(Metro-Area No. 1) Cleveland Storm
Coach: Heath Ridenour (7th year; 56-15) Last season: 10-2; lost to La Cueva in 6A semifinals
Returning starters: 3 offense, 4 defense Key players: Travis Lorenz, sr. (6-0, 235, C); Andre Romero, sr. (6-0, 235, T); Jeff Davison, soph. (6-0, 180, QB); Dorian Lewis, jr. (5-9, 185, RB); Colten Madison, jr. (5-9, 190, ILB/RB); Tre Watson, soph. (6-4, 205, WR); Dion Hunter, sr. (6-1, 235, ILB); Chris Thomas, sr. (5-9, 165, CB); Darian Lowery, sr. (5-11, 190, OLB); Randy Nieto, sr. (5-7, 140, slot); George Guerrero, sr. (5-11, 240, DT); Braedin Ross, sr. (6-0, 180, FS/WR).
Outlook: There has not been a 6A football program in New Mexico more consistent or potent the last three years than Cleveland, which is the Journal’s choice for the No. 1 team in the metro area for 2018. The Storm is a gaudy 33-4 since the start of the 2015 season, and the stars (figuratively and literally) are aligned for another stellar fall campaign. Consider first that this team has a couple of Division I prospects in linebacker Hunter (already offered by UNM and NMSU) and Watson, who seems likely to have colleges lined up all over the country to recruit him before he’s through. Then add in transfer Lewis, who had a huge season in El Paso last year before moving in and appears to be every bit the superstar that he was advertised to be, plus a young but gifted QB in Davison, who has been groomed for this day for years and could blossom into a terrific dual-threat athlete with his slippery running skills. Ross and Nieto will supplement the offense with their speed. And besides all that, Ridenour is huge on the importance, and the two-way abilities, of Madison who isn’t getting his proper due, the coach said. One area to watch: the secondary, where Cleveland is expected to start three sophomores, including Watson. Even with all the new faces in the starting lineup, that likely won’t deter Cleveland as it chases a third blue trophy in the last eight seasons.
2018 schedule (x-denotes District 1-6A game)
Aug. 24, at Oñate (FOD), 7 p.m. Aug. 31, El Paso Franklin, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, at Eldorado (W), 7 p.m. Sept. 15, at Mayfield (FOD), 1 p.m. Sept. 21, Artesia, 7 p.m. Sept. 28, IDLE x-Oct. 4, at Atrisco Heritage (C), 7 p.m. x-Oct. 12, Cibola, 7 p.m. x-Oct. 19, Volcano Vista, 7 p.m. x-Oct. 25, at West Mesa (C), 7 p.m. x-Nov. 2, Rio Rancho, 7 p.m.
Circle the date: Artesia only makes one visit to the metro area this season, and the Bulldogs’ Week 5 trip to Rio Rancho is it. The Storm beat Artesia 56-49 at Cleveland last year.