Centennial edges Las Cruces High in season finale to finish district play undefeated
Mike Smith
In Las Cruces Friday night, Centennial quarterback Zaiden Davis, running back Jesus Barraza and the Hawks defense kept the Las Cruces Bulldawgs in check with a 30-23 win at the Field of Dreams.
The win gives the Hawks (6-2, 4-0) the District 6/3-4A championship and a possible first-round bye in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Bulldawgs (5-5, 4-1) will wait this weekend for a possible spot in the postseason playoffs.
More:Las Cruces High vs. Centennial is battle of District 3-6A football powers
Davis and Barraza steal the show for Centennial
On the opening drive of the first quarter, Davis led the Hawks on a six-play, 80-yard drive, that ended with the junior quarterback scoring the first touchdown early. The extra point kick was good as Centennial led 7-0.
The Bulldawgs tied the score a short time later as junior quarterback Kelly Stevens capped off a nine-play drive with a 2-yard run. Las Cruces converted the extra point kick.
Davis scored his second touchdown of the first half late in the opening period on a 1-yard run. The Hawks extra point kick was good as Centennial went ahead 14-7.
Las Cruces got close early in the second period as a 12-play drive that started late in the first quarter ended as running back Daniel Amaro scored on a 5-yard run. The Hawks blocked the extra point kick as Centennial led 14-13.
Late in the first half, Barraza gave the Hawks some breathing room by scoring on an 18-yard catch. The extra point kick was good as the Hawks led 21-13.
More:Centennial High School football team wins second straight, shuts out Mayfield
Both teams go back and forth in second half
Las Cruces wasted no time scoring on its opening drive of the second half as Amaro picked up the opening touchdown of the third quarter and the Bulldawgs converted the extra point kick. Centennial had a slim 21-20 lead early in the third.
The Bulldawgs went ahead minutes later as Dalin Walter booted a 30-yard field goal.
The lead was short-lived as Barraza scored on a 64-yard run late in the third quarter. Centennial’s 2-point conversion failed as the Hawks led 27-23.
Hawks fly away in fourth quarter
In the final period, Centennial got some insurance as Omar Terrones booted a 31-yard field goal late.
Las Cruces was driving deep in Hawk territory only to have an eight-play drive end with an interception deep in Centennial territory.
Carlsbad Cavemen end regular season on losing note
Cale Sanders' rookie season ended with a 35-12 loss at Hobbs Friday night.
The Cavemen end the season with a 2-8 overall record and 1-4 in District 6/3-4A play.
More:Ulysses Mendoza's 3 touchdowns lead Carlsbad over Las Cruces Organ Mountain
Artesia defeats Mayfield, finishes second in district
Friday night at the Bulldog Bowl, Artesia defeated Las Cruces Mayfield 43-7.
The Bulldogs finished second behind Roswell in the District 5-4A regular season.
Artesia (9-1, 2-1) could get a bye in the opening round of the 5A playoffs next weekend.
The Coyotes are 3-0 in league with a 38-6 win over crosstown rival Goddard Friday night in Roswell.
Loving Falcons end season on losing note
Thursday night at Texico, the Wolverines scored early and often against the Falcons (6-3, 1-3).
Texico had a 24-0 lead at halftime and never looked back as Loving’s lone score came in the third quarter as the Falcons offense could not get on track in the regular and District 2-4A season finale.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.