Whew. That is the collective sigh of relief after three games in which the Artesia Bulldogs have, well, looked every bit like the defending Class 5A state football champions.
The Artesia Daily Press sports department will not insult fans who know football by warning that the Bulldogs must guard against an upset.
The Bulldogs could show up with their junior varsity and trigger the mercy rule by halftime. This game should — and needs to — be over by then.
Here are three keys to beating the Lobos.
- Show up
Listen, Chaparral opened 3-0 before running into the physical part of its district schedule. The Lobos promptly lost to Roswell 50-0, Goddard 47-0 and Mayfield 58-7.
That three-game slide tells the story: Chaparral has struggled to protect the football, sustain drives or stop opponents once momentum turns. Artesia cannot manufacture drama where none exists, but it can play clean, disciplined football and make sure the Lobos never believe an upset is possible.
Getting off the bus should be enough to end this one. The ride back to Artesia will take longer than the game. This game should be a drive-through game: in and out.
Kai Greathouse returns an opening kickoff for a touchdown.
- Offense must punish the Lobos
Artesia has averaged 57 points over its last three games while allowing 11.
Look for the Bulldogs to score on offense, defense, and special teams. This one could be over by the end of the first quarter, with a running clock early in the second.
That means sharp execution, no wasted possessions, and no careless penalties. Score early, force Chaparral to chase the game, and let the defense attack a one-dimensional offense.
The Lobos are not physical on either side of the ball, and Artesia will make that painfully clear. The good news for Chaparral: The Lobos are home and will not face a long drive afterward.
- Not look ahead
The real story is that this is Artesia’s final tuneup before a week off and the much-awaited showdown with Roswell on Oct. 9. Everyone knows that game will be an alley fight, with the last team standing.
The ‘Dogs need to leave Chaparral healthy, give the reserves meaningful snaps, and keep the starters fresh for the stretch run. This should be a short night’s work.