The Roswell (NM) varsity football team is hosting Artesia (NM) in a home playoff game today, November 30, at 1 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: Artesia (NM) vs Roswell (NM)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1 PM. ET
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 5A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Artesia (NM) vs. Roswell (NM)
The Artesia Bulldogs (9-3) are set to take on the Roswell Coyotes (10-1) in a highly anticipated playoff matchup. This will be the second meeting between these teams this season, with Roswell coming out on top in the first matchup with a 44-40 victory. Artesia will be looking for redemption, but Roswell’s dominant season gives them the edge.
Season Recap: Artesia
- Record: 9-3
- League Record: 6-1
- Points For/Against: 590 PF, 320 PA
- Scoring Average: 49.2 points per game
Artesia has had a strong season with three losses, but their offense has been one of the best in the state. Averaging 49.2 points per game, their explosive attack is capable of putting up big numbers. However, their defense has given up 320 points, which could be a potential area of concern in this high-scoring playoff game.
Key Strengths:
- High Scoring: Artesia’s offense is potent, averaging nearly 50 points per game.
- Balanced Attack: They have a strong rushing game with 156 rushing yards per game and a capable passing game with 258 passing yards per game.
Season Recap: Roswell
- Record: 10-1
- League Record: 6-1
- Points For/Against: 435 PF, 199 PA
- Scoring Average: 39.5 points per game
Roswell comes into the playoffs with an impressive 10-1 record and has been one of the top teams in the state. While they haven’t been as prolific offensively as Artesia, they have been more balanced, averaging 39.5 points per game. Additionally, their defense has been solid, giving up just 199 points on the season.
Key Strengths:
- Stingy Defense: Roswell’s defense has allowed fewer than 200 points this season, which could help them limit Artesia’s high-scoring offense.
- Solid Passing Game: They have a potent passing attack, averaging 258.3 passing yards per game, which could exploit any weaknesses in Artesia’s secondary.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Artesia | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-3 | 10-1 |
| League Record | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Points For | 590 | 435 |
| Points Against | 320 | 199 |
| Scoring Average | 49.2 | 39.5 |
| Rushing Yards per Game | 156.0 | – |
| Passing Yards per Game | 258.3 | – |
| Total Yards per Game | 414.3 | – |
| Tackles per Game | 57.6 | – |
| Sacks per Game | 1.5 | – |
| Points per Game | 39.8 | – |
Key Matchups
- Artesia Offense vs. Roswell Defense
Artesia’s high-scoring offense will need to overcome Roswell’s tough defense, which has been allowing just 199 points on the season. Roswell’s defense will likely focus on slowing down Artesia’s rushing attack and forcing them to pass in key situations. - Roswell Offense vs. Artesia Defense
Roswell’s balanced offense will look to exploit Artesia’s defense, which has given up 320 points this season. The passing game, led by Izac Cazares, will be key for Roswell in this matchup. - Turnovers
The turnover battle will be critical. Both teams are capable of scoring in bunches, and giving the ball away could swing the game in the other team’s favor.
Key Players to Watch
Artesia
- Frankie Galindo (Running Back): Galindo is a dynamic rusher for Artesia, averaging 77.8 yards per game and could be a key weapon in controlling the tempo of the game.
- Izac Cazares (Quarterback): Cazares leads the passing attack with 235.6 passing yards per game and will need to be efficient in the air against Roswell’s defense.
- Grant Johnson (Defensive Leader): Johnson is a key defensive player who will need to step up to contain Roswell’s offense.
Roswell
- Peyton Duncan (Quarterback): Duncan leads the Roswell offense and will look to take advantage of any opportunities to exploit Artesia’s defense.
- Blake Spencer (Wide Receiver): Spencer is Roswell’s top receiving threat and could be a key target in the passing game.
- Kaden Grantham (Defensive Leader): Grantham has been solid on defense and will need to contain Artesia’s explosive offensive plays.
Prediction
This game promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams having potent offenses. Roswell’s defense has been solid, but Artesia’s offense is one of the most prolific in the state. After a close loss earlier in the season, Artesia will have the motivation, but Roswell’s balance on both sides of the ball may give them the advantage.
