Two-way players Isiah Ocampo and Kaden Dow picked up dual selections and headed six Socorro Warriors onto the New Mexico High School Coaches Association’s 2023 Class 3A All-State football team.

Ocampo started on both sides of the football at quarterback and defensive back, and coaches rewarded his efforts with first-team selections on offense and defense.

In his first year under center for the Warriors, Ocampo, a junior, generated 3,221 yards of offense as he passed for 2,069 yards and 27 touchdowns. Ocampo had another 1,152 yards on the ground and six more scores.

On defense, Ocampo had 44 tackles, and 30 of those were solo stops. He also had a pair of interceptions, a caused fumble and a fumble recovery.

Dow’s kicking abilities overshadowed a great season where he led the Warriors with 52 tackles, and he was also spending time on offense at wide receiver, where he had a scoring reception.

Dow, a senior, made 44 of 47 extra-point kicks and hit the only field goal he attempted this season. His leg was a weapon for the Warriors regarding field position from his punting.

Being named to the all-state first team at wide receiver was an “I-told-you-so” moment for senior Alex Amaro, who was left off the NMHSCA’s all-star football game two weeks ago. Despite being hobbled by an ankle injury late in the season, Amaro snared 54 passes for 808 yards and five scores.

Amaro also started on defense, where 21 of his 22 tackles were solo stops.

Senior interior lineman Andres Gonzales stepped away from football for several years before deciding to play his last year of high school and earning first-team all-state status.

Gonzales had 32 tackles, but more than anything, his presence and the ability to disrupt an offensive line helped with his selection.

Freshman inside linebacker Chase Boykin was a ball hawk for the Warriors as he earned first-team all-state honors. Boykin was third on the team with 49 tackles, and he led Socorro with five tackles for losses. Boykin’s offensive exploits included rushing for 5.8 yards per carry for 428 yards and six touchdowns.

Sophomore slot receiver Jay Lee’s breakout season ends in a bit of a mystery with his being selected to the all-state second team when his numbers are clearly first team. In his first season as a starter, Lee led Socorro in receptions (60), yards (944), and touchdowns (13). Lee added 17 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor