Kason Perez Signs with NMMI Broncos

By Don Eskins

No doubt about it: Kason Perez has been one of the top quarterbacks to ever take snaps for the Carlsbad High School Cavemen. The CHS senior signal caller’s 2024 game stats say so, too.

Last year, Perez threw for 2,173 total passing yards. For his efforts, he closed out the season as Class 6A football’s top quarterback for total passing yards.

En route to that classic performance, he completed 170-of-273 passes, a completion rate of 62.27%. He also lit up the scoreboard for 27 touchdowns and had just seven interceptions.

But life moves on, especially for the young and talented. During 2025, Perez will take snaps for the New Mexico Military Academy Broncos.

On Wednesday, February 5, the 5’10” tall and 175 lb. quarterback signed a letter of intent to attend NMMI, a historic junior college just 76 miles up the highway in Roswell.

NMMI competes in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference

NMMI Bronco Bound

Although Perez had discussed playing football with a few other schools, for him, the New Mexico Military Institute seemed to be a perfect fit.

“There were several reasons I decided to sign with NMMI. First, they offered me several scholarships to go there, so my schooling will be pretty much paid for. But, just as appealing is that the Broncos are coached by Oliver Soukup, who used to be the head football coach here in Carlsbad.” said Perez. “I played for him as a sophomore when he was here in Carlsbad. I like and trust him a lot. So, I’m really looking forward to playing for him again.

“I also have a lot of family in the Roswell area, and the fact that it’s only 70-plus miles to Carlsbad made it an attractive opportunity for me,” he said. “Attending college at a military academy will be different, but I’m good with that. The campus is nice, and they do have a great athletic facility.”

Perez added that Caveman head coach Cale Sanders played a key role in his getting an opportunity to compete at the next level.

“Coach Sanders has always shown a lot of confidence in me, and when things weren’t going well, he was always there for me,” said the soon-to-be Bronco quarterback. “He taught me how to be both a quarterback and a leader. I owe him a lot.”

“I’m super pumped for coach Soukup. Having signed Kason, he’ll be getting not only a leader but also a kid who will work his tail off for him,” said Caveman head coach Cale Sanders. “As for me, I’m really proud of Kason for all that he was able to accomplish as a Caveman. I have no doubt that he’s going to represent Carlsbad well.”

At NMMI, Kason plans to major in Criminal Justice. A member of Carlsbad High’s AP Honor Roll and an All-District football selection, he is the son of Allan and Meagan Perez.

Note: Carlsbad High School Hall of Famer and NFL Super Bowl Champion Dave Sherer also attended school at NMMI, as did former Dallas Cowboy Hall of Famer Roger Staubach.