New NMAA Alignment Places Los Alamos Football in 1-5A

On Jan. 10, 2026 the New Mexico Activities Association finalized classification and alignment for the 2026-2028 cycle, producing district shifts that directly affect Los Alamos High School athletics. Most notably, Los Alamos football has been placed in District 1-5A alongside programs such as Capital, Cibola, Highland, Los Lunas and Santa Fe High, a reconfiguration that will shape matchups, travel distances and playoff pathways for the coming two seasons.

Athletic Director Guy Meyer has framed the change as part of ongoing efforts to align competitive balance across the state, noting Los Alamos' historical competitiveness and the likely scheduling implications the new district will bring. For coaches, student-athletes and families, the alignment means more frequent trips to Albuquerque-area and central New Mexico schools during the regular season, and potentially longer travel windows for weeknight contests and weekend tournaments.

Those longer trips carry practical consequences for the Los Alamos community. Increased travel time can reduce time available for homework and rest, raise the risk of fatigue-related injuries and raise transportation costs for the district and for families who support away-game logistics. For student-athletes balancing academics and athletics, earlier departure times and later returns may require adjustments to tutoring, classroom attendance and access to school-based health services, including athletic training and mental health support.

The alignment also highlights broader equity questions about resources available to smaller or more remote school communities. Programs in larger Albuquerque schools often have deeper budgets, larger coaching staffs and more extensive travel infrastructures; equitable competition under the new district will depend on Los Alamos securing sufficient transportation funding, staffing and medical coverage to keep student-athletes safe and academically supported.

In the short term, Los Alamos athletic staff and coaches will finalize schedules, travel plans and contingency protocols. Parents and student-athletes should watch school and team communications for detailed game schedules, departure times and expectations for academic accommodations. Over the next two seasons, school leaders will need to monitor injury rates, missed class time and family cost burdens to inform policy decisions about transportation funding, athletic trainer staffing and academic support tied to athletics.

The NMAA alignment sets the competitive map for 2026-2028, but the local response will determine whether Los Alamos can sustain competitive play while protecting student health, educational equity and family wellbeing.