Class 2A Semifinal Breakdown
#1 Bayfield 10-0 vs #4 La Junta 11-0 (Sat 1:00pm)
The Quarterfinals went as planned and the top four seeds all advanced into the semifinals. Bayfield had the closest matchup of the quarterfinals and it was a 14 point victory over defending state champions Brush. Bayfield attacked Brush through the air and on the ground equally. They threw for 191 yards on 12 of 15 passing and ran for 200 yards on 46 carries. On defense they forced 5 turnovers which turned out to be the deciding factor in the game. Bayfield being able to throw the ball makes their offense much tougher to stop and has been the key since entering the playoffs.
La Junta I thought had the toughest game in the quarterfinals but they came to play and ended up with a 34 to 13 victory over Sterling. La Junta gave up 298 yards passing but limited Sterling to 58 yards rushing which forced Sterling into turnovers. La Junta forced 4 INTS and that made all the difference. La Junta proved that they can hang with any team all year and will have another tough game this week
I wanted to say this is the best game of the semifinals but I am not sure if I can. These teams have two common opponents. They played Alamosa and Manitou Springs and won both games against them. They won the games by similar amounts as well which makes this game even more interesting. Bayfield proved once again that they can throw the ball but I think against La Junta amazing defense they are going to need to their rushing attack to come up big. La Junta has relied on their defense all year and once again will lean on that again. These teams are nearly identical both rely on their defense’s and I see that being the case again this week. I don’t see many points being scored and could see neither team breaking 28 points. I am giving a very slight edge in this game to Bayfield and have them winning by 3 points.
#2 Kent Denver 11-0 vs #3 Platte Valley 10-1 (Sat 1:00pm)
In the second semifinal we have just as good as a match as the first semifinal. Kent Denver has not been challenged all year long and have continued that trend into the playoffs beating The Academy 55 to 7 and then knocking off Eaton 44 to 21. In their win over Eaton they ran the ball with ease rushing for 306 yards on 47 carries and they threw the ball enough to keep Eaton out of the box going 5 of 14 for 110 yards. On defense they forced 2 INTS and 1 fumble but the 21 points surrendered are the most given up all year.
Platte Valley is probably the hottest team right now in 2A. They played one of the toughest schedules in 2A playing against 6 playoff teams which has them very battle tested for the playoffs. They ended the loan Cinderella story of the 2A playoff blasting Strasburg 56 to 28. They ran wild against them racking up 408 yards on 36 carries and racked up over 500 yards of offense. On defense they forced 4 INTS and 5 fumbles which was the difference in the game. The only knock on their win was they gave up 28 points which is the most allowed by them all season.
I am not sure which game to be more excited about this weekend but I am going with this game. They have two common opponents they both played Eaton and Gunnison and both won. Platte Valley beat Eaton 26 to 6 and beat Gunnison 42 to 0 and Kent Denver beat Eaton 44 to 21 and Gunnison 41 to 13. Based on scores it looks to give a slight edge to Kent Denver. But the real key to game will be which team can control the line of scrimmage. Neither team wants to air it out on offense but if a team has to throw the ball Platte Valley has that edge but I know they would rather pound it out on the ground. I am giving Platte Valley offense a slight edge but Kent Denver has a better defense. Kent Denver will be the favorite but I am going with the upset. I have Platte Valley pulling a 7 point upset over Kent Denver.
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