By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

Every year Artesia and Carlsbad residents have all kind of thoughts and opinions who might win the Eddy County War.

Before Friday night’s kick off at Bulldog Bowl, the Artesia Daily Press polled some residents on the 2024 edition of the annual football fight for Eddy County.

“The Eddy County War is always a big game,” said former Eddy County Commissioner Royce Pearson.

“I recall an Artesia coach, not raised in Artesia, saying ‘it was a non-district game anyway. It does not matter.’ He was obviously not a true Bulldog fan or coach,” Pearson said.

Aaron Romo, youth pastor at West Main Baptist Church, recalled the Eddy County War as the largest sporting event in Eddy County.

“It brings back memories, remembering how excited we were as little kids going to football games and those Carlsbad games always stuck because they were so personal in a good way,” he said.

Carlsbad resident Jimi Mullins is an Artesia native and pulls for the Bulldogs every year against Carlsbad.

“Just seeing the game and the anxiety that goes with it. Go Bulldogs,” she said.

Former Artesia High School head golf coach Dusty Bean said the annual football skirmish divides households and friendships for one night a year.

“My favorite part of this War was seeing Mike Currier wearing his orange. He was a Bulldog who lived in Carlsbad,” he said.

Currier died in 2023 and graduated from Artesia High School in 1960 and lived in Carlsbad for 37 years.

“Every other week he wore blue and supported the community he lived in, but that one night he couldn’t root against his hometown team,” Bean said.

“I hope the young men playing grow to appreciate the communities they live in,” he said.

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