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in this issue...
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Sunday night football dallas cowboys nfl teams utep nmsu hs players to watch high school teams © 2015 Nexstar Broadcasting Group 801 North Oregon El Paso, Texas, 79902 (915) 532-5421 General Manager, David Candelaria Design & Layout, Snappy Publishing UTEP Photos courtesy of UTEP Athletics
Hallelujah! Football is back! After a long, hot summer and the anxious anticipation of what’s gonna happen this season…. News Channel 9’s Ultimate Football Guide is back to guide you through another exciting season of football. Once again our most experienced sports team of Beau Bagley and Aaron Rich bring you all the insights and highlights of the area’s High School action, Miners & Aggies, the upcoming NFL Season, and of course, The Dallas Cowboys. This is our 7th issue of the Ultimate Football Guide and each year we strive to bring you a better and more improved guide so that you can follow all the action of your favorite teams. We have all the NFL games and team previews including the most popular games that you can watch on Sunday Night Football right here on News Channel 9. We also have our exclusive in depth look at the Dallas Cowboys (believe it or not, they could be better this year), coming off an exciting season last year. Is this the year for the Cowboys? What do you think? Tune in to see what Beau Bagley and Aaron Rich have to say. The Battle of I-10 continues as we take a close look at what each season brings for the UTEP Miners and the NMSU Aggies. Follow each team’s schedule and circle September 19th on your calendar as the schools will clash once again and write another chapter in the I-!0 rivalry. And of course, we all know High School Football is huge in El Paso and the rest of Texas as well. We cover all the high schools in the area from Canutillo to Clint, Mayfield to Chapin, and every school in between. We’ll recap all the action on NC9 Overtime every Friday, so take a look at each team’s schedule to follow each game. Plus, we bring you profiles on the top players entering this season. It’s all here in our 7th Annual Ultimate Football Guide. Get ready and enjoy the action; Football is back! From all of us at News Channel 9 we thank you for your continued support and look forward to bringing you the best and most reliable football guide in the region. This is your Ultimate Football Guide. David Candelaria – General Manager KTSM NEWS CHANNEL 9 & NTSM ESTRELLA TV 9.2
UFG 2015
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Sunday night iS football night!
n
By Beau Bagley othing rings more true year in and year out. Must-see television returns as NBC and NewsChannel 9 will broadcast 19 games during the 2015 regular season, featuring: Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots hosting Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Kickoff 2015, on Thursday, September 10, followed by the Sunday Night Football opener on September 13 with Eli Manning and the New York Giants visiting Tony Romo and the defending NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys; the first Thanksgiving game in Green Bay in 92 years as the defending NFC North champion Packers host the rival Chicago Bears in primetime; and Brady-Manning XVII – the 17th matchup between quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning – when the New England Patriots visit the Denver Broncos on Nov. 29.
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Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth are back to anchor the action from the booth, while Michelle Tafoya will roam the sidelines with game storylines and updates. Bob Costas, Dan Patrick, Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison and Hines Ward are expected back to provide all the action during Football Night in America, pre-game and post-game. Some of the matchups you will see on Sunday Night: Rematches of both Conference Championship Games – Seahawks vs. Packers (Sept. 20) & Patriots vs.Colts (Oct. 18); Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Drew Brees meet for the third consecutive season on Sunday Night Football as the Cowboys visit the New Orleans Saints on October 4; Consecutive weeks in November will have the first between quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) and Peyton Manning (Denver) since 2008 (Nov. 1) and Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray returns to Dallas
to face his former Cowboys teammates (Nov. 8). Flex scheduling returns to bring you the best matchups in primetime. In Weeks 5 thru 16, the schedule lists the games tentatively set for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would be moved to an afternoon start time. NBC’s Sunday Night Football averaged 21.3 million viewers in 2014, putting it on pace to rank as the No. 1 show for the entire primetime television season for the fourth consecutive season. In addition to kicking off the 2015 NFL season, NBC will also broadcast a Divisional Playoff game on the weekend of January 1617, and a Wild Card Playoff game on the weekend of January 9-10. Let’s get ready for some football on NBC!
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2015 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Regular Season Games Start at 6:30 PM MST Pre-Season Schedule: Hall of Fame Game Sunday Aug 9 6pm Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings Sunday Aug 30 6pm Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders Week 1, Sept. 10 (Thursday season opener) Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots Week 1, Sept. 13 New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys Week 2, Sept. 20 Seatle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers Week 3, Sept. 27 Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions Week 4, Oct. 4 Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints
UFG 2015
Week 5, Oct. 11* San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants Week 6, Oct. 18* New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts Week 7, Oct. 25* Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers Week 8, Nov. 1* Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos Week 9, Nov. 8*
Week 11, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving) Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers Week 12, Nov. 29* New England Patriots at Denver Broncos Week 13, Dec. 6* Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers Week 14, Dec. 13* Seattle Seahawks at Baltimore Ravens Week 15, Dec. 20* Cincinnati Bengals at San Francisco 49ers Week 16, Dec. 27* Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys Week 10, Nov. 15* Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks Week 11, Nov. 22* Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Playoffs Saturday Jan. 9 – 2:30pm NFL Wild Card Game Teams TBD 2:30pm Saturday Jan 16 – 6pm NFL Divisional Playoff Game Teams TBD * Flexible Scheduling applies. Teams may change.
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T
By Beau Bagley
he drama never stops in Big ‘D’. After an off-season that saw the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, bolt Dallas for division rival Philadelphia and suspensions to Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain, the drama continued when receiver Dez Bryant demanded a new long-term contract. He got it: 5 years, $70 million, $45 million guaranteed. No hold out… Bryant and the Cowboys are ready to go for 2015.
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The Cowboys won the NFC East, won a playoff game for the first time since 2009 and could have won another in Green Bay. They stormed to 12 wins and higher than average expectations in 2015-16. In April, quarterback Tony Romo accepted the Nancy Lieberman Lifetime Achievement Award, and then told the audience, “It’s incredible and I really appreciate you, and we’re going to win a Super Bowl next year. Thank you.” Optimism is high. Tony Romo is back with arguably the best offensive line in pro football. After dealing with three back injuries in 18 months, Romo finished the 2014 season as the league leader in passer rating, completion percentage and yards per attempt. “I’ll take the way he’s been playing,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “I will take it and call it a day right now, if you’ll give me the whole year like that.” “Tony is certainly an outstanding quarterback and has been in this league for a long time. He does so much for our team as a leader and with his play on the field. I think he’s getting better and better and
better. He’s certainly among the best quarterbacks in this league,” said Head Coach Jason Garrett. So the question is: Who will run now that DeMarco Murray is gone? Coaches are high on Joseph Randle, while an aging Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar wait for their backup Continues Page 8
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Optimism is high. Tony Romo is back with arguably the best offensive line in pro football. After dealing with three back injuries in 18 months, Romo finished the 2014 season as the league leader in passer rating, completion percentage and yards per attempt. “I’ll take the way he’s been playing,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said.
UFG 2015
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Defensively, the Cowboys have a healthy LB Sean Lee, and hope to get more from DE DeMarcus Lawrence, DB Corey White and rookies Randy Gregory and Byron Jones. DB’s Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne need to step up, and by all accounts, they have done so this summer.
Continued from page 7
roles. With this offensive line, most feel any running back can be plugged in and the offense will run just fine. The Cowboys will be tested immediately in September with division matchups at home versus the New York Giants and on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles with old friend DeMarco Murray. Defensively, the Cowboys have a healthy LB Sean Lee, and hope to get more from DE DeMarcus Lawrence, DB Corey White and rookies Randy Gregory and Byron Jones. DB’s
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Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne need to step up, and by all accounts, they have this summer. Rookie Lucky Whitehead could help fill in for the departed Dwayne Harris on special teams, or the team could turn to J. J. Wilcox and Devin Street. Former UTEP quarterback Jameill Showers will attend training camp, but earning a roster spot will be a long shot. The NFC East is expected to be better in 2015. The Philadelphia Eagles won ten games a year ago, improved their defense and added Murray on offense, while the New York Giants has an off ense that can explode in any given
moment. Washington, well, can’t be much worse. Dallas can outscore most teams, but their defense must improve to help win the NFC East. This is a make year which could end in a Super Bowl run, or could be a break year and end with no postseason. Like I said earlier, the drama never stops in Big ‘D’.
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Dallas Cowboys 2015 regular season schedule
UFG 2015
Sep. 13 Sep. 20 Sep. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 3
vs. New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots
6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m.
NBC Fox Fox NBC CBS
at New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins at Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets at Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins
2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 am 11 am .
Fox Fox NBC Fox Fox CBS ESPN Fox NFL Network Fox Fox
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AFC NORTH RAVENS
Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2014 season on the cusp of the Ray Rice scandal that suspended him for the year. However, veteran RB Justin Forsett filled the void and produced a career year rushing for 1,266 yards and 8 TD’s and helped Baltimore reach the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Baltimore rewarded the RB with a 3 year, $9 million deal. However, the team will have to deal with key departures such as DT Haloti Ngata, WR Torrey Smith, TE Owen Daniels & OLB Pernell McPhee.
9/13 at Denver 2:25pm 9/20 at Oakland 2:05pm 9/27 vs Cincinnati 11 am 10/1 at Pittsburgh 6:25pm 10/11 vs Cleveland 11 am 10/18 at San Francisco 2:25pm 10/26 at Arizona 6:30pm 11/1 vs San Diego 11 am 11/8 BYE 11/15 vs Jacksonville 11 am 11/22 vs St. Louis 11 am 11/30 at Cleveland 6:30pm 12/6 at Miami 11 am 12/13 vs Seattle 6:30pm 12/20 vs Kansas City 11 am 12/27 vs Pittsburgh 6:30pm 1/3 at Cincinnati 11 am
BENGALS
Cincinnati
THE IMMACULATE CONSUMPTION
The Bengals found themselves in the playoffs for the 4th year in a row and fell short for the 4th year in a row. The biggest hurdle in Cincinnati is winning in the postseason. Offensively the Bengals are stacked with RB’s Jeremy Hill & Giovani Bernard and all pro WR’s A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu. Despite turnover woes, QB Andy Dalton made his 2nd Pro Bowl appearance. With all this talent, Cincinnati may have to produce better results or changes may be coming.
BROWNS
Cleveland
Cleveland seemed to start last season in the right direction with veteran QB Brian Hoyer at the helm and Johnny Manziel on the sideline. Then Hoyer got hurt, Manziel got the start and all seemed to go downhill. Johnny Football ended the season on the IR list and kept himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Cleveland once again is making changes at the QB position with Josh McCown along with new additions at WR Brian Hartline & Dwayne Bowe. WR Josh Gordon again will be suspended for the year.
FAMOUS
TACOS...GORDITAS...PIZZA THEY’RE HEAVENLY
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GO STEELERS
9/13 at Oakland 2:25pm 9/20 vs San Diego 11 am 9/27 at Baltimore 11 am 10/4 vs Kansas City 11 am 10/11 vs Seattle 11 am 10/18 at Buffalo 11 am 10/25 BYE 11/1 at Pittsburgh 11 am 11/5 vs Cleveland 6:25pm 11/16 vs Houston 6:30pm 11/22 at Arizona 2:05pm 11/29 vs St. Louis 11 am 12/6 at Cleveland 11 am 12/13 vs Pittsburgh 11 am 12/20 at San Francisco 6:30pm 12/28 at Denver 6:30pm 1/3 vs. Baltimore 11 am
9/13 at NY Jets 11 am 9/20 vs Tennessee 11 am 9/27 vs Oakland 11 am 10/4 at San Diego 2:05pm 10/11 at Baltimore 11 am 10/18 vs Denver 11 am 10/25 at St. Louis 11 am 11/1 vs Arizona 11 am 11/5 at Cincinnati 6:25pm 11/15 at Pittsburght 11 am 11/22 BYE 11/30 vs Baltimore 6:30pm 12/6 vs Cincinnati 11 am 12/13 vs San Francisco 11 am 12/20 at Seattle 2:05pm 12/27 at Kansas City 11 am 1/3 vs. Pittsburgh 11 am
STEELERS
Pittsburgh
The biggest news going into this season in Pittsburgh is the retirement of fan favorite and one of the all-time greats in Safety Troy Polamalu. Another departure is that of DE Brett Keisel who was released by the team. Star RB Le’Veon Bell will be missed for the 1st 3 weeks after being suspended for marijuana arrest. With changes on the defense, Bell’s suspension and not a lot of moves on the free agency side, a lot will rest on the shoulders of QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown.
9/10 at New England 6:30pm 9/20 vs San Francisco 11 am 9/27 at St. Louis 11 am 10/1 vs Baltimore 6:25pm 10/12 at San Diego 6:30pm 10/18 vs Cardinals 11 am 10/25 at Kansas City 11 am 11/1 vs Cincinnati 11 am 11/8 vs Oakland 11 am 11/15 vs Cleveland 11 am 11/22 BYE 11/29 at Seattle 2:25pm 12/6 vs Indianapolis 6:30pm 12/13 at Cincinnati 11 am 12/20 vs Denver 2:25pm 12/27 at Baltimore 6:30pm 1/3 at Cleveland 11 am
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AFC SOUTH AFC EAST TEXANS
Houston
J.J. Watt had a monster year winning Defensive Player of the Year. The Texans were hoping Watt would have help with college stars Jadeveon Clowney and Louis Nix, unfortunately both were hurt and lost before the season began. Houston now hopes they can stay healthy and become one of the best defenses in the league by adding big Vince Wilfork and drafting CB Kevin Johnson and LB Benardick McKinney. QB remains a big question mark with FA Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett. WR Andre Johnson was granted his release and replaced with Cecil Shorts and rookie WR Jaelen Strong.
9/13 vs Kansas City 11 am 9/20 at Carolina 11 am 9/27 vs Tampa Bay 11 am 10/4 at Atlanta 11 am 10/8 vs Indianapolis 6:25pm 10/18 at Jacksonville 11 am 10/25 at Miami 11 am 11/1 vs Tennessee 11 am 11/8 BYE 11/16 at Cincinnati 6:30pm 11/22 vs Jets 11 am 11/29 vs New Orleans 11 am 12/6 at Buffalo 11 am 12/13 vs New England 11 am 12/20 at Indianapolis 11 am 12/27 at Tennessee 11 am 1/3 vs Jacksonville 11 am
COLTS
Indianapolis
The Colts were one game away from reaching the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, standing in their way was powerhouse and eventual champions New England Patriots. However, one thing remains certain, QB Andrew Luck is one of the game’s best. T.Y. Hilton provides support as an emerging star at WR and last years veteran leaders in Reggie Wayne, Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks have been upgraded in RB Frank Gore and WR Andre Johnson. Add rookie WR Phillip Dorsett, standout from Miami, and the Colts can very well find themselves playing for the AFC Championship once again.
9/13 at Buffalo 11 am 9/21 vs Jets 6:30pm 9/27 at Tennessee 11 am 10/4 vs Jacksonville 11 am 10/8 at Houston 6:25pm 10/18 vs New England 6:30pm 10/25 vs New Orleans 11 am 11/2 at Carolina 6:30pm 11/8 vs Denver 2:25pm 11/15 BYE 11/22 at Atlanta 11 am 11/29 vs Tampa Bay 11 am 12/6 at Pittsburgh 6:30pm 12/13 at Jacksonville11 am 12/20 vs Houston 11 am 12/27 at Miami 11 am 1/3 vs Tennessee 11 am
JAGUARS
Jacksonville
Jacksonville entered the 2015 season with the #3 pick in the draft and the most salary cap in Free Agency so things looked on the up for the woeful franchise. Free agency delivered some key talent in, TE Julius Thomas, CB and local NMSU product Davon House and DL Jared Odrick. The Jaguars were also big winners in the draft adding star DE Dante Fowler Jr, Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon, Ohio St DT Michael Bennett, and FSU standout WR Rashad Greene. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, DE Fowler Jr. will be missed for the season with an ACL tear.
9/13 vs Carolina 11 am 9/20 vs Miami 2:05pm 9/27 at New England 11 am 10/4 at Indianapolis 11 am 10/11 at Tampa Bay 11 am 10/18 vs Houston 11 am 10/25 vs Buffalo 7:30am 11/2 BYE 11/8 at Jets 11 am 11/15 at Baltimore 11 am 11/19 vs Tennessee 6:25pm 11/29 vs San Diego 11 am 12/6 at Tennessee 11 am 12/13 vs Indianapolis 11 am 12/20 vs Atlanta 11 am 12/27 at New Orleans 11 am 1/3 at Houston 11 am
TITANS
Tennessee
The Titans made a big splash with the #2 pick in Oregon’s QB and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota then immediately got him help in the 2nd round in WR Dorial Green Beckham, whom many consider the most talented WR in the draft. Veteran signings include WR Hakeem Nicks and TE Anthony Fasano. The Titans also addressed the coaching staff adding long time Steeler Defensive coach Dick Le Beau as assistant head coach and Defensive coach to help one of the worst defenses in the league.
UFG 2015
9/13 at Tampa Bay 2:25pm 9/20 at Cleveland 11 am 9/27 vs Indianapolis 11 am 10/4 BYE 10/11 vs Buffalo 11 am 10/18 vs Miami 11 am 10/25 vs Atlanta 11 am 11/1 at Houston 11 am 11/8 at New Orleans 11 am 11/15 vs Carolina 11 am 11/19 at Jacksonville 6:25pm 11/29 vs Oakland 11 am 12/6 vs Jacksonville 11 am 12/13 at Jets 11 am 12/20 at New England 11 am 12/27 vs Houston 11 am 1/3 at Indianapolis 11 am
BILLS
Buffalo
Buffalo finished 2nd in the AFC East since 2007 but just like that year failed to make the postseason. There’s a new coach in Rex Ryan, and much like in New York, Ryan will have a good defense to work with and perhaps a better offense with 2nd year standout Sammy Watkins and newcomers RB LeSean McCoy and WR Percy Harvin. QB is still key and perhaps wide open with EJ Manuel, Matt Cassel and Matt Simms. Coach Ryan is already talking in Buffalo, but is that a good thing?
9/13 vs Indianapolis 11 am 9/20 vs New England 11 am 9/27 at Miami 2:25pm 10/4 vs Giants 11 am 10/11 at Tennessee 11 am 10/18 vs Cincinnati 11 am 10/25 at Jacksonville 7:30am 11/1 BYE 11/8 vs Miami 11 am 11/12 at Jets 6:25pm 11/23 at New England 6:30pm 11/29 at Kansas City 11 am 12/6 vs Houston 11 am 12/13 at Philadelphia 11 am 12/20 at Washington 11 am 12/27 vs Dallas 11 am 1/3 vs Jets 11 am
DOLPHINS
Miami
Miami could be a dark horse in the AFC East and a possible playoff contender this season. The Dolphins made the biggest splash in Free Agency, signing the most coveted player in DT Ndamukong Suh. QB Ryan Tannehill had a career year in passing yards, TD’s, passer rating, rushing yards and most importantly less interceptions. Miami believes Tannehill can get the job done and awarded him a 6 year, $96 million extension. With key pieces on each side of the ball and rookie WR DeVante Parker, Miami hopes to build on their 8-8 mark.
9/13 at Washington 11 am 9/20 at Jacksonville 2:05pm 9/27 vs Buffalo 2:25pm 10/4 vs Jets 7:30am 10/11 vs BYE 10/18 at Tennessee 11 am 10/25 vs Houston 11 am 10/29 at New England 6:25pm 11/8 at Buffalo 11 am 11/15 at Philadelphia 11 am 11/22 vs Dallas 11 am 11/29 at Jets 11 am 12/6 vs Baltimore 11 am 12/14 vs Giants 6:30pm 12/20 at San Diego 2:25pm 12/27 vs Indianapolis 11 am 1/3 vs New England 11 am
PATRIOTS
New England
The Patriots ended the 2015 season hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the 4th time in franchise history and shortly after that were faced with another controversy with “Deflategate”. Now the Patriots find themselves starting the season without QB Tom Brady for the 1st 4 games. Despite appeals, the NFL remains firm and the matter is now in court. Gone are defensive starters Vince Wilfork, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. New England however always manages to get through these difficult scenarios but just how much longer can we expect Brady and Belichick to continue their reign?
9/10 vs Pittsburgh 6:30pm 9/20 at Buffalo 11 am 9/27 vs Jacksonville 11 am 10/4 BYE 10/11 at Dallas 2:25pm 10/18 at Indianapolis 6:30pm 10/25 vs Jets 11 am 10/29 vs Miami 6:25pm 11/8 vs Washington 11 am 11/15 at Giants 2:25pm 11/23 vs Buffalo 6:30pm 11/29 at Denver 6:30pm 12/6 vs Philadelphia 2:25pm 12/13 at Houston 11 am 12/20 vs Tennessee 11 am 12/27 at Jets 11 am 1/3 at Miami 11 am
JETS
New York
The New York Jets were the worst passing team in the league last year and in today’s NFL if you can’t pass you can’t win. Perhaps that was most notable in their 4-12 record last year that ended the Rex Ryan era. The Jets now welcome new coach Todd Bowels, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and WR Brandon Marshall to help turn around the dismal passing game. Back are familiar faces in CB’s Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. The Jets landed one of the biggest steals in the draft when Leonard Williams fell to them at #6. QB Geno Smith will miss the first six weeks due to a broken jaw.
9/13 vs Cleveland 11 am 9/21 at Indianapolis 6:30pm 9/27 vs Philadelphia 11 am 10/4 at Miami 7:30am 10/11 BYE 10/18 vs Washington 11 am 10/25 at New England 11 am 11/1 at Oakland 2:05pm 11/8 vs Jacksonville 11 am 11/12 vs Buffalo 6:25pm 11/22 at Houston 11 am 11/29 vs Miami 11 am 12/6 at Giants 11 am 12/13 vs Tennessee 11 am 12/19 at Dallas 6:25 12/27 vs New England 11 am 1/3 at Buffalo 11 am 13
AFC WEST NFC NORTH BRONCOS
Denver
Just how much longer can QB Peyton Manning continue to produce? The elder veteran began to show signs of wearing down as the season progressed. The offseason had many changes and none bigger than Coach John Fox stepping down. New coach Gary Kubiak takes over. Gone are TE Julius Thomas, G Orland Franklin and Safety Rahim Moore. The Broncos did have a great prospect LB Shane Ray fall to them at #23 but you start to get the feeling that Manning and company are down to their last life line.
9/13 vs Baltimore 2:25pm 9/17 at Kansas City 6:25pm 9/27 at Detroit 6:30pm 10/4 vs Minnesota 2:25pm 10/11 at Oakland 2:25pm 10/18 at Cleveland 11 am 10/25 BYE 11/1 vs Green Bay 6:30pm 11/8 at Indianapolis 2:25pm 11/15 vs Kansas City 2:25pm 11/22 at Chicago 11 am 11/29 vs New England 6:30pm 12/6 at San Diego 2:05pm 12/13 vs Oakland 2:05pm 12/20 at Pittsburgh 2:25pm 12/28 vs Cincinnati 6:30pm 1/3 vs San Diego 2:25pm
CHIEFS
Kansas City
Kansas City took a step back after a surprising 11-5 season in 2013 and failed to make the playoffs last year at 97. Kansas City may be back on track to contend for the AFC West crown by signing Pro Bowl WR Jeremy Maclin. Maclin hopes to quickly erase last year’s embarrassing statistic of failing to have a WR catch a touchdown pass all season long. Still the level of success for Kansas City lies on Jamaal Charles’ feet and the running game.
9/13 at Houston 11 am 9/17 vs Denver 6:25 pm 9/28 at Green Bay 6:30 pm 10/4 at Cincinnati 11 am 10/11 vs Chicago 11 am 10/18 at Minnesota 11 am 10/25 vs Pittsburgh 11 am 11/1 vs Detroit 7:30 am 11/8 BYE 11/15 at Denver 2:25 pm 11/22 at San Diego 6:30 pm 11/29 vs Buffalo 11 am 12/6 at Oakland 2:05 pm 12/13 vs San Diego 11 am 12/20 at Baltimore 11 am 12/27 vs Cleveland 11 am 1/3 vs Oakland 11 am
RAIDERS
Oakland
The Oakland Raiders have a new head Coach in Jack Del Rio who seems to be a good fit for the Silver and Black. He will have good defensive weapons to work with in 2nd year LB Khalil Mack. The Raiders used the #4 pick in WR Amari Cooper who promises to be a big star in the league and give last year’s rookie standout QB Derek Carr some much needed help on offense. Oakland was also a player in the Free Agency market but made more conservative additions than in years past.
9/13 vs Cincinnati 2:25 pm 9/20 vs Baltimore 2:05 pm 9/27 at Cleveland 11 am 10/4 at Chicago 11 am 10/11 vs Denver 2:25 pm 10/18 BYE 10/25 at San Diego 2:05 pm 11/1 vs NY Jets 2:05 pm 11/8 at Pittsburgh 11 am 11/15 vs Minnesota 2:05 pm 11/22 at Detroit 11 am 11/29 at Tennessee 11 am 12/6 at Kansas City 2:05 pm 12/13 at Denver 2:05 pm 12/20 vs Green Bay 2:05 pm 12/24 vs San Diego 6:25 pm 1/3 at Kansas City 11 am
CHARGERS
San Diego
The big talk out of San Diego this offseason is how much longer Phillip Rivers will be the team’s QB. Trade rumors were buzzing with San Diego possibly making a play for rookie Marcus Mariota and now the team and player are at opposite sides of a contract extension. RB Ryan Matthews was lost to free agency but was replaced with rookie RB Melvin Gordon, whom the Chargers traded up for in the draft. Also new to the offense are WR’s Stevie Johnson and Jacoby Jones.
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9/13 vs Detroit 2:05 pm 9/20 at Cincinnati 11 am 9/27 at Minnesota 11 am 10/4 vs Cleveland 2:05 pm 10/12 vs Pittsburgh 6:30 pm 10/18 at Green Bay 2:25 pm 10/25 vs Oakland 2:05 pm 11/1 at Baltimore 11 am 11/9 vs Chicago 6:30 pm 11/15 BYE 11/22 vs Kansas City 6:30 pm 11/29 at Jacksonville 11 am 12/6 vs Denver 2:05 pm 12/13 at Kansas City 11 am 12/20 vs Miami 2:25 pm 12/24 at Oakland 6:25 pm 1/3 at Denver 2:25 pm
BEARS
Chicago
A 5-11 finish in 2014 made way for quick changes. The Bears fired GM Phil Emery and HCMarc Trestman. In a surprise move, John Fox takes over as coach. The Bears also moved talented but often troubled WR Brandon Marshal to the Jets but welcomed in a prized draftee in WR Kevin White. Bears remained active in free agency landing LB Pernell McPhee, WR Eddie Royal, S Antrel Rolle and DE Ray McDonald. Surprisingly, QB Jay Cutler remains with the team but the Bears hope the changes can help get them back to the playoffs.
9/13 vs Green Bay 11 am 9/20 vs Arizona 11 am 9/27 at Seattle 2:25pm 10/4 vs Oakland 11 am 10/11 at Kansas City 11 am 10/18 at Detroit 11 am 10/25 BYE 11/1 vs Minnesota 11 am 11/9 at San Diego 6:30pm 11/15 at St. Louis 11 am 11/22 vs Denver 11 am 11/26 at Green Bay 6:30pm 12/6 vs San Francisco 11 am 12/13 vs Washington 11 am 12/20 at Minnesota 11 am 12/27 at Tampa Bay 11 am 1/3 vs Detroit 11 am
LIONS
Detroit
The Lions perhaps had their biggest star in Suh leave to Free Agency but seem to have rebounded nicely, trading for another solid DT in ex-Raven Haloti Ngata. Another former asset, Reggie Bush left for the Bay Area but yet again, Detroit replaced him with Rookie RB Ameer Abdullah. Detroit had their best season since ‘91 with 11 wins and have the foundation to build on. As long as Megatron is catching passes Detroit can find themselves again in the playoffs.
9/13 at San Diego 2:05 pm 9/20 at Minnesota 11 am 9/27 vs Denver 6:30 pm 10/5 at Seattle 6:30 pm 10/11 vs Arizona 2:05 pm 10/18 vs Chicago 11 am 10/25 vs Minnesota 11 am 11/1 at Kansas City 7:30 am 11/8 BYE 11/15 at Green Bay 11 am 11/22 vs Oakland 11 am 11/26 vs Philadelphia 10:30am 12/3 vs Green Bay 6:25 pm 12/13 at St. Louis 11 am 12/21 at New Orleans 6:30 pm 12/27 San Francisco 11 am 1/3 at Chicago 11 am
PACKERS
Green Bay
The Packers were only two minutes and nine seconds away from a trip to their 6th SuperBowl when disaster hit and the Seahawks scored 15 unanswered points. The Packers are putting aside their disastrous collapse and looking to 2015. Keeping key pieces was the main priority in Green Bay and prized WR Randall Cobb decided to turn down more money to stay in Lambeau Field. They hope this is enough to give them another trip to the NFC Championship game this time with a different outcome.
9/13 at Chicago 11 am 9/20 vs Seattle 6:30 pm 9/28 vs Kansas City 6:30 pm 10/4 at San Francisco 2:25 pm 10/11 vs St. Louis 11 am 10/18 vs San Diego 2:25 pm 10/25 BYE 11/1 at Denver 6:30 pm 11/8 at Carolina 11 am 11/15 vs Detroit 11 am 11/22 at Minnesota 11 am 11/26 vs Chicago 6:30 pm 12/3 at Detroit 6:25 pm 12/13 vs Dallas 2:25 pm 12/20 at Oakland 2:05 pm 12/27 at Arizona 2:25 pm 1/3 vs Minnesota 11 am
VIKINGS
Minnesota
The big story in the offseason for the Vikings was centered around star RB Adrian Peterson and his reluctance to report to training camp and reportedly play for the team. Minnesota did not budge in trading the disgruntled RB and Peterson reported to camp in June to join the team. The Vikings are hoping that Peterson will be rust free after missing all of last year due to suspension, to help sophomore QB Teddy Bridgewater who showed plenty of promise. Rookie CB Trae Waynes will help on the defensive side.
9/14 at San Francisco 8:20 pm 9/20 vs Detroit 11 am 9/27 vs San Diego 11 am 10/4 at Denver 2:25 pm 10/11 BYE 10/18 vs Kansas City 11 am 10/25 at Detroit 11 am 11/1 at Chicago 11 am 11/8 vs St. Louis 11 am 11/15 at Oakland 2:05 pm 11/22 vs Green Bay 11 am 11/29 at Atlanta 11 am 12/6 vs Seattle 11 am 12/10 at Arizona 6:25 pm 12/20 vs Chicago 11 am 12/27 vs N.Y. Giants 11 am 1/3 at Green Bay 11 am UFG
NFC SOUTH FALCONS
Atlanta
Atlanta is another team that starts 2015 with a new HC in Dan Quinn along with a new OC with Kyle Shanahan. The Falcons for years have focused on their passing game with all pro WR’s Julio Jones and Roddy White but the addition of Shanahan as OC immediately resonates with the running game. Former probowler Stephen Jackson was released by the team back in February so the Falcons will heavily rely on 2nd year RB Devonta Freeman who many project as a breakout star and Rookie Indiana RB prospect Tevin Coleman.
9/14 vs Philadelphia 5:10 pm 9/20 at N.Y. Giants 11 am 9/27 at Dallas 11 am 10/4 vs Houston 11 am 10/11 vs Washington 11 am 10/15 at New Orleans 8:25 pm 10/25 at Tennessee 11 am 11/1 vs Tampa Bay 11 am 11/8 at San Francisco 4:05 pm 11/15 BYE 11/22 vs Indianapolis 11 am 11/29 vs Minnesota 11 am 12/6 at Tampa Bay 11 am 12/13 at Carolina 11 am 12/20 at Jacksonville 11 am 12/27 vs Carolina 11 am 1/3 vs New Orleans 11 am
PANTHERS
Carolina
The Carolina Panthers snuck their way into the playoffs after winning their division for the 2nd consecutive year. However, last year’s record was a dismal 7-8-1 season. Good enough in the NFC South which struggled to have a team with a winning record. The foundation on both sides of the ball lies with QB Cam Newton and LB Luke Kuechly. New additions include free agents WR Ted Ginn Jr, and OT Michael Oher plus All Pro CB Charles Tillman. Versatile Rookie LB/RB Shaq Thompson joins the team with their 1st round pick.
9/13 at Jacksonville 11 am 9/20 vs Houston 11 am 9/27 vs New Orleans 11 am 10/4 at Tampa Bay 11 am 10/11 BYE 10/18 at Seattle 2:05 pm 10/25 vs Philadelphia 6:30 pm 11/2 vs Indianapolis 6:30 pm 11/8 vs Green Bay 11 am 11/15 at Tennessee 11 am 11/22 vs Washington 11 am 11/26 at Dallas 2:30 pm 12/6 at New Orleans 11 am 12/13 vs Atlanta 11 am 12/20 at N.Y. Giants 11 am 12/27 at Atlanta 11 am 1/3 vs Tampa Bay 11 am
SAINTS
New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints had a very disappointing season last year and yet only missed the playoffs due to a tie the Panthers had over them. Superstar TE Jimmy Graham has left for Seattle but yet the Saints’ main priority for the offseason is on the defensive side of the ball. LB Curtis Lofton has also departed and so the team looked to the draft picking LB’s Stephone Anthony in Rd 1 and Hau’oli Kikaha in Rd 2. LB Dannell Ellerbe, former Raven also joins the team via trade to help bolster the LB unit.
9/13 at Arizona 2:05 pm 9/20 vs Tampa Bay 11 am 9/27 at Carolina 11 am 10/4 vs Dallas 6:30 pm 10/11 at Philadelphia 11 am 10/15 vs Atlanta 6:25 pm 10/25 at Indianapolis 11 am 11/1 vs N.Y. Giants 11 am 11/8 vs Tennessee 11 am 11/15 at Washington 11 am 11/22 BYE 11/29 at Houston 11 am 12/6 vs Carolina 11 am 12/13 at Tampa Bay 11 am 12/21 vs Detroit 6:30 pm 12/27 vs Jacksonville 11 am 1/3 at Atlanta 11 am
BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers landed the 1st overall pick in the 2015 draft and selected FSU former Heisman Trophy Winner Jameis Winston. Winston is very gifted and perhaps NFL ready but comes with tremendous off-the-field character issues. On offense, Winston will have a great target in last year rookie standout Mike Evans while RB remains a weak position for the team. Will Winston be a day one starter or will he continue with off the field issues that will be detriment to his NFL career if so the Buccaneers may find themselves again picking #1.
UFG 2015
9/13 vs Tennessee 4:25 pm 9/20 at New Orleans 11 am 9/27 at Houston 11 am 10/4 vs Carolina 11 am 10/11 vs Jacksonville 11 am 10/18 BYE 10/25 at Washington 11 am 11/1 at Atlanta 11 am 11/8 vs N.Y. Giants 2:05 pm 11/15 vs Dallas 11 am 11/22 at Philadelphia 11 am 11/29 at Indianapolis 11 am 12/6 vs Atlanta 11 am 12/13 vs New Orleans 11 am 12/17 at St. Louis 6:25 pm 12/27 vs Chicago 11 am 1/3 at Carolina 11 am
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COWBOYS
Dallas
The Cowboys surprised the entire league and critics alike last year. Dallas had the best offensive line in the NFL and produced the league’s leading rusher. The defense was also much improved. Dallas was in an excellent position to contend for a championship and if not for a now infamous, controversial non-catch ruling could have been. Dallas had a couple of steals in the draft with 1st round prospects OT Lael Collins and DE Randall Gregory. Dallas hopes newcomer Darren McFadden can cover for a departing DeMarco Murray behind the league’s best line. Dallas’s season looks promising.
9/13 vs N.Y. Giants 6:30 pm 9/20 at Philadelphia 2:25 pm 9/27 vs Atlanta 11 am 10/4 at New Orleans 6:30 pm 10/11 vs New England 2:25 pm 10/18 BYE 10/25 at N.Y. Giants 2:25 pm 11/1 vs Seattle 2:25 pm 11/8 vs Philadelphia 6:30 pm 11/15 at Tampa Bay 11 am 11/22 at Miami 11 am 11/26 vs Carolina 2:30 pm 12/7 at Washington 6:30 pm 12/13 at Green Bay 2:25 pm 12/19 vs N.Y. Jets 6:25 pm 12/27 at Buffalo 11 am 1/3 vs Washington 11 am
GIANTS
New York
2014 was a disappointing year for the G-Men but one bright spot was the birth of a superstar for years to come in Rookie Pro-Bowl WR Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants are hoping Victor Cruz can get through rehab and back in form to give them one of the league’s best WR duos. DE Justin Pierre Paul was brought back under a franchise tag and then had an off the field accident during the 4th of July that caused him to lose his thumb. There are many injuries surrounding the team and the season has not yet started.
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9/13 at Dallas 6:30 pm 9/20 vs Atlanta 11 am 9/24 vs Washington 6:25 pm 10/4 at Buffalo 11 am 10/11 vs San Francisco 6:30 pm 10/19 at Philadelphia 6:30 pm 10/25 vs Dallas 2:25 pm 11/1 at New Orleans 11 am 11/8 at Tampa Bay 2:05 pm 11/15 vs New England 2:25 pm 11/22 BYE 11/29 at Washington 11 am 12/6 vs N.Y. Jets 11 am 12/14 at Miami 6:30 pm 12/20 vs Carolina 11 am 12/27 at Minnesota 11 am 1/3 vs Philadelphia 11 am
NFC EAST EAGLES
Philadelphia
Is Chip Kelly crazy or crazy like a fox? The Eagles were very busy in the offseason, 1st trading arguably their best player in RB LeSean McCoy for LB Kiko Alonso who was the former Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 but missed all of last year with a torn ACL injury. QB Nick Foles was also traded to St. Louis in exchange for QB Sam Bradford. WR Jeremy Maclin left in free agency but the Eagles adde DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews, both of whom have had injury riddled careers. Also the Eagles signed Tim Tebow.
9/14 at Atlanta 5:10 pm 9/20 vs Dallas 2:25 pm 9/27 at N.Y. Jets 11 am 10/4 at Washington 11 am 10/11 vs New Orleans 11 am 10/19 vs N.Y. Giants 6:30 pm 10/25 at Carolina 6:30 pm 11/1 BYE 11/8 at Dallas 6:30 pm 11/15 vs Miami 11 am 11/22 vs Tampa Bay 11 am 11/26 at Detroit 10:30am 12/6 at New England 2:25 pm 12/13 vs Buffalo 11 am 12/20 vs Arizona 11 am 12/26 vs Washington 6:25 pm 1/3 at N.Y. Giants 11 am
REDSKINS
Washington
Is the RG3 era in Washington coming to an end? Coach Jay Gruden continues to assert that Griffin will be day 1’s starting QB but the friction between player and coach played out all too public in the coach’s rookie year last season. The QB and Coach relationship was not the only controversy surrounding the team as the Redskin name continues to play out in the courts and a name change seems inevitable.
9/13 vs Miami 11 am 9/20 vs St. Louis 11 am 9/24 at N.Y. Giants 6:25 pm 10/4 vs Philadelphia 11 am 10/11 at Atlanta 11 am 10/18 at N.Y. Jets 11 am 10/25 vs Tampa Bay 11 am 11/1 BYE 11/8 at New England 11 am 11/15 vs New Orleans 11 am 11/22 at Carolina 11 am 11/29 vs N.Y. Giants 11 am 12/7 vs Dallas 6:30 pm 12/13 at Chicago 11 am 12/20 vs Buffalo 11 am 12/26 at Philadelphia 6:25 pm 1/3 at Dallas 11 am
UFG
CARDINALS
Arizona
The Cardinals were one of the toughest and better teams in 2014 but injuries to starting QB Carson Palmer and back up QB Drew Stanton ultimately took its toll. No team is expected to do much in the playoffs with a 3rd string QB. Now Arizona hopes veteran QB Palmer can come back from his torn ACL and help the team build off of last season. Rookie DJ Humphries joins the team to bolster the offensive line. The sky was the limit last year for the Cardinals but they need to stay healthy.
9/13 vs New Orleans 2:05 pm 9/20 at Chicago 11 am 9/27 vs San Francisco 2:05 pm 10/4 St. Louis 2:25 pm 10/11 at Detroit 2:05 pm 10/18 at Pittsburgh 11 am 10/26 vs Baltimore 6:30 pm 11/1 at Cleveland 11 am 11/8 BYE 11/15 at Seattle 6:30 pm 11/22 vs Cincinnati 2:05 pm 11/29 at San Francisco 2:05 pm 12/6 at St. Louis 11 am 12/10 vs Minnesota 6:25 pm 12/20 at Philadelphia 11 am 12/27 vs Green Bay 2:25 pm 1/3 vs Seattle 4:25 pm
49ERS
San Francisco
The Bay Area will be hosting Super Bowl 50 at Levis Stadium but it doesn’t look like the 49ers will be favorites to play at home in February. The team was plagued with retirement announcements by players like LB Patrick Willis, 2nd year LB and rookie standout Chris Borland and DE Justin Smith plus OT Anthony Davis all hanging the cleats up. Aside from the veteran Smith, all players were 30 or younger and still had plenty to offer. New head coach Jim Tomsula inherits the issues for the departed Jim Harbaugh. 2015 will be tough for the 49ers.
UFG 2015
9/14 vs Minnesota 8:20 pm 9/20 at Pittsburgh 11 am 9/27 at Arizona 2:05 pm 10/4 vs Green Bay 2:25 pm 10/11 at N.Y. Giants 6:30 pm 10/18 vs Baltimore 2:25 pm 10/22 vs Seattle 6:25 pm 11/1 at St. Louis 11 am 11/8 vs Atlanta 2:05 pm 11/15 BYE 11/22 at Seattle 2:25 pm 11/29 vs Arizona 2:05 pm 12/6 at Chicago 11 am 12/13 at Cleveland 11 am 12/20 vs Cincinnati 6:30 pm 12/27 at Detroit 11 am 1/3 vs St. Louis 2:25 pm
NFC WEST
SEAHAWKS
Seattle
It was the interception heard around the world with seconds left and inches from the goal line to become Back to Back Champions. This is the kind of play that can make a team lose itself and never recuperate from. Yet somehow Seattle still seems like a favorite in the NFC and somehow they look even more dangerous with the addition of TE Jeremy Graham, yet another target for QB Russell Wilson. RB Marshawn Lynch is also back, after resigning with the team. The Seahawks also bolstered the Legion of Boom with Free Agent CB Cary Williams.
9/13 at St. Louis 11 am 9/20 at Green Bay 6:30 pm 9/27 vs Chicago 2:25 pm 10/5 vs Detroit 6:30 pm 10/11 at Cincinnati 11 am 10/18 vs Carolina 2:05 pm 10/22 at San Francisco 6:25 pm 11/1 at Dallas 2:25 pm 11/8 BYE 11/15 vs Arizona 6:30 pm 11/22 vs San Francisco 2:25 pm 11/29 vs Pittsburgh 2:25 pm 12/6 at Minnesota 11 am 12/13 at Baltimore 6:30 pm 12/20 vs Cleveland 2:05 pm 12/27 vs St. Louis 2:25 pm 1/3 at Arizona 2:25 pm
RAMS
St. Louis
The Sam Bradford era comes to an end in St. Louis and it seems that injuries never allowed the QB to show its true potential. In comes QB Nick Foles who will have speedy WR’s in Tavon Austin, poised for a breakout year in 2016, and Stedman Bailey plus veteran leader Kenny Britt. The Rams also drafted RB Todd Gurley to join 2nd year standout Tre Mason. The Rams are also stacked on defense and seem like an up and comer in the West. The problem for them may be Seattle and Arizona.
9/13 vs Seattle 11 am 9/20 at Washington 11 am 9/27 vs Pittsburgh 11 am 10/4 at Arizona 2:25 pm 10/11 at Green Bay 11 am 10/18 BYE 10/25 vs Cleveland 11 am 11/1 vs San Francisco 11 am 11/8 at Minnesota 11 am 11/15 vs Chicago 11 am 11/22 at Baltimore 11 am 11/29 at Cincinnati 11 am 12/6 vs Arizona 11 am 12/13 vs Detroit 11 am 12/17 vs Tampa Bay 6:25 pm 12/27 at Seattle 2:25 pm 1/3 at San Francisco 4:25 pm
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WEEK ONE
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WEEK TWO
WEEK THREE
WEEK FOUR
THURSDAY 9/10 NBC 6:30 pm • Pittsburgh at New England
THURSDAY 9/17 CBS 6:25pm • Denver at Kansas City
HURSDAY 9/24 CBS 6:25 pm • Washington at NY
THURSDAY 10/1 CBS 6:25 pm • Baltimore at Pittsburgh
SUNDAY 9/13 FOX 11:00 am • Green Bay at Chicago • Carolina at Jacksonville • Seattle at St. Louis CBS 11:00 am • Kansas City at Houston • Indianapolis at Buffalo • Cleveland at New York • Miami at Washington FOX 2:05 pm • New Orleans at Arizona • Detroit at San Diego CBS 2:25 pm • Baltimore at Denver • Cincinnati at Oakland • Tennessee at Tampa Bay NBC 6:30pm • New York at Dallas
SUNDAY 9/20 CBS 11:00 am • New England Buffalo • Houston at Carolina • San Diego at Cincinnati • Tennessee at Cleveland FOX 11:00 am • Arizona at Chicago • Detroit at Minnesota • Tampa Bay at New Orleans • Atlanta at New York • San Francisco at Pittsburgh • St. Louis at Washington CBS 2:05 pm • Miami at Jacksonville • Baltimore at Oakland FOX 2:25pm • Dallas at Philadelphia NBC 6:30 pm • Seattle zt Green Bay
SUNDAY 9/27 FOX 11:00 am • Atlanta at Dallas • New Orleans at Carolina • Tampa Bay at Houston • Philadelphia at New York CBS 11:00 am • Cincinnati at Baltimore • Oakland at Cleveland • San Diego at Minnesota • Jacksonville at New England • Pittsburgh at St. Louis • Indianapolis at Tennessee FOX 2:05 pm • San Francisco at Arizona CBS 2:25 pm • Buffalo at Miami • Chicago at Seattle NBC 6:30 pm • Denver at Detroit
SUNDAY 10/4 CBS 7:30 am • New York at Miami CBS 11:00 am • Houston at Atlanta • Oakland at Chicago • Kansas Cityat Cincinnati • Jacksonville at Indianapolis FOX 11:00 am • New York at Buffalo • Carolina at Tampa Bay • Philadelphia at Washington CBS 2:05 pm • Cleveland at San Diego FOX 2:25 pm • St. Louis at Arizona • Minnesota at Denver • Green Bay at San Francisco NBC 6:30 pm • Dallas at New Orleans
MONDAY 9/21 ESPN 6:30pm • NewYork at Indianapolis
MONDAY 9/28 ESPN 6:30 pm • Kansas City at Green Bay
MONDAY 10/5 ESPN 6:30 pm • Detroit at Seattle Byes: Tennessee, New England
MONDAY 9/14 ESPN 5:10 pm • Philadelphia at Atlanta 8:20 pm • Minnesota at San Francisco
WEEK FIVE
WEEK SIX
WEEK SEVEN
WEEK EIGHT
THURSDAY 10/8 CBS 6:25pm • Indianapolis at Houston
THURSDAY 10/15 FOX 6:25 pm • Atlanta at New Orleans
THURSDAY 10/22 CBS 6:25 pm • Seattle at San Francisco
THURSDAY 10/29 CBS 6:25 pm • Miami at New England
SUNDAY 10/11 FOX 11:00 am • Washington at Atlanta • Seattle at Cincinnati • Chicago at Kansas City • New Orleans at Philadelphia CBS 11:00 am • Cleveland at Baltimore • St. Louis at Green Bay • Jacksonville at Tampa Bay • Buffalo at Tennessee FOX 2:05pm • Arizona at Detroit Lions CBS 2:25pm • New England at Dallas • Denver at Oakland NBC 6:30 pm • San Francisco at New York
SUNDAY 10/18 FOX 11:00 am • Washington at New York • Arizona at Pittsburgh • Chicago at Detroit Lions CBS 11:00 am • Cincinnati at Buffalo • Denver at Cleveland • Houston at Jacksonville • Kansas City at Minnesota • Miami at Tennessee FOX 2:05 pm • Carolina at Seattle CBS 2:25 pm • San Diego at Green Bay • Baltimore at San Francisco NBC 6:30 pm • New England at Indianapolis
SUNDAY 10/25 CBS 7:30 am • Buffalo at Jacksonville
SUNDAY 11/1 FOX 7:30 am • Detroit Lions at Kansas City (London)
MONDAY 10/12 ESPN 6:30 pm • Pittsburgh at San Diego Byes: Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, NY
MONDAY 10/19 ESPN 6:30 pm • New York at Philadelphia Byes: Dallas, Oakland, St. Louis, Tampa Bay
CBS 11:00 am • Pittsburgh at Kansas City • Cleveland at St. Louis • Houston at Miami • New York at New England FOX 11:00 am • Minnesota at Detroit Lions • New Orleans at Indianapolis • Atlanta at Tennessee • Tampa Bay at Washington CBS 2:05 pm • Oakland at San Diego FOX 2:25 pm • Dallas at New York NBC 6:30 pm • Philadelphiaat Carolina MONDAY 10/26 ESPN 6:30 pm Baltimore at Arizona Byes: Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay
CBS 11:00 am • San Diego at Baltimore • Cincinnati at Pittsburgh • Tennessee at Houston FOX 11:00 am • Tampa Bay at Atlanta • Minnesota at Chicago • Arizona at Cleveland • New York at New Orleans • San Francisco at St. Louis CBS 2:05 pm • New York at Oakland FOX 2:25 pm • Seattle at Dallas NBC 6:30 pm • Green Bay at Denver MONDAY 11/2 ESPN 6:30 pm • Indianapolis at Carolina Byes: Buffalo, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Washington
;DODZRIILFH FRP WEEK NINE
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WEEK ELEVEN
THURSDAY 11/5 CBS 6:25 pm • Cleveland at Cincinnati
THURSDAY 11/12 CBS 6:25 pm • Buffalo at New York
THURSDAY 11/19 CBS 6:25 pm • Tennessee at Jacksonville
SUNDAY 11/8 FOX 11:00 am • Green Bay at Carolina • St. Louis at Minnesota • Washington at New England CBS 11:00 am • Miami at Buffalo • Tennessee at New Orleans • Jacksonville at New York • Oakland at Pittsburgh FOX 2:05 pm • Atlanta at San Francisco • New York at Tampa Bay CBS 2:25 pm • Denver at Indianapolis NBC 6:30 pm • Philadelphia at Dallas
SUNDAY 11/15 FOX 11:00 am • Detroit Lions at Green Bay • Chicago at St. Louis • Dallas at Tampa Bay • Carolina at Tennessee • New Orleans at Washington CBS 11:00 am • Jacksonville at Baltimore • Miami at Philadelphia • Cleveland at Pittsburgh FOX 2:05 pm • Minnesota at Oakland CBS 2:25 pm •Kansas City at Denver New England at New York NBC 6:30 pm • Arizona at Seattle
SUNDAY 11/22 CBS 11:00 am • Indianapolis at Atlanta • Denver at Chicago • Oakland at Detroit Lions • New York at Houston FOX 11:00 am • St. Louis at Baltimore • Washington at Carolina • Dallas at Miami • Green Bay at Minnesota • Tampa Bay at Philadelphia CBS 2:05 pm • Cincinnati at Arizona FOX 2:25 pm • San Francisco at Seattle NBC 6:30 pm • Kansas City at San Diego
MONDAY 11/16 ESPN 6:30 pm • Houston at Cincinnati Byes: Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Francisco
MONDAY 11/23 ESPN 6:30 pm • Buffalo at New England Byes: Cleveland, New Orleans, NY , Pittsburgh
MONDAY 11/9 ESPN 6:30 pm • Chicago at San Diego Byes: Arizona, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle
WEEK THIRTEEN
THURSDAY 12/3 CBS 6:25pm • Green Bay at Detroit Lions SUNDAY 12/6 CBS 11:00 am • Houston at Buffalo • Cincinnati at Cleveland • Baltimore at Miami • New York at New York • Jacksonville at Tennessee FOX 11:00 am • Seattle at Minnesota • Carolina at New Orleans • Arizona at St. Louis • Atlanta at Tampa Bay • San Francisco at Chicago CBS 2:05 pm • Kansas City at Oakland • Denver at San Diego FOX 2:25 pm • Philadelphia at New England NBC 6:30 pm • Indianapolis at Pittsburgh MONDAY 12/7 ESPN 6:30pm • Dallas at Washington
WEEK SEVENTEEN
SUNDAY 1/3 CBS 11:00 am • Baltimore at Cincinnati • Pittsburgh at Cleveland • Jacksonville at Houston • Tennessee at Indianapolis
WEEK FOURTEEN
THURSDAY 12/10 NFL Network 6:25pm • Minnesota at Arizona
SUNDAY 12/13 CBS 11:00 am • Buffalo at Philadelphia • Tennessee at New York • Pittsburgh at Cincinnati • New England at Houston • Indianapolis at Jacksonville • San Diego at Kansas City FOX 11:00 am • Atlanta at Carolina • Washington at Chicago • San Franciscoat Cleveland • Detroit Lions at St. Louis • New Orleans at Tampa Bay CBS 2:05 pm • Oakland at Denver FOX 2:25 pm • Dallas at Green Bay NBC 6:30 pm • Seattle at Baltimore MONDAY 12/14 ESPN 6:30 pm • New York at Miami
• Oakland at Kansas City • New England at Miami • New York at Buffalo FOX 11:00 am • New Orleans at Atlanta
WEEK FIFTEEN
WEEK TWELVE
THURSDAY 11/26 FOX 10:30 am • Philadelphia at Detroit Lions CBS 2:30 pm • Carolina at Dallas NBC 6:30 pm • Chicago at Green Bay SUNDAY 11/29 FOX 11:00 am • Minnesota at Atlanta • St. Louis at Cincinnati • New Orleans at Houston • Tampa Bay at Indianapolis • New York at Washington CBS 11:00 am • San Diego at Jacksonville • Buffalo at Kansas City • Miami at New York • Oakland at Tennessee FOX 2:05 pm • Arizona at San Francisco CBS 2:25 pm • Pittsburgh at Seattle NBC 6:30 pm • New England at Denver MONDAY 11/30 ESPN 6:30pm • Baltimore at Cleveland NFL Network 6:25pm • San Diego at Oakland
WEEK SIXTEEN
THURSDAY 12/17 NFL Network 6:25pm • Tampa Bay at St. Louis
SATURDAY 12/26 NFL Network 6:25pm • Washington at Philadelphia
SATURDAY 12/19 NFL Network 6:25pm • New York at Dallas
SUNDAY 12/27 FOX 11:00 am • Carolina at Atlanta • Dallas at Buffalo • San Franciscoat Detroit Lions • Chicago at Tampa Bay • New York at Minnesota CBS 11:00 am • Cleveland at Kansas City • Indianapolis at Miami • Jacksonville at New Orleans • New England at New York • Houston at Tennessee FOX 2:25 pm • Green Bay at Arizona • St. Louis at Seattle NBC 6:30pm • Pittsburgh at Baltimore
SUNDAY 12/20 FOX 11:00 am • Chicago at Minnesota • Atlanta at Jacksonville • Arizona at Philadelphia • Carolina at New York CBS 11:00 am • Kansas City at Baltimore • Houston at Indianapolis • Tennessee at New England • Buffalo at Washington FOX 2:05 pm • Green Bay at Oakland • Cleveland at Seattle CBS 2:25 pm • Denver at Pittsburgh • Miami at San Diego NBC 6:30 pm • Cincinnati at San Francisco
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MONDAY 12/28 ESPN 6:30pm • Cincinnati at Denver
MONDAY 12/21 ESPN 6:30pm • Detroit Lions at New Orleans • Tampa Bay at Carolina • Detroit Lions at Chicago • Washington at Dallas • Philadelphiaat New York • Minnesota at Green Bay
CBS 2:25 pm • San Diego at Denver FOX 2:25 pm • Seattle at Arizona • St. Louis at San Francisco
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2015 UTEP FooTball SchEdUlE Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 28
at Arkansas at Texas Tech at New Mexico State INCARNATE WORD UTSA* at FIU* FLORIDA ATLANTIC* at Southern Miss* RICE* at Old Dominion* LOUISIANA TECH* at North Texas*
Home games in ALL CAPS * Denotes C-USA Games
Photo courtesy UTEP Athletics
24
By Aaron Rich If you were to take a snapshot following Sean Kugler’s first season as Head Coach in 2013 you’d see a team that finished 2-10 with a shell of a roster, looking far from competitive, let alone anywhere near competing for conference championships. The fan base began to wonder if running off former Head Coach Mike Price was such a great idea and feeling 4-8 and 5-7 seasons with high scoring shootouts were not so bad after all. But Kugler made good on his promises in year two putting together one of the greatest turnarounds in the country with a 7-6 record and a trip to the New Mexico Bowl; the Miners first bowl game since 2010 and first winning season since 2005. More importantly, UTEP has the pieces in place to take another big step in 2015. The Miners were picked to finish third in the West Division in the Conference USA preseason poll, conducted by a panel of media members behind Louisiana Tech and Rice. THE OFFENSE UTEP has yet to announce who will be under center at the start of the season (either redshirt sophomore Mack Leftwich, junior Garrett Simpson, or freshman Ryan Metz) and for most football teams with questions at quarterback, the outlook is bleak. For the Miners it is mostly a question of who will hand the ball off to Aaron Jones. The El Paso native was named C-USA preseason first-team after 1,321 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and with 4 returning starters on the offensive line, those numbers should be even higher. Last season UTEP had a top ten rushing attack nationally and their ground-and-pound style should be even better with added depth in the running corp.
THE DEFENSE The Miners made the biggest improvement on the defensive side of the ball last season improving from 9 turnovers in 2013 to 21, doubling their sack total, and ranking as the 35th best third down defense in the country. A big part of that was because of Roy Robertson-Harris. The 6-foot-7, 255 pound senior defensive end is the leader and gem of coordinator Scott Stokers 4-2-5 scheme. He led the team in tackles for a loss (8.5), sacks (3.5) and forced fumbles (4) and anchors a defensive line that returns three third-year starters. El Paso native Alvin Jones at linebacker has become the biggest playmaker for the team as a junior and the secondary will be led by converted RB turned senior safety LaQuintus Dowell. THE OUTLOOK UTEP opens 2015 with three consecutive road games at Arkansas, Texas Tech and New Mexico State. The two teams picked ahead of UTEP in the preseason, (LaTech and Rice) both come to El Paso. The Miners’ only non-conference home game is Incarnate Word (FCS). At first glance, the schedule may look daunting, but if UTEP can win in Lubbock, a very real possibility, a win over the Red Raiders could key a nine-victory season and have the Miners in a position for their first conference championship since 2000.
UFG
Brought to you by
nmsu
By Beau Bagley Every year the question is asked… Could this be the year New Mexico State football earns a bowl bid? (*NMSU has not appeared in a bowl game since the 1960 Sun Bowl) Coaches, players and fans are tired of hearing it, but this could be the year the answer to that question is yes. Head Coach Doug Martin finally feels like the Aggies are his team. In his third year, Martin says he has recruited his types of players on both sides of the ball, and that physicality showed during a competitive spring. “I think our players really responded. I thought we got more physical as the spring went on. I Challenged them to be a physical football team early on. I thought, especially on the defensive line, we achieved that as the spring went. I thought we got much better at the quarterback position. I think we have a chance to be a really good offensive football team,” said Martin. The question will be defense. The Aggies return 10 starters from a defense that ranked last in the nation in stopping the run. Linebacker Rodney Butler returns as the captain, with new Defensive Coordinator Zane Vance leading the way. More blitzes and schemes will be likely on that side of the ball. Offensively, the position to watch is quarterback. In 2014, Tyler Rogers completed 61.5% of his passes for 2,779 yards and 19 touchdowns… not bad numbers, but Tyler also threw 23 interceptions. The junior from Peoria, Arizona, will have to cut down on his picks if this team wants to contend for a Sun Belt championship. Martin alluded to that fact in the spring, saying it’s a wide open quarterback race, bringing in six quarterbacks to compete for the job. Rogers will compete with Sophomore Andrew Allen, Sophomore Nick Jeanty, and Junior Jason Fitzpatrick.
UFG 2015
“We are right there. We've just got to keep on it. Keep trusting the coaches and keep trusting each other and keep on one another,” said Rogers. “The experience I got last year was huge. Learning from my mistakes and taking the coaching. Just getting better and continuing to improve and never be satisfied is what I need to do.” In April’s Spring Game at Aggie Memorial Stadium, Rogers finished the day going 8-of-14 in passing attempts with 116 yards, one interception and one touchdown. Nick Jeanty also saw snaps underneath center and finished going 5-of-10 for 93 yards, with one touchdown pass. Quarterback Jason Fitzpatrick also had a chance to get in some work at the quarterback position and went 7-of-8 for 65 yards. Whoever is playing quarterback, they will have a speedy receiver in Junior Teldrick Morgan, one of the top receivers in the Sun Belt Conference (903 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2014). Sophomore running back Larry Rose III could be the star of the team on offense. Rose III had an electric freshman campaign with 1,102 yards and nine touchdowns. Rose also added 172 yards and one touchdown receiving. “Going in to this season, my biggest thing is just showing people that I can endure a whole 12-13 games, so that's my biggest thing. The OL up front, they do what they do opening up holes, so I always tell them, if you can just get me to the second level, I'll do my best to get you off the field as fast as I can, so that is what I am working at right now,” said Rose III. Matchups against rivals UTEP and New Mexico in back to back games in late September and early October will be measuring sticks, but key Sun Belt games include October 17 at Georgia Southern, October 24 at home vs. Troy, and November road games at Texas State and UL-Lafayette. The season begins September 5th at the University of Florida.
2015 NMSU FooTball SchEdUlE Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Nov. 28 Dec. 5
at Florida Georgia State* UTEP at New Mexico at Ole Miss at Georgia Southern* Troy* Idaho* at Texas State* at UL-Lafayette* Arkansas State* at UL-Monroe*
* denotes Sun Belt Conference Game
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Senior ShowcaSe
The Greater El Paso Football Showcase is made up of several activities and events to highlight El Paso area talent and to provide opportunities for personal and educational enrichment for high school seniors. These students are offered an opportunity and venue for scholarships to proclaim the pride of youth, the spirit of competition, their quest for excellence, and to establish a foundation for a better future through higher education, citizenship, health, and legacy. This will be the 24th year of the Showcase. The College Combine, which will take place beginning at 3 p.m. on December 18, 2015, at the Socorro Athletic Complex, brings together college recruiting coaches from more than 40 schools across the country with senior football players. The players execute drills and present the coaches with information about their academic and athletic achievements to qualify for scholarship opportunities or other financial aid at Division II, III, and NAIA colleges. Since its inception in 2011, the Combine has resulted in scholar-
ships for approximately 80 El Paso athletes for a combined total of about $6.2 million in scholarships. The annual All Star Game, taking place this year on December 19, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. at the Sun Bowl, includes football players, cheerleaders, ROTC, band, choir, dance, flag team, managers, and trainers. All senior participants are eligible for scholarships. The All Star Game alone has produced over 600 scholarships for El Paso seniors totaling $519,000.00. Twenty such scholarships were awarded based on participation in the 2014 All Star Game. The Showcase also puts on the Junior All Star Mentor program, which involves at-risk middle school students that the Senior All Star football players mentor. This includes workshops with counselors, one-on-one sessions, introductions during the Sun Bowl, a
tour of the UTEP campus, and a movie with a Senior All Star. When combined with the students receiving scholarships offered during the College Combine since 2011, approximately $7.5 million in scholarships have been awarded. Football players wishing to be considered for the All Star Game or who would like to participate in the Combine will need to ensure that they have submitted their SAT or ACT score by December 1, 2015. Remaining test dates for the SAT are October 3 (register by September 3) and November 7 (register by October 9). Remaining test dates for the ACT are September 12 (register by August 7) or October 24 (register by September 18). For additional requirements, application forms, and more information about the Showcase, please visit www.gepfs.com.
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the right stuff
Players to watch
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Nike Pro Combat Athletic Training T-Shirts
Nike Vapor Jet 2.0 Football Gloves
Nike Men’s Alpha Pro 2 3/4 TD LE Football Cleats
academy.com/football
the right stuff
PlayerS to watch
Brannon Bullitt Chapin WR
6-2, 195 lbs:
Bullitt makes his second straight appearance in our list of top HS football players and according to Coach Rene Hernandez the senior will do everything for the Huskies which could mean a spike in his stats (52-998 yards, 9 TDs in ’14). The Division I prospect is already verbally committed to UTEP.
Tristan Cooper Andress DB
6-2, 190 lbs:
District 5A coaches are ready for Cooper to graduate. The three-year starter had 97 tackes, 48 solo and 3 interceptions last season and is also listed as a receiver on offense. Another Division I prospect, Cooper holds offers from UTEP, New Mexico, New Mexico State and Texas
Bobby DeHaro Montwood OL
6-4, 265 lbs: Bullitt makes his second straight appearance in our list of top HS football players and according to Coach Chuck Veliz the senior will do everything for the Huskies which could mean a spike in his stats (52-998 yards, 9 TDs in ’14). The Division I prospect is already verbally committed to UTEP.
Frank guttierrez Canutillo LB
5-7 180 lbs:
One of just four returning starters from last season’s Final Four team, Gutierrez will be critical in another deep run for the Eagles. The seniors 95 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception last season earned him All-District honors and expects to be the top linebacker in the Borderland.
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AUSTYN HILL El Dorado QB
6-1, 180 lbs:
Last season Hill threw for 3,112 yards and 37 passing touchdowns. He also ran the ball for 401 yards and 5 touchdowns. Here is a scary thought: He could smash all of those numbers this season. The senior leads what expects to be the top team in the city and an offense that averaged over 42 points per game.
CHRISTIAN JOHNSON Parkland DE
6-3, 250 lbs:
A four-year starter for the Mats, Johnson is a monster in the trenches with 42 tackles, 28 solo and five sacks last season. Johnson could move to linebacker for his senior season but projects to play at defensive end at the next level. He is verbally committed to UTEP and also a member of the National Honor Society.
KAMERON MILLER Las Cruces QB
6-2, 185 lbs:
After a knee injury ended his junior year early, Miller is back at 100% and looking to claim the title as top QB in New Mexico. In a shortened 2014 season he threw for 1,960 yards and 20 touchdowns. The senior will also play defense for the Bulldawgs at safety and is a Division I prospect with an offer from New Mexico State.
RICHIE RODRIGUEZ Eastwood WR
5-10, 170 lbs:
To say Rodriguez is versatile would be a gross understatement. Last season he rushed for 557 yards, had 57 receptions for 1098 yards for a combined 19 touchdowns, played quarterback, and had 11 solo tackles at 3 interceptions with 1 for a touchdown on defense. The senior will be the focus for new Coach Julio Lopez.
Trey Wolf El Paso ATH
6-1, 170 lbs:
After being named District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman starter, Wolf had his sophomore campaign cut short with an injury but was the Tigers’ top playmaker at receiver, running back and quarterback. Despite playing only half a season, he still managed 700 total yards and 7 touchdowns. Now back at full speed, the District is on notice for a big junior return. UFG 2015
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Brought to you by
W E I V E R P aMERIcaS 8/28 9/4 9/1 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/30 11/6
5pm 7pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 5pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
vs. Carlsbad @ Rio Rancho @ Permian vs. Midland Christian @ Eastwood vs. Montwood • Rivalry Game @ Socorro vs. Franklin @ Coronado vs. El Dorado
antHony 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/23 10/30 11/6
7pm 7pm 7:30pm 7pm 7pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm
@ Mesilla Valley Christian School @ Tornillo vs. Van Horn (Anthony HS) @ Lordsburg San Elizario Forsan (Anthony HS) @ McCamey Ozona (Anthony HS) @ Christoval
bEl aIR 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/9 7:30pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
vs. Austin vs. Andress @ Eastwood • Rivalry Game @ Riverside vs. Ysleta @ Eastlake @ Del Valle vs. Hanks @ Horizon vs. Parkland
buRgES 8/28 6pm 9/4 7pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/24 7:30pm 10/2 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/22 7:30pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm UFG 2015
@ Frenship @ Santa Teresa @ Irvin vs. Bowie @ Chapin vs. El Paso vs. Canutillo @ Jefferson @ Andress vs. Austin
The Trailblazers overcame a slow start in 2014 to finish 3rd in District and earn a playoff berth and hope to use that momentum for a strong start in 2015. Head Coach Patrick will have to replace Q Drennan (UNM) under center but expect a big year from RB Joshua Fields and DE Anthony Muñoz. Americas should contend in a wide open District race.
– The Wildcats had a tough go in their first season in 2A but return 14 starters including QB Isaiah Borrego and all-district TE Adrian Gomez. Some personnel stability and more familiarity with their district opponents should make for a more competitive season for Anthony.
The Highlanders won three straight, to end the 2014 regular season and earn a playoff berth for the first time in 16 years. Head coach Tony Cervantes returns 12 hungry starters, and a fan base that would love to see another playoff run. The Big Red is led by Sam Workman, who could get work on both offense and defense. Offense will be a question mark, breaking in nearly an entirely new set of players, so the team will lead on the defense early.
Marcus Graham has one of the most experienced teams in district with 16 returning starters from a 1-9 campaign. Defense will be the strength, led by senior DT Isaac Cazares. 6-3 QB Odell Graham, the coach’s son, got some experience last year under center as a sophomore, but will need to make big strides his junior season. Graham will have a big target in 6-3 receiver Jovan Flores.
andRESS 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
vs. Coronado @ Bel Air @ Austin vs. Irvin • Rivalry Game @ Bowie vs. Chapin @ Canutillo vs. Jefferson @ El Paso vs. Burges
auStIn 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/29 7:30pm 11/6 8pm
@ Bel Air vs. Clint vs. Andress @ Irvin vs. Bowie @ Jefferson vs. El Paso • Rivalry Game @ Chapin vs. Canutillo @ Burges
boWIE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/23 10/30 11/5
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
@ Fabens vs. Silver vs. Canutillo @ Burges vs. Andress @ Austin @ Chapin vs. Irvin vs. El Paso @ Jefferson • Rivalry Game
canutIllo 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/29 7:30pm 11/6 8pm
@ Franklin vs. Eastwood @ Bowie vs. Chapin @ El Paso vs. Jefferson vs. Andress @ Burges @ Austin vs. Irvin
Head coach Patrick Brown kept a powerhouse alive, but Brown left for San Antonio, so Jeff Woodruff takes over. Woodruff was an assistant at UTEP for nine seasons until 2012, and then coached at Oak Christian HS in California. Woodruff will have 62 senior DB/WR Tristan Cooper as his best athlete. Receiver Montique Coles returns, as does LB Xavier Williams, who had 95 tackles as a sophomore.
The Panthers have fallen on hard times, winning only two district games the past two seasons, and this could be another tough one. Head Coach Rodney Ryan says they have a long way to go, and might start 10 sophomores in 2015. Offensively, the OL is very strong, and Adriel Aranda will play multiple positions as well as quarterback. Defensively, watch out for Christian Jimenez at LB.
The Bears have turned into a perennial playoff team, advancing to the playoffs in 2014 for the fourth time in five seasons. Robert Padilla expects the defense to be the strength of the team, led by returning starting LB Marko Solis. Steven Saldana roams the secondary as a ball hawk. If the Bears are hoping to upset, they will need a consistent offense led by QB Eric Pichardo.
After the most successful season of any in El Paso history, Canutillo is reloading instead of rebuilding. Yes, 43 seniors are gone from a team which advanced to the 5A State Semifinals, but the team will still be a district contender. Frank Gutierrez leads a stout defensive unit, which includes big defensive end Daniel Moultrie. Expect the ‘ground and pound’ running game to return with Joe Gutierrez.
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W E I V E PR catHEdRal 8/28 9/4 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/10 10/16 10/30 11/6
7pm 7pm 7pm 8pm 7pm 1pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
vs. Espanola Valley vs. Tornillo vs. San Elizario @ Fabens @ Santa Teresa @ McCurdy (Espanola, NM) vs. Capitan vs. Mountain View vs. Cobre
cHaPaRRal 8/21 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 11/6
5pm 8pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBA 7pm 7pm 7pm
@ Ruidoso vs. Riverside vs. Fabens @ San Elizario vs. Mountain View @ Gadsden • Rivalry Game @ Valencia vs. Centennial @ Santa Teresa vs. Belen
clInt 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 7pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 7:30pm
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vs. El Paso @ Austin @ Horizon @ Hatch Valley @ Tornillo vs. Silver vs. Fabens • Rivalry Game @ Mountain View vs. San Elizario vs. Andrews
The Irish are coming off a tough 37 season, hoping for more in 2015 under head coach Hampton Hurt, who has added longtime assistant coach Charles Brown to his staff. The Irish only have five seniors, and two of them will play a big role. Senior RB Mario Zesati is a load, 680 yards last season is just six games, while senior OLB Mickey Escoto in the leading tackler from last season. The Irish only have nine games scheduled, and are hoping to pick up #10 against St. Pius in Albuquerque.
The Lobos have shown improvement during each of Coach Mark Aguilar first two seasons and now he says they are focused on reaching the playoffs in his 3rd season. This team will be young with only 7 seniors including lineman Isaiah “Turkey” Contreras and CB Anthony Mendoza who will be relied upon as leaders. Juniors QB Brian Lopez and RB/OLB Andres Fisher will play a big part in a successful season.
The Lions missed out on consecutive district titles on the last game of the regular season and that has this year’s team hungry to get back on top. Coach Rosvel Martinez has proven his ground attack is a winning recipe and Jesus Almanza and Daniel Zacarius will punish opposing defenses.
cEntEnnIal 8/28 9/3 9/18 10/9 10/16 10/23 11/5
vs. Onate • Rivalry Game vs. Gadsden @ Socorro vs. Los Lunas @ Chaparral @ Valencia (Los Lunas, NM) vs. Santa Teresa
TBA 7pm 8pm 7pm 7pm TBA 7pm
cHaPIn 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/10 7:30pm 9/18 8pm 9/24 7:30pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 11/6 8pm
@ Eastwood vs. Horizon vs. Jefferson @ Canutillo vs. Burges @ Andress • Rivalry Game vs. Bowie @ Irvin vs. Austin @ El Paso
coRonado 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/8 7:30pm 10/16 8pm 10/22 7:30pm 10/30 8pm
@ Andress vs. Midland Lee @ Del Valle vs. Permian @ El Dorado vs. Eastwood @ Montwood vs. Socorro @ Franklin • Rivalry Game vs. Americas
Coach Aaron Ocampo is building something special at the newest school in Southern New Mexico. After trips to the 5A state quarterfinals and semifinals, this could be the year the Hawks win it all. Centennial returns 26 seniors and 12 starters. Junior QB Dante Lopez will take over behind an experienced line lead by Senior C Jorge Niño.
Rene Hernandez always has a district title contender, and this year, 6-2 receiver Brannon Bullitt is leading the way, a legitimate Div. 1 athlete. The defense will be led by Tomas Mancinas, Defensive Back Ethan Andow and sophomore Matt Zubiate. Expect the defense to keep the Huskies in thegame while the offense breaks in new QB Matt Castillo.
District champs in ’13, missed the playoffs in ’14, now Head Coach Bob Anderson hopes to be back on top in his 4th season leading the T-Birds. This team will go as far as their defense can take them, led by DT Paul Hinojos and LB Austin Filley. On offense, Coronado will rely on RB Jonathan Millan.
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W E I V E R P dEl VallE 8/28 7pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/22 6:30pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
@ Gadsden Cleveland (TBA) vs. Coronado @ Parkland vs. Riverside @ Ysleta â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game vs. Bel Air @ Eastlake @ Hanks vs. Horizon
EaStWood 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/23 7:30pm 10/30 8pm 11/5 8pm
vs. Chapin @ Canutillo vs. Bel Air â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game @ Carlsbad vs. Americas @ Coronado vs. El Dorado @ Montwood vs. Socorro @ Franklin
El PaSo 8/28 8pm 9/3 7:30pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
@ Clint vs. Parkland @ JeďŹ&#x20AC;erson vs. Canutillo @ Burges vs. Irvin @ Austin â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game vs. Andress @ Bowie vs. Chapin
Del Valle must replace one of the best quarterbacks in city history, Steven Montez, and they will do that with senior Anthony Lopez, who excelled at Safety and Receiver in 2014. Head Coach Jesse Perales always has a tough defensive group, led by LB Mike Aguirre, DE Andrew Rubio, and NG Aaron Salazar. RBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jason and Ray Morales, no relation, will help bolster the oďŹ&#x20AC;ense.
First year head coach Julio Lopez got a huge gift inheriting arguably the top player in the Borderland in Richie Rodriguez. The senior does a little bit of everything and will be a big play threat on every snap. QB Mark Torrez has the arm and smarts to get him the ball. The Troopers snapped a decade long playoďŹ&#x20AC; drought in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;14 and stand a good chance to make it again in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;15.
There should be howling at R.R. Jones Stadium this fall. The Wolf is back. Junior Tre Wolf led the team in all oďŹ&#x20AC;ensive stats despite playing only half of last season due to injury, but he dedicated himself to the weight room and is roaring to go, and Coach Robert Morales says he probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come oďŹ&#x20AC; the ďŹ eld. 11 starters return to help the Tigers ďŹ ght for a playoďŹ&#x20AC; spot. The team is young again, but the defense will be led by Arturo Talamantes and MLB Fernie Briones, a 3-year starter.
EaStlakE 8/27 7:30pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 7:30pm 9/18 8pm 9/24 7:30pm 10/9 7:30pm 10/16 8pm 10/22 6:30pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 7:30pm
@ El Dorado vs. Onate vs. Palo Duro (Amarillo, TX) @ Ysleta vs. Horizon â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game vs. Bel Air @ Parkland vs. Del Valle @ Riverside vs. Hanks
El doRado 8/27 7:30pm 9/4 8pm 9/10 6:30pm 9/18 7pm 9/25 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/15 7:30pm 10/23 5pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
vs. Eastlake vs. Frenship (WolďŹ&#x20AC;orth, TX) TBA vs. Gadsden @ Midland Lee vs. Coronado @ Eastwood vs. Montwood â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game @ Socorro vs. Franklin @ Americas
fabEnS 8/28 8pm 9/4 7pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 7:30pm 9/25 8pm 10/2 7:30pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 7:30pm
vs. Bowie @ Chaparral vs. Riverside vs. Pecos vs. Cathedral @ Goddard @ Clint vs. Mountain View @ San Elizario vs. Andrews
Head Coach J.J. Calderon returns for his 4th season at varsity with 12 starters from a state Sweet 16 run in 2014. OďŹ&#x20AC;ensively, Calderon says they will be balanced and competitive with senior RB Alex Vasquez and receiver Isaiah Holguin. DB Tommy Martinez will captain a young but talented defense.
The Aztecs oďŹ&#x20AC;ense will give opposing defense coordinators many sleepless nights. This may be the top oďŹ&#x20AC;ense at El Dorado in school history, even after averaging 42 points per game last season. Head Coach Jim AlthoďŹ&#x20AC; returns his dual threat QB Austyn Hill (3,112 yds, 37 TDs) who may be the top signal caller in the city. On defense DL Diego Assad leads a strong front seven.
Could this be the year the Wildcats break through and reach the playoďŹ&#x20AC;s? They have been on the verge of the post season for three straight seasons only to come up short. Coach Robert Herrera returns a pair of All-District RBs in Thomas Chavez and JeďŹ&#x20AC;ery Spence who are both juniors.
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Brought to you by
W E I V E R P fRanklIn 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 7pm 9/18 7pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 5pm 10/1 7:30pm 10/16 8pm 10/22 7:30pm 10/30 8pm 11/5 8pm
vs. Canutillo vs. Mayfield @ San Angelo Central vs. Midland vs. Midland @ Montwood vs. Socorro @ Americas vs. Coronado • Rivalry Game @ El Dorado vs. Eastwood
HankS 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 7pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 7:30pm
@ Jefferson vs. Socorro vs. Santa Teresa @ Horizon vs. Parkland @ Riverside vs. Ysleta @ Bel Air vs. Del Valle @ Eastlake
IRVIn 8/28 8pm 9/3 7:30pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
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@ Parkland vs. Mountain View vs. Burges @ Andress • Rivalry Game vs. Austin @ El Paso vs. Chapin @ Bowie vs. Jefferson @ Canutillo
Every time they are predicted to have a rebuilding year, the Cougars prove that they don’t rebuild, they reload. But Coach Daren Walker returns just 6 starters from their District Champion team last season. LB Michael Fiamalo had 76 tackles and 3 sacks and will lead the defense but could also take on ball carrying duties on offense. The rest of the offense will be young.
The Knights started 3-0 under first year head coach Kevin Jones, but limped to a 5-5 finish, suiting up just 28 players in their final regular season game, but this year they have numbers to compete with ten returning starters. RB Shaudrenae Gladman, QB Nick Reyes and WR Randy Thomas should provide a spark on offense, while Thomas will play defense as a returning all district Safety. MLB Steven Lopez will lead with both DB’s returning on a solid defense.
Dual threat quarterback Khalil Smith returns to lead the Rockets’ offense that hopes to contend for a playoff spot. Coming off a 5-5 season, the Rockets’ experienced offense is fast. They might have to outscore opponents, but the defense will be led by Will Martinez, Ricardo Hernandez and Josh Luevano.
gadSdEn 8/28 7pm 9/3 7pm 9/10 6:30pm 9/18 7pm 9/25 7pm 10/2 7pm 10/15 7pm 10/23 7pm 10/30 7pm 11/6 7pm
vs. Del Valle @ Centennial @ El Dorado @ Santa Teresa • Rivalry Game vs. Alamogordo vs. Chaparral @ Las Cruces vs. Onate vs. Mayfield @ Deming
HoRIzon 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/24 7:30pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
@ Socorro @ Chapin vs. Clint vs. Hanks @ Eastlake • Rivalry Game @ Parkland vs. Riverside @ Ysleta vs. Bel Air @ Del Valle
jEffERSon 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/10 7:30pm 9/18 8pm 10/2 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/22 7:30pm 10/30 8pm 11/5 8pm
vs. Hanks @ Riverside @ Chapin vs. El Paso @ Canutillo vs. Austin @ Andress vs. Burges @ Irvin vs. Bowie • Rivalry Game
Coach Joe Vasquez returns for his second season at Gadsden after the Panthers went 2-8 last season. Gadsden only returns 6 starters but spent the summer working on the spread offense playing in multiple 7-on-7 tournaments. The offense will run through 2nd year starting QB Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Gonzalez will be a force in the trenches.
The Horizon Scorpions had an unusual down year in 2014, going 0-10, the worst season in school history since starting varsity football in 2004. Def. Coordinator Francisco Vargas takes over head coaching duties, with 14 returning starters. Offensively, RB Jorge Ramirez will look to run behind an inexperienced offense line. Defensively, S Kylian Macias, MLB Demarco Chavez, and S Irving Longoria should lead an experienced defense. Head Coach Jim Clark returns 17 starters to a group that won just one district game in 2014. The Foxes will be hungry in 2015. Athlete David Martinez is the leader and could play both offense and defense, along with DE/TE David Rodriguez. Sal Chavez will lead the defense, but the Foxes might have a tough time stopping their opponents in a competitive district.
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W E I V E R P laS cRucES 8/28 7:30pm 9/12 TBA 9/18 7pm 10/2 TBA 10/9 7pm 10/15 7pm 11/6 TBA
@ Montwood @ Volcano Vista vs. Rio Rancho vs. Artesia @ Deming vs. Gadsden vs. MayďŹ eld â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game
mt. VIEW 8/28 8pm 9/3 7:30pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 7pm 10/2 7:30pm 10/9 7:30pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
vs. Ysleta @ Irvin vs. Parkland @ Chaparral vs. Fort Stockton vs. Andrews @ Fabens vs. Clint â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game @ Cathedral @ San Elizario
onatE 8/28 9/4 9/11 10/2 10/16 10/23
TBA 8pm 7pm 7pm 7:00a 7pm
@ Centennial @ Eastlake @ Cleveland @ Rio Grande vs. Deming @ Gadsden
After back-to-back State Titles, the Bulldawgs were decimated by injuries in 2014 which led to a 6-6 season. But optimism is back at one of New Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most storied programs with those injuries providing lots of experience for returning players. Kameron Miller is back under center for a third season and the coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son is poised for a big senior campaign at both QB and safety.
Any coach who returns 15 starters will be optimistic. Any coach who returns 33 seniors will be optimistic. Consider Lobos Coach Gary Rundell an optimistic coach. OL/DL Bryan Estrada will anchor the trenches on both sides of the ball and sophomore QB Pierre Robles will need to mature in a hurry.
The surprise team last season in Southern New Mexico was the Knights who went 8-4, 3-1 in District 3-6A and reached the second round of the playoďŹ&#x20AC;s under new coach Brent Jaquess. OĂąate loses 30 seniors but returns 20 with a full year of the ďŹ&#x201A;ex bone oďŹ&#x20AC;ense under their belts. Transfer LB Forest McKee is eligible and will lead the defense while C Tyler Stockberger will anchor the oďŹ&#x20AC;ense.
mayfIEld 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/26 10/2 10/23 10/30 11/6
8pm 7pm TBA 1pm TBA 7pm 7pm TBA
vs. Franklin (TBA) @ Carlsbad @ Alamogordo vs. Eldorado @ Field of Dreams @ Manzano vs. Deming (MayďŹ eld HS) @ Gadsden @ Las Cruces â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game
montWood 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/25 10/2 10/8 10/15 10/23 11/5
7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 5pm 8pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 8pm
vs. Las Cruces @ Midland vs. Amarillo vs. Franklin @ Americas vs. Coronado @ El Dorado â&#x20AC;˘ Rivalry Game vs. Eastwood @ Socorro
PaRkland 8/28 8pm 9/3 7:30pm 9/11 8pm 9/18 8pm 9/25 8pm 10/9 8pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
vs. Irvin @ El Paso @ Mountain View vs. Del Valle @ Hanks vs. Horizon vs. Eastlake @ Riverside vs. Ysleta @ Bel Air
Consecutive season - ďŹ nishing state runner-up is more than enough motivation for Michael Bradley and the returning Trojan seniors. But new faces in multiple skill positions will be relied on early. Expect Isaac Vance to carry the majority of the workload on oďŹ&#x20AC;ense. But anyone doubting MayďŹ eld just needs to remember the Trojans have played in the title game 11 of the last 14 seasons.
A very uncharacteristic one-win season in 2014 left a bad taste in the mouth of the Rams and as long as Chuck Veliz is coaching, do not expect it to last. He will build around D1 OL prospect Bobby DeHaro. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound tackle will lead a group of 8 returning starters on oďŹ&#x20AC;ense. DT Justin De La ViĂąa is one of just 3 returning starters on defense.
The Matadors ďŹ nished 5-5 last season, missing out on the playoďŹ&#x20AC;s by one game, after a playoďŹ&#x20AC; season in 2013. Head Coach Jerry Walker thinks this could be a stout defense led by Div. 1 recruit DE Christian Johnson, teaming up with DE Josh Wells and LB Albert Lavin. The running game will be the key on oďŹ&#x20AC;ense, led by RBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jacob Mendez and Malik Decquir.
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W E I V E R P RIVERSIdE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
vs. Chaparral vs. Jefferson @ Fabens vs. Bel Air @ Del Valle vs. Hanks @ Horizon vs. Parkland vs. Eastlake @ Ysleta • Rivalry Game
Santa tERESa 8/28 7pm 9/4 7pm 9/11 7pm 9/18 7pm 10/2 7pm 10/9 7pm 10/16 7pm 10/23 7pm 10/30 7pm 10/30 7:30pm 11/5 7pm
@ San Elizario vs. Burges @ Hanks vs. Gadsden • Rivalry Game vs. Cathedral @ Belen @ Los Lunas vs. Chaparral vs. Valencia vs. Legacy Bible Academy @ Centennial
YSlEta 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
38
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
@ Mountain View vs. San Elizario @ Cobre (Bayard, NM) vs. Eastlake @ Bel Air vs. Del Valle @ Hanks vs. Horizon @ Parkland vs. Riverside • Rivalry Game
The Rangers are looking for their first playoff berth since 2011, but have won just 7 games in the three seasons since. Riverside returns 14 starters led by QB Junior Aaron Samaniego. The Rangers lost their top receivers, but have a strong OL with Gilbert Garcia and Daniel Macias. The defense is young, but the team as a whole should be better in 2015.
The Desert Warriors started 2014 3-2 and went 3-1 against Texas schools before facing injuries and a very tough season. This season they will be young and sophomore FB Dominique Dozal will be a player to watch after starting on varsity as a freshman. LB Jacob Muñoz will lead a group of 10 seniors on a team that will start 9 under classmen.
San ElIzaRIo 8/28 7pm 9/4 8pm 9/11 7pm 9/18 7pm 10/2 7pm 10/9 7pm 10/16 6pm 10/16 7:30pm 10/23 8pm 10/30 8pm 11/6 8pm
vs. Santa Teresa @ Ysleta vs. Chaparral @ Cathedral @ Anthony @ Lordsburg @ Andrews @ Andrews vs. Fabens (San Elizario HS) @ Clint vs. Mountain View
SocoRRo 8/28 8pm 9/4 8pm 9/18 8pm 10/1 7:30pm 10/9 5pm 10/16 8pm 10/23 5pm 10/30 8pm 11/5 8pm
Horizon @ Hanks Centennial @ Franklin Americas @ Coronado El Dorado @ Eastwood Montwood • Rivalry Game
The single busiest player in the Borderland may be Robert Carreon. The senior is listed at RB, WR, LB as well as a kickoff and punt returner. Second year Coach Tony Nieves will have the challenge of getting his workhorse the ball and finding other supporting pieces.
The Matadors finished 5-5 last season, missing out on the playoffs by one game, after a playoff season in 2013. Head Coach Jerry Walker thinks this could be a stout defense led by Div. 1 recruit DE Christian Johnson, teaming up with DE Josh Wells and LB Albert Lavin. The running game will be the key on offense, led by RB’s Jacob Mendez and Malik Decquir.
The Indians earned their first playoff berth in 12 seasons, and what a season it was, led by QB Justin Maese, who signed a pro contract to pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays. Offensively, Ysleta will lean on RB Reynaldo Flores and WR Jasper Escobedo, with QB Damian Solis slinging it around. LB Benjamin Cardenas and Safety Louie Gomez will lead a hungry defense hoping to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
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