PREP FOOTBALL: THIS WEEK’S GAMES TO WATCH

7 p.m. Friday unless noted. 1. Centennial (6-0, 2-0 in 3-6A) at Las Cruces (3-3, 1-1), Field of Dreams: Has the torch in this district truly passed from the Bulldawgs to the Hawks? After Saturday, when Hobbs came into the Field of Dreams and smacked Las Cruces around, there is no other way to interpret it. But ’Dawgs can get back into hunt this week. 2. Manzano (2-3) at La Cueva (6-0), 7 p.m. Thursday, Wilson Stadium: The Monarchs and Bears meet for the first time since December’s state final. La Cueva defense will be keenly focused on Manzano’s senior RB, Xavier Ivey-Saud. District 2-6A opener.

3. Rio Rancho (1-4) at Cibola (3-2), 1 p.m. Saturday, Nusenda Community

Stadium: Cougars’ QB Marcus Steele was outstanding in his last outing (over 400 yards vs. Los Lunas), but the Rams defense that was excellent two weeks ago against La Cueva. Both coming off their bye week in this District 1-6A opener.

4. Taos (5-0) at Grants (5-0): These are Class 4A’s last two undefeated teams, and this is a District 2/5-4A opener. Tellingly, Tigers are ranked No. 1, but Pirates are ranked No. 10. 5. Ruidoso (5-1) at Artesia (3-3):

Both these teams ranked No. 4 in their respective classifications. Ought to be plenty of offensive fireworks in this one. The Class 4A Warriors’ only loss came in OT; the 5A Bulldogs have won three of their last four.