Class 1A Quarterfinals Breakdown
#1 Limon vs #8 Meeker
Limon moved into the Quarterfinal shutting out Highland 33 to 0. Limon scored in every quarter but their offense was slowed down a bit to keep Highland within distance until halftime. Limon offensively was all rushing with 305 yards on the ground and just 8 yards passing. Hauk Hubbard led all rushers with 114 yards. Limon offensively will have to pick it up this week but seeing their rushing attack power forward is good. Defensively Limon was outstanding holding Highland to 29 yards passing and 47 yards rushing. Limon did a good job forcing 1 Interception and 1 fumble. Limon also had 4 sacks on the game. Logan Marx led all tackles and also had a sack in the game. Limon defensively now will be focusing on stopping the pass this week.
Meeker moved into the Quarterfinals holding off Holyoke 12-7. This was a very close game and a late score by Meeker pushed them ahead of Holyoke. Meeker defensively played well slowing down a very good offense. This win should make Limon a bit nervous as Meeker defense is playing very good football. Offensively Meeker was also slowed down but they did enough to score two touchdowns. Ryan Phelan lead the passing attack throwing for 158 yards, 1 TD, but threw 2 INTs and he cannot do that next week. Kelton Turner lead all rushers with 51 yards and Meeker as a team ran for 210 yards. Meeker offensively will be tested again by a very good Limon defense and Meeker must take care of the football
These two teams have already meet with Limon pulling off a very closer win. Limon knows their pass defense must be top notch. Limon offense must also get going as well. Meeker needs their defense to be on its game. If Meeker can keep it close they will have a shot with their solid offensive attack. I am going with Limon in this game. Limon I think is just too tough on defense but Meeker will be very dangerous in this game.
#4 Colorado Springs Christian vs #5 Florence
Colorado Springs Christian moved into the Quarterfinals beating Monte Vista 51 to 30. CSCS built a quick 35-14 lead at halftime but Mont Vista kept fighting. CSCS defensively played well but did give up 372 yards rushing to Monte Vista. CSCS forced 2 fumbles in the game as well. CSCS leading tackles was Peyton Brones and Rian Chavez. CSCS defensively has a few things to work on but will be ready for Florence. Offensively CSCS had a good day rushing the ball racking up 349 yards as a team. Peyton Brones had 172 yards rushing and Joe Dunn had 169 yards rushing. CSCS has shown they can throw the ball but their rushing attack is what leads their offense. CSCS will have their hands full with their league rival this week as they have already faced them once.
Florence moved into the quarterfinals winning a very close game 29 to 23. Florence took a quick 14 to 0 lead and went into the fourth quarter holding that lead. Wray then woke up and scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, but Florence was also able to answer with 15 points to hold on to the lead. Florence defensively played well thru 3 quarters keeping Wray off the board. Florence gave up 252 yards rushing and 3 TDs. Florence has to feel good about holding Wray offense to no points thru 4 quarters but will hope to finish better this week. Offensively Florence was balanced in their attack. Florence threw for 126 yards and passed for 176 yards. QB Garrett Proud had a good game passing for 126 yards and rushing for 90 yards and also had 3 total TD’s. Florence offensively will hope to break down the CSCS defense and put points up.
This is the second time these two teams have meet this season. CSCS won the first meeting 31-0. I am guessing this meeting will be much closer as both teams have seen each other once. CSCS will hope their defense can be shored up. Florence is hoping their offense can come alive again this week. I am going to go with CSCS in this game. I think their offense has to many weapons and their defense will be looking to rebound from last week’s game.
#3 Strasburg vs #6 Burlington
Your two-time defending state champions kept their title defense going with a 41-0 win over Buena Vista. Strasburg defensively did a good job of limiting Buena Vista offensive attack. Strasburg gave up only 65 yards passing and 50 yards rushing. Strasburg defensively must refocus now and be ready for a solid Burlington offense. Offensively Strasburg struck quick scoring 14 points in the 1st quarter. Strasburg did not score again till the third but put the game away scoring 21 points. Strasburg offensively racked up 266 yards of total offense. Tarek Robinson was solid at QB passing for 88 yards and 1 TD. Strasburg rushing attack was anchored by Michael Burns as he ran for 77 yards. Strasburg offensively now has to face a tough Burlington defense and it’s a team that knows Strasburg offense.
Burlington moved into the quarterfinals holding off a late rally from Paonia 21 to 13. Burlington scored 15 points in the first half to take a 15 to 7 lead into half time. Burlington then stuck again in the third quarter to give themselves some breathing room. Paonia then scored in the fourth quarter to make the game much more interesting but Burlington held on for the win. Offensively Burlington struggled to get much going passing wise, but Burlington had success running the ball for 228 yards. QB Braden Witzel led all rushers with 117 yards and 2 TDs. Defensively Burlington played well holding Paonia to just 143 yards rushing. Their defense had to play discipline against an option offense and they did well enough. Burlington was led by Taylor Scott who had 13 tackles. Burlington defensively now must refocus for a tough and physical Strasburg team
These two teams have also meet before and it was a close game, but Strasburg pulled out the 13-6 win. I am guessing the score will be nearly the same. Both teams will hope their defense can step up and take control of this game. I am going to go with Strasburg in this very closer game.
#2 Peyton vs #7 Centauri
The only matchup that does not feature a rematch features two very good teams. Peyton is undefeated and moved into the quarterfinals beating Platte Canyon 22-8. The score was much closer than I thought, and you have to credit the Platte Canyon defense. Peyton offensively racked up 90 yards passing and 226 yards rushing. QB Trevor Walker led the offense with 77 yards passing and 79 yards rushing. Offensively I am sure Peyton was hoping to score more but their offense will hope to bounce back this week. Defensively Peyton was able to hold Platte Canyon to 157 yards rushing. Peyton did a good job stopping a tough run heavy offense. Peyton was led by Nate McLarty with 17 tackles and this defense must be ready for this week game. Peyton defensively will face a dynamic offense that can attack with speed and power.
Centauri moved back into the quarterfinals using a huge 21-point second quarter to pull away. Centauri posted another shutout and their defense must feel good. Centauri defensively now must refocus for a run first team. Centauri will need to have big days from Benny Chacon to stop the run. Offensively Centauri seems to have figured out the problems against Florence. Centauri offensively must have a big day from QB Eric Maez and he must take care of the football. Also, RB Taj Cornum and Mason Claunch will also be needed to have big days. Centauri offensively must take care of the football and establish the ground game.
This is the only game as mentioned that is not a rematch from the regular season. Both teams did play Crowley County, and both won so on paper this looks like a very good game. Peyton defensively must come to play. Offensively Peyton needs to get their offense going in the right direction. Centauri need to take care of the ball on offense. Defensively Centauri must stop the run and force Peyton to throw the ball. I am going with Centauri in this game. I think Centauri defense will have a big day and force the upset.
MileHigh Prep Report 