The Artesia Bulldogs’ offense has matched its defense. Both are dominant.
The Bulldogs scored 54 points in a 54-19 road win over Alamogordo, their third straight victory after an 0-3 start. Artesia improved to 3-3 overall and 3-0 in District 2-5A. The win showed the offensive breakout was not a one-game thing.
Here are three things the Bulldogs did well against Alamogordo.
- Atkins is throwing better
Artesia quarterback Lucas Atkins is throwing better, and his confidence shows. Against Alamogordo, Atkins passed for 358 yards and four touchdowns. He spread the ball among his receivers and helped the Bulldogs keep the Tigers’ defense under pressure.
Atkins is doing a better job of getting rid of the ball on time and spreading it among multiple receivers. More importantly, he is giving his playmakers chances to make plays downfield without forcing throws. The Bulldogs have scored 164 points during their three-game winning streak, and Atkins’ growth is a major reason the offense has become so difficult to defend.
- Ruiz delivers a record-book performance
Artesia sophomore defensive back Derek Ruiz had a night to remember. He intercepted four passes against Alamogordo, tying the New Mexico state record for interceptions in a single game. Ruiz returned one interception 27 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Ruiz trails only Elroy Chopito of Zuni, who set the state record with six interceptions in one game in November 1979, and former Artesia safety Trevor Whitmire, who had five interceptions against Lovington on Aug. 26, 2011. Ruiz also scored on a 48-yard run against Alamogordo, turning a record-book defensive performance into a two-touchdown night. He did more than stop drives. He changed the game.
- Sophomore running back shines
Where would the offense be without sophomore sensation Logan Rodriguez?
Rodriguez started the season at linebacker and returned punts. An injury to starting running back Cristian Pando forced Rodriguez into the running back role, and he has made the most of the opportunity. Against Alamogordo, he rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including a 40-yard scoring run in the third quarter.
Rodriguez runs hard, gives Artesia a physical presence, and has shown he can help in the passing game. His emergence gives the Bulldogs another weapon and prevents defenses from focusing only on Atkins and the receivers. For a sophomore who began the year on defense, Rodriguez already looks comfortable carrying a major part of the offense.