By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Artesia High School head football coach Jeremy Maupin is not looking back as the team prepares to face Roswell High School Oct. 18 at Bulldog Bowl.

It will be the first time the Bulldogs and Coyotes have squared off since the 5A state title game on Nov. 25, 2023, which Artesia won 35-21 at Bulldog Bowl.

“Last year was last year,” Maupin said. “Two new teams and a brand-new season. We try not to look back, but just forward.”

Artesia is No. 1 in 5A in this week’s New Mexico Coaches Poll and the Coyotes are ranked second.

The Bulldogs are also in first place in District 5-2A with a 4-0 record. Artesia is 5-2 overall while the Coyotes are in second place with a 3-1 record. The Coyotes are 5-1 overall.

Artesia was off last week after shutting out Santa Teresa 57-0 in a road game Oct. 4.

“I love where our open week is,” Maupin said. “(It) gets us reset for the second half of district.”

He said the off time allowed Artesia to prepare for Friday’s game.

“Roswell is loaded with talent and coaching. We are in for a tough game,” Maupin said.

The Coyotes are on a three-game winning streak in district play.

Roswell lost the league opener Sept. 13 at Lovington 35-21. The following week the Coyotes defeated Deming 51-20 in a road contest.

The Coyotes shut out Santa Teresa 47-0 Sept. 27 at the Wool Bowl in Roswell and beat Gadsden 48-7 in Roswell on Oct. 4.

The Coyotes were off last week.

Maupin admits Artesia will be in for a tough contest.

“Great defense, the offense is fast and gets you moving side to side. We are both different from last year,” he said.

Maupin said the Bulldogs have had some challenges this season and the team has adapted to the full-time quarterback play of senior Izac Cazares.

Last year, he played in multiple offensive positions for Artesia.

So far in 2024, Cazares has completed 107 passes on 175 attempts for 1, 849 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Cazares also poses a threat as a runner; he has carried the football 57 times for 277 yards with seven touchdowns.

“(The) goal is to get better each week. We want that to continue and give us some push into postseason (play),” Maupin said.

Mike Smith maybe reached at 575-308-8734 and follow on X @MSmithartesianm.