For the 2026 Artesia Bulldogs football team, the names have changed. The expectation has not.
In Artesia, there is a reason 33 helmets hang on the wall at the Bulldog Bowl. There is a reason the Bulldogs are mentioned with the best programs in the country. MaxPreps lists Artesia’s all-time record at 744-360-33, one more reminder the Bulldogs are not just another program. Around here, the standard is simple: championship or bust.
That does not change Friday night, when Artesia opens the season against the Carlsbad Cavemen at 7 p.m. at the Bulldog Bowl.
New faces, same pressure
Just like last year, the Bulldogs have 35 seniors. The difference is that this group does not have the same varsity experience, especially in starting spots.
Sixth-year coach Jeremy Maupin will start senior quarterback Lucas Atkins, who did not start a game last season but did see action in mop-up duty.
Maupin could also get sophomore Chance Hocker and junior Kaden Morrisett into game action if the situation dictates.
Maupin has become a quarterback whisperer of sorts. Last year, he started Derrick Warren, who led Artesia to a state title and earned all-state honors.
The season could hinge on how quickly the quarterback position settles in. Early on, Atkins does not have to win games by himself. He has to manage the offense, protect the ball and keep Artesia in position to finish.
The offense has pieces
The cupboard is not bare. Running back Cristian Pando, who scored a late touchdown against Roswell in last year’s state championship game, is back. Pando is a downhill runner, and Maupin said he has had a strong camp.
Atkins will have new receivers to throw to, including Kia Greathouse, George Blackburn IV and Layton Whitmire. Tyler Egeland and Destin Pacheco give the Bulldogs two versatile threats who can score every time they touch the ball. How quickly the offense gels will determine how explosive it becomes.
Defense brings championship answers
Defensively, Ivan Chavez should pick up where he left off after playing his best football during the state tournament run, including strong games against Lovington and Roswell. He will get help from returners who bring championship experience, including linebackers Corbyn Dominguez and Jared Flores and defensive backs Colt Moziejko and Thomas “Hit Man” Melendez.
Fast start matters against Carlsbad
The key to last season’s opener against Carlsbad was Artesia’s ability to score quickly. Bryce Parra opened the scoring on a 40-yard run, and Jack Byers followed with a 6-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 first-quarter lead. In the second quarter, defensive lineman Marco Soto scored on an 86-yard fumble return, and Parra later broke loose for a 71-yard touchdown to help Artesia build a 41-7 halftime lead. The Bulldogs won 48-24.
For Artesia to win Friday night, the formula is not complicated. The Bulldogs need to protect Atkins, establish Pando early and avoid the kind of turnovers that give an underdog belief. They also have to get the vertical and midrange passing games going, not just for tonight but for the rest of the season. If Artesia cannot make teams defend the whole field, opponents will stack the box, crowd Pando and force the Bulldogs to win the hard way.
This season will hinge on how quickly the new players adapt to adversity and survive the first three games against perennial Class 6A powers Carlsbad, Hobbs and Centennial.
Last season, Artesia started 2-1, beating Carlsbad and Hobbs before losing to Centennial.
After that loss, the Bulldogs rolled through most of the schedule. The games that demanded their best came late, against Lovington and Roswell.
Now the Bulldogs have to do it again, with new names carrying the same old expectation — and Friday night is the first test.
jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.