Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Artesia senior Grant Johnson and his fellow Bulldogs spent Thanksgiving week getting ready for Saturday’s 5A state championship against the Roswell High Coyotes.

The Bulldogs are seeking their third straight state title and 33rd overall but they’ll be taking on the No. 1 seed in the playoffs when they travel to the Wool Bowl in Roswell for a 1 p.m. rematch of last year’s title clash. Artesia won that game, 35-21.

To make the rematch even more interesting, the Coyotes handed Artesia its only District 5A defeat of the season – a 44-40 decision at the Bulldog Bowl on Oct. 18.

“We’re going against a good team in Roswell,” the Artesia outside linebacker said before the start of practice Monday. “They want revenge from last year, so we’re expecting them to give us a good challenge (and) a good game. Just really excited and thankful for the opportunity.”

Johnson had five tackles in the Bulldogs’ 50-14 semifinal victory over Las Cruces Mayfield Nov. 23 and matched that effort in the October loss to Roswell. His season total is 69.

On the offensive side, Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin has relied on senior running back Frankie Galindo to share the load with senior quarterback Izac Cazares and split back Ethan Conn.

Against Mayfield last week, Galindo rushed for 138 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns. He ran for 48 yards and one touchdown against Roswell in October.

The 5-9 running back has rushed for 933 yards and scored 16 touchdowns this season.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or via email at msmith@currentargus.com.