Greatest High School Sports Rivalries in Southern New Mexico (1926–Present)

Southern New Mexico high school sports rivalries have evolved significantly over the past century, shaped by population growth, new school openings, district realignments, and the region’s military communities (near Holloman AFB and White Sands). Early competition (1920s–1950s) was scattered among fewer schools, with football and track emerging as key sports. The Las Cruces area has dominated intense rivalries since the mid-20th century.

Top Rivalry: Las Cruces Bulldawgs vs. Mayfield Trojans (Since 1965)

This remains the premier rivalry in southern New Mexico. Mayfield opened in 1965 to address overcrowding at Las Cruces High (established 1918), immediately creating crosstown tension.

• Football → Annual games since 1967 (over 60 by 2026), often at large venues with massive crowds. Nationally ranked (e.g., 9th by Rivals.com in 2008). Series competitive, with state title implications.

• Other Sports → Strong in basketball and track.

• Defines the region, splitting communities.

Evolution of Las Cruces-Area Rivalries

• Pre-1965: Las Cruces High dominated as the primary school; occasional district games against Alamogordo, Deming, or El Paso schools.

• 1988–2021: Addition of Oñate High School (renamed Organ Mountain in 2021) created growing crosstown matchups in District alignments.

• 2012–Present: Centennial High School opened, adding another layer of intra-city competition in District 3-6A.

• These four Las Cruces schools now fuel the most heated games due to proximity.

Broader Southern NM Rivalries

• Early (1920s–1950s): District tournaments pitted Alamogordo against Las Cruces, Deming, or Hot Springs (Truth or Consequences).

• Ongoing: Carlsbad vs. Artesia (Eddy County War); Hobbs involvements.

Alamogordo Tigers: Past Dominance, Role in Rivalries, and Shifting Regional Dynamics

Alamogordo High (athletics since ~1916) enjoyed periods of significant dominance in southern New Mexico sports and academics, particularly from the 1920s through the late 1960s, when it was often the region’s largest and most resourced school. Fueled by early adoption of organized interscholastic programs (starting ~1916), military-related growth, and a concentration of scientists/engineers from space and rocket programs, Alamogordo produced multiple state champions and set national examples in integration and excellence for a town its size.

Greatest successes:

• Football: Early peaks under Coach Rolla Buck (1930s–1950s, including state titles); 1980s golden era under Coach Gary Hveem in partnership with Bob Sepulveda (Vheem winningest football coach in school history): 1981 district title (first since early 50s), 1985 perfect 10-0 undefeated/untied season (only in school history), multiple state runner-up trophies.

• Track & Field: Dynasty under Coach Bob Sepulveda (1960s–1990s): 19 district titles, 5 state championships (including four consecutive in 1990s—the longest streak by any NM coach), numerous Coach of the Year awards, he and his wife Marilyn both New Mexico Coaches Hall of Fame Inductees. 

Academically, Alamogordo High benefited from the same talent pool, ranking as high as 3rd best in the nation during the 1960s amid progressive educational policies and high-paying district status that attracted top teachers from across the nation. 

However, Las Cruces’ rapid population growth fundamentally changed regional sports dynamics. Las Cruces (population ~117,000 in 2025, metro ~222,000) has expanded steadily (1-2% annually in recent decades, driven by NMSU, retirees, and proximity to El Paso), leading to multiple large high schools and deeper talent pools.

In contrast, Alamogordo stagnated with (~31,000 population) has seen slower growth, shifting it from regional powerhouse to solid district contender.

Today, Las Cruces-area schools often dominate head-to-head matchups and state titles, while Alamogordo competes fiercely in District 3-6A (~90 miles away, limiting true “rivalry” intensity).

Recent years have also seen shifts in Alamogordo Public Schools’ school board leadership dynamics engulfed in political controversy and infighting, with debates over progressive vs. conservative approaches influencing policies on equity, innovation, and curriculum—echoing broader national trends but impacting local perceptions of educational priorities, sports and school academic rankings falling to the bottom 3rd in the nation.

In sports:

• Football: District contender; occasional upsets against Las Cruces.

• Basketball/Baseball: Competitive district play.

• Track & Field/Cross Country: Perennial powerhouse, dominating southern NM meets.

Alamogordo’s legacy reflects community pride, with peaks in mid-century and 1980s–1990s eras with recent glimmers of hope in football this past season. 

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