By MIKE COTE
Sports Writer
Los Alamos Daily Post 

Los Alamos will take on Capital’s Jaguars Friday night in its annual homecoming football game.

Los Alamos is heading into Friday’s homecoming contest off its toughest game of the 2025 season so far, edging out the Highland Hornets last week in Albuquerque, 13-0. Friday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Sullivan Field.

The Hilltoppers (4-0) appear to have a solid edge over Friday’s opponent. Capital (1-3), a former district rival and longtime regular Los Alamos opponent, has struggled to put points on the board this season, coming up with just 20 points in its four games and was shut out in its season opener against cross-town rival Santa Fe.

The Jaguars’ defense had a very good showing a week ago against Del Norte, however, holding the Knights to just 6 points to secure their first win of the season. The Jaguars will need a defensive performance similar to that one to have any shot at upsetting the Hilltoppers, who are averaging nearly 42 points per game.

The Hilltoppers are coming off their lowest output of the season, though, although it’s unlikely they will be held down in the same way the Highland Hornets were able to limit the offensive output a week ago.

Despite the rain-soaked conditions last week in Albuquerque, Los Alamos was still able to roll up 300 yards of offense. Quarterback Hayden Watkins threw for 164 yards, completing 16 of 24 attempts and a touchdown to Dylan Baca.

Los Alamos star back, Jordan Herrera, had his lowest output of the season so far last week, but still easily eclipsed the 100-yard mark, and ran for a touchdown, as well. Highland moved the ball fairly well on the ground, with Jose Tapia leading all rushers with 128 yards, but the Hornets (2-2) could not crack the end zone against Los Alamos’ defense.

Despite Los Alamos’ success, the team is still only tracking around the middle of the pack in the Class 5A rankings. Los Alamos, despite being one of just two undefeated teams in 5A – fourth-ranked Gadsden is the other one – is currently ranked No. 7 in the 16-team Class 5A rankings, according to MaxPreps.com, one notch below Deming and one notch above Mayfield, neither of which has won a game in 2025.