Tigers Travel to Hobbs for Pivotal District Clash: Depth, Rankings, and Friday Night Stakes

The Alamogordo Tigers hit the road this Friday night to face the Hobbs Eagles in what promises to be a defining matchup in the 6A District 3 football season. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Watson Memorial Stadium in Hobbs, and both teams enter the contest with playoff aspirations and reputations to defend.

Alamogordo, currently ranked #10 statewide, carries a 4–1 overall record and a 1–0 district mark after a commanding 34–14 win over Organ Mountain. Hobbs, meanwhile, sits at #6 in New Mexico, boasting a 5–0 record and a high-octane offense that has yet to be slowed.

 Alamogordo Tigers: Balanced Attack, Rising Stars

Led by senior quarterback Nathanael Best, the Tigers have developed a balanced offensive scheme that mixes power running with explosive passing. Best averages 187 total yards per game and has proven elusive on the ground, often extending plays with his legs and punishing defenses with deep throws.

Supporting him is junior running back Bryson Bloom, a two-way standout who averages 106 rushing yards and anchors the secondary with 9 tackles per game. Bloom’s physicality and endurance make him a key asset on both sides of the ball.

Wide receiver Tristan Bowman adds vertical threat capability, averaging 73 receiving yards per game, while senior tight end and defensive end John Hockman brings veteran leadership and edge pressure with 1.0 sacks per game.

Freshman linebacker Tanner Nowaczck, part of the class of 2027, has emerged as a surprise contributor, showing maturity beyond his years and helping to shore up the middle of the defense.

Tigers Depth Chart Highlights:

• QB/FS: Nathanael Best (Sr.)

• RB/SS: Bryson Bloom (Jr.)

• WR/CB: Tristan Bowman (Jr.)

• TE/DE: John Hockman (Sr.)

• MLB/DE: Tanner Nowaczck (Fr.)

 Hobbs Eagles: Air Raid Offense, Veteran Line

The Hobbs Eagles enter Friday’s game undefeated, with a reputation for lighting up the scoreboard. Their spread offense, led by senior quarterback Jace Martinez, averages over 42 points per game and thrives on tempo and precision.

Martinez has thrown for 1,245 yards and 14 touchdowns through five games, connecting frequently with senior wideouts Kaden Chavez and Malik Thomas, both of whom average over 80 receiving yards per game.

Defensively, Hobbs relies on a veteran front seven anchored by linebacker Eli Sandoval, who leads the team in tackles and sets the tone with aggressive pursuit. The Eagles’ secondary has been tested but remains opportunistic, with five interceptions on the season.

Eagles Depth Chart Highlights:

• QB: Jace Martinez (Sr.)

• WR: Kaden Chavez (Sr.)

• WR: Malik Thomas (Sr.)

• LB: Eli Sandoval (Sr.)

• FS: Jordan Rivas (Jr.)

 Game Outlook & Implications

According to MaxPreps and Prep Redzone projections, Hobbs enters the game as a 6-point favorite, with a 61% chance of victory. Alamogordo’s path to an upset will depend on controlling the clock, limiting turnovers, and winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

A win for the Tigers would likely vault them into the top 8 statewide, solidifying their playoff positioning and sending a message across New Mexico. A loss, while not season-ending, would place added pressure on upcoming district games against Las Cruces and Mayfield.

Community Impact

Friday’s game is more than a battle of rankings—it’s a test of depth, discipline, and identity. Alamogordo’s blend of senior leadership and emerging talent will be tested against Hobbs’ veteran firepower and home-field advantage.

Fans can follow live updates via MaxPreps and Prep Redzone, or tune in to local radio coverage.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Sports Desk Analysis by sports historian, Chris Edwards:

If Alamogordo’s defense can contain Hobbs’ passing game and Best continues his dual-threat dominance, the Tigers have a real shot at pulling off the upset. Expect a high-scoring affair with playoff intensity. This season represents a season of hope and pride for Alamogordo football not seen since the Hveem/Sepulveda years of the 80s. Regardless of the results this Friday evening this Tiger squad is showing grit and determination not seen from Alamogordo in decades. The next several games will be difficult but the talent of this squad and the determination witnessed the first half of the season shows they are not to be underestimated. Go Tigers!!!! 

Watch the Tigers LIVE at Hobbs!
On 9-26 our Varsity Tigers take the field at Hobbs, and if you can’t be there in person—you can still catch every play LIVE! 

Watch the livestream here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/cJl0VyD2YjY?si=S1pboNV-qBxwpbDf

Show your Tiger pride! 

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