackles), Braxton Padilla and Tommy Lujan as Rio Rancho looks to get back to
dominating local competition.
sandia matadors
The Matadors struggled offensively in 2018, falling to 2-8 after scoring fewer than 11 points in
six games. But with returning starters all over the field and a bit of seasoning, Sandia could take a
step forward in 2019. Junior Silva returns at quarterback with 18 appearances under his belt and
21 career passing touchdowns. After throwing for 1,279 yards last year, Silva will gun for 1,800 with
seniors Leshawn Joseph and Gabe Oherron-Alex back as his primary targets. Joseph had a solid
junior year at running back with 915 yards and 11 scores, and he’ll get some running holes opened
for him by senior Jacob Telles, who also helps lead the defense. Telles will be joined by junior
Sam Carrell and Angel McMasters up front, and Wyatt Schroeder will be an impact linebacker as
a senior.
26 2019 Albuquerque High Schools Football Yearbook