Valley took a big step forward with a four-win improvement in
2018, from 3-7 in Judge Chavez’s first year to 7-5 last season, but
the Vikings lose much of their offensive skill position players,
with quarterback Manny Sanchez-Vargas, running back Jshawn
McDaniel and wide receiver Jove Messenger all departing. The
trio combined for more than 3,800 total yards of offense, with
Sanchez-Vargas passing for 2,430 (and 24 touchdowns) and
rushing for 253, McDaniel rushing for 495 and Messenger
adding 755 receiving yards. Nine of Sanchez-Vargas’
24 touchdown throws went to Messenger, with seven
going to fellow senior Garrett Moseley. Simon Moya
is the team’s leading returning receiver, and he had
just 55 yards. The Vikings also lose excessive talent
on defense, namely linebacker Roman Chavez,
who had a whopping 140 tackles, including 55
solo. Sophomore Fabian Aranda, who had
82 tackles, will have to stand out in a big
2019 Albuquerque High Schools Football Yearbook 27
VALLEY VIKINGS
way for the Vikings.
vOLCANO VISTA HAWKS
Returning a bevy of seniors from a team that went 9-3 a year ago, the
Volcano Vista Hawks enter the 2019 season with huge expectations for
themselves. There is noticeable change in the passing game, where Diego Pavia
replaces all-state quarterback Jake Deatherage, who passed for 2,036 yards and
25 touchdowns, 12 of those going to graduated star wideouts Jacob Werner (638
yards). Ivan Rodriguez is the lone returning impact receiver, but the Hawks will
be flush with experience at running back, where Jimmy Gallegos (340 rushing
yards, 13 touchdowns) returns at running back along with Isaac Chavez, and
on the offensive line, which retains all five starters, all seniors. Volcano Vista
will also be talented in the front seven with Cody Moon and Simon Resigh on
the ends and Darren Avila and Jacob Gellhausen at linebacker. Though seniordominant,
the Hawks have younger talent ready to shine in junior slot receiver/
backup quarterback Johnny Hererra and junior receiver Simon Gay.