Artesia football coach Jeremy Maupin has coached long enough to see plenty in this sport, but this is new even for him. In his 10 years as a head coach — four seasons at Los Lunas and now six seasons at Artesia — none of his teams have ever started 0–3.
The Bulldogs now join rare company in program history. The last time Artesia opened a season winless through three games was 1983. That team went on to win the state championship.
Perspective matters, especially when the noise gets loud.
A Slow Start Isn’t a Season
The Bulldogs’ record has sparked plenty of chatter, but the reality is simple: Artesia has played three straight top-10 Class 6A opponents, and the results reflect the level of competition, not the team’s identity.
More importantly, Maupin has been clear — the 0–3 record does not determine anything. District play does. Everything the Bulldogs want is still in front of them.
Artesia begins district competition Friday night at Bulldog Bowl against Deming, and that is where the season truly starts. A win would reset the tone, restore confidence and begin building the momentum the Bulldogs need heading into the heart of their schedule.
District Play Is Where Maupin’s Teams Rise
If history is any guide, Maupin’s teams respond when the games matter most. His résumé backs it up. In six seasons at Artesia, he is 53–15 overall, 20–3 in district play and has reached the state championship game in all five seasons he has been here — winning three state titles.
His four seasons at Los Lunas produced a 30–10 record, a 10–1 district record, and two championship game appearances.
Combined, Maupin’s career record stands at 83–25, with a dominant 30–4 mark in district competition. Those numbers are not accidental. They reflect preparation, consistency, and a program built to peak when the stakes rise.
Artesia running back Cristian Pando runs through a hole against Hobbs.
Momentum Starts Friday
Maupin said fans often misunderstand what goes into evaluating a team. They see the scoreboard. He sees the daily work — the practices, the adjustments, the growth across all positions. And he sees a team far better than its record suggests.
Artesia has been here before — 43 years ago — and that season ended with a blue trophy.
District play begins Friday. The Bulldogs have a chance to reset, rebuild and regain their rhythm. A slow start doesn’t define them. What happens next will.