By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

Las Cruces Centennial quarterback Zaiden Davis rushed for six touchdowns and as the Hawks defeated the Artesia Bulldogs Saturday afternoon 70-39 at the Field of Dreams.

Davis, a 6-foot-3 senior quarterback, carried the football 18 times for 393 yards guiding the 6A school to the victory.

While Davis was on top with the rushing game. Artesia’s defense shutdown Centennial’s air attack as the Hawks has negative two yards passing.

Through three games, Davis has rushed for 531 yards as the Hawks are 3-0 during the 2024 season.

Last season Davis rushed for 805 yards on 63 carries and scored 11 touchdowns.

The loss drops Artesia to 1-2 overall as the Bulldogs started the 2024 campaign against three schools in 6A, New Mexico’s largest class.

Artesia opened the season with a win over Carlsbad and lost to Hobbs during week two.

Artesia scored the first points of the game on a field goal. The lead was short lived as Centennial scored two touchdowns in the opening period.

Artesia remained in striking distance for the rest of the first half as Bulldogs fought the Hawks thanks to the passing game.

Bulldog senior quarterback Izac Cazares threw two second quarter touchdown passes to senior wide receiver Ethan Conn.

The second touchdown, a 48-yard toss kept the game close late in the first half. Centennial held on to a 28-25 lead as Davis put the game away for good scoring on a 58-yard run before halftime.

The Hawks converted the extra point and led 35-25.

Cazares finished the game with 466 yards passing and five touchdowns. Conn caught seven passes for 157 yards.

Artesia begins District 5-2A play Sept. 13 at home against Deming. The Wildcats defeated the Silver High Fighting Colts Friday night 45-6.

Mike Smith can be reached via phone at 575-308-8734 and can be followed on X @MSmithartesianm.