Pete’s Pigskin Preview: Lovington Wildcats
2025: 7-5, reached state quarterfinals
LOVINGTON, N.M. (KCBD) - As a 5A program in 2025, the Lovington Wildcats recorded wins over Portales, Las Cruces Mayfield, and two over Roswell Goddard to finish 7-5 and end up in the state quarterfinals before falling to Artesia 35-30 in a game decided in the fourth quarter.
The Wildcats have claimed 20 titles in their illustrious history. With the program dropping from 5A to 4A, head coach Josh Bailey is excited to go after title No. 21, even with younger talent coming in. Coach Bailey says Lovington High is always eyeing the coveted blue trophy given every year to the New Mexico state champs. A state title for them would be their first since 2023.
“Our goal is to win district and win state,” he said. “I know we have lofty goals. We always want to take it one game at a time, but towards something bigger, and again in Lovington, we have a lot of pressure to be successful and to win state. I just tell the guys, and I believe it too, that pressure is a privilege. Not everybody has those expectations and, they’re satisfied with things that we just aren’t satisfied with here, and so our goal is to win state and, it’s not going to be easy. We know that, but I think this team can do it.”
KCBD Sports will be at Lovington’s season opener Friday, as the Wildcats host Roswell Goddard.
The team also has two Texas opponents in its non-district schedule: Lubbock Christian at home on Aug. 28, and Monahans on the road on Sept. 11.
Key returners include: QB Kylan Spencer, WR Auden Paredes, WR Jojo Perez, and RB Lyjzah Ruiz.
Pete’s Pigskin Previews are sponsored by Grid Iron Bells.
2026 schedule is listed below. Kickoff times set for 8 p.m. CT.
- 8/21 Roswell Goddard
- 8/28 Lubbock Christian
- 9/4 @ Carlsbad
- 9/11 @ Monahans
- 9/18 @ Portales
- 9/25 BYE
- 10/2 Valencia*
- 10/9 Belen*
- 10/16 @ Santa Teresa*
- 10/23 Albuquerque Academy*
- 10/30 @ St. Pius X*
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