Why Not The Cavemen in 2026?!

By Don Eskins

Well, Carlsbad, who would have thunk it? Another year of Cavemen football just 21 days away.

But in Carlsbad, to call 2026 just another year of football would be a gross understatement. 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years of Cavemen football Cavern City fans have witnessed in quite some time.

Whether it turns out that way is yet to be seen. But it’s pretty safe to say that several of the key pieces necessary for the Cavemen to make a deep run into this year’s state playoffs are in place.

It might also be safe to say that Carlsbad’s effort to get to the New Mexico Class 6A Big Dance in 2026 could depend heavily on three things.

First, the level of play and leadership this year’s crop of returnees exhibit. Second, how quickly this year’s group of newcomers, filling in spots vacated by last year’s seniors, mature. Third, and possibly the most important, will the Cavemen be able to avoid the injury bug?

No doubt, though, the Cavemen getting back to the playoffs last year—capped off by a 35-13 upset victory over perennial power Rio Rancho in the opening round of the state tournament—has everybody excited and anxiously anticipating this year’s season-opening kickoff against the defending state Class 5A state champion Artesia Bulldogs.

That kickoff will take place on Friday night, August 21, at 7 p.m. in the Bulldog Bowl.

While optimism seems to surround this year’s team, due to owning one of the toughest schedules in New Mexico, the road to the state playoffs appears to be filled with a few bumps. However, should the Cavemen hit a few bumps this season, one should keep in mind that bumps in the road are just part of the process.

As always, it won’t be so much about how the Cavemen start out the season, as how they finish it.

And while there are an abundant number of teams in the Land of Enchantment capable of winning this year’s state title, one can only ask, “Hey Cavemen, Why Not Us in 2026?!”

Go, Cavemen!