Brawl for it all. That is the challenge awaiting the Roswell Coyotes when they visit the Bulldog Bowl at 7 p.m. Friday to take on the Artesia Bulldogs in a matchup that could determine the District 2-5A race.
Roswell (6-1, 4-0 District 2-5A) and Artesia (4-3, 4-0 District 2-5A) have met in the state championship game in each of the past three seasons, with the Coyotes capturing the 2024 title.
In last season’s championship game, the Coyotes appeared to have the victory secured until the final 24 seconds, when Artesia quarterback Derrick Warren threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jack Byers to claim a 25-24 win and the Bulldogs’ 33rd state title. Friday’s showdown gives Roswell another chance to make a statement.
Here are three keys for Roswell to defeat Artesia:
1. Let the ground game set the tone
The Coyotes’ ground game has been reliable all season, and Roswell will need to establish it early against Artesia.
Running back Luis Rodriguez has rushed for 504 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries through seven games. Ezequiel Barrientos has added 296 yards and two touchdowns on 36 attempts. As a team, Roswell has accumulated 1,532 rushing yards on 168 carries.
Establishing the run will help the Coyotes control the tempo, sustain drives and create opportunities for offensive plays.
2. Keep quarterback Andruw Fuentez dealing
Fuentez has been efficient through the air, completing 70.9% of his passes for 1,597 yards and 23 touchdowns with two interceptions this season. He also has rushed for 217 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries.
Fuentez has shown he can punish a defense that gives him time in the pocket. He can also create opportunities with his legs when coverage forces him to improvise.
Handling pressure and making sound decisions against tight coverage will be critical against the Bulldogs.
3. Make the Bulldogs earn every yard
Artesia has totaled 2,329 yards of offense this season, giving the Bulldogs a strong foundation heading into Friday’s matchup. Roswell’s defense must pressure Artesia and limit its opportunities to make big plays.
Roswell cannot afford to waste opportunities. The Coyotes must play with confidence, maintain their tempo and execute for four quarters to leave Bulldog Bowl with a victory.
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall. Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.
