Week 2 8-Man Top Ten Breakdown
#1 Sedgwick County (0-0)
Sedgwick County is your 3-time defending state champions and start their title defense and run to a 4-peat this week against #5 Hoehne. Sedgwick County starts a new chapter at QB following the graduation of Brennan Ehmke and the loses of 8 seniors. This new group of seniors could go out with a state championship in every year of high school. Sedgwick County will turn the QB reins over to senior Ethan Walter. Walter won’t have to carry the offense though due to his #1 and #2 RB’s returning. Layne Green (1685 rushing yards) and Beau Parker (812 rushing yards) both are returning to the Sedgwick County offense and both will look to lead the offense again. Defensively Sedgwick County will still be tough returning 5 of their top 8 tackles but Sedgwick County loses their top tackler from last year. Sedgwick County will be tested by a tough Hoehne right away and will be a good measuring stick for both teams.
#2 Holly (1-0)
Holly opened their season against #9 Dayspring Christian. To start the game, it was very close with Holly taking a 12 to 8 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter is when Holly was able to create some separation taking a 28 to 16 lead into halftime. Holly then came out in the 3rd quarter and put the game away scoring 13 unanswered points and winning the game 41 to 16. The difference in score was the shocking part of the game. Holly offensively was very balanced passing for 196 yards and rushing for 227 yards. The passing attack was led by Kobe Davis who had a great day going 15 of 26 for 196 yards and 2 TDs. The rushing attack was spearheaded by Andy Ramos (97 rushing yards and 1 TD) and Erick Chaparro (92 rushing yards and 2 TDs). Defensively Holly was all over the field forcing 6 Sacks, 3.5 by Jarett Rushton, and 3 INT’s. Holly was led in tackles by Erick Chaparro (12 tackles) and William Kennedy (11 tackles). Holly had a huge statement win and now must refocus for their game against #8 Akron. Both teams are coming off huge wins and should be a great game.
#3 West Grand (1-0)
West Grand started their season with an explosive victory over Calhan 43 to 0. West Grand had the mercy rule going by the third quarter and got some valuable playing time to some younger kids. West Grand quickly took control of this game scoring 18 in the first quarter and 16 in the second quarter. Offensively West Grand was explosive racking up 423 yards of total offense. Starting QB Luis Dominguez had himself a great game scoring 5 total touchdowns, passing for 121 yards, and rushing for 140 yards. West Grand defensively gave up 195 yards of total offense and forced 2 turnovers in the process. West Grand was led in tackles by Jordan Knight (15 tackles) and Marcus Sanchez (11 tackles). This was the sort of game West Grand needed to kick start their 2018 season. Things now get much tougher this week when they face off against #7 Caliche. West Grand will need to ring their A game because Caliche is no joke, and this should be another great week 2 game.
#4 Fowler (0-0)
Fowler didn’t play in week 1 and instead use the time to focus for their week 2 game against Sargent. Sargent is not ranked in the Top 10 but are sitting at #12 in the rankings and are no joke. Fowler enters this season after losing in the quarterfinals to Sedgwick County. That game serves valuable experience to what it will take to win a state championship. Fowler does lose some size from last year’s team, but Fowler is returning more than enough size and talent to compete. Fowler returns starting QB Luke Bitter (876 yards passing) and leading rusher Quinton Flanscha (1182 yards rushing) Fowler will have to replace their #2 rusher but have some people who can move into that spot. Defensively Fowler has some holes to fill losing 4 of their Top 8 tackles but a ton of sophomores played last year and will have to see if they can rise and fill a spot. Fowler beat Sargent last year 26-13 and I think this year the game could be just as close. Fowler will be tested by Sargent and we will learn quite a bit after this game.
#5 Hoehne (0-0)
Hoehne had week #1 off as they prepare to take on the defending state champions. Hoehne will get an early measure of just good they are this season. Hoehne does have some holes to fill with starting QB Jacob Yates gone to graduation and their #2 rusher gone to graduation. Hoehne is a run heavy team but their QB is a big part of that option so seeing how Hoehne adjusts to a new starting QB will be interesting. Hoehne does return their leading rusher Trystan Moltrer (1174 yards rushing). He will be a huge key to his Hoehne offense. Defensively Hoehne has some big shoes to fill losing their top two tacklers and 3 of their top 8 tacklers. The nice thing for Hoehne is they return everyone else that made at least 6 tackles last year. Hoehne I am sure will be excited to play this game and see if they can shock the world and upset Sedgwick County.
#6 Merino (1-0)
Merino opened their 2018 season on the road against Pikes Peak Christian. Merino had their hands full against a tough Pikes Peak Christian team who has flown up to the top of my favorite to win the Southern League. Merino was able to strike first in the 1st quarter 7 to 0 but were not able to expand their lead taking a 14 to 6 lead at halftime. Merino then scored once more in the 3rd and held on to win 22 to 6. The score was much closer than expected but still a solid opening season win for Merino. Merino this week faces Gilpin County. This game could give us an early look into the plains league. Gilpin County lost to Caliche last week 43-0 and it will be interesting to see how Merino match up to that score. Merino schedule does only get tougher next week when they face Mancos and then move into league play.
#7 Caliche (1-0)
Caliche started their 2018 season on the road at Gilpin County. Caliche was able to take care of business blasting Gilpin County 43 to 0. Caliche has not entered any stats from that game and Gilpin County has not entered any of their stats either. Caliche will play their home opener this week against #3 West Grand. This will be a great test for both teams and could change how we look at the 8-man rankings on Monday.
#8 Akron (1-0)
Akron opened their 2018 season on the road against then ranked #9 Springfield. Akron was coming off a disappointing 2017 season and were eager to get the bad taste out of their mouth. Akron and Springfield started the game tied at 8 after the first quarter and the second quarter created the separation Akron needed. Akron was able to score 14 unanswered in the second quarter and that was all they needed, winning 34 to 8. Akron offensively was a bit more balanced passing for 111 yards and rushing for 286 yards. The offensive attack was led by 3 players; Justin Traxler (84 passing yards & 141 rushing yards), Derrick Poss (73 rushing yards) and Jaden Hottinger (70 rushing yards). I think the most surprising thing from the game was Akron defense holding Springfield to just 8 points. Akron forced 2 turnovers in the game and were led on defense by Derrick Poss (13 tackles) and Justin Traxler (11 tackles). Akron tough gets not rest and must quickly refocus as they continue their brutal schedule. Akron plays #2 Holly this week who is fresh off a big win over #9 Dayspring Christian. I am expecting this to be a very good game and well see which team can carry over their momentum from week 1.
#9 Dayspring Christian (0-1)
Dayspring Christian opened their 2018 campaign against #2 Holly. Dayspring Christian was able to keep it close after the first quarter 12 to 8 and even at halftime the game was still close with Holly leading 28 to 16. Dayspring Christian was not able to match Holly in the third quarter and that was all Holly needed to beat Dayspring Christian 41 to 16. Dayspring Christian struggled offensively racking up 187 yards of total offense most of it coming through the air. Dayspring Christian also had 3 INTs and never got their rushing attack going with just 59 yards rushing. Dayspring Christian though can learn from this game and fix the mistakes. The defense for Dayspring Christian played tough and were led by Joey Cline (12 tackles) and Austin Mclean (9 tackles). Dayspring Christian won’t have much time to rebound as they play #5 Hoehne. Dayspring Christian will have to fix their mistakes on the fly and hope they can get their rushing attack going.
#10 Rangely (1-0)
Rangely started the season unranked but gaining consideration in the Top 15. I may be jumping the gun on Rangely a bit but beating perennial contender Norwood in week 1 26 to 12 caught my attention. I thought their win over Norwood was bigger than Sanford over McClave and Sargent sitting idle. Rangely was impressive in their week 1-win racking up 371 yards of total offense. Drew Brannan led the passing attack with 128 yards passing and 2 TDs and the rushing attack was led by Devin Ramirez 116 yards rushing. Rangely will have to fix some problems with fumbles on offense but overall a great opening game for Rangely on offense. Defensively Rangely was also very impressive holding Norwood to 223 yards of total offense and just 99 rushing yards. Rangely also forced 3 interceptions and had 2 sacks in the game. Rangely was led in tackles by Devin Ramirez (7 tackles) and Tytus Coombs (6 tackles). Things do not get much easier for Rangely this week as they travel to face Dove Creek who is also much improved. Dove Creek blasted 1A Dolores 53-0. Rangely will have to play just as intense this week if they plan on beating Dove Creek.
MileHigh Prep Report 