When the Artesia Bulldogs take the field against the Centennial Hawks on Thursday night, they will do it on a short week. Artesia normally plays on Friday, but the Bulldogs will have one fewer day to prepare for a matchup of two teams looking for their first win of the season.
Last season’s game was an up-and-down affair. The Bulldogs built a 14-0 lead before Centennial found its running game, and the Hawks came back to win 42-38.
Here are three keys to victory for the Bulldogs:
- Stop the run
Centennial brings back a strong backfield led by senior quarterback Ruiz Laborin and running back Dailen Ramirez. Laborin rushed for 69 yards and threw for 161 yards against Artesia last season, while Ramirez rushed for 280 yards on 27 carries. The Hawks hurt Artesia with Ramirez running off tackle and bouncing runs outside to move the chains. Laborin also was effective on keepers behind Ramirez, especially on third down, when his timely runs helped Centennial extend drives.
- Stretch the field
The Bulldogs have to show a vertical passing game. Artesia’s passing game is improving as quarterback Lucas Atkins continues to settle in as QB1. In his first start against Carlsbad, Atkins was 18 of 34 for 143 yards. Against Hobbs, he went 19 of 30 for 229 yards and three touchdowns.
Atkins is throwing the out routes, underneath routes and swing passes well. If he can push the ball downfield more, it should give Pando more room to run and keep defenses honest. That would make it harder for teams to load the box with eight defenders and challenge the Bulldogs to win through the air.
- Get off the field on third down
In last year’s game, Artesia had trouble getting off the field against Centennial on third down.
The Bulldogs have a defense with championship expectations, and these early-season games against bigger, faster opponents should help prepare them for district play.
On a short week, against a Centennial offense that made key plays in those moments last year, third down will be one of the biggest areas to watch. If Artesia can end drives there, the Bulldogs will give themselves a better chance to control the game Thursday night.