PREP FOOTBALL: FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

(All starts 7 p.m. Friday unless noted)

1. Rio Rancho (6-2, 3-0 in 1-6A) at Volcano Vista (8-0, 3-0), 1 p.m. Saturday,

Nusenda Community Stadium: It could be we’ll have a second consecutive No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown; either way the two longest winning streaks in 6A pair up here, with Rio Rancho unbeaten after a dismal 0-2 start. If Volcano Vista wins, it is the 1-6A champion. Rio Rancho cannot clinch the district with a victory. Can VV’s stout defense contain what might be 6A’s best running QB in Ram Isaiah Chavez? 2. Goddard (7-1, 1-0 in 4-5A) at Artesia (5-3, 0-1): What a contrast in styles, with the Rockets hoping to use their power run game to keep Bulldogs QB Clay Houghtaling and Co. off the field as much as possible. A loss by Artesia here could put it in danger of missing out on a first-round playoff bye. 3. La Cueva (6-2, 2-0 in 2/5-6A) at Sandia (3-5, 1-1), Wilson Stadium: The Bears return from their bye week and catch the Matadors coming off a strong defensive performance against Manzano. LeShawn Joseph will need another monster outing rushing the ball for the Matadors to have a chance.

4. Manzano (2-6, 0-3 in 2/5-6A) at Eldorado (4-4, 0-2), 7 p.m. Thursday, Wilson Stadium: Monarchs in desperation mode. They need a win here, and for Sandia to lose its last two. That would create a three-way tie for third place between Manzano, Sandia and Eldorado, putting that 13-point tiebreaker into effect. For that reason, Eldorado needs this one almost as badly. 5. Magdalena (5-3, 1-1 in 2/8-Man) at Menaul (7-0, 2-0): Yes, the Panthers win this one, they win their district. And complete a perfect regular season. A Magdalena win could create a three-way tie for first with Mountainair.