Steers’ Grit Meets Longhorns’ Power: Magdalena Battles Logan in Semifinals Rematch

The small-town pride of Magdalena will ride with the Steers (7-1) into Logan this week for Friday’s 4 pm highly anticipated quarterfinal round of the New Mexico six-man state football tournament.

Facing the formidable No. 2 seeded Longhorns (8-1) is a tall order, especially after suffering a 47-32 defeat earlier this season. But for Magdalena, this game isn’t just about stats—it’s about the grit and heart demonstrated by their veteran leaders and explosive underclassmen.

This year’s 7-1 Steers squad is built on balance and defensive hustle, powered by a core trio that touches nearly every facet of the game.

The Magdalena Vanguard

The Steers’ success hinges on getting top production from their leaders across the field:

• The Ground Force: Prescott Herrera (Fr.) Magdalena’s running game is anchored by freshman running back Prescott Herrera, who has emerged as the team’s leading rusher. Herrera provides the raw, consistent power needed to maintain possession and wear down a tough Logan defense. His breakout season gives the Steers the reliable downhill running threat that defines their identity. Herrera also contributes defensively, and has 44 tackles proving his freshman force runs both ways.
• The Dual-Threat Captain: EJ Lucero (Jr.) Junior EJ Lucero is the definition of a two-way star. He is the Steers’ primary threat in the air, leading the receiving corps with 272 receiving yards. But Lucero’s true value lies in his defensive intensity, where he stands as the Steers’ tackle leader, averaging 9.3 tackles per game. His speed and instinct are non-negotiable for limiting Logan’s explosive playmakers.
• The Playmaker and Ball Hawk: Nathan Bruton (So.) While the passing yardage is distributed among the Steers’ dual-threat system, sophomore Nathan Bruton represents a critical piece of the backfield as a quarterback/receiver who leads the team defensively with five interceptions. Bruton’s ability to read the opponent’s passing game will be vital in slowing down Logan’s potent air attack.

Logan: Stopping the Two-Way Terror

The Steers’ defense will face their greatest test against Logan’s two-way threat, Stratton Schoonover (Jr.). Schoonover is a statistical monster, leading the Longhorns in both rushing and tackles (averaging 10.0 tackles per game) while racking up an incredible 26 total touchdowns on the season. Stopping Schoonover is the key to victory, and that duty falls directly to Lucero and Herrera.

In the secondary, the Steers must also neutralize senior receiver Mason Wallin, who averages 67.9 receiving yards per game for the Longhorns.

Tournament Outlook: Heart vs. Hype

The earlier 47-32 result proved that Magdalena can score on Logan, but now the Steers must find a way to contain the Longhorns’ attack. This game pits the collective heart of a district champion against the highly rated depth of a state powerhouse. For Magdalena, the key is simple: Lucero must win his defensive battles, Herrera must grind out tough yards, and the Steers must play with the defiant spirit that carried them to the No. 3 seed.

The Hidden Element: Magdalena’s hidden strength is ability of coaches Danny Daniels and Ty Daniels abilities to spread the ball around, especially through the air where nine receivers average from 9-36 yards per catch.

The 2025 Magdalena Steers’ roster includes Quarol Monte, JW Hunter, EJ Lucero, Nathan Bruton, Prescott Herrera, Michael Young, Matthew Lopez, Matthew Lopez, Raylan Cason, Rishawd Piasso, Andrew Mansell, Elias Ganadonegro, Everett Cortez, Michael Smith, Brayman Padilla, Daymen Castagnetto, Kanaan Stephens and Noah Guerro.