PREP SOCCER: STATE TITLES UP FOR GRABS

Saturday was the final day of the regular season, the brackets are announced today, and the chase for the large-school state championships is wide open.

(Note: We are clearing the decks for Week 11. Too many good options to limit to just five on rivalry week, and also gives me a chance to run down a multitude of playoff scenarios.)

7 p.m. Friday kickoffs unless noted.

1. Rio Rancho (4-5, 3-1 in 1-6A) at Cleveland (9-0, 4-0): This district is still in play for both schools. If Cleveland wins, it earns the 1-6A title. Rio Rancho wins the district with a victory, coupled with a Cibola (5-4, 2-2) win over Volcano Vista (7-2, 3-1). Or, the Rams win the district if the Hawks beat Cibola, and Rio Rancho beats Cleveland by at least nine points. The Rams would own the tiebreaking edge in that scenario in a three-way deadlock with Cleveland and Volcano Vista. The Hawks cannot win the district.

2. Las Cruces (5-4, 3-2 in 3-6A) vs. Mayfield (6-3, 4-1), Aggie Memorial Stadium: The granddaddy of New Mexico rivalry games renews, with much at stake for both — although not a district championship, which has been claimed by Centennial. Trojans would clinch second place, and an almost certain first-round home game, with a victory. If the Bulldawgs win, and if Hobbs (6-3, 3-2) beats visiting Carlsbad (4-4-1, 2-3) on Friday, that will create a three-way tie for second between Mayfield, Hobbs and Las Cruces.

3. Los Lunas (6-2, 2-0 in 5-5A) at Belen (6-3, 2-0),

1 p.m. Saturday: The chile roaster trophy goes to the winner, and so does the district championship. Eagles roared from behind to beat Valencia 28-21 on Friday after being down 21-7. The Tigers’ defense, meanwhile, excelled in a shutout win over Valley. Winner should receive a first-round bye in the postseason, but that is not a guarantee.

4. La Cueva (9-0, 3-0 in 2/56A) at Clovis (4-5, 2-1): Bears, obviously, lock up first place and a first-round bye with a win at Leon Williams Stadium. Should the Wildcats pull the upset, Manzano becomes the district champion and the 6A playoff bracket will require some serious re-thinking. (Double ditto if a 5-5 Rio Rancho team somehow wins District 1, which will create some genuine bracket chaos).

5. Goddard (8-0-1, 2-0 in 4-5A) vs. Roswell (7-2, 1-1), Wool Bowl: This district could be headed toward a very tight three-way tie for first — if the Coyotes win this showdown. No reason not to expect this one to be super tight, not after the dramatics of Roswell-Artesia and Artesia-Goddard the previous two Fridays.

THE REST: District 3/4-4A crown on the line when Portales (6-3, 2-0) visits Lovington (5-4, 2-0). … St. Pius (6-3, 4-0) clinches District 2/5-4A on Thursday at Milne Stadium if the Sartans beat Grants (8-1, 3-1). … Farmington (5-4, 2-0) and Piedra Vista (6-3, 2-0) meet at Hutchison Stadium on Friday for the 1-5A championship.

… A chance for a three-way tie also exists in District 2-3A, where West Las Vegas (6-3, 3-0) leads, followed by St. Michael’s (5-4, 2-1) and Robertson (7-2, 2-1). West faces Robertson next week; the Horsemen play Raton (5-4, 1-2). … Del Norte (3-6, 2-0 in 2/6-5A) is coming off a 50-0 rout of Santa Fe on Saturday, led by running back Isaiah Ortiz’s 209 yards and three touchdowns. The Knights visit Los Alamos (5-4, 1-1) on Friday with the chance to secure a playoff berth.