The Artesia Bulldogs continue their quest for a 34th state title with a game against the Gadsden Panthers at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Bulldog Bowl. A win would send the Bulldogs to the semifinals.
Here are three keys to keeping that championship chase alive.
1. Start fast on offense
Slow starts have put the Bulldogs in trouble this season. In their three losses, they fell behind Carlsbad by 20 points, Centennial 31-0 and Roswell 21-0. Artesia cannot afford to dig another hole against Gadsden and spend the afternoon trying to climb out.
The Bulldogs showed what a fast start can do in their last meeting with the Panthers on Sept. 18, when they built a 33-14 halftime lead. They need that same urgency Saturday.
Gadsden is 8-3, but Artesia must make the Panthers prove they can beat a powerhouse when it matters most. The Bulldogs need to attack downfield and use the screen game to set up the run. Make Gadsden react instead of letting the Panthers dictate the pace.
2. Dominate on defense
When Artesia has won this season, its defense has imposed its will on Mayfield; the Bulldogs have not allowed big plays through the air or on the ground. That is the standard they need against Gadsden.
Colt Moziejko has adapted well since moving to cornerback. Defensive end Ivan Chavez has been a force all season, and the Bulldogs need him to keep making plays and providing leadership. The defense cannot let up with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Derrick Ruiz, Colton Hamilton, Jared Flores, and Elijah Carrasco also need to raise their level of play. Everyone on the team needs to contribute to advance Artesia to the next round.
3. Cut out the penalties
Even in their win over the Mayfield Trojans, the Bulldogs committed 10 penalties for more than 100 yards. Artesia could have put the game away sooner without some of those flags. The Bulldogs have to clean that up against Gadsden. Penalties could cost them a chance to advance, and the margin for those mistakes only gets smaller against more talented teams deeper in the playoffs.
JT Keith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.
