Yes, we have seen this movie before. It is not “Groundhog Day,” but it sure feels like it. This is where reality hits — where pretenders and contenders go their separate ways.
A year ago, the Gadsden Panthers arrived 4-0 and looking to knock off the state’s No. 1 team, the Artesia Bulldogs.
This year, the Panthers are unbeaten again, and they will face Artesia at 7 p.m. Friday at the Bulldog Bowl.
Last season, the Bulldogs struck quickly and piled up 35 first-half points while Gadsden tried to establish its running game. This year’s matchup feels familiar. Officials stopped last year’s game in the second half because of rain and lightning.
Panthers bring balance, belief
Gadsden hopes to take advantage of the Bulldogs’ 1-3 start.
The Panthers are coming off a 56-21 comeback win over Mayfield on Friday.
Gadsden enters the game ranked No. 3 in District 2-5A, while Artesia holds the No. 5 spot.
Gadsden has thrived with a balanced rushing attack. Senior Armando Ramirez has 489 yards and six touchdowns, while sophomore Izaak Carreon has rushed for 305 yards and six scores. Sophomore quarterback Rosalie Gomez Jr. has completed 49 of 69 passes for 777 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions, posting a 135.7 passer rating.
For all the Panthers’ progress and championship aspirations, the dream remains just that until they clear the biggest hurdles: Artesia and Roswell, especially when the state playoffs arrive.
The road still runs through Artesia
Roswell ended Gadsden’s season in last year’s semifinals.
“Two schools that have been in our way since we’ve been on a historic run,” Gadsden coach Dino Facio said. “We have to be able to beat these guys. We talk about state championships all the time. We’ve gotten close, but we haven’t gotten there. Why? Because of those two teams.”
Artesia coach Jeremy Maupin said the Panthers are tough, sound and relentless.
“They have not played the same schedule we have,” Maupin said. “They have dominated everyone they have played, and the coaches we have talked to have said they are a sound, really disciplined football team.”
Friday night will show whether the Bulldogs’ rugged nonconference schedule has paid off — or whether unbeaten Gadsden is finally ready to change the ending.
jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061 or on X@JTKEITH1.