Only 6A advanced its top four seeds to the semifinals of the weekend state football tournament, with four undefeated schools still in the hunt, as are all the No. 1 seeds

By Arnie Leshin 

Of the 16 semifinal football teams trying to advance to the championship round, there are three that are undefeated in 6A, two could get to the finals, but one is a certainty.

These three are 11-0 and one is sure not to survive. That will be when 3rd seeded Centennial plays at 2nd seed La Cueva in a Friday night 7 o’clock clash. The other one pairs top seed Cleveland playing host to 4th seeded Volcano Vista (9-2) the same night, same kickoff time.

But there’s also the possibility of only one of these unbeatens moving on. That would be if the Storm falls to Volcano Vista. The home field will provide Cleveland with an advantage, but Volcano Vista has closed well, and that’s home and away.

As for Centennial have to travel to Albuquerque, there’s no doubt that La Cueve will have the home field advantage versus another strong opponent, but it could also turn into a thriller.

In 5A, all that stands between top seed Roswell (9-2) and city rival Goddard (9-1-1) was a final-second field goal that decided the district title in the regular-season finale.

Roswell will take on defending state champion Artesia, and the No. 4 seed has won a record 19 state titles. But the Bulldogs (7-4) fare much better at home and this one is at Roswell. Goddard, meanwhile, will play host to 3rd seed Los Lunas (8-2), which had a tough go with rival Belen before carrying off a four-point win.

These will both kick off at 1 p.m. Saturday.

In 4A, top seed Albuquerque St. Pius X (8-3) will be tested by 5th seeded Bloomfield (8-4), which blanked 4th seed Kirtland Central, 21-0, on the road. The 2nd seeded Portales (8-3) will be home to 3rd seeded Taos (10-2).

St. Pius might have too much talent and size for Bloomfield, but state tournaments do provide surprises.

As for Taos, the Tigers have only lost at St. Pius X, but it wasn’t all that close. No matter, for they could hook-up again in the title game. Portales has improved its defense down the stretch, but Taos is equally adept at rushing and passing, and the Rams will have to slow them down before their home crowd.

Both these semis will be played Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock.

In 3A, Albuquerque Hope Christian hopes to win its 12th straight game and is favored to win its class. First the Huskies get a visit from 5th seeded Robertson (10-2), which has been in the last three championship contests and came from behind while trailing 27-13 with 4:03 remaining at St. Michael’s, and left with a 28-27 victory. But the Huskies will be tough to bring down.

Then there’s 2nd seeded Dexter (9-2), which increased its enrollment and moved up from 2A, but it has always been a good state tournament team. It will take on visiting 6th seed West Las Vegas (8-4), which is in the same district as Robertson, and again lost to the Cardinals.

Otherwise, the Dons are playing well, don’t know that much about Dexter, and needs to continue their surge in order to have a good ride home.

These games are scheduled for Friday night at 7 o’clock.

The New Mexico Activities Association has again proven it knows how to plant the seeds. All top seeds remain, as well as the No. 2 seeds. Only 6A advanced its top four seeds.

The Picks: (Caution, don’t bet your house on these)

3A –- Hope Christian 30, Robertson 17

         Dexter 27, West Las Vegas 13

 

4A — St. Pius X 20, Bloomfield 6

          Taos 28, Portales 18

 

5A — Roswell 21, Artesia 18

          Goddard 20, Los Lunas 14

 

6A — Cleveland 24, Volcano Vista 14

          La Cueva 18, Centennial 13