A lively home finale
The Robert Chase Field was rocking Saturday as the junior high band played before and during the Bulldogs’ final regular-season home game, giving Pack the Mack the atmosphere Artesia hoped for.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they scored too little, too late in a 2-1 loss to Organ Mountain.
“It was fun,” Artesia coach Phillip Jowers said. “We had the band out here, and I think it is exciting whenever they are here.”
The energy carried onto the field. In a pressure-packed, physical match from start to finish, the referees let both teams play. At times, the match resembled a football game more than a soccer game as players battled for possession and neither side backed down.
Knights withstand Artesia pressure
Organ Mountain struck first, scoring with 33:50 on the clock to take a 1-0 halftime lead. Undaunted, Artesia kept applying pressure and searching for an equalizer.
Senior Samuel Nielson answered with 37:38 remaining, pulling the Bulldogs even and sending another jolt through the home crowd.
The Bulldogs suffered a blow when senior goalkeeper Ryker Hays was injured and had to be replaced. Organ Mountain eventually scored the go-ahead goal, but Artesia kept pushing.
The match grew even more intense late in the second half. An Organ Mountain player received a red card and left the game, giving Artesia a player advantage. The Bulldogs pressed but couldn’t find the tying goal before the final whistle.
District title still within reach
Despite the loss, Artesia still has big goals ahead. The Bulldogs (10-5-3, 3-0-2 District 4-4A) will travel to play Portales (3-13, 0-4 District 2-5A) at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
With a win over the Rams, the Bulldogs would claim their second consecutive District 4-4A crown and their first district title since Jowers became head coach.
“I keep seeing improvement,” Jowers said. “Even in this loss tonight, I see improvement. It is a good group of boys, and they all fight for each other.”
The New Mexico Activities Association seeding show will reveal the Bulldogs’ seed and postseason schedule. The playoffs begin Oct. 27, with the higher-seeded team hosting.
Jowers is confident Artesia will be in the field, but he knows earning a spot is only the first step.
“It is safe to say that we will get in,” Jowers said. “I am sure of that, but when we do play, we need to show up and play well.”
Jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061 or on X@JTKEITH1.
