By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

The Artesia Bulldogs were not distracted by homecoming, a lengthy lightning delay or a second quarter deficit as they cruised to a 57-34 victory over Anthony Gadsden at Bulldog Bowl .

The Sept. 20 win upped Artesia’s overall record to 3-2. The Bulldogs are 2-0 in District 5-2A play.

Gadsden is now 4-1 overall and 2-2 in league play.

The first half saw plenty of scoring with the two teams combining for 56 of the game’s 91 points

Artesia gained an early 8-0 advantage as quarterback Izac Cazares scored on an 8-yard run. Diego Lopez made the two-point conversion as the Bulldogs capped off an eight play, 73-yard opening drive.

The Panthers answered four minutes later as running back Alfredo Andrade scored on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Adrian Munoz. Daan Cano converted the extra point kick to make the score 8-7.

Gadsden grabbed the lead with 9:39 left in the second quarter when Christopher Orozco caught an 11-yard pass from Munoz and Cano converted the extra point kick for a 20-16 advantage.

Gadsden’s lead lasted only 20 seconds as Cazares and junior wide receiver Trent Egeland took over for the Bulldogs.

Egeland scored on receptions of 55, 7 and 35-yards as Artesia rolled to a 36-20 lead at halftime.

A 45-minute lightning delay toward the end of the second half did not deter Artesia as Ethan Conn, Cazares and Edel Villa found the end zone.

“Very proud of our guys coming out and battling a good Gadsden team,” said Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin.

The Bulldogs travel to Lovington at 7 p.m. Friday (Sept. 27). Both teams are tied for first place in district action.

Scoring Summary:
1st Quarter

9:05-Artesia-Izac Cazares 8-yard run, Diego Lopez 2-point conversion. 8-0.

5:39-Gadsden-Alfredo Andrade 19-yard touchdown catch from Adrian Munoz, Daan Cano kick good. 8-7.

4:31-Artesia-Diego Lopez 18-yard touchdown run, Derrick Warren 2-point conversion. 16-7.

2nd Quarter

11:56-Gadsden-Adrian Munoz 3-yard run, 2-point conversion no good. 16-13.

9:39-Gadsden- Christopher Orozco 11-yard reception, Cano kick good. 20-16.

9:19-Artesia-Trent Egeland 55-yard touchdown catch from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 23-20.

3:17-Artesia-Egeland 7-yard touchdown catch from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 30-20.

:45-Artesia-Egeland 35-yard touchdown reception from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 36-20.

3rd Quarter

4:33-Artesia-Ethan Conn 5-yard touchdown catch from Cazares. Dominguez kick good. 43-20.

:16-Gadsden-Andrade 6-yard run, 2-point conversion good. 43-28.

4th Quarter

9:30-Artesia-Cazares 5-yard touchdown run. Dominguez kick good. 50-28.

4:46-Artesia-Edel Villa 90-yard interception. Dominguez kick good. 57-28.

1:26-Gadsden-Andrade 6-yard touchdown run; 2-point conversion no good. 57-34.

Offensive Stars of the Game:
Passing:

Izac Cazares: 19/27 for 297 yards, 2TD.

Rushing:

Frankie Galindo: 11 carries for 112 yards.

Receiving:

Ethan Conn: 6 catches for 115 yards, 1TD.

Trent Egeland: 5 catches for 108 yards, 3TD.

Defensive Stars of the Game:

Grant Johnson: 9 ½ tackles.

Kaden Grantham: 3 quarterback sacks.

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