MOST RECENT SPORTS WRAPS
• 'Dogs come up a shot short in Eddy County War; Lady 'Dog soccer places second at Alien City Invite; Bulldog soccer picks up first win
• 'Dogs come up a point short in Hobbs; volleyball, boys' soccer place fifth at tournaments
BULLDOG FOOTBALL
PICTURED: Above, Jaden Fernandez lays out to bring in an 11-yard pass from Lucas Atkins for a first down during Artesia's opening drive against Centennial Thursday at the Field of Dreams in Las Cruces.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
Perspective is a powerful thing in all facets of life. High school sports are no different.
The Artesia football program is the most successful in the state, but the Bulldogs have never taken that fact for granted. No one can be successful 100% of the time. And the best time for any team to experience struggles is during the regular season. That regular season, of course, looks quite a bit different these days, thanks to the NMAA's large-school district marathons. It's a fleeting three games for the 'Dogs. And as has always been the case in the City of Champions, the sweltering, nose-to-the-grindstone days of waning summer aren't squandered on gimmes. As every squad that's ever scheduled Artesia knows, if you want to improve, you test yourself against the best. Thus, the Bulldogs spent the past three weeks squaring off against three of the top 10 teams in Class 6A.
This time around, it didn't quite turn out as it most often does on paper. That didn't make it any less valuable. But as predominantly successful programs also know, when the mighty stumble a bit, too many are more interested in counting the few times they've tripped than the myriad times they've regained their balance in stride.
So while the rest of the state scrambled Thursday night to pinpoint the last time Artesia got off to an 0-3 start, the Bulldogs did something more productive: took what lessons could be learned from their respective 20-13, 28-27 and 37-14 losses to Carlsbad, Hobbs and Centennial and left the rest in the first week of September.
It's time for district.
PICTURED: Logan Rodriguez snares Centennial receiver Elijah Merriweather for a loss of four in the fourth quarter.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
As was the case in their first two games of the year, the 'Dogs had ample opportunity Thursday at the Field of Dreams in Las Cruces to control the narrative against the Hawks. Unfortunately, the offense was simply slow out of the gate once more, punting away the latter three of their four first-half possessions while the promising first ended in a 34-yard field-goal attempt that sailed wide. A fourth punt in the final quarter was preceded by a pair of turnovers on downs, one inside the Centennial 10-yard line. That gave the Hawks free rein to build an insurmountable 37-point lead, which they accomplished via a pair of touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter, a kick return for a score to start the second half, and one final TD just prior to the fourth.
The boys in orange were able to prevent the shutout, however, in the final moments of the bout, ushering in an exciting minute-and-a-half of action with a long touchdown pass by sophomore quarterback Chance Hocker. As Hocker took the field for his second series of the night, he spotted Tyler Egeland uncovered near the Artesia sideline and quickly called for the snap, launching the ball 24 yards in the air to the wide-open Egeland, who legged out the remaining 47 to make it 37-7 with 1:40 to go. The ensuing onside kick bounced off a lunging Hawk and was pounced upon by Layton Whitmire -- the senior's third OSK recovery in as many games -- at midfield to set up Hocker's second varsity TD, 18 seconds after his first. Following a 16-yard run for a first down by the underclassman and offsetting personal fouls, Hocker found Destin Pacheco sprinting for the end zone from 36 yards out. Pacheco turned back and caught the pass mid-leap over a pair of defenders to round out the final, 37-14.
PICTURED: At top, Tyler Egeland bolts up the sideline with a 71-yard touchdown pass from Chance Hocker with 1:40 to go in the game. Above, Destin Pacheco comes down in the end zone with a 36-yard TD pass with 1:22 remaining.
(Photos by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
The Bulldogs had opened the contest with a strong drive from their own 27-yard line that saw senior QB Lucas Atkins sprinkle passes to Kai Greathouse, Pacheco, Jaden Fernandez and Whitmire amidst runs by Cristian Pando en route to a first down at the Centennial 14. From there, however, two sacks and two incompletions left Artesia trying for a 34-yard field goal, which just missed to the right. The 'Dogs' defense forced a quick Hawk punt but were back on the field just as quickly themselves following a three and out, and Centennial would get on the board four-and-a-half minutes into the second on a three-yard run by senior RB Dailen Ramirez.
After another three and out, the Hawks executed a successful flea flicker that saw Ramirez and senior quarterback Ruiz Laborin play toss-across before Laborin found Andrew Sandoval for a 37-yard pass. Five plays later, Laborin called his own number from the one to make it 14-0 with 2:12 left in the half. The Bulldogs' third consecutive punt and a 39-yard pass from Laborin to Sandoval gave Centennial just enough time to squeeze in a field goal before the break, a 32-yarder delivered at :00 by Jayden Lujan.
Artesia's hole became seven points deeper 15 seconds into the third when Ramirez took the opening kick 88 yards to paydirt to put Centennial up 24-0. And following a Bulldog turnover on downs at the Hawk seven, the home team scored again on a 19-yard toss from Laborin to sophomore tight end MJ Frias. And following another TOD by the 'Dogs, the teams would trade punts before the Hawks capped a 13-play, 51-yard drive with a four-yard TD run by sophomore back Keven Hernandez. The score remained at 37-0 after Ulises Montanez was able to sprint around the edge of the line and block the PAT attempt.
PICTURED: At top, Corbyn Dominguez punts as Kai Greathouse (88) prepares to block. At center, Lucas Atkins sends a pass across the field as Centennial's Johnathon Chaires (9) and Gerardo Estrada (10) close in. Above, Chance Hocker prepares to launch a touchdown pass to Trent Egeland.
(Photos by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
The Bulldogs would finish with 249 total yards of offense on the evening, 216 passing and 33 rushing, the latter tally affected by an equal number of negative yards. Atkins finished 16 of 27 for 109 yards and Hocker two of five for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Catching those TD passes and leading the receiving corps were Egeland (3-86) and Pacheco (4-46). Pando finished with eight carries for 38 yards. Centennial came away with 356 yards, 241 on the ground and 115 through the air. Laborin was seven of nine for 115 yards and a touchdown and was 9-71 rushing with a score. Ramirez -- who exited with an injury late in the third quarter -- was 14-50 rushing and Hernandez 18-95, both with a touchdown. Sandoval had three catches for 89 yards. The Bulldog D had four tackles for no gain and seven of a negative-yardage total of 15.
Artesia will now prepare to open District 2-AAAAA play at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, against Deming in their first home outing since the Aug. 21 season opener. The Wildcats, who competed as the 12th-ranked team in 5A in last year's state playoffs, currently stand at 1-2 following opening losses to Organ Mountain (46-14) and Silver (51-14) and a win Friday over Hot Springs (28-21). Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here or may be purchased by cash or check from 8 a.m. - noon Friday, Sept. 11, only in the AHS Athletic Office at Bulldog Pit.
STAT BOX
SCORING SUMMARY
SECOND QUARTER
Centennial- Dailen Ramirez 3-run (Jayden Lujan kick good), 7:33
Centennial- Ruiz Laborin 1-run (Lujan kick good), 2:12
Centennial- Lujan 32-field goal, :00
THIRD QUARTER
Centennial- Ramirez 88-kick return (Lujan kick good), 11:45
Centennial- MJ Frias 19-pass from Laborin (Lujan kick good), 1:19
FOURTH QUARTER
Centennial- Keven Hernandez 4-run (kick blocked), 1:57
Artesia- Tyler Egeland 71-pass from Chance Hocker (Corbyn Dominguez kick good), 1:40
Artesia- Destin Pacheco 36-pass from Hocker (Dominguez kick good), 1:22
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING
Artesia- Cristian Pando 8-38; Hocker 1-16; Lucas Atkins 9-(-21)
Centennial- Hernandez 18-95; Laborin 9-71; Ramirez 14-50; Axell Aldape 4-12; Frias 1-7; Andrew Sandoval 1-4; Gavin Woods 1-2
PASSING
Artesia- Atkins 16-27-109-0-0; Hocker 2-5-107-2-0; Pando 0-1-0-0-0
Centennial- Laborin 7-9-115-1-0
RECEIVING
Artesia- Egeland 3-86; Pacheco 4-46; Kai Greathouse 3-35; Layton Whitmire 3-29; Jaden Fernandez 2-16; Pando 3-4
Centennial- Sandoval 3-89; Frias 1-19; Ramirez 1-7; Woods 1-4; Elijah Merriweather 1-(-4)
TEAM STATISTICS
FIRST DOWNS
Artesia 13; Centennial 18
RUSHING YARDS
Artesia 18-33; Centennial 48-241
PASSING YARDS
Artesia 216; Centennial 115
TOTAL YARDS
Artesia 249; Centennial 356
PENALTIES
Artesia 3-16.5; Centennial 6-60
TURNOVERS
Artesia 0; Centennial 0
BULLDOG VOLLEYBALL
PICTURED: Gracen Kuykendall sends a kill over the net during Game One of Artesia's match against Roswell High Sept. 1 at Bulldog Pit.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
The Artesia volleyball team got the second week of its 2026 season off to a dominant start Tuesday, Sept. 1, blanking Class 5A Roswell High 3-0 in their home opener at Bulldog Pit.
The Bulldog netters bounded out to an early lead in Game One of the match on the legs of a trio of service points -- including an ace -- from Avery Frederick. From there, a long string of side-outs ensued, with Artesia getting the ball back twice on kills by Gracen Kuykendall, with Harper Murray and Kenzie Padilla adding one apiece. The Coyotes were able to pull back within three, 14-11, in the latter stages, but a point by Ellie McGaughy and two from Maegen Martinez -- facilitated by a solo block from Murray and a tip over the net by Kuykendall -- gave Artesia back some breathing room. Padilla brought about game point with two from the line, and Frederick would send her second successful tip-over of the latter moments to the court to secure the 25-19 win.
The 'Dogs gained control much more quickly in the second set, going up 6-2 on four service points by Padilla and two kills from Quinley Murray. Three more Murray Ks and an ace apiece punctuated the three-point services of Frederick and McGaughy as Artesia bumped its lead to 14-5, and kills from Destiny Doom and Deni Jensch during Murray's service made it 17-7. Murray slammed another K home during Frederick's final service for game point before a 5-0 run by Roswell briefly delayed the inevitable. Another kill from Jensch, however, ended the game, 25-16, to put Artesia up 2-0.
Following a bit of back-and-forth in the early goings of Game Three, Murray and Kuykendall landed kills amidst a trio of service points from McGaughy to put the Bulldogs on top 7-4, and two more three-point services by Breckyn Miller and Frederick gave the girls in orange a commanding 20-10 advantage. Harper Murray and Kuykendall ended the Coyotes' final two trips to the line with Ks, while Artesia's last two services -- two points from Brylan Taylor and a Quinley Murray ace -- ended the match, 25-12.
Frederick finished with 10 kills for Artesia on its home court, followed by Quinley Murray with seven and Kuykendall with six. Miller and Mariela Tovar had 16 and 10 digs, respectively, McGaughy closed out with 31 assists, and Frederick delivered a trio of aces.
PICTURED: Avery Frederick opens Game Two against Roswell with a kill.
(Photo by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
The weekend saw the Bulldogs at their second major tournament of the season: the Jane Leupold Sweet 16 in Las Cruces. Artesia opened morning pool play on Friday, Sept. 4, against Carlsbad, Santa Teresa, and host Centennial. The 'Dogs finished second, which advanced them to the top two "power pools" Friday afternoon, and after placing in the bottom half of Power Pool A, they were seeded into the tournament's Silver Bracket for Saturday's full-match play.
The 'Dogs opened at 9 a.m. Saturday against 5A Mayfield, tumbling into a 2-0 hole, 25-19 and 25-16, before battling back in the third set for a 25-17 win. Artesia took the Trojans t extras in Game Four but would come up just short, 24-26, for a 1-3 loss. They'd square off Saturday afternoon against 5A Los Lunas, again finding themselves down early, 2-0, after 25-17 and 25-20 losses to the Tigers. From there, however, the girls in orange would tap into their inner Bulldogs, storming back to take the next three consecutive games, 25-19, 25-19 and 15-10.
Quinley Murray posted 12 kills, Martinez nine, Harper Murray eight, and Kuykendall six against Los Lunas, alongside 39 assists from McGaughy, 26 digs by Miller, and six big aces from Taylor, four from Quinley Murray, and three from Frederick. Versus Mayfield, Miller added 28 digs to her total; Frederick 16 kills, Harper Murray seven, and Kuykendall, Quinley Murray and Padilla six each; and McGaughy 44 assists.
PICTURED: At top, Maegen Martinez prepares to spike the ball past Carlsbad's Brinley Brantley during morning pool play Friday, Sept. 4, at the Sweet 16 in Las Cruces. Above, Breckyn Miller receives a serve.
(Photos by Artesia Bulldog Paw Prints)
The Bulldogs finished seventh overall out of the field of 16, with Miller named to the All-Tournament Team.
The 'Dogs (5-3) now have another Tuesday-to-tournament week ahead, travelling to Clovis for a 6 p.m. match Tuesday, Sept. 8, against the Wildcats before heading to Roswell Sept. 11-12 for the Zia Classic. Tickets for the Clovis match can be purchased by clicking here.
LADY BULLDOG SOCCER
PICTURED: The Lady Bulldog soccer team runs to salute their fans following Tuesday's 11-1 victory over Ruidoso on the road.
The Lady Bulldogs didn't let a little extra elevation get them down last week, picking up a pair of big wins on the road in Ruidoso and Alamogordo to improve to 5-2-1 on the season.
In the tall, cool pines, the girls in orange got off to a dominant start against the host Lady Warriors, taking six goals out of the first half alone. They'd then round out the 10-point win in the second, with their final scoring tally ending thus: senior Abigail Jowers with a hat trick, while picking up one goal apiece were seniors Chloe Aguilar and Jordyn Balencia, juniors Kacy Neel and Kaylee Berdoza, sophomore Jazlene Tovar, and eighth-graders Sophia Banda, Brooklyn Chase and Niyah Medrano. Sophomore keeper Leila Irvin finished with two saves on the day, and Jowers and Tovar had two assists each.
Artesia next headed to Alamogordo Thursday, Sept. 3, to take on the 5A Lady Tigers, where they once again put their opponents on their heels out of the gate. Jowers scored in both the 17th and 19th minutes to kick things off, followed quickly by a goal from Medrano in the 20th minute, and Chase would tack on a fourth prior to the half. The Lady 'Dogs would then hold onto that 4-0 lead through the final whistle. Berdoza posted two assists and Banda one in the bout, with Irvin saving Alamo's lone shot.
The road-warrior Lady Bulldogs will now -- at long last -- prepare to make their first home appearances this week at the Mack Chase Athletic Complex. Artesia was originally scheduled to open at home against Clovis on Aug. 27, but that contest was postponed until 6 p.m. this Thursday, Sept. 10. Prior to that, however, they'll host Santa Teresa at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, joining the boys in a double header that will also feature Artesia Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) League Night. All AYSA players wearing their uniforms will receive free admission. Everyone else can purchase tickets for Tuesday by clicking here, while tickets for Thursday can be purchased by clicking here.
BULLDOG SOCCER
What was intended to be a busy weekend for the Bulldog soccer team turned out to be a tie and an early trip home.
This year's New Mexico Challenge Cup was slated for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4 and 5, in Ruidoso, with the boys in orange scheduled to take on fellow Class 4A team Bernalillo Friday, followed by bouts against 4A Moriarty and 3A Ruidoso on Saturday. After tying the Spartans 2-2 on Day One, however, the 'Dogs had only just begun their morning game against Moriarty when lightning struck nearby. From there, the wait was on -- and it didn't end in any additional soccer action.
With Saturday a wash, Artesia is now planning to convert a scheduled JV game against Moriarty Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Mack Chase Athletic Complex into the remainder of their postponed match from this weekend. The Bulldogs were leading the Pintos 2-0 in the first half when the lightning delays began. A rescheduled date for the Ruidoso game has not yet been determined.
On Friday, Artesia and Bernalillo went blow for blow in both the first and second halves of play en route to the 2-2 tie. Notching the 'Dogs' goals were sophomores Jonathan Corza and Nathan Perez, with senior Samuel Nielson logging an assist. Junior goalie Aaron Ortega saw 10 shots on goal launched his way, saving the remaining eight.
The Bulldogs (3-3-1) will now prepare to join the Lady Bulldogs in a double header Tuesday, Sept. 8, at The Mack as the two programs welcome Artesia Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) teams to the complex for League Night. The Lady 'Dogs will begin at 5 p.m. against Santa Teresa, followed by the 'Dogs at 7 p.m. versus NMMI. All AYSA players wearing their uniforms will receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. The Bulldogs will then hit the road again Saturday, Sept. 12, for a 3 p.m. game against Valencia in Los Lunas. Admission to that contest will be free of charge.
SPORTS TICKETING
Available online ticketing options for this week's scheduled sporting events:
Bulldog Football
vs. Deming
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11
Bulldog Bowl
Click here to purchase
Bulldog Volleyball
vs. Clovis
6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
Clovis
Click here to purchase
Zia Classic
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11 and 12
TBD
Roswell
Tickets not yet available online
Lady Bulldog Soccer
vs. Santa Teresa
5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
The Mack
Click here to purchase
vs. Clovis
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
The Mack
Click here to purchase
Bulldog Soccer
vs. NMMI
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
The Mack
Click here to purchase
vs. Valencia
3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Los Lunas
Free Admission
AHS Cross Country
Ruidoso Invitational
10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Ruidoso
Free Admission