Buffs collect 16 all-state selections

ALBQUUERQUE — The Melrose Buffaloes were well-represented on the New Mexico High School Coaches Association’s all-state team for eight-man football. So was its entire district.

Of the 60 selections announced over the weekend by the association, 49 belonged to the five teams of District 2 — 14 for state champion Tatum, 16 for the state runner-up Buffaloes, 14 for semifinalist Logan, four for semifinalist Fort Sumner and one for Mesilla Valley.

Leading the way was Michael Cardonita, who garnered three selections in total. He was a first-team selection on the secondary and as a punter, and was named a second-team quarterback.

Four other Buffaloes received two selections, with Nash Martin a first-team selection at center and defensive end and Brody Mcalister a first-teamer at both the offensive and defensive lineman spots. Dathan Year was a second-team selection at both inside linebacker and running back, while Brandon Garcia made the second team for secondary and received honorable mention at receiver.

Five other Melrose players received a single selection, with Jaryn Bruce a first-team selection at defensive line and Cy Draper a first-team kicker. The second team featured Logan DeVaney and Brady Sorgen at offensive line and Jaxon Odom at running back.

All-state athletes are chosen by through a process that includes nominations by head coaches, ranking of nominations through a coach's ballot and a final selection committee chosen by the association’s board of directors.