2026 Team Preview: Artesia Bulldogs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OVERVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regardless of the sport, Artesia wins a lot of games. That's especially true in football where the Bulldogs have appeared in five straight Class 5A state championship games, seven of nine years since the NMAA reorganized prep football in 2016 and won six titles since 2014, including last November's near-miraculous comeback against Roswell. The players may change but the Bulldogs keep lifting the blue trophy on a regular basis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We had a lot of seniors starting last year, so we're going to have a lot of guys in new positions,” Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “There's a lot of excitement. Our players have the attitude that ‘now it's our turn.' They approached the spring eager to compete. They're excited to get their chance. We have a brand new team in the locker room. They're hungry.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OFFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising senior <strong>Lucas Atkins</strong> now occupies one of the most visible seats in New Mexico high school football – starting quarterback for Artesia. Like his previous two predecessors, Atkins will get one shot to lead the Bulldogs offense. He is the nephew of Los Lunas head coach Stephen Johnston.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Lucas is No. 1 on the depth chart,” Maupin said. “He's had a very good spring. He's a four-sport athlete. He's very athletic. I like his arm motion. He throws the ball well. He hits his spots. This spring, he's taken on a leadership role and really embraced it. The other players like Lucas. They've rallied behind him and they're excited about him getting this opportunity. He's won the starting job.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A month or so ago, many folks in Artesia probably thought promising rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1118255' first='Chance' last='Hocker'] (at least one scouting service ranks him #1 nationally in the QB class) would compete for the starting QB job. However, Hocker, who holds multiple FBS offers, and his family have moved to Tennessee, Maupin said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Hocker out of the picture, rising juniors <strong>Kaden Morrisett</strong> and <strong>Eli Rowell</strong> will likely compete for the backup QB role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Artesia will also have a new No. 1 running back. Rising senior <strong>Cristian Pando</strong> takes the role and follows in the footsteps of a 1,2000-yard rusher. Pando started last season's game against Centennial. He's been a weight room warrior this spring and “put on some good weight.” Rising junior <strong>Tyler Egeland</strong> will likely be the backup RB in addition to playing other positions. He has nice speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Cristian has had an explosive spring,” Maupin said. “A couple of his older brothers have played football here. But he'll be the first one on offense.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At receiver, rising senior <strong>Destin Pacheco</strong> will start at slot. He's one of four seniors set to see significant action in 2026. <strong>George Blackburn</strong> will be one of the outside receivers and brings excellent speed to the role. <strong>Layton Whitmire</strong> (also the deep snapper) will line up on the outside. He could also play tight end. <strong>Jaden Fernandez</strong> will contribute as well. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising junior <strong>Bradley Duncan</strong>, who saw extensive action as a sophomore in 2025, will anchor the offensive line as the lone returning starter. He is capable of playing anywhere along the offensive line. The other four spots will have new starters. Names to know include rising seniors <strong>Sergio Ortega</strong>, who returns from a broken wrist suffered early last season and <strong>Ethan Shannon</strong>, who was set to start at center in 2025 but suffered a torn ACL during the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other two spots are up for jobs. The candidates include rising seniors <strong>Miguel Madrid</strong>, <strong>Justin Molina</strong>,<strong> Kyle Bean</strong> and <strong>Diego Molina</strong>. Another contender is rising junior <strong>Hayden Moser</strong>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players</strong>: Lucas Atkins (QB), Cristian Pando (RB), Destin Pacheco (WR), Bradley Duncan (OL).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Artesia's top 10 tacklers from a season ago have graduated, so the Bulldogs will have virtually an entire new unit in 2026. The lone</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ivan Chavez</strong> anchors the defensive line. Chavez made a huge impact late in the season and the playoffs in 2025. Rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2103755' first='Corbyn' last='Dominguez']</strong>, the Bulldogs' top returning tackler, will start at inside linebacker. He's also the placekicker with a booming leg. He booted a 48-yard field goal in the state championship game. The other inside linebacker will be baseball standout <strong>Elijah Carrasco</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joining Chavez on the Artesia D-Line are rising senior <strong>Jonah Doporto</strong>, speedy rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1826031' first='Derek' last='Lopez']</strong> and rising junior DT <strong>Brandon Baeza</strong>. Lopez finished second in Class 4A in the shotput at the recent state track and field championships. Lopez is one of the fastest players on the team. Rising senior <strong>Colt Moziejko</strong> will be the leader in the secondary. He saw action with the varsity in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletic rising senior <strong>Thomas Melendez</strong> is expected to start at one of the cornerback spots after seeing action there in 2025. Rising junior <strong>Jarod Flores</strong> started the regular season contest against Roswell last October and hopes to compete for more playing time this season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players</strong>: Ivan Chavez (DL), [player_tooltip player_id='2103755' first='Corbyn' last='Dominguez'] (LB), Elijah Carrasco (LB), Colt Moziejko (DB).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 ARTESIA SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 21 CARLSBAD (Eddy County War) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 28 at Hobbs &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 3 at Centennial (Thur.) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 11 DEMING* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 18 GADSDEN (Homecoming)* &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 25 at Alamogordo*&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 2 at Chaparral* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 9 Bye &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 16 ROSWELL* &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 23 at Goddard* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 31 at Mayfield (Sat.) &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* District 5A-2 Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my full 2025 season highlight ❗️ <br>⁦⁦<a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@artesiafootball</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://x.com/jeremy_maupin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeremy_maupin</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/FHnwm2TQQ9">https://t.co/FHnwm2TQQ9</a></p>&mdash; Ivan Chavez (@IvanCha06140690) <a href="https://x.com/IvanCha06140690/status/2044264482126406049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am very excited to receive an Official Invintation to the <a href="https://x.com/KohlsKicking?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KohlsKicking</a> National Scholarship Camp!! I am looking forward to this opportunity! <a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@artesiafootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/1MarojcG5h">pic.twitter.com/1MarojcG5h</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='2103755' first='Corbyn' last='Dominguez'] (@CorbynDominguez) <a href="https://x.com/CorbynDominguez/status/2057471808488845332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can't muzzle this kind of helmet heat! Artesia <a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@artesiafootball</a> is going paws out in this bold lid for the Bulldogs. Huge thanks to Coach Maupin <a href="https://x.com/jeremy_maupin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeremy_maupin</a> for choosing Au for your top-tier program! We appreciate you. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Au?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Au</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/CustomizeYourLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CustomizeYourLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/YRabF53VLV">pic.twitter.com/YRabF53VLV</a></p>&mdash; Au Concepts &amp; Designs (@AuDesigns) <a href="https://x.com/AuDesigns/status/2057889054369140851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The final Touch has been added, Football 25 on the Press Box. Best of Luck Seniors! <a href="https://t.co/l9w2fUFMhE">pic.twitter.com/l9w2fUFMhE</a></p>&mdash; BulldogFootball 🏈🏆x33 (@artesiafootball) <a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball/status/2050191202142843101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New BleaChair Max28 for Artesia HS (NM)! Press box seating is next!!! 💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://x.com/BSNSPORTS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSNsports</a> <a href="https://x.com/BSNSPORTS_NM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSNSPORTS_NM</a> <a href="https://x.com/ArtesiaBulldogs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArtesiaBulldogs</a> <a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@artesiafootball</a> <a href="https://x.com/jacob_jarreau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jacob_jarreau</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rwsb5JpFEI">pic.twitter.com/Rwsb5JpFEI</a></p>&mdash; DreamSeat High School (@DreamSeat_HS) <a href="https://x.com/DreamSeat_HS/status/2047439655436439917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I had a great season and an even better time being on this team. These are my best pat and punt snaps throughout<br>this season and the playoffs. Can't wait to do it next year.<a href="https://x.com/artesiafootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@artesiafootball</a> <a href="https://x.com/jeremy_maupin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeremy_maupin</a> <a href="https://x.com/jakemauch44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jakemauch44</a> <a href="https://x.com/TheChrisRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheChrisRubio</a> <a href="https://t.co/A4I8DoMwg4">https://t.co/A4I8DoMwg4</a></p>&mdash; Layton Whitmire (@LaytonWhitmire) <a href="https://x.com/LaytonWhitmire/status/1998539860047732789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Help us welcome some new faces to our Football Staff<br><br>Bryson Martinez:<br>“Bryson Martinez is a 2013 graduate of Piedra Vista High School, where he served as a multi-year team captain. He continued his career at Los Angeles Pierce College, earning JUCO All-American honors, serving… <a href="https://t.co/V6AMmV0JYS">pic.twitter.com/V6AMmV0JYS</a></p>&mdash; Artesia Football (@ArtesiaF32) <a href="https://x.com/ArtesiaF32/status/2046645987171766411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->