Las Cruces Mayfield Upsets Las Cruces High To Win The District 3-5A Title

Las Cruces High faced Las Cruces Mayfield for the 49th time in their storied rivalry with more than 24,000 fans in attendance at Aggie Memorial Stadium on Friday night.  Both teams have combined to win 11 of the last 16 state championships. 

Mayfield shocked the defending state champions by pulling off the 28-20 win.  Las Cruces High came into the match up riding an 18 game winning streak, and were ranked 218th in the country.  Mayfield's defensive effort was superior, they shut down the  Bulldawgs offense in the second half.  Las Cruces High came into the contest averaging 50 points per game, and was only able to score 20 points in the first half against Mayfield.

Mayfield was able to score on their first possession when running back David Stookey found the endzone on a 1 yard TD run, giving the Trojans the early 7-0 lead.  Las Cruces High tied up the game when running back J. J. Granados scored a 2 yard touchdown.  It was Granado's 31st touchdown of the season.  The Bulldawgs took a 13-7 lead in the second quarter when quarterback Kameron Miller threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Jalen Bishop.

Mayfield came right back on their ensuing possession when running back Phillip Ehly scored on a 2 yard touchdown run to give the Trojans a 14-13 lead.  Mayfield's slim advantage didn't last long as the Bulldawgs took a 20-14 lead into halftime when Miller found wide receiver Isaiah Mcintyre for a 14 yard touchdown reception.  Hopefully Las Cruces High relished those points, because they were the last ones they scored in the game.

Mayfield's defense was stellar in the second half and the Trojans went on to defeat the defending state champs, and win the District 3-5A championship.  Trojan's QB Kavika Johnson enabled his team to get the victory with a stunning rushing performance gaining 163 yards and scoring 2 TD's.  It was an emotional and electric scene as the clock expired as Mayfield fans stormed the field to celebrate with their team.  For the Trojans they improved to 9-1 on the season, 4-0 in District 3-5A.  Las Cruces High fell to 9-1, 3-1 in District 3-5A.

It was another exceptional season in high school football, the playoffs begin next week, why do I have a feeling that we may see Las Cruces High face Las Cruces Mayfield again?  However, next time it could be for the state championship.