Jags, Eagles, Tigers earn All-State status

It is an impressive showing for Valencia County football teams, which filled 19 slots on three All-State squads selected by the New Mexico High Schools Coaches Association. Several players earned mentions at more than one position.

The Valencia Jaguars had seven choices in 4A, with an eye-popping six on the first-team. Diego Baeza (Sr.) is a first-team selection on both the offensive, for the second year in a row, and defensive lines. Michael Storms III (Sr.) is a repeat choice at running back after rushing for eleven touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards.

Also earning top accolades for VHS are linebacker Aiden Farless (Jr.), tight end Eric Rodriguez (Sr.) and Jordan Henry (Sr.), who had five interceptions to earn a spot in the secondary. Center Corbin Hill (Sr.) was named honorable mention.

Belen, which reached the 5A quarterfinals, also had seven nods. Logan Gonzalez (Sr.) takes first-team honors at slot receiver with a total of 16 touchdowns and is a second-team choice at outside linebacker. Also on the 5A first-team is defensive end Ethan Haldeman (Jr.), who earned honorable mention at tight end as well.

Another double-honoree for the Eagles is Jedediah Thomas (Jr.), second-team offensive line and honorable mention on the defensive line. Eagles’ quarterback Chalito Cano (Jr.) was selected in the category of returner/athlete, making the second-team with 32 touchdowns and more than 2,600 yards in total offense.

In 6A, Jagger Casillas and Brad Mallory, both juniors, grabbed second-team honors for Los Lunas. Casillas, at running back, had 11 touchdowns, while Mallory led the Tigers with 150 tackles from his linebacker position.

Earning honorable mention status were seniors Robert Pino, receiver, running back Martin Cordova and Isaiah Barela in the secondary.