Welcome to play-by-play of the annual Eddy County War. The Carlsbad Cavemen and the Artesia Bulldogs have met more than 100 times in this rivalry.
Carlsbad was to host Artesia in the rivalry football game, but last minute changes meant teams traveled to Hobbs’ Watson Memorial Stadium in neighboring Lea County which recently saw some of its COVID-19 restrictions lifted to allow sporting events.
In 2018 Carlsbad defeated Artesia, 28-14, for the first time in five years. And in 2019 repeated the feat 48-35, when Carlsbad’s Nate Najar scored on a 12 yard run in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
A live stream of the game will be available at 7 p.m.
A full recap of Friday’s game will be in the Sunday edition of the Carlsbad Current-Argus.
Follow the game live on Twitter with Mike Smith at @ArgusMichae.
Live blog
7 p.m. Kick off
First Quarter
Two minutes before kick off and the stadium is starting to fill up.
Carlsbad kick’s off. Artesia has it at their own 35.
Braxton McDonald receives first pass on opening drive. Gets into Carlsbad territory at 37.
Artesia two incomplete passes, 11:38 left in opening quarter.
Braxton McDonald tackled on fourth down. Carlsbad gets the ball on downs.
Jesse Rodriguez two long runs for Carlsbad.
Carlsbad driving into Artesia territory ball now at Artesia 27.
Current drive started at Carlsbad 40.
Cavemen trying to drive into the end zone. Artesia defense playing tough.
Carlsbad goes for it on fourth down. Jesse Rodriguez stopped on run play short of the goal line. Artesia gets the football on downs.
Artesia starts second drive of the quarter.
Bulldogs punt, Jonathan Fuentes returns it to Artesia 41.
Cavemen continue to drive.
Carlsbad ground attack mixing it up.
Jesse Rodriguez, Jason Fuentes and Ty Molina solid runs.
First quarter ends. Cavemen close to hitting paydirt.
Second Quarter
Carlsbad called for holding. Ball moved to 14 yard line.
Artesia defense holds as Carlsbad attempted a 32-yard field goal. No good as Artesia takes over at own 20 yard line with 10:29 left in second period.
8:54 left in second period Artesia driving thanks to a 30-yard pass caught at midfield.
7:18 Bulldogs score as Braxton McDonald catches a pass from Cord Cox. PAT kick good 7-0.
7:04 Jesse Rodriguez scores on 75-yard run for Carlsbad. PAT kick good 7-7.
5:38 Bulldogs score on 7-yard run by Payton Deans. PAT kick no good 13-7.
3:09 Cavemen take lead on a 38-yard run by Eli Agay. PAT kick good 14-13.
48 seconds left in first half Braxton McDonald catches a 30-yard pass on a busted play. PAT kick no good. Artesia 19 Carlsbad 14.
First half ends with Bulldogs leading 19-14.
Third Quarter
Carlsbad receives opening kick of second half.
Cavemen start opening drive on own 20.
Carlsbad goes three and out as Bulldog defense plays strong. Snap goes out of end zone for Carlsbad. Safety for Artesia 21-14.
8:47 left in third. Cavemen driving.
Amorian Barnes and Jesse Rodriguez keeping it on the ground for Carlsbad at Artesia 30,
3:32 Ty Molina scores on 4-yard run for Carlsbad. PAT kick good Tied at 21.
2:47 Artesia goes three and out.
2:36 Carlsbad receives punt at own 25.
End of the quarter Carlsbad drive continues. Tied at 21.
Fourth Quarter
11:46 Jalen Macareno scores on 42-yard run. PAT kick good. 28-21 Carlsbad.
9;34 Fourth down pass interference call against Carlsbad. Ball placed at Cavemen 29.
8:53 Carlsbad’s Brendan Sanchez picks off Artesia pass. Carlsbad’s ball at own 10.
7:45 Rodriguez and Barnes keeping it on the ground for Carlsbad.
5:42 Carlsbad punts football. Artesia starts at own 24.
4:09 Artesia still driving gets deep into Carlsbad territory.
3:18 Artesia quarterback Cord Cox scores on a 7-yard run. PAT kick good tied at 28.
2:30 Barnes and Rodriguez dominate ground game for Carlsbad. Ball at Bulldog 42.
1:14 Carlsbad takes lead on 33-yard reception by Kyle Ramirez. Waiting for PAT.
PAT kick good Carlsbad 35-28.
31 seconds long Artesia pass play gets into Carlsbad territory.
18 seconds left Cox scores on 15-yard run. Artesia going for two. Timeout.
Two point conversion fails. 35-34 Carlsbad.
Eddy County War ends with a Carlsbad win 35-34.
More on Caveman football amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Cavemen vs. Bulldogs game to be held in Hobbs. Here’s how to get tickets.
Carlsbad Cavemen release football schedule, but fans not allowed at games
Cavemen win 2nd straight Eddy County War over Artesia
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Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
