Expect fireworks when the Roswell Coyotes invade Bulldog Bowl to face the defending Class 5A state champion Artesia Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Friday.
Artesia (4-3, 4-0 District 2-5A) and Roswell (6-1, 4-0) have met in the state championship game three straight seasons. The Bulldogs won the 2023 and 2025 titles. Friday, Roswell gets another chance to make a statement.
The Coyotes appeared to have last season’s title game wrapped up. Then, with 24 seconds left, Derrick Warren hit Jack Byers for a 9-yard touchdown, giving Artesia a 25-24 win and its 33rd state championship.
Here are three keys for the Bulldogs to beat the Coyotes again:
- Slow the run and make Roswell earn it
Roswell’s ground game has been reliable all season, and Artesia cannot let it dictate the pace. Running back Izaic Gonzales has 504 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries through seven games. Ezequiel Barrientos has added 296 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries. The Coyotes have rushed for 1,532 yards on 168 attempts.
Artesia must set the tone early and force Roswell into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations. The Bulldogs also must account for wide receiver Danny Castro, who has scored nine touchdowns in seven games.
The formula is simple: limit explosive plays and force the Coyotes into long drives.
- Disrupt Roswell quarterback Andruw Fuentez
Fuentez has been efficient through the air, completing 70.9% of his passes for 1,597 yards and 23 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He also has rushed for 217 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries.
Give Fuentez time, and he can pick apart a defense. Force him to improvise, and he still can hurt it. Artesia must pressure him without losing discipline. That means a strong push up front, tight coverage and sound tackling.
- Stay aggressive on offense
Artesia has produced 2,329 yards of offense this season, a solid foundation for Friday’s matchup. Against a Roswell defense that has struggled at times, the Bulldogs must keep pressing.
The Bulldogs need to attack the entire field and keep their rhythm. If Roswell loads the box to stop the run, Artesia must exploit space through the air. If the Coyotes spread out to defend the pass, the Bulldogs must punish them on the ground.
This is no night for wasted opportunities. Artesia must play with confidence, control the tempo and finish drives.