MANZANO AT A GLANCE

Coach: Chad Adcox (6th year; 32-25)

Last season: 10-3; lost to Rio Rancho in Class 6A semifinals offense, 5 defense

Key players: Jordan Byrd, sr. (5-9, 170, QB); Andrew Erickson, sr. (6-1, 185, WR/ CB); Alejandro Vallejos, sr. (5-8, 195, ILB/slot); Xavier Ivey-Saud, jr. (6-1, 195, RB); Greg Romero, sr. (5-10, 255, LT); Lou Bush, sr. (5-11, 260, RG); Jack Blankenship, jr. (6-4, 175, WR); Deveyion Jackson, sr. (6-0, 250, DT); Cameron Herrera, sr. (5-10, 190, ILB); Noah Baca, sr. (6-1, 185, OLB); Austin Walker, jr. (6-1, 220, OLB).

Outlook: The Monarchs are in just about every way positioned to be a major player come Thanksgiving and beyond. With Byrd a more polished QB, and with tremendous depth at the skill positions, Adcox plans to throw it more often this year. Erickson led the team in receiving, and looks quite ready to break out in a big way. Although, there are times when Byrd will become the most dangerous scrambler in this state, and once he gets outside on containment, it’s over. IveySaud is a terrific runner; Bush and Romero both are three-year starters in front of him. An untested secondary is a concern on defense.

2017 SCHEDULE

Circle the date: No question, it’s the Week 5 visit from Rio Rancho, which knocked Manzano out of last year’s playoffs. That has Game of the Year potential.