The Artesia Bulldogs football team expected a tougher game, but they took control before Chaparral had a chance to settle in.
The outcome felt certain early, making the three-hour drive to Chaparral look like little more than the opening act for another dominant Artesia performance.
Gone are the memories of a 0-3 start against Carlsbad, Hobbs and Centennial. What remains is the battle-tested toughness that helped the Bulldogs win four consecutive games. A showdown with rival Roswell looms in two weeks, but Artesia first took care of business against Chaparral.
Before we focus on the Roswell game, let’s look at the three things the Bulldogs did well against the Lobos.
Derrick Ruiz
- Derrick Ruiz has put himself in the New Mexico Activities Association record book two weeks in a row.
Last week, Ruiz burst onto the scene against Alamogordo with four interceptions. Only former Artesia standout Trevor Whitmire has more interceptions in a game for the Bulldogs, recording five against Lovington on Aug. 26, 2011. Whitmire ranks second in the state behind Elroy Chopito, who had six in 1979.
Against Chaparral, Ruiz delivered another record-worthy performance. 30, but Ruiz’s three would give him the first entry if the category is added.
Ruiz returned punts of 65, 64 and 42 yards for touchdowns, turning special-teams opportunities into points and breaking the game open before Chaparral could settle in.
- Offense could not be stopped
The Bulldogs bullied the Lobos and did not punt all game. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 30-0. Quarterback Lucas Atkins was perfect, going 6-for-6. Artesia controlled the pace, finished drives and never gave Chaparral room to breathe. The Bulldogs moved with purpose, avoided wasted possessions and made every early opportunity count.
- Special teams and defense unleashed.
Ruiz returned three punts for touchdowns, while the defense set the tone and scored a safety to give Artesia a 9-0 lead. From there, the Bulldogs kept the pressure on and never allowed the Lobos to build momentum. Defense and special teams worked together, giving the offense favorable field position and putting Chaparral in a hole it could not escape. It was a complete performance, and the Bulldogs never let the long road trip or the early start affect their focus. Each phase complemented the others, which is exactly what Artesia will need as the schedule gets tougher and the Roswell matchup draws closer.