MileHigh Prep Reports Class 2A Top 10 Games of the Week for Week 8
We are doing something a bit different this season and looking at the top 10 games of the week. These games are picked by MileHigh Prep Report and ranking does not matter. If there are not ten games that catch are eye, we will lower the number of games. Good Luck this season to all teams!
Rankings used are from Media Poll & Seeding Index.
Class 2A
#10 Eaton (4-2, #12 Seeding) at #2 Berthoud (6-0, #5 Seeding)
My game of the Week in Class 2A. Eaton makes the trip east to face Berthoud in what could be the league title game for the Front Range Mountain League. Berthoud comes into the matchup at 6-0 overall and 2-0 in league. They defeated Forge Christian last week 49-0. Berthoud had a huge day on the ground rushing for 365 yards and passing for another 187 yards. QB Darin Davidson had a big day with 129 yards passing, 91 yards rushing and 5 total TDs. RB Alex Larson also had a big performance with 172 yards rushing and 1 TD. Defensively Berthoud was stout holding Forge Christian to 136 yards of total offense. Aiden McGrath (10 tackles) and Joey Finnegan (8 tackles) led the way. Berthoud sits at #5 in the seeding index and should be a lock to make the playoffs. Eaton comes into the matchup at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in league. Eaton defeated Fort Lupton last week 43 to 16. Eaton defensively flew around last week forcing 4 turnovers and blocking a punt. Eaton did give up some yardage in the game but made key stops to limit the scoring chances of Fort Lupton. Eaton was led in tackles by Zack Maske (18 tackles) and Cooper Nider (18 tackles). Offensively Eaton had a big day racking up 427 yards of total offense. QB Conner Davey was the leader with 189 yards passing, 88 yards rushing and 2 Total TDs. RB De Angelo Rosas was also effective racking up 150 yards in the game. Eaton sits at #12 in the seeding index and is on the bubble. This game could be for the league title but will be big for the CHSAA Seeding Index.
#3 Rifle (5-1, #1 Seeding) vs Aspen (3-3, #22 Seeding)
We travel out west for a key Western Slope matchup. Rifle will host Aspen in another potential League Title bout. Rifle comes into the matchup at 5-1 overall and 2-0 in league. Rifle picked up a huge win last week defeating Basalt 54 to 27. Rifle dominated the first half taking a 35 to 7 lead into halftime and giving them a very good shot to win the league title. Rifle defensively came to play forcing 2 turnovers, 2 sacks, and limiting Basalt in the first half to 7 points. Jesus Martinez (14 tackles) and Kevin Arviso (11 tackles) were the leaders for Rifle. Offensively Rifle exploded on the ground rushing for 423 yards. RB Isaac Valencia had a career game rushing for 226 yards and 4 rushing TDs. QB Logan Gross also had a stellar game with 47 yards passing and 189 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Rifle sits at #1 in the seeding index but a win over Aspen should give them the fast track to the league title. Aspen comes into the matchup at 3-3 overall and 2-0 in league. Aspen has won 3 straight games coming into the matchup and are looking for a huge upset. Aspen last week defeated Grand Valley 48 to 24. Offensively Aspen has found their groove and QB Tanner Benson is a big reason why. QB Tanner Benson threw for 213 yards and 6 TDs last week. WR Henry Hurd was his main target and had a big day with 181 yards receiving and 5 TDs. Defensively Aspen did give up some rushing yards and must improve on that side of the ball. Eli Kissel led the defense with 19 tackles. Aspen with the upset would jump into league title contention. Aspen sits at #22 in the Seeding Index and must face Rifle, Basalt, and Moffat County to close the year. They will need 1 if not 2 wins to get into the top 16 of the seeding index.
#6 Classical Academy (6-0, #7 Seeding) at Englewood (4-2, #27 Seeding)
We move back west into the Colorado League. Classical Academy makes the quick trip north to face Englewood. The Classical Academy comes into the matchup at 6-0 overall and 2-0 in league. TCA picked up the league win last week over Denver West 48-7. TCA defensively came to play holding the rushing attack of Denver West while forcing 2 turnovers in the game. Gabriel Wright (13 tackles) and Michael Wu (10 tackles) led the way on defense for TCA. Offensively TCA came out hot scoring 34 points in the first half then getting running clock in the 3rd quarter. TCA racked up 336 yards of offense in the game. QB Andrew Brown was efficient passing for 145 yards and 1 TD. RB Jackson Shipfer led all rushers with 115 yards in the game. TCA sits at #7 in the Seeding Index. TCA is not a lock yet due to their tough schedule of games with Kent Denver and Elizabeth remaining. Englewood enters the contest at 4-2 overall and 1-1 in league. Englewood is desperate for a signature win and this could be that game. Englewood moved to 1-1 in league with a 40 to 0 win over Alameda last week. Offensively Englewood was efficient scoring 32 points by halftime and running clock in the 3rd quarter. QB Carson Campbell had a solid day passing for 171 yards and 3 TDs. RB Deon Robinson (96 yards rushing) and WR Dominic Dever (110 yards receiving) were key to the Englewood offense. Defensively Englewood forced the shutout. Logan Mael (10 tackles) and Jayce Prante (6 tackles) led the Englewood defense. Englewood comes into the matchup sitting at #27 in the CHSAA Seeding Index. Englewood needs an upset to jump in the Seeding Index. If they can get an upset they could jump into the top 22.
#9 University (4-2, #10 Seeding) at Arvada (5-1, #17 Seeding)
We stay in the Denver Metro Area but move over to the Patriot East League were University travels to face Arvada. University comes into the matchup at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in league. University is on a 3-game winning streak and are coming off a 56 to 27 win over Weld Central last week. Defensively University limited the rushing attack of Weld Central and forced them to throw. University forced 4 turnovers in the game along with 3 sacks. Johnny Whyrick, Dante Herrera, and Giovanni De Santiago were all leaders for the University defense. Offensively University had a big day racking up 468 yards of total offense in the game. RB Brevon Doss led all rushers with 166 yards and 1 TD. QB Coel Croissant was the leader offensively with 92 yards passing and 88 yards rushing and 4 TDs. University is looking to keep pace with Brush for the league title. University sits at #10 in the Seeding Index and a win over Arvada should move them closer to locking in a playoff spot. Arvada comes into the game with a 5-1 record and 1-1 in league. Arvada bounced back from their first loss of the season defeating Timnath 42 to 27. Arvada jumped out to a quick 35 to 6 lead on Timnath before giving up 21 points in the second half. Arvada was very efficient offensively with QB Trevor Lucero passing for 261 yards, 3 TDs, and a 70% completion rate. WR Jerriah Arellano with the main target racking up 122 yards and 3 TDs. Defensively Arvada limited Timnath in the first half allowing them to jump out to the big lead. Arvada forced 3 turnovers in the game and were led in tackles by Cody Williams (11 tackles) and Christian Lake (10 tackles). Arvada sits at #17 in the Seeding Index and a win over University would jump them into the top 16. A loss to University makes their final two games against Sterling and Weld Central must win games.
#4 La Junta (6-0, #6 Seeding) at Lamar (3-3, #26 Seeding)
We head south and east for a Southwest League rivalry game. La Junta makes the trip east to face rival Lamar. La Junta comes into the contest at 6-0 overall and 2-0 in league. La Junta defeated Woodland Park last week 52 to 0 last week. Offensively La Junta scored in every quarter and had running clock in the 3rd quarter. La Junta was balanced in their offensive attack and racked up 403 yards of total offense. QB Rylan Schmidt had a big day with 173 yards rushing, 81 yards passing, and 4 Total TDs. RB Ethan Leyba added another 145 yards on the ground and 2 rushing TDs. Defensively La Junta pitched the shutout. AJ Martinez, Dilan Ruiz, and Joe Nunez led all tackles for La Junta. La Junta sits at #6 in the Seeding Index. I think they are a lock for the postseason. Lamar comes into the matchup at 3-3 overall and 0-2 in league. Lamar is on a 3-game losing streak and will look to snap the streak this week. Lamar fell to Alamosa last week 48 to 8. Lamar defensively will look to fix mistakes they made this past week and must stop the run this weekend. Austin Thacker and Diego Estrada must step up for the defense this week. Offensively Lamar struggled to get going racking up just 108 yards of total offense. QB Deyago Vasquez and RB Raif Kee must breakout this week. Lamar sits at #26 in the seeding index and the loss to Alamosa really hurt their shot at the playoffs. If Lamar could upset La Junta, then they could easily be right back into the playoff conversation.
#7 Elizabeth (5-1, #8 Seeding) at Denver West (3-3, #18 Seeding)
We move back into the Colorado League between a pair of teams who both fell last week and are looking to bounce back. Elizabeth will hit the road to face Denver West. Elizabeth lost their first game of the season last week falling to Kent Denver 17 to 7. Elizabeth will look to bounce back and stay in the top 10 of the seeding index. The Defense for Elizabeth kept them in this game, and it was 10 second half points that pushed Kent Denver ahead. Elizabeth forced 2 turnovers in the game and were led in tackles by Wes Noe and Malachi Mariscal. Offensively Elizabeth had 275 yards of total offense. Elizabeth did struggle to get into the endzone and look for them to fix that this week. QB Gavin Garcia led the offense with 104 yards passing. RB Cooper Connelley was limited in his offensive attack racking up just 70 yards and 1 TD. Elizabeth sits at #8 in the Seeding Index, and I think a win over Denver West should lock them into the playoffs. Denver West comes into the matchup at 3-3 overall and 0-2 in league. Denver West has lost 3 straight games. Last week Denver West fell to TCA 48-7. Offensively Denver West has struggled to get going putting up 26 points in 3 games. Last week the offense broke the 150 yards mark but were limited throughout the game. RB Roman Blea had the most success last week rushing for 128 yards and 1 TD. Defensively Denver West must stop the run this week. Aries Uong and Chris Munoz must be leaders again for the Denver West defense. Denver West sits at #18 in the seeding index. They are just outside the top 16. Denver West will need to win 2 of their final 3 games to have any shot at the playoffs. Denver West ends the year against Elizabeth, Englewood, and Alameda.
Weld Central (3-3, #30 Seeding) at Brush (4-2, #9 Seeding)
We head east on I-76 to Brush where the Beetdiggers host the Weld Central Rebels. Brush comes into the contest at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in league. Brush is on a two-game winning streak, and they picked up a nice win over Sterling last week 41 to 13. Brush offensively has found their groove putting up back-to-back weeks of 40 points. Last week Brush ran wild racking up 382 yards of total offense. RB Ritchie Bruno had a huge day with 205 yards rushing and 3 TDs. QB Eric Rico has also a key contributor with 68 yards passing and 96 yards rushing. Defensively Brush flew around forcing 3 turnovers in the game and 2 sacks. Brush also limited Sterling to just 13 points. Andrew Herrera, Ritchie Bruno, and Cole Curtis were the tackle leaders for Brush. Brush sits at #9 in the Seeding Index. Brush is a near lock for the playoffs I believe if they beat Weld Central, they should be locked in. Also, a win sets up the league title game against University next week. Weld Central comes into the matchup at 3-3 overall and 0-2 in league. Weld Central needs a signature win and a upset of Brush would check that box. Weld Central is on a two-game losing streak. Offensively Weld Central has put up points breaking the 22 point mark in their past 3 games. Weld Central will look to get the ground game going this week after being limited to 100 yards. Last week QB Jace Cornelius did step up with 265 yards and 3 TDs. Look for Marcello Rossi to get back going this week. Defensively Weld Central must top the run this week. Cyler Troutner and Harley Nulsen will be tasked with stepping up for the Weld Central defense. Weld Central sits at #30 in the seeding index. Right now they are not in the playoff discussion but an upset over Brush would push them right back into the mix.
Alamosa (1-5, #20 Seeding) at Manitou Springs (3-3, #34 Seeding)
We move south to Manitou Springs for a key Southwest League matchup. Manitou Springs hosts Alamosa in a key matchup for the CHSAA Seeding Index. Alamosa picked up their first win of the season defeating Lamar 48 to 8. Alamosa has played a very tough schedule with all 5 losses coming to teams inside the top 12 of the CHSAA Seeding Index. Alamosa got things going offensively breaking the 40-point mark for the first time this year. QB Dyson Woodward was effective passing for 95 yards and rushing for another 77 yards. RBs Karter Tolsma and RJ Meis also had big games with both breaking the 100-yard mark. Defensively Alamosa came to play holding Lamar to just 108 yards of total offense. Alamosa forced 3 turnovers in the game along with 2 sacks. RJ Meis and Tony Griego led Alamosa in tackles. Alamosa sits at #20 in the Seeding Index. They are in the playoff discussion, but I believe must win out or at least win 2 of their final 3 games. Alamosa ends the year against Manitou Springs, Florence, and Woodland Park. Manitou Springs comes into the contest at 3-3 overall and 0-2 in league. Manitou Springs is coming off a 53 to 12 loss to Florence last week. Manitou Springs did not put stats in from last week. Manitou Springs sits at #34 in the Seeding Index. They are not in the playoff discussion currently but if they win out could get back into consideration. Manitou Springs remaining schedule is Alamosa, La Junta, and Lamar.
Montezuma-Cortez (4-3, #16 Seeding) at Pagosa Springs (3-3, #13 Seeding)
We head west to Pagosa Springs for a key Intermountain League matchup. Pagosa Springs hosts Montezuma-Cortez and this is a huge game for the CHSAA Seeding Index and the IML race. Pagosa Springs comes into the matchup at 3-3 overall and 0-1 in league. Pagosa Springs has played a very tough schedule so far this year and they are hoping it shows to end the season. Pagosa Spring played a non-league game against Kirtland Central NM last week winning 46 to 6. Offensively Pagosa Springs was rolling racking up over 350 yards of total offense. QB Creede Dozier had a big game throwing for 206 yards and 3 TDs. RB Gavin Lindahl led all rushers with 83 yards and a TD. Defensively Pagosa locked things down forcing 3 turnovers and 3 sacks in the game. Colton Lucero and Jayden Martinez led all tacklers for Pagosa Springs. Pagosa Springs sits at #13 in the Seeding Index. They are on the bubble and a win over Montezuma-Cortez should put them in better position. Pagosa Springs could also stay one game back of Delta if they can win. Montezuma-Cortez comes into the matchup at 4-3 overall and 2-0 in league. Cortez has won 3 straight games and the past two games have got the offense going breaking the 40-point mark. Montezuma-Cortez defeated Bayfield last week 51 to 24. Offensively Cortez was powered by their rushing attack which racked up 507 yards. RB Tay Wheat had a career day with 421 yards and 7 rushing TDs in the game. Defensively Montezuma-Cortez limited the Bayfield offense but will look to play better against the pass this week. Marcus Harris and Rust Snyder led all tacklers for Montezuma-Cortez. Montezuma-Cortez sits at #16 in the Seeding Index. They are on the bubble and may need a win in one of their final two games to get into the playoffs. Cortez faces Pagosa Springs this week and Delta to end the year.
D’Evelyn (3-3, #31 Seeding) at Wellington (6-0, #15 Seeding)
We wrap up the Class 2A Weekly Preview in the Patriot-Central League. Wellington will host D’Evelyn in a key league matchup. Wellington sits at 6-0 overall and 2-0 in league. Wellington picked up the 62 to 6 win over Prospect Ridge last week. Wellington was dominate in the win. Offensively Wellington had over 400 yards of total offense. RB Cash Altschwager led the offense with 118 yards and 3 rushing TDs. QB Tanner Gray also continued his good season with 86 yards passing and 24 yards rushing. Defensively Wellington limited Prospect Ridge to 118 yards of total offense. Wellington forced 2 turnovers in the game and 5 sacks. Azuya Gracey and Cash Altschwager led all tacklers for Wellington. Wellington sits at #15 in the seeding index. They are on the bubble in terms of the seeding index but are hoping to keep pace with Platte Valley for the League Crown. Wellington will face Platte Valley next week. D’Evelyn comes into the matchup at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in league. They bounced back from their loss two weeks ago defeating Bennett 49 to 40 last week. Offensively D’Evelyn was able to get the win and score 49 points. D’Evelyn racked up 443 yards of total offense in the game. QB Kevyn Feldon led the way with 258 yards passing. RB Noah Allen (163 yards rushing) and WR Brad Fuller (116 yards receiving) were also key players in the game. Defensively D’Evelyn gave up over 500 yards of offense and will look to improve against the run this week. Kafui Fiadonu and Brad Fuller led D’Evelyn in tackles in the game. D’Evelyn sits at #31 in the Seeding Index. They are searching for that signature win and Wellington would be that win.
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