By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

A recovered onside kick in the fourth quarter and four interceptions by Artesia quarterback Izac Cazares helped the Hobbs Eagles to a 44-40 win over the Bulldogs Friday night at Watson Memorial Stadium in Hobbs.

The game was fast paced from the opening kick off as both teams traded touchdowns swiftly throughout the contest.

Hobbs had a six-point lead until the closing seconds of the third quarter as the Bulldogs pulled ahead on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Izac Cazares to Jack Byers. The extra point was good as Artesia seemed poised to earn its second win of the season with a 33-32 lead.

Early in the fourth quarter, Cazares put the Bulldogs in control for a bit scoring on a 12-yard touchdown run. Artesia converted the extra point and led 40-32.

Hobbs (1-1) was not ready to concede to the two-time defending 5A state champions. During the Eagles opening drive of the final period quarterback Brock Beaty threw three passes, including a 31-yard reception by his younger brother Braddock Beaty.

The Eagles compete in New Mexico’s 6A class, the largest football division in the state.

The catch was pivotal in the Eagles drive as the younger Beaty caught a four-yard strike from big brother with 6:14 left in the game. Artesia’s defense silenced the extra point attempt and held on to a slim lead.

The turning point of the game came seconds after the Eagles touchdown as Hobbs recovered an onside kick and began the winning drive on their own 48-yard line.

After a penalty and two incomplete passes, Brock Beaty threw the winning touchdown to Justine French with 5:07 left in the game.

Cazares tried rallying the Bulldogs in the end as he ran three times. Senior running back Frankie Galindo contributed with a seven-yard run and a 12-yard catch.

The effort fell short as Cazares threw an interception on the final play on Artesia’s offensive drive.

Cazares finished the game with 19 pass completions on 38 attempts for 220 yards. He had three touchdown passes and four interceptions in the loss.

Galindo carried the football 12 times for 138 yards with two touchdowns and wide receiver Ethan Conn had six catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

Brock Beaty completed 18 passes on 36 attempts for 206 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions for Hobbs.

Braddock Beaty caught eight passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns for the Eagles.

The Bulldogs are back on the road Sept. 7 at Las Cruces Centennial.

Mike Smith may be reached by phone at 575-308-8734 and can be followed on X @MSmithartesianm.