In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy welcome back Dakota State University senior safety Aidan Jahns—the very first guest ever featured on the show—for an in-depth conversation ahead of his final collegiate football season.

Since his first appearance, Aidan has gone from earning a starting role to becoming one of the leaders of the Trojans’ defense. He reflects on his growth as a player and the journey that has brought him to his senior season in Madison, South Dakota.

The conversation explores life as a small-college student-athlete, including balancing football, school, two jobs, and his Christian faith. Aidan discusses what makes Dakota State special, how the university’s new facilities are helping elevate the football program, and the lessons learned from an 8-2 season that narrowly missed the NAIA Playoffs.

Aidan also breaks down the responsibilities of playing safety, previews the Frontier Conference, highlights key players to watch, and shares recruiting advice for high school athletes hoping to play college football. He opens up about his plans after football and gives an update on the return of his popular “Day in the Life of an NAIA Athlete” series.

🏈 Timestamps
💼 2:40 – Balancing Football, School, Two Jobs & Faith
🏟️ 7:40 – Dakota State’s New Stadium & Building a Championship Program
🎓 11:20 – Recruiting Journey & Why He Chose Dakota State
✈️ 13:00 – The Trojans’ 2025 Season & Frontier Conference Football
🏆 22:10 – Missing the Playoffs & Lessons from an 8-2 Season
🧢 25:10 – Stepping Into a Leadership Role
👀 45:15 – Players to Watch This Season
🎯 47:35 – Recruiting Advice for Future College Athletes

If you enjoyed the episode, Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss another episode!

💬 What are your expectations for Dakota State this season? Can the Trojans make a run to the NAIA Playoffs? Let us know in the comments!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast
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🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast
Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA to New Mexico and Borderland high school football. We bring you football news, coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the sport we love.

#DakotaState #DakotaStateFootball #NAIAFootball #FrontierConference #AidanJahns #CollegeFootball #SmallCollegeFootball #ThoseGuysPodcast #FootballPodcast #StudentAthlete #Recruiting #CollegeFootballPreview #SeniorSeason #FootballLeadership

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy sit down with three stars from Las Cruces High School’s historic 2025 football team: Gunnar Guardiola, Sisco Winnikoff, and Daniel Amaro.

Now competing at the collegiate level, the trio reflects on their journey from middle school teammates to one of the greatest senior classes in Bulldawgs history. They discuss playing multiple sports, balancing high school demands, middle school rivalries, freshman adversity, and the brotherhood that helped fuel Las Cruces’ run to the state championship game.

The guys also share their recruiting journeys, college decisions, and the impact Coach Marcos Lopez and the Las Cruces football program had on their lives. The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions, hilarious team stories, advice for future Bulldawgs, and a heartfelt conversation about leadership, legacy, and what comes next.

🏈 Timestamps
0:15 – Meet Las Cruces’ Big Three
2:02 – Multi-Sport Athletes
7:45 – Zero Hour & High School Discipline
12:10 – Middle School Rivalries
20:20 – Freshman Varsity & Adversity
26:00 – The Brotherhood Behind the Historic Run
41:00 – Recruiting & College Decisions
1:00:10 – Rapid Fire & Team Stories
1:05:30 – Coaches Who Changed Their Lives
1:16:30 – Advice for Future Bulldawgs

If you enjoyed the episode, Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications!

💬 Do you think this senior class is one of the greatest in Las Cruces football history? Let us know in the comments!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/
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Facebook: https://facebook.com/thoseguyspodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thoseguyssportspodcast

🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast
Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS and FCS to Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. We bring you football news, coaching interviews, recruiting stories, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations celebrating the game we love.

#LasCrucesFootball #LasCrucesBulldogs #GunnarGuardiola #SiscoWinnikoff #DanielAmaro #NewMexicoFootball #NewMexicoHighlands #NMState #HighSchoolFootball #Recruiting #ThoseGuysPodcast

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy welcome Mayfield High School Head Coach Joseph Frias and Defensive Coordinator Stephen White to discuss one of the biggest coaching transitions in New Mexico high school football.

Coach Frias returns to the show after accepting the head coaching position at Mayfield, while Coach White makes his podcast debut to share his unique coaching journey—from professional football in Mexico to helping lead the Trojans' new era. Together, they discuss their vision for re-establishing Mayfield Football, building a championship culture, assembling their coaching staff, developing young talent, changing offensive and defensive philosophies, and preparing the Trojans for one of the toughest opening schedules in the state.

The conversation also dives into recruiting, offseason training, community support, the Mayfield tradition, Las Cruces rivalries, leadership, and what fans can expect as the Trojans begin a new chapter under Coach Frias and Coach White. The episode wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions and a look ahead to the 2026 season.

🏈 Welcome Back Coach Frias & Meet Coach Stephen White (0:29)

🇲🇽 Coach White's Journey from Professional Football in Mexico to Mayfield (2:15)

🏆 Coach Frias on Becoming Mayfield's Head Coach (4:29)

💚 First Impressions of Mayfield Football & the Community (9:09)

🔥 Re-establishing the Mayfield Culture (12:02)

⚡ Offensive & Defensive Philosophy (16:49)

💪 Offseason Competition, Strength Training & Injury Prevention (25:05)

⚔️ The Mayfield–Las Cruces Rivalry & Borderland Football (34:22)

👨‍🏫 Building the Coaching Staff & Leadership Philosophy (40:51)

😂 Rapid Fire Questions (47:55)

👏 Final Thoughts (55:09)

This week on Those Guys Sports Podcast, we sit down with Organ Mountain High School Head Coach Greg Mallory and Offensive Coordinator Maximus Buckingham to discuss the future of the Knights football program.

0:00 – Intro & Meet the Guests
2:07 – Coach Mallory's Journey to Organ Mountain
4:20 – Coach Buckingham's Background & Coaching Path
12:26 – Why Coach Mallory Took the Head Coaching Job
15:22 – Building a New Culture at Organ Mountain
16:56 – Balancing Football & Track
18:06 – Changing the Team Culture
22:06 – Why Coach Buckingham Left a Head Coaching Position
32:38 – What Fans Can Expect This Season
37:54 – Building the Coaching Staff
47:54 – The Legacy They Want Players to Leave With
49:56 – What It Means to Lead Organ Mountain Football
52:01 – Rapid Fire Questions
56:30 – Final Thoughts & Season Preview

#Thoseguyspodcast #OMHSFootball

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy welcome Luke Matherly and Ifo Pili Jr., two outstanding student-athletes whose football journeys have taken them from Centennial High School to the next level.

🏈 Welcome & Introducing Luke Matherly and Ifo Pili Jr. (0:26)

🌎 Growing Up in New Mexico & Utah (4:06)

🏆 Middle School Football & Championship Memories (8:46)

🦅 Building the Centennial Football Culture (11:34)

💪 Why Multi-Sport Athletes Have an Edge (15:10)

📚 Balancing School, Sports & Life (20:32)

📈 The Recruiting Journey & Earning Offers (22:57)

✈️ Official Visits & Choosing the Right School (29:18)

🎓 Why They Chose South Dakota Mines & Utah State (32:09)

🌎 Brazil Mission & Preparing for College Football (35:21)

😂 Rapid Fire Questions & Fun Stories (45:15)

🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast

Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you football news, coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the sport we love.

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy return to a traditional episode after wrapping up their coaching interview series. They reflect on what they learned from interviewing coaches across New Mexico, discuss the growth of local high school football programs, and share why building relationships with coaches and athletes has become one of the most rewarding parts of the podcast.

The conversation then shifts to recruiting, college football camps, NIL, revenue sharing, conference realignment, and the future of college football. Chris and Troy also provide advice for high school athletes navigating the recruiting process before wrapping up the episode with another entertaining LSU vs. Texas debate.

🎙️ Welcome Back & Coaching Series Reflection (0:00)

🏈 Lessons Learned from Interviewing New Mexico Coaches (1:15)

🏫 New Mexico High School Football Season Preview (7:35)

📈 College Recruiting Advice & Building Your Recruiting Profile (13:40)

🎓 Choosing the Right College Football Camps (21:00)

📋 Recruiting Questionnaires & Getting Recruited (32:50)

🎤 Upcoming Player Interviews & Future Podcast Plans (34:45)

💰 NIL, Revenue Sharing & Salary Caps (37:40)

🏆 Conference Realignment & The Future of College Football (41:45)

🌟 Opportunities at FCS, Division II & Division III Programs (48:45)

🎰 Sports Betting, NIL & Player Responsibility (53:30)

😂 LSU vs. Texas Debate (1:02:00)

👍 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.

💬 Which topic did you enjoy the most? Do you agree with our thoughts on NIL, recruiting, and conference realignment? Let us know in the comments!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa

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🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast

Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from the biggest stories in college football to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you football news, coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the sport we love.

#ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #NIL #LSU #OrganMountainKnightFootball

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy are joined by New Mexico Highlands University assistant coach Gage Guardiola to discuss his football journey from Ruidoso High School to New Mexico Military Institute, where he helped win a NJCAA National Championship, before continuing his playing career at New Mexico Highlands.

Coach Guardiola shares what he learned from playing college football, transitioning into coaching, recruiting high school athletes, developing players, and building a winning culture at Highlands. Whether you're a player hoping to compete at the next level, a coach, or simply a college football fan, this episode is packed with valuable insight and behind-the-scenes stories.

🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Gage Guardiola (0:00)

🏈 Growing Up in Ruidoso & Multi-Sport Athletics (1:45)

🎓 Choosing New Mexico Military Institute (4:00)

🪖 Life at NMMI & Balancing Military School with Football (5:35)

🏆 Winning the NJCAA National Championship (10:20)

🚍 JUCO Football Experiences & Transitioning to Highlands (18:55)

🐺 Playing Quarterback at New Mexico Highlands (20:45)

👨‍👩‍👧 Family, Fatherhood & Finishing His Playing Career (25:20)

🎤 Transitioning from Player to College Football Coach (27:35)

📚 Offensive Philosophy & Coaching Influences (31:15)

📈 Recruiting High School & Transfer Portal Athletes (33:05)

🌄 Why New Mexico High School Football Matters (36:45)

🤝 Building Relationships & Developing Student-Athletes (38:25)

🏈 Expectations for the Upcoming Highlands Season (40:50)

⭐ Recruiting Advice for High School Football Players (41:55)

🔥 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead (46:10)

👍 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.

💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Guardiola's football journey? Let us know in the comments below!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa

📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/

🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast

Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations celebrating the game of football.

#ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #NMMIFootball #NewMexicoHighlandsFootball

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy sit down with Centennial High School Head Football Coach Aaron Ocampo to discuss his incredible coaching journey, from playing at New Mexico Highlands and earning a scholarship as a walk-on at the University of New Mexico to building Centennial High School into one of New Mexico's premier football programs.

Coach Ocampo shares stories from his playing days under legendary coaches, the challenges of starting a brand-new high school football program, building a championship culture, developing young leaders, and preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the field. Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or football fan, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, culture, and the future of New Mexico high school football.

🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Aaron Ocampo (0:00)

🏈 Growing Up Around Football & Playing at New Mexico Highlands (0:50)

🐺 Walking On at UNM & Earning a Scholarship (6:30)

🏟️ Playing Under Dennis Franchione & Learning from Great Coaches (13:00)

👨‍🏫 Beginning His Coaching Career at Socorro & Manzano (17:30)

📈 Becoming a Head Coach at Just 24 Years Old (19:15)

🏫 Building Centennial High School Football from the Ground Up (30:15)

💪 Establishing Culture, Leadership & Accountability (36:20)

🎓 Developing Student-Athletes On and Off the Field (39:00)

📱 Coaching Today's Generation of Players (42:40)

🌆 Albuquerque vs. Las Cruces Football Culture (49:45)

🧠 What Fans Don't See Behind the Scenes of High School Coaching (52:15)

🏆 Previewing Centennial's Upcoming Football Season (55:00)

🎤 Final Thoughts & Advice for Coaches and Players (58:45)

👍 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.

💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Aaron Ocampo's coaching philosophy? Let us know in the comments below!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa

📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/

🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast

Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations celebrating the game of football.

#ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #AaronOcampo #CentennialHawkFootball #NewMexicoHighSchoolFootball

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy welcome Las Cruces High School Head Football Coach Mark Lopez to discuss his coaching journey, building one of New Mexico's premier football programs, and the culture that has made the Bulldogs one of the state's most successful teams.

Coach Lopez shares stories about coaching alongside legendary coach Jim Miller, developing championship teams, adapting to the changing landscape of high school football, and the leadership principles that have shaped generations of student-athletes. The conversation also explores football strategy, player development, coaching philosophy, community support, and what lies ahead for Las Cruces High School football.

🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Mark Lopez (0:00)

⚾ From Coaching Youth Baseball to Las Cruces High School (1:10)

🏈 Joining Coach Jim Miller's Staff & Building a Coaching Career (3:30)

🧠 Offensive Coordinator Responsibilities & Game Planning (6:45)

🏆 Building a Championship Culture & Program Standards (11:45)

💪 Leadership, Discipline & Developing Student-Athletes (15:45)

🎯 Coaching Philosophy & Connecting with Today's Players (17:20)

🏌️ Life Outside of Football & Competing with Purpose (19:00)

🔄 Replacing a Championship Senior Class & Preparing the Next Team (21:30)

📣 Keeping Players Motivated Throughout the Season (25:15)

📈 How High School Football Has Changed Over the Years (31:35)

👨‍🏫 Advice for Young Coaches Entering the Profession (36:10)

🐶 Carrying on the Las Cruces High School Football Tradition (38:10)

🏟️ Previewing the Upcoming Bulldogs Football Season (40:00)

🏈 Growing High School Football in the Las Cruces Community (43:30)

👍 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.

💬 What was your biggest takeaway from Coach Lopez's coaching philosophy? What do you think makes a championship football culture? Let us know in the comments!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa

📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/

🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast

Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the game of football.

#ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #MarkLopez #LasCrucesBulldawgs #NewMexicoHighSchoolFootball

In this episode of Those Guys Sports Podcast, Chris and Troy sit down with Manzano High School Head Football Coach Michael Holguin to discuss his journey from Las Cruces High School standout to one of New Mexico's youngest head football coaches. Coach Holguin shares the lessons he learned as a player, assistant coach, and state champion before taking over the Monarchs football program in Albuquerque.

The conversation dives into coaching philosophy, building a winning culture, developing relationships with today's athletes, the differences between New Mexico and Arizona high school football, and Coach Holguin's vision for restoring Manzano to championship contention.

🎙️ Welcome & Introducing Coach Michael Holguin (0:00)

🏈 Playing Career at Las Cruces High School (1:45)

🏆 Favorite High School Football Memories (7:00)

🏃 Why Multi-Sport Athletes Have an Advantage (11:20)

🎓 Beginning a Coaching Career (13:15)

🏫 Coaching at Centennial & Organ Mountain High School (15:40)

🧠 Offensive Philosophy & Building an Identity (18:20)

🌵 Coaching Football in Arizona (21:40)

📈 Arizona vs. New Mexico High School Football (23:00)

👥 Building a Coaching Staff & Program Culture (28:10)

💜 Accepting the Manzano Head Coaching Position (31:30)

🏆 Expectations for the Manzano Football Program (36:45)

💪 Leadership, Relationships & Coaching Today's Players (44:00)

🚚 Transitioning Back to New Mexico (40:15)

🎯 Vision for the Future of Manzano Football (49:45)

👍 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to Like the video, Subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.

💬 What do you think about Coach Holguin's vision for rebuilding Manzano High School? Can the Monarchs become a championship contender again? Let us know in the comments!

🎧 Listen to Those Guys Sports Podcast

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/those-guys-sports-podcast/id1868108715

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1e2tmBEXyMrmgqEGKEdU6j?si=ed90db54e5024caa

📱 Follow Those Guys Sports Podcast

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579827577203

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thoseguyspodcast_2025/

🏈 About Those Guys Sports Podcast

Hosted by Chris and Troy, Those Guys Sports Podcast covers football at every level—from FBS to FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and New Mexico & Borderland high school football. Every week we bring you coaching interviews, recruiting insights, player spotlights, game analysis, and conversations that celebrate the game we love.

#ThoseGuysSportsPodcast #MichaelHolguin #ManzanoFootball #NewMexicoHighSchoolFootball