The Artesia Bulldogs find themselves in an unusual position this season, starting with an 0-3 record. However, the team and its supporters are not overly concerned about this slow beginning.
Head coach Jeremy Maupin expressed confidence in his squad, stating, "We’re in good shape. Our guys are excited to start the second season in district." The Bulldogs have faced a challenging non-district schedule, suffering defeats against Carlsbad (20-13), Hobbs (28-27), and most recently, Centennial (37-14). These opponents are all formidable Class 6A playoff teams, which has made for a tough start.
For the past three years, Artesia has opened its season against these same three teams, a strategy that Maupin believes is beneficial. He remarked, "We talked about iron sharpens iron. 6A teams want to play us, and we want to play 6A teams." This approach is designed to prepare the team for the challenges they will face in their own district.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will transition back to 5A competition as they prepare to face Deming in their district opener. This matchup is crucial for Artesia as they aim to turn their season around. The Bulldogs began the year with 21 new starters, which naturally led to some growing pains. Despite the losses, Maupin believes the experience gained from these tough matchups will pay off in the long run, stating, "We’re a better team because of (our schedule), even with the losses."
Historically, the Bulldogs have not started a season 0-3 for 43 years, a year in which they ultimately won a state title. This fact adds a layer of intrigue to their current situation, as fans and players alike hope for a similar turnaround this season.
Interestingly, Artesia opted not to schedule Lovington, despite their request, as they preferred to maintain their challenging slate against the three Class 6A opponents. Maupin explained, "We’re gonna get better playing Centennial than we would playing Lovington." This commitment to facing tough competition reflects the Bulldogs' determination to grow and improve as a team.
As the season progresses, Artesia is still in the process of defining its identity. Maupin noted, "It’s a different group, and we have to find out who this group is." This sentiment underscores the team's focus on development and cohesion as they move forward.
In addition to the Bulldogs' situation, there are other notable developments in high school football. For example, the upcoming Week 4 will feature an unusual Thursday matchup between Portales and Santa Teresa, which will not count as a district game. This is a rare occurrence, as both teams will face each other twice this season—once in a non-district game and again in a district contest.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their district opener against Deming, they are hopeful that the lessons learned from their challenging non-district schedule will translate into success on the field. With a focus on growth and resilience, Artesia aims to turn their season around and make a strong push in district play.
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