‘ALMOST ISN’T US’ FOR ARTESIA FOOTBALL
Few programs in the country can match the tradition of Artesia football.
Since 1950, no high school football program in the United States has won more state championships than the Bulldogs. Thirty-three titles have cemented Artesia’s place among the nation’s elite, but history isn’t enough for a program that measures success by what comes next.
The defending state champions have their sights set on hanging another banner inside Bulldog Bowl. That pursuit is driven by a simple message that has become the team’s identity this season.
“Our theme is ‘Almost Isn’t Us,'” said head coach Jeremy Maupin. “We were doing some spring workouts, and the kids were feeling sorry for themselves. They were doing just enough to get by. One of our coaches said, ‘This is Artesia. Almost isn’t enough. You can’t almost be good.’ That stuck in my mind.”
For Maupin, the message extends far beyond football. “In life, we don’t want to be almost good husbands or almost good fathers,” he said. “You have to be all in with everything you do. That’s kind of become our mantra. We’re going to be all in all the time.”
That mentality will be tested as the Bulldogs look to defend their state championship after graduating approximately 35 seniors from last year’s title-winning squad. Fortunately for Artesia, 35 players also return with championship experience. Leading the offense is a veteran group highlighted by senior running back Cristian Pando, senior wide receivers Layton Whitmire and George Blackburn IV, and senior quarterback Lucas Atkins, who is expected to guide the Bulldogs in his final season wearing orange. Those seniors played key roles in Artesia’s dramatic 25-24 victory over rival Roswell in last November’s state championship game.
The next generation is also ready for its opportunity. Junior Bradley Duncan anchors the offensive line, while several younger players are expected to make an immediate impact. “We have some young guys who are excited and believe it’s their turn,” Maupin said. On the defensive side, senior defensive end Ivan Chavez and junior safety Jared Flores provide leadership for a unit looking to continue Artesia’s tradition of physical, disciplined play.
Competing for championships has become an expectation in Artesia, not a hope. “Those expectations are what separates Artesia from other places,” Maupin said. “With these guys, their grandfathers won or their dads won or their uncle or brother, so they believe. That’s the hardest thing to do sometimes, is to get guys to believe they can win. Artesia really supports these guys. Every day is that push of excellence. We don’t shy away from it. We want to win a championship, and we want to win in life. We talk about it all the time. I think it’s something that’s ingrained in them, with every part of their life.”
The Bulldogs’ tradition is unmatched in New Mexico. Artesia has appeared in 40 state championship games—more than any other football program in the state. The quest for appearance No. 41, and championship No. 34, begins Friday, Aug. 21, when the Bulldogs open the season at home against Carlsbad.
