The Roswell-Artesia game needs no introduction. For the Coyotes, simply seeing it on the schedule is motivation enough.
That motivation works in head coach Jeff Lynn’s favor. Rather than spending the week getting his players amped up, he can focus on perfecting Roswell’s game plan.
“That’s the fun thing about coaching these games … You don’t have to do a lot of motivating during the week as far as practice is concerned,” Lynn said. “The kids know what’s at stake, and they want to go out there and play well. So we spend a lot of time, and we can spend more time as coaches, working on the X’s and O’s, and less about getting kids to practice and motivating them to practice the way they need to.”
Part of that game plan includes a run game spearheaded by running back Luis Rodriguez, who will return Friday after missing the last two games.
“Luis will play tomorrow night,” Lynn said. “He looked good this week in practice, and I mean, he’s kind of the tip of the spear. That run game’s kind of the tip of the spear. If we can get that going, then that opens up the passing part of it. So, the o-line’s really done a good job … controlling the line of scrimmage and executing what they need to execute. It’s a big part of who we are … we want to run the football.”
Lynn’s entire roster traveled to Artesia for last year’s state championship game, so the Coyotes know what to expect from the Bulldog Bowl environment. While most did not play in that game, Lynn believes his team will be ready when the opening kickoff arrives.
“They all went, and they may not have played in the state championship, but they were there,” Lynn said. “We play JV and freshman games at the Bulldog Bowl. I don’t think this group will shy away from the bright lights.”
The Coyotes (6-1, 4-0) and Bulldogs (4-3, 4-0) kick off at 7 p.m. Friday in the state’s oldest rivalry game.
