Four area squads qualify for state football playoffs

ALBUQUERQUE – Area squads hold down three of the eight berths in the 6-man playoffs, set to begin on Friday night.

Pairings were released on Sunday by the New Mexico Activities Association.

Grady (8-1) drew the No. 2 seed in the division and welcomes seventh-seeded Magdelena (4-3) for a 6 p.m. kickoff. With a win, the Bronchos would face either third-seeded Mountainair (6-2) or No. 6 Dora (4-4), who collide in a 7 p.m. start on Friday at Mountainair.

Meantime, Elida (6-3) is the fourth seed and welcomes in No. 5 Roy/Mosquero (5-4) for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday. That winner takes on either No. 8 New Mexico School of the Deaf (3-5) or top-seeded Logan (9-0), who square off on Friday in Logan.

The championship contest is slated for November 15 on the home field of the highest remaining seed.

In 8-man, defending champion Melrose earned the top seed and a first-round bye in the 12-team bracket. The Buffaloes will welcome in either eighth-seeded eighth seeded Mescalero (3-5) or No. 9 Lordsburg (3-5) the following weekend.

The 8-man championship game is slated for Nov. 23 at the home of the highest-remaining seed.

Pairings from Classes 2A through 6A will be released by the NMAA on Sunday.