High school football players from all corners of New Mexico will go head-to-head in the 2022 Red-Green All-Star Game at Artesia’s Bulldog Bowl Saturday.
The game format features players from north, south, east, and west New Mexico on the red and green teams from small and large schools.
The Little School Game begins Saturday noon when Ruidoso High School head coach Kief Johnson coaches the red team.
Johnson led the Warriors to the Thanksgiving weekend of the 3A State Championship with a win over Santa Fe St. Michael’s.
More:Artesia Bulldogs and Ruidoso Warriors were crowned state soccer champions on Saturday
Johnson has three Ruidoso players in the red squad. Defensive lineman Dalton Trapp, defensive end outside linebacker Cooper Pritchett, and running back Kaden Sago.
Loving Falcon receiver Andres Cueto and tight end Amari Benavidez were redlisted along with Tularosa center Justin Porter.
West Las Vegas head coach Adrian Gonzales leads the green team, and there are two Ruidoso players on the roster in inside linebacker Gavon Hall and offensive center Enjady Reid.
The Warriors defeated West Las Vegas 52-14 in the second round of the 3A Playoffs.
More:Ruidoso and Artesia head north on Saturday for the Football State title
The big school game starts at 3 p.m. and Eddy County is represented in both rosters.
Artesias Payton Deans and Gage Donaghe are on the Red Squads defensive team. Both played integral roles in the Bulldogs’ win over Farmington Piedra Vista on November 19 in the 5A State Championship Game.
Artesia defeated the Panthers 27-14 in Farmington for their first state title in nearly five years and their 31stSt total.
The Carlsbad Cavemen have one player on the red team. Running back Eli Asay was the biggest offensive threat last season.
He carried the football 200 times and gained 1,548 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Asay also caught eight passes for 207 yards and scored two touchdowns through the air.
The red team is coached by Albuquerque La Cueva’s head coach Brandon Beck. The Bears lost 75-61 to Rio Rancho Cleveland in the 6A State Title Game over Thanksgiving weekend.
The Cavemen brought two players to the green team coached by Albuquerque Volcano Vista’s Chad Wallin.
Inside linebacker Saul Ruiz and defensive end linebacker DJ Moore represent Carlsbad in the green squad.
More:Cavemen, Cavegirls complete excellent seasons
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or email [email protected] or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
