What: Gadsden Panthers @ Artesia Bulldogs
When: 7:00 PM Friday, September 20, 2024
Where to Watch: https://www.youtube.com/user/ksvpradio
A Las Cruces Digest Report (Photo by Randall Hamilton for stadiumconnection.com: Courtesy)
Two longstanding southern New Mexico high school football programs are set to clash tonight (Friday, September 20, 2024) on Artesia’s Mack Chase Field. This match up can hardly be considered a rivalry since these two football programs have long-lived histories in separate classes, and have rarely, if ever, faced off against one another. In a game of class-level football musical chairs, Artesia and Gadsden have never been in the same class–until now.
It is likely that tonight’s game will be the first time these two historic New Mexico teams have played against each other–ever. No record could be found of the last time these two teams faced one another, so here is a brief introduction of the two teams as a reminder of the storied histories each team brings to the field, tonight:
Artesia Bulldogs
Artesia is the defending, and repeat, state champion Class 5A football juggernaut. The latest two state championships (2022 and 2023) brought their total to 32, the most in New Mexico football history–and more state championships than any other school in the nation since 1950. Since 1957 there have been only eight graduating classes from Artesia High School that have not experienced a state championship football team–8 graduating classes out of 66.
The Bulldogs take the field tonight with a 2-2 record, having lost two road games to Class 6A teams: Hobbs (40-44 L) and Centennial (39-70 L). Most recently, the Bulldogs handed the Deming Wildcats their first loss in a home District 2/5A game (64-27 W).
Gadsden Panthers
The Gadsden Panthers travel to Artesia with a 4-0 record, most recently having beaten District 2/5A rival Mayfield for the first time in school history. The Panthers started the season with a decisive win over in-district rival, Chaparral–winning the “Battle of the Gap”. With each win, “Panther Pride” has grown. The last time Gadsden had this level of excitement about their football team, the cheerleaders wore Poodle Skirts with Saddle Oxfords and Bobby Socks, and while it has been a minute since the Panthers have had a reason to be excited, they also hold a few records in the book.
Gadsden is second only to Animas for longest unbeaten streak in New Mexico having won or tied 34 consecutive games (1952-1956). They brought home state championships in consecutive years twice: 1953-1955 (3) and 1961-1962 (2). After 1962, the Panthers of Gadsden fell under the shadow of a highly competitive district and two competing football dynasties: Mayfield High School and Las Cruces High School.
Recently, they have moved both class and district, escaping the shadow of the perennial powerhouses that have held them in check for more than half a century. Some might say they have jumped from the frying pan and into the fire because now all roads lead to Artesia, but the record book has something else to add to the conversation.
Artesia can be found in almost every category of the list of NMAA Football Records. Gadsden is all but non-existent in this list. They are like a black cat sitting in the shadows of the records, and this tells a story as well. The record-setting numbers include opponents against whom records were broken, and not a single team nor player has had a record-setting day when playing against the Panthers–ever. No most points scored nor most yards gained nor most receptions–nothing. No opponent, team or individual, has ever encountered a Gadsden Panther team that stopped being competitive–not even for a single game.
Tonight’s Game
Tonight, fans have the opportunity to watch a football game that has storied implications. Two longstanding programs with two very different histories. If the Gadsden Panthers are to be a convincing candidate for a state championship, they must travel to Artesia and face a stallwart Bulldog team defending their home turf.
Artesia is about to find out if their history and traditions are enough to tame a Panther team that is tasting the glory of life out from under the shadows. For the first time this season, the Bulldogs and the Panthers are in a position to define who they are and who they will be going forward, and neither team will exit the spotlight willingly.
How to Watch
Artesia Bulldog football is livestreame on KSVPtv Live-On Demand on YouTube. Visit their YouTube page HERE. (https://www.youtube.com/user/ksvpradio)
