Class 1A Semifinals Breakdown
#1 Buena Vista 11-0 at #5 Crowley County 10-1 (Sat 1:00pm)
Once again Buena Vista is in a very familiar spot and in the semifinals. This year they are looking at taking the next step and grabbing a state title. They have yet to have a close match this year and blasted a good Wiggins team 50 to 6 in the Quarterfinals. This was the second game all year that Buena Vista threw for over 100 yards. They went 10 for 14 for 141 yards. On the rushing side they only ran for 211 yards on 45 carries which is their second lowest total yards in a game all season. Wiggins was able to slow down Buena Vista offense just a bit but Buena Vista defense and special teams led the way. They had 2 INTS and 2 fumbles and scored a defensive touchdown. The 6 points allowed was the third straight game were only 7 points were given up.
Crowley County escaped a very close game against Limon last week and are also looking to take that next step into the state finals. They won 14 to 13 against Limon and had to come back and win the game. They were held to 203 yards rushing on 33 attempts and 1 touchdown. Passing they were 5 of 7 for 76 yards and a touchdown. On defense they forced 1 INT and their defense kept the game close which helped in the comeback. The 14 points is the lowest amount they have scored this year and will need to increase that if they are going to pull an upset. This is the second straight year Crowley County has ran into Buena Vista in the playoffs and will be looking to avenge last year’s loss and of course move into the semifinals.
These teams have 2 common opponents they each played Rye and Wiggins. Buena Vista won both beating Rye 54 to 6 and Wiggins 50 to 6. Crowley County split with them beating Rye 21 to 20 and lost to Wiggins 27 to 20. For Crowley County to pull the upset they are going to need a few things to go their way. They are going to need their rushing attack to control the tempo of the game and keep Buena Vista explosive offense off the field. On defense Crowley County needs to shut down Buena Vista offense. Wiggins did a good job of slowing Buena Vista offense down but they faltered in other parts of the game. Crowley County cannot have turnovers because Buena Vista defense lives of turnovers and helps get their offense back on the field. Crowley County can pull the upset if they can play their style of game and play great defense. Buena Vista needs their rushing attack to come back to life and control the pace of the game. We know Buena Vista defense is very good and can lean on that at any moment. The only knock on Buena Vista is their lack of a close game which could hurt them in the end. Buena Vista is the clear favorite and I have them winning by 21.
#2 Resurrection Christian 11-0 vs #3 Paonia 10-1 (Sat 1:00pm)
If there is a game to be excited about it’s this game between Resurrection Christian and two time defending state champions Paonia. This is going to be an exciting game and a lot on the line for both teams.
Resurrection Christian had a statement win last week against a very good Meeker team. They blasted Meeker 48 to 6 and completely dominated the game. They racked up over 400 yards of offense and were led by a dominate passing attack. They went 17 to 27 for 289 yards and ran for 226 yards on 25 carries. They were nearly averaging 10 yards a play and Meeker is not a weak opponent either. Once again Resurrection Christian defense was dominate and for the 10th straight game have allowed 6 points or less. Also on defense they only gave up 64 yards of rushing against one of the best running backs in the state.
Paonia also had a statement win against Burlington beating them 47 to 7. I expected Burlington to give Paonia a better game than that but Paonia is looking for another state title and always play better in the playoffs. On offense Paonia ran the ball at will racking up 473 yards of offense on 57 carries and they passed the ball 9 times for 90 yards. This is Paonia 3rd straight game giving up 7 points or less and gives them some momentum heading into this game.
These teams have one common opponent and that is Meeker. Paonia beat Meeker 34 to 30 and Resurrection Christian beat them 48 to 6. Based off that game it does not look good for Paonia but that was a few weeks ago and since the playoffs have started Paonia has stepped up their game. Resurrection Christian is the one team left that can throw the ball just as well as they can run the ball and proved it last week against Meeker. They rely on their defense to get their high octane offense on the field. If they are going to move into the state championship they are going to need their defense to contain Paonia rushing attack and force them to throw the ball. Paonia has got the experience when it comes to playing in big games in the playoffs. They are going to need their rushing attack to be as dominate as it was against Burlington. They also will need their defense to come up big like it has all season. If they are going to pull then upset and defend their state title they need their offense to keep Resurrection Christian off the field and limit turnovers. Resurrection Christian is the favorite for this game and I have them winning by 14 points but this will be a good game.
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