Class 1A Football Preview-First Round
We look at all 8 matchups in the First Round of the Class 1A State Playoffs. A few games will kick off Friday with the rest going on Saturday. The road to Pueblo Begins! We will do games in Bracket order and good luck to all 16 teams.
#1 Buena Vista (9-0) vs #16 Holyoke, Friday at 5pm
How they got here…Burlington got the #1 overall seed going 9-0 on the season. They picked up key wins on the season over Platte Valley, Centauri, Limon, Rye, and C.S Christian. Holyoke is the #16 seed. They picked up two big wins to get into the playoffs against Yuma and Wiggins.
On the Year Stats…Buena Vista on the season has over 2800 yards of total offense. The rushing attack has powered the way with 1898 yards on the year. QB Hudson Wingo leads the passing attack with 931 yards, 16 TDs, and 5 INTs with a 50% completion percentage. The top targets for Wingo are WR Caleb Pierce (21 catches for 542 yards) and TE Knox Reid (11 catches for 231 yards). The rushing attack for Buena Vista is a three headed monster led by RB Eli Schuknecht who has 67 carries for 560 yards and 7 TDs. RB Casen Pridemore (77 carries for 547 yards) and RB Tucker Montoya (31 carries for 339 yards) also pitch in to the rushing attack. Defensively Buena Vista has forced 22 turnovers on the season highlighted by Knox Reid who has 2 INTs and 3 Fumble Recoveries. Logan Scott leads the Demons with 4 sacks as well. The tackler leaders for Buena Vista are Abel Flowers (77 tackles & 13 TFL) and Carter Stromer (61 tackles & 13 TFL).
Holyoke on the season has 2451 yards of total offense. Holyoke offense is powered by their passing attack which has racked up 1531 yards on the season. QB Colby Weber leads the passing attack with 1523 yards 16 TDs & 11 INTs while rushing for 560 yards and 10 TDs. 5 receivers have over 10 receptions on the season and the receiving core is led by Elbin Padilla (27 catches for 583 yards) and Gustavo Goytia (26 catches for 325 yards). The rushing attack is also led by Weber but RB Jacob Quintana also has 85 carries for 296 yards and 1 TD. Defensively Holyoke has forced 16 turnovers on the season highlighted by Colby Weber with 4 INTS and 1 Fumble Recovery. Holyoke has forced an impressive 17.5 sacks on the season with Brandon Bustillos leading the way with 11 sacks. Holyoke is led in tackles by Jacob Quintana (86 tackles) and Elbin Padilla (67 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Buena Vista lost in the Semifinals to Wray 52 to 15, but defeated Holyoke 35 to 7 in the Quarterfinals and Burlington in the opening round 21-7. Holyoke made it to the Quarterfinals last year, falling to Buena Vista 35-7 but did pull the upset in the first round over Centauri 33-30.
Series history… Buena Vista leads the series 1-0 over Holyoke, since 2004
#8 Meeker (7-2) vs #9 Platte Valley (5-4), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Meeker is the #8 Seed and Winners of the Western Slope League Title. Meeker picked up key wins over Cedaredge and North Fork to help win the Western Slope League Title. Platte Valley is the #9 Seed and won the Central League Title. Platte Valley played a tough non-league schedule and got key wins over Sterling, Highland, and Manual.
On the Year Stats…Meeker on the season has 3273 yards of total offense. Meeker is powered by their rushing attack which has racked up 2685 yards and 37 TDs. QB Cade Mills is the leader of the offense with 548 yards passing, 7 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 731 yards and 9 TDs. The rushing attack is led by RB Said Rodriguez who has 56 carries for 628 yards and 9 TDs and RB Tristin Rollins has also ran the ball hard rushing for 517 yards and 6 TDs. Tucker Chinn has also contributed to the rushing total with 320 yards rushing and 7 TDs. Defensively Meeker has forced 14 turnovers on the year led by Tucker Chinn who has 5 INTS and 1 Fumble Recovery. The Cowboys are led in tackles by Tristin Rollins (61 tackles & 8 TFL) and Said Rodriguez (54 tackles & 3 TFL).
Platte Valley on the season has 1863 yards of total offense. Platte Valley is balanced in their offensive attack with both passing and rushing breaking the 900 yards mark. QB Regan Edstrom leads the passing attack with 819 yards, 11 TDs, and 5 INTS. Four different receivers for Platte Valley have over 10 catches and that is led by WR Kaden Tucker (20 catches for 305 yards) and WR Jason Harrison (18 catches for 195 yards). The rushing attack is led by RB Ben Cockroft who has 96 carries for 745 yards and 8 TDs. Defensively no stats have been input for Platte Valley on the season.
Last Year Playoffs…Meeker reached the Quarterfinals last year falling to Forge Christian 41-0, Meeker defeated Monte Vista in the first round 44 to 34. Platte Valley lost in the Opening Round last year to Limon, 20 to 10.
Series history… These two teams have not played each other since 2004.
#4 Centauri (8-1) vs #13 North Fork (6-3), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Centauri is the #4 Seed and won the South Central League Title. Centauri picked up key wins over Meeker, Pagosa Springs, and Monte Vista. North Fork is the #13 seed and was the runner-up in the Western Slope League. North Fork has key wins over Monte Vista and Cedaredge.
On the Year Stats…Centauri has racked up 2426 yards of total offense. The rushing attack has led the Falcons this season with 1661 yards and 29 TDs. QB Sean Jarvies leads the offense with 428 yards, 6 TDs, and 3 INTs. QB Drake Gallardo did fill in for a few games this year as well passing for 302 yards and 6 TDs. The top targets for Centauri are WR Carson Shawcroft (17 catches for 233 yard) and WR Dallyn King (13 catches for 221 yards). The rushing attack is powered by RB Leland Chacon who has 71 carries for 392 yards and 7 TDs and RB Marcos Atencio also has contributed with 44 carries for 270 yards and 3 TDs. Defensively Centauri has forced 19 turnovers on the season highlighted by 5 INTS by Carson Shawcroft. Centauri is led in tackles by Spencer Smith (82 tackles & 7 TFL) and Marcos Atencio (73 tackles & 5 TFL).
North Fork on the season has racked up 2854 yards of total offense. North Fork is a run first team with 2498 yards rushing and 30 rushing TDs. QB Braeden Flores leads the passing attack with 328 yards, 4 TDs, and 3 INTs while rushing for 554 yards and 8 TDs. The rushing attack for North Fork has 3 RBS with over 390 yards. RB Joe Hollembeak leads the rushing attack with 77 carries for 658 yards and 10 TDs. RB Alex Csere (578 yards and 6 TDs) and RB Mazzden Balko (396 yards and 3 TDs) also contribute to the rushing attack. Defensively North Fork has forced 18 turnovers on the season highlighted by Alex Csere who has 3 INTs and 2 Fumble Recoveries. North Fork has also forced 24 sacks on the season with Bo Eves leading the way with 7 Sacks. North Fork is led in tackles by Joe Hollembeak (63 tackles & 9 TFL) and Bo Eves (61 tackles & 8 TFL).
Last Year Playoffs…Centauri lost in the First Round to Holyoke 33 to 30. North Fork lost in the First Round to Wray 48-14.
Series history… Centauri has not faced North Fork (nor Hotchkiss) since 2004 but has faced Paonia (Who combined with Hotchkiss to make North Fork) and leads that series 5-3 since 2004.
#5 Forge Christian (8-1) vs #12 Highland (6-3), Friday at 7pm
How they got here…Forge Christian is the #5 seed. Forge Christian won the Frontier League Title. Forge Christian has key wins over Wiggins, Flatirons Academy, and Denver Christian. Highland is the #12 Seed and was runner up in the Central League. Highland has key wins over Denver Christian and Manual.
On the Year Stats…Forge Christian on the season has racked up 3344 yards of total offense. Forge Christian is balanced in their offensive attack. QB Jack Widdifield leads the passing attack with 1340 yards, 15 TDs and 1 INT while rushing for 285 yards and 6 TDS. Three receivers for Forge Christian has over 10 catches on the season and are led by WR Treysen Eye (15 catches for 398 yards) and WR Hayden Hall (13 catches for 162 yards). The rushing attack is led by RB Quentin Torres who has 56 carries for 880 yards and 17 TDs while also catching 30 passes for 761 yards and 10 TDs. RB Raleigh Cleveland also has contributed to the rushing attack with 411 yards and 5 TDs. Defensively Forge Christian has forced 19 turnovers on the season highlighted by 3 INTs by Hayden Hall. Forge Christian has also forced 14.5 sacks led by Treysen Eye. The Fury are led in tackles by Sammy Granillo (78 tackles) and Raleigh Cleveland (69 tackles).
Highland on the season has racked up 2597 yards of total offense. Highland is led by their rushing attack which has 1706 yards and 15 TDs on the season. QB Tyler Varra leads the offense with 743 yards passing, 12 TDs, 2 INTs while rushing for 525 yards and 7 TDs. WR Daryan Shaw leads the receiving core with 10 catches for 302 yards and 6 TDs. RB Elijah Elder leads the rushing attack with 69 carries for 585 yards and 3 TDs and RB Wyatt Chase also contributes with 500 yards and 6 TDs. Highland defensively has forced 13 turnovers on the season with Teigan Federer forcing 2 INTs. Highland has forced 13 sacks this season with Brogan Palmer forcing 5 sacks. The Huskies are led in tackles by Wyatt Chase (101 tackles) and Elijah Elder (58 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Forge Christian was your runner up last season falling in the State Championship to Wray 48 to 21. Forge Christian defeated Yuma, Meeker, and Limon on the way to the Title Game. Highland reached the Quarterfinals last year losing to Wray 41-8. Highland defeated Flatirons Academy in the first round 24-0.
Series history… Forge Christian and Highland have not faced each other since 2004.
#2 Limon (8-1) vs #15 Flatirons Academy (5-4), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Limon is the #2 overall seed and won the North Central League. Limon has key wins over C.S Christian, Flatirons Academy, Wiggins, Holyoke, Wray, Burlington, and Yuma. Flatirons Academy is the #15 seed and finished third in the Frontier League. Flatirons Academy has a key win over Highland on the year.
On the Year Stats…Limon on the season has racked up 2867 yards of total offense. Limon is led by their big offensive line and rushing attack which has racked up 2267 yards rushing. QB Brooks Scherrer has jumped in at QB for the injured QB Aiden Kollath and has played well throwing for 296 yards, 6 TDs, and 1 INT. WR Drey Tacha is the top target in the passing attack with 13 catches for 278 yards and 4 TDs. The rushing attack has 3 backs over 390 yards on the season. RB Camdyn Tacha leads the way with 53 carries for 539 yards and 7 TDs and RB Jacob Jaklich has also pitched in with 529 yards and 7 TDs. Limon on the season has forced 13 turnovers highlighted by 3 INTS by Brooks Scherrer. Limon has also forced 21 sacks on the year with Zac Carr leading the way with 6 sacks. The Badgers are led in tackles by Liam Yoder (51 tackles & 6 TFL) and Dreison Davis (45 tackles & 12 TFL).
Flatirons Academy on the season has racked up 2716 yards of total offense. The rushing attack has led the way for the Bison with 1964 yards and 26 TDs. QB Caleb Doughty has powered the offense for Flatirons Academy with 752 yards passing, 7 TDs, 7 INTS while rushing for 732 yards and 13 rushing TDs. WR Jack Joyner is the top target in the passing attack with 26 catches for 321 yards and 4 TDs. The rushing attack is led by RB Zeke Friedman who has 141 carries for 778 yards and 8 rushing TDs. Defensively Flatirons Academy has forced 6 turnovers on the season with a pair of INTs by Jack Joyner. The Bison are led in tackles by Ryker Clubb (51 tackles) and Luis Mandl (45 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Limon lost in the Semifinals to Forge Christian 37-0. Limon defeated Platte Valley and Wiggins. Flatirons Academy lost in the first round to Highland, 24 to 0.
Series history… Limon leads the series 3-0 over Flatirons Academy, since 2004.
#7 C.S Christian (6-3) vs #10 Monte Vista (6-3), Friday at 6pm
How they got here…C.S Christian is the #7 Seed and finished as the runner up in the Tri-Peaks League. C.S Christian has a key wins over Holyoke and Rye. Monte Vista is the #10 seed and finished as the runner up int the South Central League. Monte Vista has key wins over Rye and Pagosa Springs.
On the Year Stats…C.S Christian on the season has racked up 2574 yards of total offense. C.S Christian is led by their passing attack which has 2003 yards and 23 TDs. QB Fisher Tenpas leads the passing attack with 1970 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INTs, with a 52% completion. 5 WRs have over 10 catches for C.S Christian. WR Mikey Orawiec leads the way with 34 catches for 763 yards and 7 TDs and WR Silas Lambert is the #2 target with 18 catches for 417 yards and 3 TDs. The rushing attack is led by RB Micah Akpata who has 60 carries for 268 yards and 2 TDs. Defensively C.S Christian has forced 13 turnovers on the year highlighted by 4 INTS and 3 forced fumbles by Mikey Orawiec. The Lions are led in tackles by Mikey Orawiec (98 tackles & 4 TFL) and Liam Smith (90 tackles & 3 TFL).
Monte Vista on the season has racked up 2538 yards of total offense. The rushing attack has led the way for Monte Vista racking up 1686 yards and 26 TDs. QB Manny Jiron leads the passing attack with 851 yards, 10 TDs, and 1 INT while rushing for 168 yards and 2 TDs. WR Azariah Hurtado is the top target of Jiron catching 13 passes for 298 yards and 5 TDs. The rushing attack is led by RB Kelby Mondragon who has 74 carries for 448 yards and 4 TDS and RB Judah Howe who has 48 carries for 432 yards and 7 TDs. Defensively Monte Vista has forced 21 turnovers on the season highlighted by Azariah Hurtado with 6 INTS and 2 Fumble Recoveries. Monte Vista has also forced 10 sacks on the season with Judah Howe forcing 3. The Pirates are led in tackles by Chayse Bouet (90 tackles & 7 TFL) and Mason Mondragon (74 tackles & 4 TFL).
Last Year Playoffs…C.S Christian lost in the first round to Wiggins, 49 to 12. Monte Vista lost in the first round to Meeker, 44 to 34.
Series history… C.S Christian leads the series 4-1 over Monte Vista, since 2004.
#6 Wray (6-3) vs #11 Rye (6-3), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Wray is the #6 seed and finished in second place in the North Central League. Wray has key wins over Goodland KS, Holyoke, Burlington, Yuma, and Wiggins. Rye is the #11 seed and finished 3rd in the Tri-Peaks League. Rye has key wins over Woodland Park & Ellicott.
On the Year Stats…Wray on the season has 2793 yards of total offense. Wray is led by their rushing attack which racked up 1795 yards and 23 TDs. QB Austin Collins is the leader of the offense with 612 yards passing, 9 TDs, 3 INTs, while rushing for 670 yards and 8 rushing TDs. WR Aaron Tena is the top target in the passing attack, catching 31 passes for 532 yards and 10 TDs while rushing for 499 yards and 7 TDs. RB Brody Stults leads the rushing attack with 265 yards and 4 TDs. Defensively Wray has forced 14 turnovers in the season highlighted by Austin Collins who has 2 INTs and 1 forced Fumble. The Eagles are led in tackles by Broddie Riggelman (60 tackles), Brody Richards (55 tackles), and Lance Buoy (57 tackles).
Rye on the season has racked up 2545 yards of total offense. Rye is led by their rushing attack which has 1563 yards and 19 TDs. QB Brady Baumgartner leads the passing attack with 982 yards, 6 TDs, and 6 INTs. Rye has 4 WRs with over 10 receptions led by WR Wyatt Scheid who has 17 catches for 255 yards and 3 TDs. The rushing attack is led by RB Jackson Bjorum who has 153 carries for 989 yards and 9 TDs. Rye defensively has forced 16 turnovers on the season highlighted by Tyson Boisvert who has 4 INTs and 1 Fumble recovery. Rye has also forced 11.0 sacks on the year with 4.5 coming by Anthony Adams. The Thunderbolts are led in tackles by Beau Hicks (92 tackles & 9.5 TFL) and Anthony Adams (43 tackles & 7 TFL).
Last Year Playoffs…Wray is your defending State Champions. Wray defeated Forge Christian in the State Championship 48 to 21 but also defeated North Fork, Highland, and Buena Vista on the journey there. Rye did not make the playoffs last season going 2-7.
Series history… Wray leads the series 2-0 over Rye, since 2004
#3 Burlington (7-2) vs #14 Manual (6-3), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Burlington is the #3 overall seed and finished in 3rd place in the tough North Central League. Burlington has key wins over Platte Valley, Lakin KS, Lamar, Denver Christian, Yuma, Wiggins, and Holyoke. Manual is the #14 seed, and this is their first trip to the playoffs since at least 2004. Manual finished 3rd in the Central League and has key win over Flatirons Academy.
On the Year Stats…Burlington on the season has racked up 2997 yards of total offense. Burlington is a run first team and has racked 2864 yards rushing with 37 TDs. RB Jason Saucedo leads the rushing attack with 190 carries for 1472 yards and 13 TDs. QB Scout Humrich is #2 in rushing with 73 carries for 711 yards and 14 TDs. RB Anthony Estrada is #3 in rushing for Burlington with 67 carries for 353 yards and 7 TDs. Defensively Burlington has forced 13 turnovers on the year highlighted by Anthony Estrada with 2 INTs and 1 Fumble Recovery. Burlington also has forced 10 sacks with Noe Grajeda leading the way with 4 sacks. The Cougars are led in tackles by Anthony Estrada (73 tackles), Scout Humrich (47 tackles), and Darian McDonough (45 tackles).
Manual on the season has racked up 3503 yards of total offense. Manual is balanced in their offensive attack with both the rushing attack and passing attack racking up over 1700 yards and 39 total TDs. QB Marcus Keller leads the offense for the Thunderbolts with 1744 yards passing, 21 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 653 yards and 5 TDs. WR Kearre Watson is the top target in the passing attack catching 47 passes for 905 yards and 14 TDs. RB Caleb Burrell leads the rushing attack with 345 yard and 3 TDs. Defensively Manul has forced 27 turnovers on the season highlighted by Ellis Namuweusi-Clements with 1 INT and 4 forced fumbles. Manual has also forced 30 sacks on the season with Tyree Toliver leading the way with 14 sacks. Manual is led in tackles by Kearre Watson (87 tackles) and Tyree Toliver (78 tackles and 19 TFL).
Last Year Playoffs…Burlington lost in the first round to Buena Vista 21 to 7. Manual did not make the playoffs going 5-4.
Series history… Burlington leads the series 2-0 over Manual, since 2004.
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