Program News

On Saturday, October 17 the Hornet football team, after practice, will be joined by Kyle Stepp of So Everybody Can Move, as well as an Elite Para Triathlete and others to talk about adaptive athletics and more. Our athletes will be able to ask question, participate in activities, and learn about amputee advocacy. New Mexico Mobility Day is a free community event that brings together individuals with disabilities from across New Mexico to experience physical activity, adaptive sports, and movement in an inclusive and supportive environment. Each year, we bring together community members, families, clinicians, adaptive sport organizations, and industry partners to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to move, try something new, and connect with one another. We appreciate everything Kyle has done with our football program and look forward to future endeavors. #morethanfootball

Wednesday, September 2 the Chris Eaton Foundation is presenting a roundtable discussion with select group of high school coaches to help identify common concerns and explore solutions that could be helpful to coaches and their players. The presentation will be conducted and guided by UNM sports psychologist Dr. Dan Krizan. We look forward to the valuable insight Coach Lovato will be bringing back from tonight's event. #morethanfootball

Highland continued its strong start to the season with a convincing 41–14 win over Del Norte, improving to 2–0. The Hornets produced 481 yards of total offense, combining a powerful rushing attack with several explosive plays through the air. Jorge Salzano accounted for 210 total yards, throwing for 137 yards while adding 73 on the ground. Curtis Ryan delivered a huge performance with 127 receiving yards and three touchdown catches, finishing with 163 all-purpose yards. William Anchondo added 150 total yards while contributing as a runner, receiver, and passer, and Andres Acosta added another touchdown on the ground. Highland finished the night with 315 rushing yards and 166 passing yards. The Hornet defense limited Del Norte to two scores, intercepted two passes, and consistently kept the Knights from building momentum. Ryan recorded one of the interceptions, while Daniel Nguyen added an eight-yard sack. It was another complete team performance as Highland remained unbeaten and continued building momentum early in the 2026 season.

Highland improved to 1–0 with a commanding 35–6 victory over Rio Grande, controlling the game with a relentless rushing attack and another strong defensive performance. The Hornets piled up 417 rushing yards on 33 carries, averaging more than 12 yards per attempt. William Anchondo led the offense with 103 yards and three touchdowns, while Jasper Groves added 94 yards and a score and Andres Acosta finished with 92 yards and a touchdown. John Pate also rushed for 94 yards as Highland consistently created explosive plays throughout the night. Defensively, Highland held Rio Grande to just one score while recording 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Albert Rodriguez Jr. led the team with seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Carlos Mancilla, Malachi Bouvia, and Tony Fisher also recorded sacks as the Hornets controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The victory was a complete team effort and another positive step forward for Highland early in the 2026 season.

The Hornets got their first taste of live action and gave plenty of reasons to be excited. Highland hit the field against Bernalillo and Santa Fe for a preseason scrimmage, giving the Hornets their first chance to test themselves against outside competition. Junior Andres Acosta powered the offense, rushing for 49 yards on 11 carries, while quarterback Jorge Salzano showed his dual-threat ability. William Anchondo and Curtis Ryan also helped create explosive opportunities through the air as Highland flashed the potential of its offense. The defense delivered some of the biggest moments of the scrimmage. Anchondo and Salzano each came away with interceptions, and both had open field in front of them with a chance to take the picks back for touchdowns if not for the scrimmage format ending the plays. Highland also showed its aggressiveness defensively, attacking from multiple fronts and pressure packages throughout the night. There were plenty of flashes, but there is still a lot of room for growth. The Hornets have details to clean up, consistency to build and plenty left to prove before the games start counting. The first test is in the books. The potential is there. Now it's time to go to work.

Players and coaches are preparing for a season defined by discipline, accountability, and commitment to one another.

The official Varsity, Junior Varsity, and C-Team matchups are posted along with key program dates for families.

Highland Football is strengthened by the people and organizations willing to invest time, resources, and encouragement in our student-athletes.