Fans searching for the Cibola football schedule often find themselves looking at two distinct but highly competitive programs. Depending on whether you are following the Cougars in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or the Raiders in Yuma, Arizona, the seasonal outlook, district rivalries, and game dates vary significantly. Both programs operate under different state high school athletic associations—the NMAA in New Mexico and the AIA in Arizona—meaning their schedules are dictated by specific regional calendars and playoff structures.

High school football scheduling is a complex process involving non-conference "freedom" games and critical district or regional matchups that determine postseason eligibility. For the 2025-2026 academic year, both Cibola programs have navigated challenging schedules, showcasing the grit and talent inherent in Southwestern high school athletics.

Identifying the Two Cibola High School Football Programs

To ensure you are tracking the correct team, it is essential to distinguish between the two campuses that share this historic name.

Cibola High School Cougars (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

The Cibola Cougars compete in the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) at the Class 6A level, which is the highest classification in the state. They are members of District 1, a group known for its intense competition and long-standing rivalries among Albuquerque-based schools. The team wears gold and brown and plays its home games at venues like Nusenda Community Stadium or on their own campus field.

Cibola High School Raiders (Yuma, Arizona)

The Cibola Raiders are a staple of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA). They compete in the 4A Conference within the Desert Southwest region. Based in Yuma, the Raiders frequently travel across the desert to face opponents in the Phoenix metro area and surrounding agricultural hubs. They are recognized by their black and gold colors and a strong local fan base that packs the stands for regional matchups.

What is the Cibola Cougars football schedule for 2025?

The 2025 season for the Cibola Cougars in Albuquerque was a journey of resilience, finishing with an overall record of 5-6. Playing in Class 6A District 1, the Cougars faced some of the toughest defensive units in the state. Their schedule was characterized by a strong start followed by a grueling stretch of district games.

2025 Varsity Regular Season Results

The schedule kicked off in August, with the Cougars looking to establish momentum early. Here is a breakdown of their primary matchups:

  • August 22 @ Albuquerque High: A narrow defeat (21-24) to start the season. This game was a back-and-forth battle that set the tone for the team's competitive spirit.
  • August 28 vs. Sandia: The Cougars bounced back with a dominant 46-24 victory. The offense clicked in this home opener, showcasing their ability to put up high point totals.
  • September 5 @ El Dorado: Another road win (35-14). The defense stepped up in this matchup, limiting El Dorado's big-play capabilities.
  • September 11 @ Carlsbad: Continuing their winning streak, the Cougars secured a 23-7 victory on the road.
  • September 19 vs. Clovis: A hard-fought 21-8 win. This victory brought the Cougars to a strong mid-season position.
  • October 3 @ Rio Rancho: The beginning of a difficult district stretch. The Cougars lost 15-25 against a top-tier Rio Rancho squad.
  • October 10 vs. Cleveland: A tough 6-27 loss against one of the perennial powerhouses in New Mexico high school football.
  • October 18 @ Farmington: In a game marked by a torrential downpour in the first quarter, the Cougars showed immense grit to win 28-10. This was a critical district victory.
  • October 24 vs. Piedra Vista: A 7-28 loss at home, where the Cougars struggled to break through Piedra Vista’s defensive line.
  • November 1 @ Volcano Vista: A heavy 7-35 defeat against a primary district rival.

Postseason Performance

The Cougars qualified for the 2025 NMAA 6A State Football Championships as the #10 seed. They faced the #7 seed, Volcano Vista, in the opening round on November 7, 2025. In a much tighter contest than their previous regular-season meeting, the Cougars narrowly lost 10-14 at Nusenda Stadium. The game was a defensive stalemate, with the Cougars showing significant improvement in their schematic approach to the Hawks' offense.

Analysis of the Cibola Cougars Roster and Stats

The 2025 season's success was driven by several standout performers who anchored the Cougars on both sides of the ball.

Defensive Leadership

Hayes Baum, a senior linebacker, emerged as one of the most productive defensive players in the state. Averaging 10.5 tackles per game and recording 7.0 sacks throughout the season, Baum was the heartbeat of the defense. His ability to read the backfield and stop the run was evident in the win against Farmington.

Offensive Production

On the offensive side, Jeremiah Gutierrez provided a steady receiving threat, averaging 38.1 yards per game. The ground game was led by Hayes Baum as well, who contributed as a running back with nearly 60 rushing yards per game and a staggering 17 total touchdowns. This dual-role performance made him an indispensable asset to the varsity squad.

Under the guidance of Head Coach David Howes and his staff, the Cougars maintained a competitive edge in District 1, eventually ranking #21 in the state of New Mexico and #11 within Division 6A.

Detailed Cibola Raiders Football Schedule in Yuma

The Cibola Raiders in Arizona had a highly successful 2025 campaign, finishing the regular season with a 6-3 record and a 3-1 mark in the 4A Desert Southwest region. This performance placed them 2nd in their region and 130th in the overall Arizona state rankings.

2025 Varsity Game Highlights

The Raiders played a schedule that mixed local Yuma rivalries with challenging non-region opponents.

  • August 29 @ Rincon/University: An explosive start to the season with a 42-6 blowout victory.
  • September 12 @ Calexico (CA): The Raiders crossed state lines to secure a 21-12 win in a physical cross-border matchup.
  • September 18 @ Holtville (CA): A significant setback where the Raiders were shut out 0-60. This game served as a major learning point for the coaching staff.
  • September 26 vs. Somerton: A resounding 49-0 homecoming victory that restored team confidence.
  • October 3 vs. Palo Verde Valley (CA): A defensive thriller that ended in a 7-6 victory for Cibola.
  • October 10 vs. Estrella Foothills: A 16-32 loss against a tough Wolves team.
  • October 17 @ Yuma High: The traditional city rivalry saw the Raiders dominate the "Criminals" with a 50-0 shutout.
  • October 24 vs. Kofa: Another local victory, winning 41-19 against the Kings.
  • October 31 @ Gila Ridge: The regular-season finale ended in a 0-45 loss to the Hawks, a result that determined the final regional standings.

Regional Context and Standings

Competing in the 4A Desert Southwest, the Raiders demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with in Western Arizona. Their second-place finish in the region highlights their growth under Head Coach C. Gillispie. The team excelled in capitalizing on turnovers and maintaining a balanced offensive attack.

Key Players and Statistical Leaders for Cibola Raiders

The Raiders relied on a group of versatile seniors to lead their 2025 charge.

  • Daniel Saenz: A true "ironman" player, Saenz contributed as a safety, running back, and wide receiver. He led the team in rushing with over 80 yards per game, scored 11 total touchdowns, and recorded 6.0 sacks on defense. His total yardage for the season approached the 1,000-yard mark.
  • Damian Camarillo: As the primary wide receiver, Camarillo averaged 71.8 yards per game, providing the deep-threat capability needed to stretch opposing defenses.
  • Damion Sanchez: A senior linebacker, Sanchez was a tackling machine, averaging 10.6 tackles per game, ensuring that the Raiders remained competitive in low-scoring affairs.
  • Marques Montague: A key contributor on both special teams and defense, Montague recorded 3 interceptions, consistently disrupting the opponent's passing game.

How to find the most accurate Cibola football schedule for 2026?

As the 2025 season concludes, fans and parents are already looking toward the Fall 2026 schedule. High school football schedules are typically finalized in late spring or early summer once the state athletic associations (NMAA and AIA) approve the new blocks for districts and regions.

Official Platforms for Albuquerque (NM) Updates

For the Cibola Cougars, the most reliable way to track the 2026 schedule is through the following:

  1. DragonFly Athletics: This is the primary portal used by Albuquerque Public Schools for athletic calendars and athlete registration.
  2. NMAA Official Website: The New Mexico Activities Association provides the master schedule for all Class 6A schools.
  3. Cibola Athletics Page: The school’s official website under the "Athletics" tab will post the finalized calendar once available.

Official Platforms for Yuma (AZ) Updates

For the Cibola Raiders, check these sources:

  1. AZPreps365: The official site of the Arizona Interscholastic Association. It provides real-time scores, standings, and schedules for every AIA team.
  2. Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD): The district website often hosts athletic schedules and ticket information for all Yuma schools.
  3. MaxPreps: While a third-party site, it is widely used by Arizona coaches to log statistics and schedule changes.

Understanding Game Logistics: Tickets and Venues

Attending a Cibola football game requires some planning, especially for high-profile district matchups.

Ticket Purchasing

Most high schools in New Mexico and Arizona have moved to digital ticketing.

  • GoFan: This is the most common platform for AIA and NMAA games. Fans are encouraged to download the app and purchase tickets in advance, as many stadiums no longer accept cash at the gate.
  • Student and Senior Discounts: Always check for discounted rates. Students with a valid ID and senior citizens often receive reduced pricing.

Stadium Locations

  • For the Albuquerque Cougars: Home games are frequently held at Nusenda Community Stadium (located at 1601 Arroyo Vista Blvd NW) or Milne Stadium. These are large municipal venues that accommodate thousands of fans.
  • For the Yuma Raiders: Home games are held at the Cibola High School Stadium on campus. This provides a traditional "Friday Night Lights" atmosphere that is central to the Yuma community.

Comparison of Junior Varsity and Freshman Schedules

The development of a high school program depends heavily on its lower-level teams. Both Cibola schools maintain active Junior Varsity (JV) and Freshman/Sophomore (Fr/So) programs.

Cibola (AZ) JV and Freshman Schedules

In 2025, the JV Raiders followed a schedule nearly identical to the varsity, typically playing the day before or in the afternoon of a varsity game. Their matchups against schools like Parker and Gila Ridge are crucial for building the depth needed for future varsity seasons.

Cibola (NM) JV Development

The Albuquerque Cibola JV program focuses on fundamental skill sets. Their games against other Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) programs like Cleveland and Rio Rancho provide a pipeline of talent that has kept the Cougars competitive in Class 6A for years.

Future Outlook: What to expect for Cibola Football in 2026

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, both programs face the challenge of replacing graduating seniors like Hayes Baum (NM) and Daniel Saenz (AZ).

Recruiting and Talent Pipeline

In Albuquerque, the Cougars will look to their 2027 and 2028 classes to fill the void in the linebacker and running back positions. Isaac Behrens and George Martinez III are names to watch as they transition into larger leadership roles.

In Yuma, the Raiders' success in the 4A Desert Southwest region has made them an attractive destination for upcoming middle school athletes. The emphasis on a strong ground game is expected to continue, given the regional coaching philosophy.

Schedule Trends

Fans can expect the 2026 schedules to maintain traditional rivalry dates. The "Yuma City Championship" matchups (Cibola vs. Yuma vs. Kofa vs. Gila Ridge) will remain the highlights of the Arizona schedule. In New Mexico, the battle for District 1 supremacy will continue to revolve around the clashes with Volcano Vista and Cleveland.

Conclusion and Summary of Cibola Football

The Cibola football programs in both New Mexico and Arizona represent the height of regional high school sports. Whether you are tracking the Cibola Cougars (5-6 in 2025) or the Cibola Raiders (6-3 in 2025), both teams offer high-octane action and a community-driven atmosphere.

While the 2025 season has provided plenty of highlights—from the Cougars' rainy victory in Farmington to the Raiders' shutout of Yuma High—the focus now shifts to the 2026 off-season. Fans should stay tuned to official district portals and platforms like AZPreps365 and DragonFly for the official release of the 2026 schedules in late spring.

FAQ

When is the Cibola vs. Gila Ridge game? In the 2025 season, the varsity matchup between the Cibola Raiders (Yuma) and Gila Ridge took place on October 31, 2025. The 2026 date will likely be scheduled for late October.

What class is Cibola High School football in New Mexico? Cibola High School in Albuquerque competes in Class 6A, District 1. This is the highest competitive level in the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA).

How can I stream Cibola football games? Many games for both schools are streamed live on the NFHS Network. This requires a subscription but provides access to both live broadcasts and on-demand highlights of varsity and JV games.

Who is the head coach of the Cibola Raiders in Yuma? The program is led by Head Coach C. Gillispie, who has been instrumental in guiding the team to a top-two finish in the 4A Desert Southwest region in 2025.

Where can I find the 2026 football schedule for Cibola High School? The 2026 schedules are typically released in May or June of 2026. They will be posted on the official school district websites (YUHSD for Arizona and APS for New Mexico) and on state athletic association sites.