The La Cueva (Albuquerque, NM) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Hobbs (NM) today at 1:00 PM at Wilson Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 6A tournament.

Hobbs vs La Cueva Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Hobbs vs La Cueva
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Hobbs vs La Cueva

The stage is set for an exciting high school football matchup as Hobbs and La Cueva face off in a game that promises to showcase both teams’ impressive seasons. With contrasting records and high-stakes competition, the game is bound to captivate fans from both sides.

Team Overview

Hobbs Eagles (7-4 overall, 4-2 district)
The Hobbs Eagles have had a solid season, boasting a respectable 7-4 record. They are 4-2 in district play, with a 4-1 record at home but a 3-3 mark away. Their offense has been strong, scoring an average of 36.3 points per game. Led by key players like Brock Beaty, who averages 186.5 passing yards per game, and Shamus Wright, who leads the team with 58.2 rushing yards per game, Hobbs has proven capable of both air and ground attacks. The team’s defense, led by Tristan Davis, has been steady, with Davis averaging 13.5 tackles per game and half a sack per contest.

La Cueva Bears (10-0 overall, 7-0 district)
La Cueva has been a dominant force in the state this season, finishing the regular season undefeated at 10-0, including a perfect 7-0 record in district play. Their offense has been outstanding, scoring an average of 46.1 points per game, well above Hobbs’ average. The Bears’ offensive balance has been evident, with standout players like Omarrion Kennedy contributing to the team’s success, and their defense, while not as statistically impressive, has still been solid enough to ensure victories. The Bears’ overall team stats are excellent, with a perfect district record and impressive performances both at home and away.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Offensive Comparison:

• Points Per Game: Hobbs averages 36.3 points per game, while La Cueva has been putting up an impressive 46.1 points per game. La Cueva’s high-scoring offense will be a major challenge for Hobbs’ defense.
• Yards Per Game: Hobbs averages 376.6 total yards per game, including 182.7 rushing yards and 193.9 passing yards. La Cueva, however, has been more efficient in all areas, with their offense delivering an average of 461 total yards per game.

Defensive Comparison:

• Tackles and Sacks: Hobbs averages 95.4 tackles per game, with Tristan Davis leading the way with 13.5 tackles per game and 0.5 sacks per game. While La Cueva’s defense hasn’t been as statistically dominant, they have kept opponents in check throughout the season.

Key Players to Watch

Hobbs:

• Brock Beaty (QB): With 186.5 passing yards per game, Beaty is the driving force behind Hobbs’ passing attack. His ability to connect with receivers like Justice French (52.3 receiving yards per game) will be crucial against La Cueva’s defense.
• Shamus Wright (RB): Wright’s 58.2 rushing yards per game will be key for Hobbs as they attempt to keep La Cueva’s offense off the field with a strong ground game.

La Cueva:

• Omarrion Kennedy (RB/WR): Kennedy is an offensive weapon, contributing both in the running game and as a receiver. His ability to make plays in multiple ways could be the difference-maker for the Bears.
• Defensive Leaders: While La Cueva’s defensive stats aren’t as remarkable as Hobbs’, the Bears have shown they can lock down opponents when needed.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against Eldorado this season, and each came away with a convincing victory. Hobbs defeated Eldorado 35-14, while La Cueva dominated the same team with a 56-7 victory. These results indicate that both teams are capable of handling tough competition, but La Cueva’s larger margin of victory shows they might have an edge in dominating opponents.

The Big Picture

The Hobbs Eagles have had a strong season, but they face a formidable challenge in La Cueva. While Hobbs has the advantage of a balanced offensive attack and solid defensive play, La Cueva’s undefeated record and high-powered offense make them the team to beat. This game could very well determine who advances further in the postseason, and with both teams boasting talented rosters, it is sure to be a thrilling contest.

As the season progresses toward the playoffs, this game between Hobbs and La Cueva will be one to watch closely. Will Hobbs’ solid, well-rounded team be able to pull off an upset, or will La Cueva’s perfect record remain intact? Fans can expect an exciting game filled with hard-hitting action and plenty of drama.