Artesia Bulldogs honor past state champions with a homecoming win over Lovington
The Artesia Bulldogs of the present may have made a statement to past state champions with a 44-0 win over the Lovington Wildcats Friday night during homecoming at the Bulldog Bowl.
State championship teams from 1983, 1993 and 2003 were honored during halftime as the 2022 defending 5A state champions made a case for the team to be honored in 10 years at the 2033 homecoming if they repeat as state champions later this season.
Bulldogs strike early in opening quarter
Artesia wasted no time scoring in the early stages of the first period as senior quarterback Nye Estrada threw a 24-yard strike to wide receiver Ethan Conn. The Bulldogs scored on the two-point conversion and led 8-0.
Artesia’s defense stymied the Wildcats' offense throughout the game as junior running back Frankie Galindo scored four touchdowns in the first half.
More: Artesia remains undefeated, shuts out Belen on the road Friday
The game was out of reach as the Bulldogs (6-0) led 37-0 at halftime.
Artesia coasts in second half
With a commanding lead over the Wildcats, the Bulldogs had a running clock in the final half of the game thanks to the mercy rule.
Artesia’s final score of the game was an 8-yard touchdown catch by Izac Cazares in the third quarter. The Bulldogs converted the extra point kick as head coach Jeremy Maupin brought in the reserves to finish the game.
What's next for Artesia?
At 7 p.m. on Sept. 29 in Santa Teresa, the Bulldogs end the non-district portion of the schedule.
After an off-week on Oct. 6, the Bulldogs start District 5-4A play on Oct. 13 at Roswell High School.
Loving Falcons need extra frame to defeat New Mexico Military
In Roswell, the Falcons edged the New Mexico Military Institute Colts 13-12 in overtime.
Loving ended non-district play with a 5-0 record and starts District 2-4A action at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in Loving against the Hagerman Bobcats.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X formerly Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Artesia Bulldogs now 6-0 with shutout against Lovington at home
