Central League
The Central League could have a league champion after this week but we may have to wait till next week. Rocky Mountain Lutheran beat Pikes Peak Christian 34-8 and with that moved to 2-0 in league with victories now over South Park and Pikes Peak Christian. This week Rocky Mountain Lutheran hosts Belleview Christian. Belleview Christian beat Miami-Yoder 18-14 to move to 1-1 in league but have a loss to Justice already. Rocky Mountain Lutheran is squarely in the driver’s seat and a win this week and a loss at any time by Justice will give Rocky Mountain Lutheran the league title. Rocky Mountain Lutheran moved into the Top 10 of the RPI and will be looking to improve their RPI. Rocky Mountain Lutheran should beat Belleview Christian and keep sole possession of first. Justice this week hosts Miami-Yoder and should walk away with a victory. Justice last week lost to South Park and are in a do or die position. Justice will need to win out to really help their case. Justice still has Pikes Peak Christian and Rocky Mountain Lutheran on their schedule so a win this week is a must. Justice is #21 in the RPI and going 1-2 to close out the season might not be enough. Justice should win 40-14 over Miami-Yoder. The big game in the Central League this week is South Park traveling to Pikes Peak Christian. South Park is 3-3 on the season and have played a decently tough schedule. They are 1-1 in league and a win would solidify their second place finish. They only have Belleview Christian and Miami-Yoder left on the schedule. South Park upset Justice last week 36-12 and have some much needed momentum heading into this game. South Park sits at #18 in the RPI and are in prime position to make a run for the playoffs. A loss this week wouldn’t eliminate them but makes their final two games must win and must have some help along the way. South Park must improve their defense against tough teams and well see how much they have improved. Pikes Peak Christian is 3-3 and 1-1 as well. They were blasted by Rocky Mountain Lutheran last week 34-8 and struggled to get anything going on offense and struggled to slow down RML offense. Pikes Peak Christian will now look to rebound this week and are fighting for their playoff lives as well. Pikes Peak Christian is #22 in the RPI and finish the year with teams with losing records and improving their RPI will only be them increasing their winning %. Pikes Peak Christian may need to win out to get into the playoffs. They must improve their defense against winning teams Pikes Peak Christian gave up over 30 points twice. This game will be a close one with both teams losing to RML by similar amounts. I am going with Pikes Peak Christian to beat South Park 35-24.
South Park at Pikes Peak Christian Miami Yoder vs Justice
Rocky Mountain Lutheran vs Belleview Christian
RPI: #9 Rocky Mountain Lutheran, #18 South Park, #21 Justice, #22 Pikes Peak Christian, #26 Belleview Christian, #37 Miami-Yoder
Northwest League
The Northwest League has been a very fun race to watch with one team really surprising me and now are looking to fight for the league title. West Grand has kept their dominating performance going. They blasted Plateau Valley 46-0 and have 3 game in a row of shutouts. West Grand has been very explosive offensively as well breaking the 40-point mark again. West Grand is #5 in the RPI but are not a lock due to their low OWP. They still have Soroco and Gilpin County on their schedule and the league title won’t be determined till the final game of the schedule. This week West Grand hosts Rangely and should walk away victorious. Soroco last week fell in a shootout to Gilpin County 48-40 and just couldn’t slow down Gilpin County. Soroco now must rebound quickly and grab the victory to stay in the top 16 of the RPI. Soroco is #14 in the RPI and a win will improve their stock some more. Soroco cannot overlook Plateau Valley with West Grand next week. Soroco must take care of business and win. A loss would more than likely drop them out of the top 16 and possibly out of the playoffs. Soroco has West Grand next week and Hayden to close out the year. Plateau Valley is #16 in the RPI with a 2-4 record. Their OWP is carrying them right now. I am guessing for Plateau Valley to get into the playoffs they will need to win 2 of their last 3. They have Hayden next week and Rangely to close out the year. Plateau Valley has a good chance at the playoffs but are going to need to grab some wins. The big game in the Northwest League features #8 Gilpin County vs Hayden. Hayden is 4-2 on the year and actually should be 5-1 but had to forfeit their win over Justice. Hayden got back on track last week blasting Rangely 50-22. That win kept them in the top 20 of the RPI but are sitting at #17 trailing their fellow league mates Plateau Valley and Soroco. Hayden has a tough 3 games to close out the year. They have Plateau Valley next week and Soroco to close out year. I am not sure how the #’s will work for Hayden so they must take destiny into their own hands and win games. They must be ready for a very explosive Gilpin County team who is going to score points and Hayden must be ready. #8 Gilpin County once again escaped with a narrow high scoring win. Gilpin County beat Soroco 48-40 and it was a track meet with 940 yards of total offense for both teams. The difference in the game was Gilpin County forced 3 turnovers and held Soroco passing attack to under 100 yards. Gilpin County on defense though gave up 382 yards rushing and 349 of those yards went to Jace Logan. Gilpin County on offense was impressive as well throwing for 172 yards and rushing for 332 yards. Austin Boulter was the leader with 119 yards passing & 2 TDs and 179 yards rushing & 1 TD. He has been the main playmaker for Gilpin County and must have another big game from him. I am going Gilpin County in another fun game 48-35.
#2 West Grand vs Rangely #8 Gilpin County vs Hayden
Soroco at Plateau Valley
RPI: #3 Gilpin County, #5 West Grand, #14 Soroco, #16 Plateau Valley, #17 Hayden, #29 Rangely
Plains League
Before league started I would have had a completely different outlook on the Plains League but a few teams have surprised me and really turned the Plains league upside down. Two of the traditional powers Akron and Dayspring Christian sit at 0-2 in league and this will be an elimination game for them. Akron was hit harder by graduation than anyone thought. They have been really one sided on offense and defensively have struggled. Last week Akron nearly pulled the upset but fell 28-26 to Merino. They now sit at #24 in the RPI but have winnable games this week and against Caliche to close out the year. They will probably need to win 2 of 4 to have a chance at the playoffs and with Haxtun next week this is a must win game. Akron has already played Dayspring Christian and were hammered 44-6. Akron must find a way to get their running game going to be competitive and I believe they will. Dayspring Christian is having some growing pains losing 3 straight games and all of them close. Dayspring Christian has lost by a combined 20 point all 1 score games and now are looking to bounce back before closing the year with Merino and Sedgwick County. Dayspring Christian is #19 in the RPI and a win is a must especially with their final 2 games against undefeated opponents. Dayspring Christian did beat Akron already and used a dominating run defense to set the tone they will need that again this week. I believe that this game will be much closer this time. I still have Dayspring Christian winning 28-20 but a much closer game this time. #6 Haxtun suffered their first loss of the season falling to #1 Sedgwick County 46-0. After the first quarter it was 0-0 but 24 second quarter points and 22 third quarter points was the difference. Haxtun offensively struggled. They ran for only 101 yards and passed for only 82 yards and turnovers really cost them. They had 2 INTs and 1 fumble and that was the difference in this game. Haxtun now will need to bounce back on both sides of the ball and that won’t be easy against a Caliche team coming off an upset win. Caliche broke a two game losing streak and finally was on the other end of a close game beating Dayspring Christian 18-13. Prior to this game Caliche lost to Merino 14-6 and Gilpin County 36-30. Now Caliche could grab another signature win. Caliche must be ready defensively for a dynamic offense and must look closely at the Sedgwick County game. Caliche is currently in the playoffs sitting at #12 in the RPI. They are not a lock yet and have 3 tough games remaining. They have Sedgwick County next week and Akron to close the year. I am not 100% sure how their numbers will come out if the go 1-2 but an upset over Haxtun would probably make them a lock for the playoffs. Caliche must get their rushing attack going and cannot have an off game. Caliche has run for 2016 yards this year and will need a monster effort on the ground. This should be a fun game between Haxtun and Caliche and I am going with Haxtun to hold off Caliche 35-31. The big game of the Plains league this week features two unbeaten teams with #1 Sedgwick County hosting #4 Merino. Merino is #1 in the RPI and are a lock for the playoffs. They would love to upset the defending two time champions but will need to play their best game of the season. Merino has been the cardiac kids this year with a margin of victory of just 8 and if you take out the 1A team of Lake County it is only 6. Last week Merino escaped with a narrow 2-point win over Akron 28-26. A two-point conversion was the difference and now Merino must play better against a very good Sedgwick County team. Sedgwick County has been unstoppable this year. Their only close game was a 33-28 win over Perkins County NE. I am sure lot of teams are looking at that film trying to figure out how to stop this dynamic offense. Akron scored the most points on Sedgwick County this year for a Colorado team and that was 24. Sedgwick County has been very good on both sides of the ball and of course have not posted any stats. Sedgwick County is #2 in the RPI and is also a lock for the playoffs. Their final 3 games are Caliche, and Dayspring Christian. Sedgwick County must stop the run and I feel they will be very successful. I am going with Sedgwick County over Merino 35-14.
#1 Sedgwick County vs #4 Merino #6 Haxtun vs Caliche
Akron at Dayspring Christian
RPI: #1 Merino, #2 Sedgwick County, #6 Haxtun, #12 Caliche, #19 Dayspring Christian, #24 Akron
Southeast League
The Southeast league took a very interesting turn and is very much in the air. Last week Holly was upset by Springfield 32-26 in overtime. That win moved Holly to 1-1 in league and puts McClave and Springfield into the drives seat. Holly this week hosts Granada and should walk away with the victory. Holly is #10 in the RPI and closes the year with a huge game against McClave and Las Animas to close out the year. Holly must get in and out of this game and be ready for their game against McClave. Springfield who upset Holly last week is still outside the Top 20 and will probably need the league title to get in. Springfield will be the big favorite this week against Las Animas. Springfield plays Wiley next week and closes the year against McClave which will be for the league title. Springfield with another win should move up in the RPI but I am guessing Springfield will need the league title. They will keep their hopes alive this week beating Las Animas. #10 McClave is doing very well this year sitting at 5-1 overall and #11 in the RPI. They still have a very tough schedule remaining. They play Holly next week and Springfield to close out the year. They cannot overlook Wiley this week or could get upset. McClave has a very good chance at the playoffs without the league title but must take care of business this week. Wiley is sitting at #27 are eliminated from the playoffs they can play the spoiler though and an upset over McClave would make this a very successful rivalry game. I believe McClave will take care of business and win 35-7.
#10 McClave at Wiley #9 Holly vs Granada
Springfield as Las Animas
RPI: #10 Holly, #11 McClave, #23 Springfield, #27 Wiley, #35 Las Animas, #38 Granada
Southern League
Last week’s game between Fowler and Hoehne was a classic with Hoehne walking away victorious 34-28 in overtime. The win for Hoehne puts them in the driver’s seat. Hoehne is #4 in the RPI and a lock for the playoffs. They have 3 winnable games to close out the year. This week they host Custer County, then play Simla, and Swink to close out the year. Hoehne is looking for a top seed in the playoffs but must take care of business this week against Custer County. If Fowler beat Simla and Hoehne wins Hoehne can clinch the league title this week. Custer County last week picked up a much needed win beating Swink 42-32. That moved them to #28 in the RPI and I am not sure they can move into the Top 16. Hoehne should walk away victorious against Custer County. #5 Fowler who was beat by Hoehne suffered their first loss of the season and will look to rebound against Simla. Fowler is #8 in the RPI and have a really good chance of making the playoffs. They should win out and with the win over Simla they will help Hoehne secure the league title. Fowler should win against Simla. The last league game this week features Kiowa at Swink. Kiowa moved to 2-4 on the season and 1-1 in league. Kiowa beat Simla 50-34 and the win moved them up to #25 in the RPI. Kiowa will probably need to win out for a chance to make the playoffs. They have Custer County next week and close the year against Fowler so the road ahead will be tough. Kiowa cannot afford to lose to Swink and I think will grab the win. I am interested to see the RPI numbers for the Southern League after this week.
#3 Hoehne vs Custer County #5 Fowler at Simla
Kiowa at Swink
RPI: #4 Hoehne, #8 Fowler, #25 Kiowa, #28 Custer County, #31 Simla, #32 Swink
Southwest League
The Southwest League is down to a two team race for the league crown. Mancos and Sargent are 4-0 and 3-0 in league play and play each other in the final week of the season. Mancos this week steps out of league play to host Nederland and should move to 6-1 on the year. We’ll talk more about Sargent game at the end. The other games this week feature Dove Creek at Sanford. Dove Creek and Sanford are both outside the Top 25 of the RPI and are out of playoff contention. It now comes down to pride and which team wants it more. I am going with Sanford to pick up their first win. Sanford was stunned last week by Del Norte 26-22. Norwood this week hosts Sangre De Cristo and should get back on the winning side of things. They play Palisade JV next week and Dove Creek to close the season. Norwood will be looking to bounce back after losing to Mancos in OT. Norwood is #13 in the RPI and must win out to get into the playoffs. Sangre is outside the Top 30 and cannot make the playoffs. The big game of the week is #7 Sargent host Del Norte in their Rivalry game. Del Norte is playing much better under first year head coach Richie Madrid. He has done wonders with Del Norte this year and have them sitting at 4-2 and possibly a shot at the playoffs. Del Norte’s two losses are two Norwood and Mancos so league title is out of the picture but Playoffs hopes are still alive. Del Norte grabbed the exciting 26-22 victory over Sanford last week and used a fourth quarter TD to capture the win. Del Norte offensively is a pass first offense. They only have 195 yards rushing but passing wise they have 1071 yards passing. Keegan Medina leads the way with 1039 yards 11 TDs and 7 INTs. His main target has been Carlos Parra who has 505 yards receiving and 7 TDs. Del Norte defensively has shown the biggest improvement posting 2 shutouts. Del Norte sits at #20 in the RPI and if they lose won’t kill their chances at the playoffs but will need to win their final two games against Sangre De Cristo and Nederland. Del Norte must be ready for a dynamic offense from Sargent. #7 Sargent has awoken since their 0-3 start. Those 3 losses were to solid team two ranked in the Top 5. Sargent has now won 3 straight games and done all in convincing manner. Sargent cannot win the league title with a win tonight but the final game of the year against Mancos will be for the title. Sargent is #15 in the RPI and must continue to win. Their RPI will only keep going up with wins. Sargent offensively has gotten back on track and leading the way is senior Ryan Davis. Davis has 550 yards passing 6 TD & 1 INT and also has 451 yards and 6 TDs. Also jumping in with offense is senior Trevor Milne who has 495 yards rushing and 8 TDs. Sargent must be ready for a very good passing attack defensively and play solid offense. Del Norte must step up their game on defense to slow down Sargent offense and must protect their QB. Sargent I think keeps their winning streak going and continue going towards their league title game against Mancos. I have Sargent winning 42-10.
#7 Sargent vs Del Norte Dove Creek at Sanford
Sangre De Cristo at Norwood Nederland at Mancos*
RPI: #7 Mancos, #13 Norwood, #15 Sargent, #20 Del Norte, #30 Sanford, #33 Sangre De Cristo, #34 Dove Creek
MileHigh Prep Report 