Class 2A Quarterfinals Breakdown
Class 2A
#1 Bayfield (9-0) at #9 Brush (7-3) Saturday 1:00pm
With the first round completed there were a total of three upsets this past weekend if you look at the seed. Bayfield started their title run with a 40 to 0 shut out over Manitou Springs. Bayfield threw the ball very effective going 14 of 24 for 204 yards passing and a touchdown. They were limited on the ground only rushing for 183 yards on 44 carries. Bayfield in past years would have not been able to pass the ball like they did. On defense they forced two fumbles and had two sacks.
Brush was one of the three upsets this past weekend. They upset #8 Moffat County 48 to 21 but I had them as the favorite and I am sure most people did as well. No stats have been uploaded for the game but at halftime Brush already had the game in hand. They were leading 41 to 14 and cruised to into the next round.
These two team do not have a common opponent and Bayfield is traveling a long ways to face off against Brush. Brush is hoping to defend their title and would be looking to pull a major upset off. Brush will have a difficult task Bayfield proved last week that if you stack the box they can throw the ball. I still think the key is to stop Bayfield’s run first then worry about the pass second. For Bayfield to win they need to make sure they establish a rushing attack and lean on their stellar defense. They easily have one of the best defenses in 2A. Bayfield is the favorite and I have them winning by 28 points.
#4 La Junta (10-0) vs #5 Sterling (8-2) Saturday 1:00pm
La Junta got things started with a nice 39 to 0 victory of #13 Alamosa. It’s always hard to beat the same team twice. No stats were uploaded for the game. La Junta went into halftime with a 20 to 0 lead and that was all they needed to grab the victory.
Sterling faced off against a very good Faith Christian team and grabbed an impressive 35 to 7 victory. They were very effective rushing the ball which was a huge key. They ran for 270 yards on 51 carries. They only threw the ball 9 times which is the second lowest on the year. Sterling on defense came to play forcing 2 INT and 1 fumble.
I honestly feel like this will be the best game in 2A this week. They each played very good during the regular season and they have one common opponent in Eaton. Both teams beat Eaton, Sterling beat them 18 to 17 and La Junta beat them 33 to 14. Both teams are going to need their defense to come up big to decide the winner. La Junta relies on their rushing attack and defense to win games and will need to control the tempo if they are going to win. Sterling also has relied on their rushing attack and defense to win games but they can throw the ball effective but can’t rely on it too much. Whichever team control the line of scrimmage will win this game. La Junta will be the favorite but not by much. I am giving them a 7 point advantage and this will be a great game.
#3 Platte Valley (9-1) at #11 Strasburg (7-3) Saturday 1:00pm
Platte Valley got a great start to the playoffs by blanking Gunnison 42 to 0. They attacked Gunnison both through the air and on the ground. They went 16 of 24 for 183 yards passing and 245 yards rushing on 43 carries. On defense they forced 2 INTS and of course forced the shutout.
Strasburg in my opinion pulled the only upset off in the first round. They got by #6 Alameda 41 to 28 and advanced into the second round. They now have some momentum and are hoping to build off that victory and pull another upset.
These two teams have played against each other before and Platte Valley got by Strasburg 30 to 7. They also have two common opponents. The each played Bennett and Sterling. Platte Valley beat Bennett 46-6 and Sterling 35-21. Strasburg lost to both of them, they lost to Bennett 40-39 and Sterling 26-18. Platte Valley has gotten better as the season has progressed and their offense has been on fire. Strasburg is going to need their defense to limit how much Platte Valley scores. I could see the score of the first game sticking true. Platte Valley is just a hot team right now and have all of the momentum with them.
#2 Kent Denver (10-0) at #10 Eaton (6-4) Saturday 1:00pm
Kent Denver started their playoff run by blitzing Academy 55 to 7. Kent Denver was able to amass over 500 yards of offense. They went 4 of 6 passing for 112 yards and were able to rush for 403 yards on 30 carries. On Defense they forced 4 turnovers, 1 INT and 3 fumbles which also helped in the blowout.
Eaton was able to get back to their winning ways last week pulling the 16 to 14 upset of #7 Bennett. I had them favored to win but thought they would win by more. Bennett tried their best to come from behind but fell just short and ended their great season. Eaton was able to hold Bennett to under 250 yards rushing which was huge key in the game.
These team do not have a common opponent but Kent Denver will be the heavy favorite. Eaton lost all 4 games to playoff teams and couldn’t get over that hump to grab a victory. Eaton did play Sterling close only losing by one. Eaton will need their rushing defense again to step up if they are going to pull the upset. Kent Denver has been dominate on both sides of the ball but will need their offense to keep racking up rushing yards. If their rushing attack fails they could be in some trouble as they have not proven yet this year they could stay in a game with just passing the ball. I have Kent Denver as a 28 point favorite and they should be able to move by Eaton and get into the Semifinals.
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