Artesia football fends off defending 6A state champions in thriller at Bulldog Bowl
The Artesia Bulldogs survived a late charge from Rio Rancho Cleveland Friday night and defeated the Storm 36-34 at the Bulldog Bowl.
The Bulldogs (5-0), the 2022 5A state champions, avenged a 61-33 loss last year in Rio Rancho (3-2) to the defending 6A state champions.
Cleveland was the No. 1 ranked team in 6A in this week’s Max Preps poll; the Bulldogs were ranked No. 2 in the Max Preps 5A poll.
Artesia brings "A" game against Storm
Artesia was prepared and fired up for the top team in 6A in the first half as the Bulldogs led 22-14 when the second quarter ended.
Artesia scored on its opening drive in the first quarter as running back Frankie Galindo scored on a one-yard run early. The Bulldogs converted the two-point conversion and led 8-0.
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The Storm stopped Artesia’s second drive late in the opening quarter as Marcus La Cuesta intercepted a Nye Estrada pass and ran 65 yards for Cleveland’s first score of the night.
The Bulldogs gained the upper hand in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Diego Wesson and an 18-yard pass from Estrada to Ethan Conn.
Cleveland's second half "storm" fizzles
The Bulldogs had a nine-point lead near the end of the third quarter. Cleveland’s offense caught thunder in the closing stages of the third period as Harrison Mbueha scored on a 32-yard run. The extra point kick was good as Artesia led 36-34.
He scored three touchdowns for Cleveland in the loss.
The Storm drove for the go-ahead score in the final period. An Artesia interception stopped Cleveland, sealing the win for the Bulldogs.
Galindo scored two touchdowns for Artesia in the win.
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What's next?
On Sept. 22 in Rio Rancho, Cleveland hosts Frenship High School from Wolfforth, Texas. In Artesia, the Bulldogs entertain Lovington before ending non-district play on Sept. 29 at Santa Teresa.
Carlsbad loses, Loving wins Friday night
At Carlsbad High School, the Roswell Coyotes defeated the Cavemen 41-7. Carlsbad wrapped up the non-district portion of the schedule.
The Cavemen (1-4) are off next week and start District 6-3/4A play Sept. 29 at Alamogordo.
In Loving, the Falcons (4-0) defeated Mescalero Apache 53-6. Loving has outscored the opposition 203-40 this season.
On Sept. 22 in Roswell, the Falcons play the New Mexico Military Institute Colts.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Artesia Bulldogs defeat Rio Rancho in football thriller
