The Centennial Hawks and Las Cruces Bulldawgs will face off in the second round of the 2023 NMAA Class 6A Football Championships on Friday, November 10th, at 7pm ET in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
What it is: New Mexico High School Football
Matchup: Centennial Hawks vs. Las Cruces Bulldawgs
Time: Friday Nov 10, 2023, 7pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 NMAA Class 6A Football Championships
Round: Second Round
Locations: Field of Dreams – Las Cruces, NM
Live stream: Watch here
The Hawks come into the game with a 7-2 record, while the Bulldawgs are 6-5. Centennial is ranked 3rd in the division and 5th in the state, while Las Cruces is ranked 4th in the division and 6th in the state.
The Hawks have a balanced offense, averaging 31.8 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Ryan Wright, who has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. Wright is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Centennial also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Matt Cassidy.
The Bulldawgs have a high-powered offense, averaging 31.9 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Micah Ford, who has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Ford is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Las Cruces also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Landyn Collins.
Both defenses are playing at a high level, with Centennial allowing just 22.7 points per game and Las Cruces allowing just 23.7 points per game.
This is sure to be a close game between two evenly matched teams. Centennial will need to find a way to slow down the Bulldawgs’ passing game and force turnovers. Las Cruces will need to protect the football and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Centennial won the last matchup between the two teams last month, 28-21.
The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. To watch, you will need to create an account and subscribe to the service. Subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis.
You can watch the game on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or connected device. The NFHS Network app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Both teams are evenly matched, but I am giving the edge to Centennial due to their better record and their more balanced offense. I predict that the Hawks will win a close game, 31-28.
