By JT Keith

New Mexico State University’s football scrimmage at Artesia High School’s Bulldog Bowl last Saturday was a homecoming for former Artesia player Matthew Saiz.

Saiz, who helped the Bulldogs win their 31st and 32nd state football titles in 2022 and 2023, is now a sophomore defensive tackle for the New Mexico State Aggies and enjoyed getting back in action on his high school field, even though a surge of winter-like weather made the occasion less enjoyable than it might have been.

“It means a lot,” Saiz said. “I know the fans could not show up because of the weather, but it was pretty cool to see that… I get emotional … they (Artesia coaches) always told me that I will miss everything, and it will not be the same when I go to college and experience it myself.”

Artesia football coach Jeremy Maupin said he’s proud of Saiz, a great young man who has worked hard to earn a spot at NMSU.

NMSU Coach Tony Sanchez said having a local hero on hand was good for the Aggies as well for Artesia.

“Any time you can have local guys on the field, it makes a big difference,” Sanchez said. “I thought he did a good job, and I know he was fired up to be back here.”

The weather – sleet, rain, snow, 8-16 mph wind and temperatures in the 30s – made playing conditions treacherous and forced an early end to the scrimmage but Sanchez saw an upside.

“We got a chance to work on everything during the elements today,” he said.

Saiz said his teammates asked him if the weather was always like it was on Saturday. Saiz told them, ‘No, it is usually hot and only gets this way every two or three years.’”

Saiz’s cousin, Gavino Saiz, who played running back for Artesia from 2012-2014, was among the fewer than 20 spectators who braved the weather to watch the scrimmage.

“I love football, but I love my cousin more,” Gavino said.

Matt Saiz said his career as a Bulldog helped him mature. He said playing at Artesia taught him everything he needed to know to deal with the “real world” and he’s ready for what lies ahead.

“I find it amazing to be back out here,” Saiz said, “and it means so much to me. This day is one of the best memories so far. It may seem chaotic, but I loved every moment of it.”