By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

The Artesia Bulldogs showed no signs of rust from a 10-month layoff Friday in the football season opener against the Carlsbad Cavemen at Bulldog Bowl.

The Bulldogs (1-0) offered an explosive offensive attack against its southern neighbors in the 44-7 win in front of a large crowd.

Head coach Jeremy Maupin had two key offensive figures from last year’s team back that defeated the Roswell Coyotes 35-21 last November in the 5A state game.

Ethan Conn and Frankie Galindo started 2024 where 2023 left off as part of a pounding passing and running game.

The lone question mark for those attending who would fill the role of quarterback.

Last year Nye Estrada threw for 2,417 yards and 29 touchdowns during Artesia’s second championship season. Izac Cazares could have been considered the graduated senior’s understudy as he saw action at various offensive positions last season.

Cazares answered the call for the Bulldogs as he threw three touchdown passes in the victory over the Cavemen.

Cazares struck Conn on an 87-yard at the midpoint of the first quarter on Artesia’s second offensive drive of the game.

The 2-point conversion was successful as Artesia had an 8-0 lead over the Cavemen and never looked back.

Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin said Cazares had 329 yards passing, four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.

Conn had five catches for 148 yards and touchdown catches in the win over Carlsbad.

While Cazares and Conn dominated in the air, Galindo dominated the ground game contributing a 31-yard rushing touchdown late in the opening period.

Maupin said Galindo had 50 yards rushing in the victory over the Cavemen.

While the offense was scoring points, the defense kept Carlsbad in check. Senior quarterback Kason Perez had 98 yards passing and one touchdown reception.

Up next?

At 7 p.m. Friday at Hobbs, the Bulldogs travel for the first of seven away games this season.

Artesia plays an Eagles team that lost its season opener to Lea County rival Lovington 31-22.

Last season the Bulldogs clipped the Eagles in Bulldog Bowl 42-6.

Hobbs head coach Ken Stevens will look to senior quarterback Brock Beaty to pilot the Eagles through the large school 6A ranks.

Last season Beaty completed 49 passes for 653 yards. Against Artesia he passed for 172 yards and one touchdown.

Mike Smith can be reached by phone at 575-308-8734 or via email at msmith@currentargus.com or on the social platform X @MSmithartesianm.