Photo by Daniel Zuniga

CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO- It was a historic season for the Carlsbad Cavemen football team (6-6) who broke eight school records en route to a huge upset over Rio Rancho high school Nov. 8 in the 2025 6A football playoffs. The playoff victory in Rio Rancho was their first playoff win in 15 years.

Carlsbad head coach Cale Sanders has led a resurgence for the Cavemen football program, and now, the team has racked up 19 various individual honors.

“Each one of our athletes that were recognized for either All District-All Star Game-All State team completely earned every bit of it. I think we even had more that could have been recognized but so proud of this group. 10 all district 2 all stars and 7 All State (possibly most Cavemen ever had). Just a testament to our guys trusting us and the process. It’s nice that the District and State recognize it as well. Also glad several of those guys are coming back to build off this success!” Coach Sanders said.

Here are the Cavemen who received honors:

ALL-DISTRICT

First Team

-Receiver Robert Castaneda (senior)

-Full back Braden Florez (junior)

-Kicker Lennon Ananins (junior)

-Cornerback Rio Sanchez (senior)

-Inside linebacker Colton McKibben (junior)

Second Team

-Defensive lineman Zayland Pesante (senior)

-Offenisve guard Jeremy Vargas (senior)

-Defensive lineman Sean Cruz (sophomore)

-Running back Brock Wright (junior)

-Center Casten Sanders (senior)

ALL-STATE

First Team

-Inside linebacker Colton McKibben (junior)

-Slot receiver Robert Castaneda (senior)

Second Team

-Running back Brock Wright (junior)

-Kicker Lennon Ananins (junior)

-Cornerback Rio Sanchez (senior)

Honorable Mention

-Defensive lineman Sean Cruz (sophomore)

-Offenisve lineman Jeremy Vargas (senior)

NMHSCA ALL STARS

-Reciever Robert Castaneda (senior)

-Cornerback Rio Sanchez (senior)