MileHigh Prep Reports Class 2A Top 8 Games of the Week for Week 9
We are doing something a bit different this season and looking at the top 8 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
#6 Classical Academy (7-0, #6 Seeding) at #4 Kent Denver (7-0, #4 Seeding)
My game of the Week in Class 2A. We have a potential League Champion to crown in the Colorado League. Classical Academy makes the trip north to face Kent Denver. Classical Academy comes into the match up at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in league. Last week they defeated Englewood 32 to 0. TCA had a career day from QB Andrew Brown in the win. Brown completed 12 of 17 for 286 yards and 3 TDs. WR Will Schipfer was his favorite target as he brought in 5 catches for 140 yards. TCA will face one of the toughest defense they have faced this year and will need the offense to click. Defensively TCA gave up just over 150 yards of total offense. Elijah Wright and Gabriel Wright led the team in tackles. TCA cannot win the league title with a win over Kent Denver but, would set up the league title matchup with Elizabeth next week. Classical Academy is a lock for the playoffs sitting at #6 in the CHSAA Seeding Index. Kent Denver comes into the matchup at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in league. Kent Denver made quick work of Alameda last week defeating them 55 to 6. Kent Denver defensively has been stout. Kent Denver has given up just 20 points on the season through 7 games. Will Howard and Tripp Skewes have been the tackling leaders for Kent Denver this season. Offensively Kent Denver has broken the 40-point mark in 5 of their 7 games. Kent Denver has been balanced in their offensive attack this season with QB Yianni Balafas throwing for 549 yards and 8 TDs (in 4 games) and RB Wyatt Walker leading the rushing attack with 434 yards & 8 TDs (in 4 games). Kent Denver with a win over TCA would secure the league championship for Kent Denver. Also, I believe a win over TCA would give Kent Denver a top 4 seed.
Brush (5-2, #10 Seeding) at #8 University (5-2, #8 Seeding)
We look at another potential league championship. Brush makes the trip west to face University in the Patriot East League. Brush comes into the matchup at 5-2 overall and 3-0 in league. Brush has won 3 straight games including a key win over Arvada two weeks ago. Last week Brush defeated Weld Central 30 to 6. Offensively Brush has found their groove breaking the 30-point mark in their last 3 games. Last week against Weld Central RB Ritchie Bruno led the way with 119 yards rushing and 2 rushing TDs. Defense has been the calling card for Brush on the winning streak as well. Last week Brush held a good rushing attack to just over 200 yards rushing and just 1 TD. Ritchie Bruno, Tanner Ludgate, and Cole Curtis were the tackle leaders for Brush. Brush with a win this weekend over University gives them the league title. Brush, I believe, is a lock for the playoffs as well with the #10 spot in the Seeding Index. University comes into the matchup at 5-2 overall and 3-0 in league. University has won 4 straight games to set up the potential league title game. University last week defeated Arvada 39 to 0. University offensively had a huge game racking up 453 yards of total offense. QB Coel Croissant led the way with 198 yards passing, 51 yards rushing, and 4 total TDs. RB Brevon Doss also had a solid game with 96 yards rushing, 113 yards receiving, and 4 total TDs. Defensively University flew around holding the high passing offense of Arvada to just 135 yards and 2 INTs. Kaleb Tejada and Johnny Whyrick both had a pick in the game. University is a lock for the playoffs at #8 in the Seeding Index. University can win the league title if they win, and Sterling loses this week. If University and Sterling both win then University will play for the league crown next week.
Wellington (7-0, #15 Seeding) at Platte Valley (4-3, #21 Seeding)
We have a league champion to crown in the Patriot Central League. Wellington makes the trip to Platte Valley, and this is for the League Championship. Wellington comes into the matchup at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in league. Wellington set up the league title matchup by defeating D’Evelyn 46 to 13 last week. Wellington dominated the first half scoring 46 points and was powered by the rushing attack. QB Tanner Gray only attempted one pass but ran for 152 yards on 11 carries and 3 rushing TDs. RB Cash Altschwager also had a big day with 158 yards rushing and 1 rushing TD. Defensively Wellington limited the high scoring offense of D’Evelyn to just 6 points in the first half to get running clock. D’Evelyn also forced 2 sacks and 5 INTs in the game. Cash Altschwager and Tyler Shaffer had a pair and Shaffer led all players in tackles with 9. As mentioned above this game is for the league title. Wellington sits at #15 in the Seeding Index and my guess is that they need the league title to get in as I believe a loss to Platte Valley could see them tumble in the Seeding Index. Platte Valley comes into the matchup at 4-3 overall and 3-0 in league. Platte Valley has won 3 straight games and have leaned on their defense to make key stop in all 3 games. Platte Valley last week defeated Bennett 28 to 6. The defense for Platte Valley was big against the run limiting Bennett to just 141 yards on the ground. Jaycob Chavarria-Cogburn, Bryant Beaman, Ben Cockroft, and Josh Eagleton all had double digit tackles in the game. Offensively Platte Valley leaned on the run to power them in the game. RB Talyn Short led the way with 129 yards and 2 TDs. Platte Valley sits at #21 in the Seeding Index and needs this win to get into the playoffs with the league title. I am not sure If Platte Valley can get into the playoffs without the league title.
Alamosa (2-5, #16 Seeding) at #9 Florence (5-2, #11 Seeding)
We head down south for the next matchup. Alamosa makes the trip to Florene in a key Southwest League matchup. Florence comes into the matchup at 5-2 overall and 3-0 in league. Florence had a bye last week but the week before defeated Manitou Springs 53 to 12. Florence this season has been powered by the rushing attack which has racked up 930 yards on the season. Luguse Nuss leads all rushers with 658 yards and 12 TDs. QB Tanner Wrast also has been key with 519 yards and 5 passing TDs. The calling card for Florence all season has been defense. In their past 4 games Florence has yet to give up over 14 point. Tanner Wrast, Wyatt Dudley, and Gage Goodall have been leaders for the Huskies on defense. Florence sits at #11 in the Seeding Index. I believe if Florence wins this game, they will be a lock for the playoffs, but a loss could see them slip onto the bubble. A Florence win also sets up the league title matchup with La Junta next week. Alamosa comes into the matchup at 2-5 overall and 2-1 in league. Alamosa has won two straight games and will be looking for the third this week. Alamosa last week defeated Manitou Springs 36 to 14. The defense for Alamosa has made the biggest strides as they held Manitou Springs to just 155 yards of total offense. This week the defense for Alamosa must stop the run and will look for Karter Tolsma, RJ Meis, and Landon Garcia to step up. Offensively Alamosa had a solid day racking up 363 yards of total offense. QB Dyson Woodward racked up 213 yards passing and 2 TDs. WR Kevin Gonzales had a solid day with 130 yards receiving and WR/RB Karter Tolsma also pitched in 60 yards rushing, 33 yards receiving, and 2 TDs. Alamosa will look for their offense to break out against Florence. Alamosa sits at #16 in the Seeding Index. Alamosa may not need to beat Florence to sneak into the playoffs but must win at least their last game. Alamosa with a win over Florence would greatly increase their hopes for the playoffs.
Eaton (4-3, #14 Seeding) at Forge Christian (4-3, #17 Seeding)
A key matchup for playoff seeding is the next game. Eaton makes the trip south to face Forge Christian. This game will have big implications for who possibly makes the playoffs. Eaton comes into the matchup at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in league. Eaton would need a lot of help to win the league title but are on pace to make the playoffs if they take care of business in their final two games. Eaton fell to Berthoud last week 34 to 7. Eaton will look to bounce back this week and need to as they sit at #14 in the Seeding Index. Eaton will look for QB Connor Davey to continue his development and look for RB De Angelo Rosas to have a bounce back game. Defensively Eaton will look to fix the mistakes they had on defense mainly against stopping the run. Look for Cooper Nider and Zack Maske to step up this week. Forge Christian comes into the matchup at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in league. Forge Christian would also need a lot of help to win the league title but are a playoff contender. Forge Christian sits at #17 in the Seeding Index and would be the first team out. Forge Christian kept their playoff hopes alive last week defeating Steamboat Springs 40 to 7. Forge Christian with a win over Eaton would easily push them into the top 16. A loss for Forge Christian then it makes next weeks game a must win and probably need some help to get the final spot. Forge Christian offensively will look for their rushing attack to take over. RB Euli Tafoya and Dante Vigil will be key for the Fury. Defensively Forge Christian will look to limit the passing and stop the run. Dante Vigil and Carson Craig lead Fury in tackles.
Englewood (4-3, #27 Seeding) at Denver West (3-4, #19 Seeding)
We head back into the Colorado League for a key matchup between Englewood and Denver West. Denver West sits at 3-4 overall and 0-3 in league. Denver West has lost 4 straight games with 3 of the 4 against top 10 teams in Kent Denver, TCA, and Elizabeth. Denver West needs to have a bounce back win as they have seen themselves fall from #12 to #19 in the CHSAA Seeding Index. Denver West is still in the mix for the playoffs, but this is a must win for Denver West. Denver West will look to get the offense going this week and need QB Meekael Garcia to have a big game. The rushing attack has been slowed as well if leading rusher Ahmed Hussein does not play. Roman Blea will be the back to take up the slack and he must break out. Defensively Denver West must also adjust as they face a balanced offensive attack this week. Englewood comes into the matchup at 4-3 overall and 1-2 in league. Englewood sits at #27 in the Seeding Index. They are not eliminated yet, but this is a must win for the Pirates. Englewood probably needs to win out to have a shot at the playoffs including a game against Kent Denver next week. Last week Englewood fell to Classical Academy 32 to 0. Englewood will look to get the offense going this week and look for QB Carson Campbell to get back on track along with RB Deon Robinson. Defensively Englewood will look to stop the run and turn to Logan Mael and Jayce Prante.
Arvada (5-2, #22 Seeding) at Sterling (3-4, #23 Seeding)
We head over to the Patriot East league for our next matchup and an elimination game from the playoffs. Arvada heads east to face Sterling in a key playoff elimination game. Arvada comes into the matchup at 5-2 overall and 1-2 in league. Arvada sits at #22 in the CHSAA Seeding Index. With just two games left in the season the loser of this game will be eliminated from playoff contention. Arvada will face Weld Central next week and need to win both games to have any shot at the playoffs. Arvada will look for their offense to get going this week. QB Trevor Lucero is key to the Arvada offense and will look to bounce back. RB Gabriel Munguia and WR Jerriah Arellano are also key for the Bulldog offense. Defensively this week Arvada must stop the dual threat QB of Sterling. Gabriel Munguia and Christian Lake are key to the Arvada defense. Sterling comes into the matchup at 3-4 overall and 2-1 in league. Sterling comes into the matchup at #23 in the CHSAA Seeding Index. They are in the playoff hunt but need to win this game to have any shot at the playoffs. Sterling can also still win the league title if they beat Arvada and University next week. Sterling will be tasked with stopping the pass this week. Look for Carter Jaeger to apply pressure on the QB. Offensively Sterling goes thru their QB Hunter Diamond who has over 1000 yards of total offense. RB Carter Jaeger and WR Gage Parker are also key to the Tiger offense.
#10 Moffat County (5-2, #12 Seeding) at Aspen (3-4, #20 Seeding)
We head over to the Western Slope for our next matchup as a pair of 2-1 league teams battle for position in league and playoff spots. Moffat County hits the road to Aspen in this game. Moffat County comes into the matchup at 5-2 overall and 2-1 in league. Moffat County has been red hot as of late, winning two in a row and 5 of their last 6 games. They have also gone from outside the top 16 of the Seeding Index to #12. Moffat County is in a good position to make the playoffs if they win against Aspen and Grand Valley. Offensively Moffat County will look for QB Evan Beaver to continue his solid play. WR Bryant Carlson and WR/RB Ian Champ Hafey must also chip in this week. Defensively Moffat County will look to stop the pass. Ian Champ Hafey will be key on defense this week along with Zachary Hedman and Kenny Fredrickson. Aspen comes into the matchup at 3-4 overall and 2-1 in league. Aspen sits at #20 in the CHSAA Seeding Index. Aspen is in playoff contention but have a tough schedule to end the year. Aspen will need to win either this week against Moffat County or next week against Basalt to have any shot of the top 16. Aspen will look for QB Tanner Benson to breakout these next two weeks. RB Dylan Mika and WR Henry Hurd will also be key for the Aspen offense. Defensively this week Aspen must be able to slow the pass attack of Moffat County. Pressure will be key for Aspen and Henry Hurd leads all Skiers with 3 sacks. Landen Thurber and Eli Kissel are also key for Aspen in this game.
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