Valencia Jaguars snare eight All-State spots LLHS Tigers, BHS Eagles also receive honors

An impressive eight Valencia Jaguars were named to the 4A All State football team, with four Los Lunas Tigers recognized in 6A and two Belen Eagles in 5A.

All State honors are compiled by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.

“It’s a testament to how many hours you put in,” said LeDarrius Cage, VHS coach, about the Jaguars’ selections.

Running back Michael Storms III and offensive linemen Diego Baeza, both juniors, were chosen for the 4A first team.

“That was obviously the strength of our team,” Cage said of the Valencia running game. “The two guys who made first team really stood out to the rest of the state.”

Storms set a VHS rushing record with more than 1,700 yards, eclipsing the mark set by Noah Brown in 2011.

The youngest Valencia County honoree was VHS sophomore defensive back Santino Mares, named honorable mention. Mares had two interceptions in Valencia’s playoff victory over Moriarty.

“His next years are going to be really good,” said Cage. “He’s one of those guys who is eyeing college football.”

Five of the all-state selections for Valencia will return next season, which gives Cage plenty of optimism. “We’re heading in the right direction.”

For Belen, Dalton Golliheair is a first-team outside linebacker, and Vicente Shiflett is on the 5A second team as an offensive lineman. Both are seniors.

“He (Golliheair) was a unanimous selection for the All-District team, so his name went around (coaching circles) a little bit,” Kevin Peña, BHS coach, said about the Eagles leading tackler. “He studied the game. He put a lot of time into it, asked a lot of questions.”

Shiflett was a player who “got better and better, bigger and stronger. He just loves the game,” said Peña.

All four Los Lunas players honored in 6A are seniors, including first-team offensive lineman Kyle Valdez.

“It’s an honor to be selected as the top players in the entire state, no matter the degree,” said Greg Henington, LLHS coach. “It’s incredibly difficult to get selected in 6A.”

On the second team were J’den Howard, slot, and Aiden Martinez, defensive end. Gage Marquez was selected honorable mention inside linebacker.

“What they’ve done for our program is immeasurable,” said Henington. “We as a program are very proud of each and every one of those boys.”

All three schools, Los Lunas (8-3), Belen (4-6), and Valencia (8-4), reached the post season.

Valencia Jaguars

4A first team

Running back: Michael Storms III, Jr.

Offensive line: Diego Baeza, Jr.

4A honorable mention

Center: Corbin Hills, Jr.

Offensive line: Cesar Marquez, Sr.

Tight end: Eric Rodriguez, Jr.

Defensive end: Aiden Gonzalez, Sr.

Inside linebacker: Dalton Muzzy, Sr.

Secondary: Santino Mares, So.

Belen Eagles

5A first team

Outside linebacker: Dalton Golliheair, Sr.

5A second team

Offensive line: Vicente Shiflett, Sr.

Los Lunas Tigers

6A first team

Offensive line: Kyle Valdez, Sr.

6A second team

Slot: J’Den Howard, Sr.

Defensive end: Aiden Martinez, Sr.

6A honorable mention

Inside linebacker: Gage Marquez, Sr.