The Artesia (NM) varsity football team is playing a neutral playoff game against Lovington (NM) today at 1 p.m. at Artesia High School. This game is part of the “2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 5A” tournament.

Lovington vs Artesia Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Lovington vs Artesia
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Lovington vs Artesia

This weekend, the Lovington Wildcats (7-4) and the Artesia Bulldogs (7-3) are set to meet in a high-stakes neutral playoff game that promises to be an exciting battle between two strong New Mexico football teams.

Season Recap: Both teams have had impressive seasons leading up to this match. Lovington finished their regular season with a 7-4 overall record and a 3-4 district record. Despite a few close losses, including a nail-biting 50-49 defeat to Mayfield, the Wildcats have shown resilience with a powerful offense, averaging 37.4 points per game. Artesia, on the other hand, boasts a 7-3 overall record, with a stellar 6-1 district performance. Their offensive production has been outstanding, averaging 49.5 points per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the state.

Previous Meeting: These two teams met earlier in the season on September 27, 2024, when Artesia came out on top with a commanding 57-21 victory. The Bulldogs dominated early, leading 14-7 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Artesia’s offense proved too much for Lovington’s defense, while the Bulldogs’ defense held strong against the Wildcats’ offensive attack. This game will likely serve as a motivator for Lovington as they look to avenge their earlier loss in the playoff rematch.

Team Comparisons:

• Offense:
  • Lovington: The Wildcats have a balanced attack with an average of 248.3 passing yards per game and 142.1 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Mathew Prudencio leads the charge, averaging 247.5 passing yards per game and 272.3 total yards per game.
  • Artesia: The Bulldogs excel in all phases of the game, with 273.0 passing yards per game and 145.2 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Izac Cazares has been a key contributor with 257.8 passing yards per game and 318.0 total yards per game.
• Defense:
  • Lovington: The Wildcats have been solid defensively, averaging 70.0 tackles per game and 2.0 sacks per game. Linebacker Camon Ochoa leads the team with 10.1 tackles per game.
  • Artesia: Although they average fewer tackles (56.7 per game), the Bulldogs have made their mark with 1.5 sacks per game. Grant Johnson has been a standout defender for the Bulldogs with 6.7 tackles per game.

Key Players to Watch:

• Lovington:
  • Ondalis Cardenas: With an average of 78.3 rushing yards per game, Cardenas is a force to be reckoned with in the backfield.
  • Mathew Prudencio: The Wildcats’ quarterback is a dual-threat, capable of both passing and running the ball effectively.
  • Jayden Gutierrez: Averaging 73.9 receiving yards per game, Gutierrez is a key target for Prudencio.
• Artesia:
  • Izac Cazares: The Bulldogs’ quarterback has been sensational this season, leading the offense with impressive stats and providing a major challenge for opposing defenses.
  • Ethan Conn: With an average of 100.1 receiving yards per game, Conn is Cazares’ primary target in the passing game.
  • Grant Johnson: The Bulldogs’ defensive leader, Johnson’s ability to disrupt the opposition’s plays will be crucial in the postseason matchup.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Lovington: The Wildcats have averaged 12.2 points in the first quarter, 9.0 in the second, 6.8 in the third, and 6.0 in the fourth. Their overall average is 37.4 points per game.
• Artesia: The Bulldogs have been explosive from start to finish, with 16.0 points per quarter on average, leading to a total of 49.5 points per game.

Common Opponents: Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with both teams picking up wins against Hobbs, Carlsbad, and Gadsden. However, the Bulldogs have had the edge in a few games, including a significant victory over Mayfield. Lovington has been more consistent in their victories but struggled in some close matchups.

Playoff Implications: This game is crucial for both teams as they push for a deeper run in the playoffs. With their strong offenses and playoff experience, either team could emerge victorious, but Lovington will need to improve on their earlier performance against Artesia to keep their title hopes alive.

Final Thoughts: Lovington and Artesia have had impressive seasons, and this playoff game is poised to be a thrilling contest. With high-scoring offenses and talented players on both sides of the ball, fans can expect a competitive and exciting match. Will Lovington be able to avenge their earlier loss, or will Artesia continue their dominance? The answer awaits when the two teams meet on the field today at 1:00 PM.