By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

Facing a perennial football power, the Artesia Bulldogs will need to curb offensive miscues against Las Cruces Centennial.

At 1 p.m. Saturday in Las Cruces, the Bulldogs (1-1) tangle with a Hawks team that is a force in New Mexico’s 6A division, the largest class in high school football in the state.

Scouting the Bulldogs

Last week in Hobbs, Artesia lost to the Eagles 44-40 in a game that was fast paced from the opening kickoff.

Artesia outdid the Eagles in most offensive categories during last Friday’s loss.

Hobbs out-gained Artesia 286 yards to 279 yards. The passing game proved to be Artesia’s friend and foe as senior quarterback Izac Cazares completed 19 of 38 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns.

His only drawback was four interceptions against the Eagles as Hobbs capitalized on the mistakes avenging an opening season loss at Lovington Aug. 23.

The Bulldogs had 501 yards total offense, as senior running back Frankie Galindo continues to be an offensive threat for Artesia as the season wears on.

He had 12 carries for 138 yards on the ground. As a receiver he caught six passes for 36 yards.

Galindo scored two touchdowns in the loss for the Bulldogs.

Scouting the Hawks

Centennial seeks its fourth straight 6A playoff appearance in 2024. Last year, the Hawks were upset by crosstown rival Las Cruces High School 38-34. The Hawks were the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and the Bulldogs were No. 7.

The Hawks are undefeated during the first two weeks of the season with wins over Rio Rancho Cleveland and Albuquerque Atrisco Heritage Academy.

Centennial’s offense scored 89 points after both games. The defense limited scoring to 55 points against both opponents.

Offensively senior quarterback Zaiden Davis leads the Hawks. This season he has completed 15 of 28 passes for two touchdowns and 180 yards.

His favorite target is senior wide receiver Jordan Lucas, who has seven catches this season for 105 yards and one touchdown.

Last year he caught 23 passes for 455 yards and three touchdowns.

Davis is also a running threat if his passing game is ever challenged. This season he has rushed 24 times for 138 yards.

This season he is averaging 69 yards rushing per game.

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