Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

The Artesia Bulldogs football team attempted to overcome two interceptions, a fumbled kickoff return and 12 penalties, the Roswell Coyotes seized the opportunities and defeated Artesia 44-40 Oct. 18 at the Bulldog Bowl in Artesia.

Bulldog quarterback Izac Cazares threw his first interception on Artesia’s opening drive of the game as Roswell’s Jacob Palomino completed a 16-yard touchdown pass completed to Jaylon Cloud.

Francisco Lara converted the extra point kick as Roswell led 7-0 with 9:47 left on the clock.

Cazares and the Bulldog offense settled down on the second drive as Jack Byers scored on a 19-yard catch. Artesia could not capitalize the 2-point conversion as Roswell held onto a slim 7-6 lead with 5:19 remaining in the opening period.

Roswell seized on Artesia’s second interception on the third drive of the first quarter.

A 7-yard touchdown run by Xai Carrasco ended a 12-play drive that started in the first quarter. Carrasco made the 2-point conversion with 8:06 left in the second period.

Seconds later, Cazares and the Bulldogs answered Roswell’s touchdown with a 61-yard pass to Frankie Galindo. The 2-point conversion was no good as the Coyotes led 15-12.

Early in the third quarter, the Bulldogs appeared to have gained the upper hand recovering a Coyote fumble on the kickoff.

Cazares scored on a 35-yard run and Corbyn Dominguez made the extra point kick leading 19-15.

The lead was short lived as Carrasco scored another touchdown on a 27-yard run with 9:26 left in the third period. Lara converted the extra point kick as the Coyotes overtook the lead 22-19

As the third quarter wore on Artesia appeared to be on the way to another victory as Trent Egeland and Bryce Parra scored two touchdowns for the Bulldogs. Artesia had a 34-22 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Roswell gained on Artesia in the final period scoring on a 46-yard drive, a Bulldog penalty helped the Coyotes score on a 5-yard run by Carrasco with 10:57 left in the game. Lara made the extra point kick as Roswell was down by five.

The Coyotes capitalized on a Bulldog kickoff fumble as Cloud scored on a 21-yard run 12 seconds after the previous score. Keegan Nichols ran in the 2-point conversion as Roswell had a 37-34 lead.

Roswell’s defense sacked Cazares on Artesia’s opening fourth quarter drive and later capitalized with another Carrasco touchdown. Lara made the extra point kick as the lead was 44-34 with 6:09 left in the game.

Artesia scored a 3-yard run by Galindo with 4:36 left in the game. The extra point kick was blocked as the Bulldogs comeback fell short.

Both squads are tied for first place in District 5-2A with 4-1 records. Overall Roswell is 6-1, while Artesia falls to 5-3.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter

Roswell-Jaylon Cloud 16-yard pass from Jacob Palomino, Francisco Lara kick, 9:47, 7-0.

Artesia-Jack Byers 19-yard catch from Izac Cazares, 2-point conversion no good, 5:19, 7-6.

2nd Quarter

Roswell-Xai Carrasco 7-yard run, Carrasco 2-point conversion, 8:06, 15-6.

Artesia-Frankie Galindo 61-yard catch from Izac Cazares, 2-point conversion no good, 7:51, 15-12.

3rd Quarter

Artesia-Cazares 35-yard run, Corbyn Dominguez kick, 11:50, 19-15.

Roswell-Carrasco 27-yard run, Lara kick, 9:26, 22-19.

Artesia-Trent Egeland 25-yard catch, Diego Lopez 2-point conversion good, 3:21, 28-22.

Artesia-Bryce Parra 27-yard run, Dominguez kick, :51, 34-22.

4th Quarter

Roswell-Carrasco 5-yard run, Lara kick, 10:57, 34-29.

Roswell-Jaylon Cloud 21-yard run, Keegan Nichols 2-point conversion, 10:45, 37-34.

Roswell-Carrasco 19-yard run, Lara kick, 6:09, 44-34.

Artesia-Galindo 3-yard run, kick blocked, 4:36, 44-40.

Offensive Stars of the Game:

Passing: Cazares 16/29 138 yards, 3 TDs, 2 Int

Rushing: Cazares 9 carries for 80 yards, 1 TD

Receiving: Frankie Galindo 6 catches for 116 yards, 1 TD

Defensive Stars of the Game:

Kaden Grantham 3 quarterback sacks

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