Class 5A has new coaches, schools

Alamogordo, Deming move down from 6A

Traditional Class 5A powers Artesia — which outscored Centennial in last December’s title game — and Goddard both have new head coaches. Rex Henderson takes over the Bulldogs from his uncle Cooper, and Chris White, a former Hobbs High standout, is the Rockets’ coach.

“I’m real excited,” Henderson said. “I couldn’t be more grateful to do this.”

Junior Taylor Null, who saw significant time last season as the backup QB, is Artesia’s full-time starter this year. He threw for nearly 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in limited action a year ago.

Artesia’s leading receiver, senior Ethan Duff, who caught 57 balls last year and was a first-team All-State selection, is returning, as is senior Isaiah Weideman who led the team in rushing and was also integral in the passing game.

Alamogordo is down from 6A. The Tigers had as strange a 2015 as anyone, starting 6-0 — including a thrashing of Mayfield — but dropped their last four and missed the playoffs.

“We’re pretty excited about playing 5A football,” head coach Dale Hooper said. “Now we’re playing schools with the same numbers we have.”

His son, Kyle, was a standout quarterback last year, throwing for 2,674 yards and 22 TDs vs. six picks. Kyle Hooper stands roughly 6-3. His father describes him as a pocket passer; Alex Ramirez, a top receiver, also is back having caught eight touchdowns last season.

“One of the best in the state,” coach Hooper said, throwing him in a hat with Mayfield’s Gaven Swinson and Volcano Vista’s 6-3 David Cormier.

Goddard’s speedy and powerful Devon Quiroz, a multiposition athlete who will be featured in the backfield and on returns, has reportedly received some Division I interest (Texas Tech being among them) as the Rockets open the White era.

Goddard was a 5A quarterfinalist last season, as was city rival Roswell High, which is the only team in that four-school district — Roswell, Goddard, Artesia, Lovington — not starting the season with a new head coach.

Deming is down from 6A and joins Alamogordo, Chaparral and Santa Teresa in a district.