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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – The 2022 high school football season officially kicked off in New Mexico Thursday night, and many metro teams got in on the action.

In a Class 6A matchup, Santa Fe made the trip to Albuquerque to battle West Mesa at Nusenda Community Stadium. It was the first game as Mustangs head coach for former Lobo running back Landrick Brody, and his team started with a bang, scoring on each of its first three possessions. The Mustangs won 56 to 12.

In another Class 6A matchup, Atrsico Heritage and Sandia met at Wilson Stadium as both programs looked to start their seasons on a high note. This was a back-to-back high scoring game as a total of 96 points were scored. Sandia running back Malachi Thymes was responsible for many of those points as he reached the end zone a total of seven times, leading the Matadors to a 59-37 victory.

Despite residing in different classifications, Valley (5A) played a road game against Bernalillo (4A) at Cleveland High School. It was the first game of the Billy Cobos coaching era for the Vikings, and he had a lot to be excited about as his team cruised to a 36-0 victory.

Class 4A contender Albuquerque Academy began its season on the first day of school when the Chargers played independent Rio Grande at Milne Stadium. Academy had a strong showing on both sides of the ball as the offense put up 37 points while the defense shut down the Ravens.

Week 1 games continue Friday night with a full slate of games across the state. KRQE types will provide coverage of all the Friday Night Football action at 11:05 PM on Fox New Mexico.