Artesia football coach Jeremy Maupin has stood 10 toes deep in his belief in his system, his players, and his team.
That belief never wavered as the Bulldogs buried No. 3 Gadsden 57-14 on homecoming night Friday at the Bulldog Bowl.
“I said it 100 times,” Maupin said. “I thought this was the game that would prove me either right or wrong about playing those three teams at the beginning of the season. That schedule prepared us for nights like tonight.”
Earlier in the week, Maupin alluded to social media calls to fire him after Artesia opened the season with three losses to top 10 Class 6A teams.
The criticism came despite a state championship last season and five consecutive trips to the title game under Maupin.
Atkins commands the moment
What began with self-doubt has become the story of quarterback Lucas Atkins, who has emerged as a leader and proven passer over the past two games. Against Gadsden, Atkins completed 27 of 31 passes for 373 yards and seven touchdowns.
“I thought Lucas played really well,” Maupin said. “I thought he made people miss, and I thought he ran the ball well and got some first downs when we needed it. I thought he made the right reads and throws and made big plays in big moments on third-and-long and fourth-and-short.”
The Bulldogs (2-3 overall, 2-0 District 2-5A) played without Kai Greathouse, last week’s breakout star, and running back Cristian Pando because of injuries.
“I am just proud of our guys,” Maupin said. “We have a next-man-up mentality. Obviously, Cristian (Pando) didn’t play. Kai Greathouse didn’t play tonight, so our guys just stepped up.”
Next man up seize their chance
That next-man-up mentality produced a breakout performance from versatile running back and wide receiver Tyler Egeland. He caught two touchdown passes among seven receptions for 193 yards.
“He had such a good spring and summer,” Maupin said. “We were just waiting for that breakout moment. Last week, the first time he touched the ball, it was a touchdown. He catches the ball really well and moves well.”
Sophomore Logan Rodriguez also moved from linebacker to running back and scored twice on passes from Atkins. He finished with eight catches for 97 yards and six carries for 29 yards.
Artesia amassed 505 yards of offense while holding Gadsden to 323 yards and two touchdowns.
Defense, special teams slam the door
Maupin said he would hate to face the Bulldogs’ defense. Every hit could be heard.
He also praised the special teams, which recovered an onside kick and blocked a punt.
“We are getting better every single week,” Maupin said. “We have to keep getting better.”
The Bulldogs travel to Alamogordo for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday, Sept. 25.