A large bunch of well-wishers showed up to congratulate Brian Armijo and Marcus Armijo on their commitment to play football for New Mexico Highlands next season.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

New Mexico Highlands got to double-dip in Socorro on May 12, with senior Warrior football players Brian Armijo and Marcus Armijo signing their national letters of intent to play for the Cowboys.

Considering the pair helped lead the 2022 Warriors to an 11-1 record, a fifth consecutive district title, and a berth in the Class 3A playoffs – it was fitting the pair sat down together to make their commitments.

Both players delayed their commitments as they weighed their options and considered playing out of state. The lure of playing close to home and in-state tuition also helped the pair decide where to play.

Marcus Armijo will be transitioning back to his natural position at slot receiver after having played under center for the Warriors the past three seasons as Socorro’s starting quarterback. He developed into a true dual-threat quarterback and threw for 1,377 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior year against only six interceptions. Armijo rushed for 958 yards and 15 more scores, averaging 10.4 yards per carry.

Running back Brian Armijo battled a midseason knee injury but still produced lightning-in-a-bottle style touchdowns that got the Warriors past league rival Cobre and into the playoffs. Armijo rushed for a team-high 10.9 yards per carry for 642 yards.

Both players were defensive starters, and Brian Armijo posted 69 tackles, including an astonishing 50 solo stops and 17.5 tackles for losses – both team highs.

Marcus Armijo’s just being in the defensive backfield made teams direct their offenses in the opposite direction because he was a significant threat to break up a pass play.

Armijo is looking toward his future by studying business.

“I’m going to study business and economics to become a financial advisor,” Armijo said.

He’s already showing good economic sense by choosing an in-state college.

“Well, I was looking around, and there were some out-of-state colleges, but the money wasn’t right. With in-state tuition, all lined up right for me. I made a final decision that Highlands would be the best choice,” Armijo said.

Brian Armijo wants to get into business for himself, and when he heard his high school quarterback had decided to commit to Highlands, it was the final factor in his decision also to go there.

“I went to Highland, and I like the coach and the family feeling they have there. I like their campus because it’s not too big and enclosed like Socorro. The whole town (Las Vegas) is nice and made me feel at home.,” Armijo said.

While Brian has yet to decide on his after-college career, he knows he wants to take charge.

“I’m going to become an entrepreneur,” he said.

Highlands is looking to improve on a 3-7 record. from last season.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor