Oñate to have a new look — and other high school football ramblings

High school football is right around the corner and it's never to early to get the ball rolling.

We'll start at Oñate, where the Knights needed a new voice and hired former Las Cruces High assistant Caleb Hull as head coach.

Hull is young and brash. He has instilled a new attitude at Oñate and has received positive reviews this offseason. Games are obviously won in September and into the fall, however.

The Knights will have a new look on offense this year, similar to Las Cruces High where they will spread the field and throw the football. Raymond Carbajal looks to make an impact at quarterback along with running back Caesar Chavez.

Will the Knights win? I think it will be hard in 2011. They have yet another tough schedule and are still a step behind Las Cruces High and Mayfield in talent.

They will be a fun team worth watching however, if for nothing else because of Hull's new outlook and the new style they will bring to the table. They will be more fan friendly — last year their run, run, run offense was tough to watch from the stands. With practice opening on Aug. 1, keep an eye on the new-look Knights.

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Will Mayfield or Las Cruces High find a way to a down year? Maybe one of these years, but it won't be in 2011.

These are very well run, established high school football programs.

Mayfield — the defending state champions — will be tough once again.

Quarterback Axten Franzoy came on down the stretch of the season and into the state playoffs. He was flawless in the team's state championship win over Manzano. Franzoy returns, now knows what it takes to be a state champion and should have more confidence and swagger. I expect a big year out of him.

The Trojans also return running back/cornerback Ricky Milks who was a strong contributor during the second half of last season.

Mayfield is traditionally strong and tough up front. Some names to keep an eye on: linebacker Isaac Ramirez; defensive tackle/linebacker Herbert Escamilla; linebacker Mundo Gonzalez; and center/defensive tackle Caymen Green.

At Las Cruces High, there is talent as usual.

Xavier Hall will be one of the top running backs in the state in 2011.

If quarterback Devin Perez can play at a high level, this team will be dangerous. Perez is a runner and led the Bulldawgs to an undefeated district record last season. His continued development will be key for LCHS if they hope to win a District 3-5A championship.