With every District 2-5A team off this week, here is what the Bulldogs must do to repeat as district champions.
Here is the real skinny: Artesia’s three losses to Class 6A opponents tested the Bulldogs, exposed weaknesses and prepared them for the district run.
Those setbacks did not change the Bulldogs’ goals: win the district title, then run for another state championship.
After an 0-3 start had the town restless, Artesia answered with four straight wins. The Bulldogs scored at least 51 points in each victory and outscored those opponents 215-33.
The defense has been just as convincing, allowing 33 points during the streak and posting two shutouts.
Now come the three district games that will define Artesia’s regular season.
Defeat Roswell (6-1 overall, 4-0 District 2-5A)
Roswell comes first, and it deserves Artesia’s full attention. The Coyotes have earned their record and will arrive Oct. 16 ready for a game with district-title implications.
This is the closest thing to a de facto district championship on the schedule. Artesia coach Jeremy Maupin knows the buildup will be loud, but his message should remain simple: Treat it like the next game, execute and keep improving.
The winner also would take a major step toward the District 2-5A title and a favorable postseason seed.
The stakes are plenty big without overselling them. Jeff Lynn has built another strong Roswell team, and Artesia must play its best football to win.
Goddard (3-4 overall, 2-2 District 2-5A)
Goddard will present a different challenge on Oct. 23. The Rockets are physical and can make the game uncomfortable, especially if Artesia carries any emotional residue from Roswell into the Wool Bowl.
Artesia’s depth and ability to keep most players on one side of the ball could become an advantage over four quarters, but only if the Bulldogs match Goddard’s intensity from the opening kick.
Coach Art Bolaños is building the program methodically. Culture change takes time, and the Rockets have shown enough progress that overlooking them would be a mistake.
Goddard has not reached a state championship game since a 7-0 loss to Farmington in the 2013 Class 4A final, but past results will not decide this matchup.
Bolaños has the résumé and patience to keep moving Goddard forward. Artesia should respect that work and take care of its own.
Mayfield (2-5 overall, 2-2 District 2-5A)
Mayfield is also working to restore a proud program. The Trojans last appeared in a state championship game in 2014, when they lost 33-31 to Rio Rancho in the Class 6A final under coach Michael Bradley.
First-year coach Joseph Frias inherited a demanding job, and rebuilding will require time. Mayfield’s wins over Deming and Chaparral show the Trojans can capitalize when opponents give them an opening.
On Oct. 31, Artesia should be the favorite, but that doesn’t give them the right to coast. Finish the regular season with discipline, avoid injuries, and play to the standard the Bulldogs will need in November. Beat Roswell, stay locked in against Goddard, and close strong against Mayfield. That is the path to the district title.