Class 2A Football Weekly Preview
By Eric R. Flores
Week Two of Class 2A football features 25 games across the weekend. The action kicks off on Thursday with two games, continues with 18 games on Friday night, and wraps up with six games on Saturday. Here’s a look at the weekend’s matchups and a closer look at some of the key games.
Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024
– Sterling (1-0) vs. Lamar (1-0); 7:00 p.m
The first major game of the weekend promises to be a thrilling contest, highlighting which defense will come through in the clutch. Sterling’s 37-7 victory over Valley last week was driven by a powerful ground game, with 291 of their 347 total yards coming from rushing. Senior running back Carter Jaeger was a standout, rushing for 209 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Lamar, fresh off a 28-14 win over Raton (N.M.), showcased a balanced attack with 228 of their 314 total yards through the air.
Friday, Sept. 6, 2024
– Pagosa Springs (1-0) vs. Centauri (1-0); 7:00 p.m
Pagosa Springs faces a tough challenge against interclassification rival Centauri, who will be playing at home for the first time this season. The Falcons secured a 33-6 win at Meeker last week, while the Pirates defeated Kirtland Central (N.M.). Pagosa Springs leaned heavily on their ground game, with 232 of their 313 yards coming from rushing. Junior Colton Lucero was a defensive standout with 11 tackles, one TFL, one sack, and a defensive touchdown.
– Alamosa (1-0) vs. Banning Lewis Academy (0-1); 7:00 p.m
The Mean Moose will play at home for the first time this season, hosting the Banning Lewis Academy Stallions. Senior quarterback Dyson Woodward led Alamosa to a 28-8 victory at Rex Stadium last week, with 288 total yards and three touchdowns. The Stallions fell to University 46-12, managing just 118 yards of total offense.
-Denver West (1-0) vs. Englewood (1-0); 7:00 p.m
This matchup will also be a test of defensive prowess. Denver West, who defeated Prospect Ridge Academy 35-15, relied on a strong running game, with junior Jose Valencia carrying 17 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Englewood, on the other hand, shut out Hinkley 34-0, balancing their offense with 174 rushing yards and 125 passing yards. Senior Deon Robinson had 103 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.
Other Key Matchups for Friday Night
– Wellington (1-0) vs. Fort Lupton (1-0); 7:00 p.m
– Berthoud (0-1) vs. Moffat County (1-1); 6:00 p.m
– Brush (0-1) vs. University (1-0); 7:00 p.m
– Steamboat Springs (2-0) vs. Middle Park (1-0); 7:00 p.m
– Valley (0-1) vs. Weld Central (1-0); 7:00 p.m
– Salida (0-1) vs. Woodland Park (1-0); 7:00 p.m
– Rifle (1-0) vs. Basalt (0-1); 7:00 p.m
– Gunnison (0-1) vs. Delta (0-1); 7:00 p.m
– Cedaredge (1-0) vs. Coal Ridge (0-1); 7:00 p.m
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024
-Forge Christian (1-0) vs. The Academy (0-0); 11:00 a.m
Forge Christian’s Sullivan Strange will aim to dominate again after a stellar performance last week, totaling 322 yards in a 41-0 win over Wiggins. The Academy will be playing their first game of the season.
-Strasburg (1-0) vs. Montezuma-Cortez (2-0); 11:00 a.m
A clash between undefeated teams from opposite corners of the state, with Strasburg relying on sophomore running back Ayden Dodge, who rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown in a 35-21 win over Platte Valley. Montezuma-Cortez has yet to concede a point this season, with commanding wins over Gallup (N.M.) and Crownpointe (N.M.).
Other Key Matchups for Saturday
-The Classical Academy (1-0) vs. Florence (0-1); 1:00 p.m
-Pueblo Central (1-0) vs. Eaton (0-1); 2:00 p.m
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