With the start of the high school football season looming this week, the Las Cruces Sun-News is getting ready with extensive preseason coverage.
Here’s a look at the top newcomer for each Las Cruces-area school in 2024:
Las Cruces: LB Denton Walter (So.)
The younger brother of senior linebacker Dalin Walter, the sophomore is looking to make an impact this season.
Walter shares his older brother’s aggressive playstyle and is one inch taller than him at 6-foot-2. He’ll play in the middle of the field for the Bulldawgs, and Las Cruces coach Mark Lopez has high expectations for him.
“It looks like he’s going to be a special player,” Lopez said. “He’s very aggressive, has a great nose for the ball, and he’s very long and athletic.”
More: Vote for the best Las Cruces area football player in the 2024 Preseason Player of the Year poll
Centennial: LB Ruiz Laborin (So.)
Laborin is Centennial’s backup quarterback but should get plenty of playing time on defense this season.
Hawks coach Aaron Ocampo sees many ways Laborin can contribute this season, from stopping the run to playing in coverage. He’s one of the biggest players on Centennial’s team at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, and should bring plenty of athleticism as well.
“He’s a versatile player that can help us in a lot of areas,” Ocampo said. “I’m excited about him.”
Organ Mountain: S Alejandro Guerra (So.)
Guerra will likely start at strong safety for the Knights this season and has a chance to make an immediate impact.
Guerra brings more athleticism and a high football IQ to Organ Mountain’s secondary. Knights coach Kenny Sanchez believes he’s one of the best tacklers and coverage players, and hopes he gives a boost to Organ Mountain’s entire defense.
“He plays more like a junior than a sophomore,” Sanchez said. “He works hard and is exactly the type of player we want in this program.”
Mayfield: WR/DB Jefferey Dominguez (Sr.)
Dominguez played a small amount of varsity football last season, but is ready for his first full varsity year this season.
Dominguez recorded an interception and two tackles in the one game he played on varsity last season, a quarterfinal playoff loss to Roswell. Mayfield coach Gary Bradley hopes the speed Dominguez developed from track translates over to football. Bradley also believes he has “big-play ability” and is coming off a strong offseason.
“He’s a kid that’s really worked his way up the ladder,” Bradley said. “We saw that at the end of last season. We have a lot of newcomers, but hopefully, he can make some big plays.”
Santa Teresa: WR Jesus Gutierrez (Sr.)
Gutierrez may be playing his first year of varsity as a senior, but Desert Warriors coach Shae Vierra is excited about him.
Gutierrez spent most of 2023 on Santa Teresa’s C team and junior varsity teams and played one game for its varsity team, catching two passes for eight yards against Mayfield on Oct. 8. With a full varsity offseason under his belt, Vierra expects Gutierrez to make an instant impact.
“He is extremely talented and athletic,” Vierra said. “He’s going to make a huge difference because he’s a very good athlete.”
More: ‘Exciting things are happening’: Las Cruces Sun-News welcomes new sports reporter
Hatch Valley: DL Oscar Solis (So.)
Solis can play many positions on Hatch Valley’s defensive line, including defensive end, defensive tackle and nose tackle.
Solis has the potential to make an instant impact on the Bears’ defense with his power and run-stopping ability. In Hatch Valley’s push for a berth in the 3A playoffs, Hatch Valley can use contributions from players like Solis.
Chapparal: RB Raul Lopez (So.)
Chaparral coach Joseph Frias is excited about many newcomers this season, but Raul Lopez stands out to him the most.
Lopez should play a significant role in the Lobos’ backfield this season, and will get plenty of carries behind junior running back Juan Urquizo. Frias says Lopez’s best traits are his elusiveness and field vision, and sees plenty of potential in him.
“He’s going to be exciting to watch run the ball this year,” Frias said. “He’s an overall athlete.”
Mesilla Valley Christian: WR Payton Tharp (Jr.)
Tharp is a new addition to the SonBlazers after spending the last two years playing basketball.
Despite being a junior in his first season of football, Mesilla Valley coach Noah Coyle is excited about what Tharp can bring. Coyle believes Tharp will provide athleticism to his team as well as energy and leadership.
“We are excited about the passion and athleticism he brings to the team,” Coyle said. “I think he’ll be a great addition.”
