FIVE PREP FOOTBALL GAMES TO WATCH

7 p.m. Friday unless noted.

1. Belen (9-0, 3-0 in 5-5A) at Los Lunas (7-2, 3-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: It’s not often Las CrucesMayfield gets pushed off the top line, but in this instance, it certainly is warranted. Can the Eagles close out this perfect regular season? Can the Tigers wreck it? Juicy stuff all around. Will both end up as top-four seeds in the Class 5A bracket, regardless of who wins?

2. Mayfield (2-7, 2-3 in 3-6A) vs. Las Cruces (8-1, 5-0), Aggie Memorial

Stadium: Not nearly as much on the line as we all might prefer with these two, but nevertheless, this is New Mexico’s gold standard rivalry game, and one of the great rivalry games in this country.

3. Clovis (5-4, 2-1 in 2-6A) at La Cueva (8-1, 2-1), Wilson Stadium:

The Wildcats could still finish second in 2-6A behind Manzano — if they somehow beat the Bears by a dozen points, however unlikely that would be. La Cueva was not particularly sharp against Eldorado and must win to secure a firstround bye.

4. Rio Rancho (7-2, 2-1 in 1-6A) at Piedra Vista (5-4, 2-1): The Panthers make an extremely rare appearance in my Top 5 space, but Piedra Vista could overtake the Rams for second place in district if it wins this game. Will they? Um, well, about that …

5. Los Alamos (6-3, 2-1 in 2-5A) at Capital (5-4, 3-0): This may seem like an odd addition, as well, but not without purpose. Jaguars win, they win that district. Jaguars lose (by any number), and Del Norte takes first place — provided the Knights take care of their own business Friday at Española Valley — in a three-way tiebreaker with Capital and Los Alamos. This district is likely only going to qualify one team for the playoffs.