Belen wants one; Artesia has 29
State-title clash matches ground-oriented Eagles vs. pass-happy Bulldogs
The Artesia Bulldogs’ unfinished business stands in stark contrast to a team, and a community, that is looking to finally step into the light.
No. 1 Artesia and No. 2 Belen meet in this afternoon’s Class 5A football championship game. Host Artesia (10-2), looking to extend its state record with a 30th championship, is 29 blue trophies in front of Belen (12-0).
Artesia has been gearing up for this day since dropping a 34-24 decision at St. Pius in last year’s final. “They went to work the next week and said, ‘That’s not gonna happen again,’ ” Artesia coach Rex Henderson said.
This is a tantalizing matchup, insomuch as it pits the run-dominant Eagles and junior running back Diego Casillas against the traditional spread offense of Artesia, piloted by senior quarterback Taylor Null.
Casillas has 2,439 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.
“Nobody’s really stopped him,” Henderson said. “He’s just determined. I don’t know that you really stop him. There’s not a blueprint that’s been successful to stop him.”
The other key weapon in that Belen offense is senior quarterback Zach Halterman, who has thrown for 15 touchdowns and thrown for over 1,500 yards. The Eagles throw strategically, albeit effectively.
“Our defense has played well against the run,” Henderson said.
Belen’s defense faces 5A’s highestfunctioning aerial attack. Null’s TD-to-interception ratio is an astounding 48-4, and he’s thrown for 3,453 yards.
“He’s the best of the best,” Belen coach Greg Henington said. “He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen.”
Just as problematic for the Eagles are the Bulldogs receivers. Four of them — led by Tyler Greenwood and his 872 yards and 14 TDs — have at least 42 receptions. That quartet has grabbed 40 of Null’s 48 scoring passes.
“Just don’t let them hit that deep ball,” said Belen linebacker Rowdy Robinson said, adding that a pass rush on Null will be key.
“And we have to run the rock good,” said Halterman, knowing full well that Belen’s best preventive medicine against Null and Co. is to keep them inactive on the sideline.
Artesia put up 44 points last week in a semifinal win over Farmington. Belen, led by Casillas, downed Roswell 27-20. The Eagles are 3-0 in games decided by seven or fewer points and, historically, 0-3 in championship games.
And to that end, as much as Casillas, Henderson was impressed with how Belen has kept a clean ledger.
“They’ve had some close games, but those kids, they find a way to win,” he said. “I think that says a lot about the heart those kids are playing with.”