Class 2A Football Preview-First Round
We look at all 8 matchups in the First Round of the Class 2A 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 Strasburg (9-0) vs #16 Basalt (6-3), Saturday at 2pm
How they got here…Strasburg is the #1 overall seed and won the East League. Strasburg has key wins over La Junta, Wiggins, Elizabeth, and Kent Denver. Basalt is the #16 seed and won the Western Slope League. Basalt has key wins over Delta and Coal Ridge.
On the Year Stats…Strasburg on the season has racked up 3473 yards of total offense. Balance is key for Strasburg and both the rushing and passing attack have over 1690 yards on the season with a total of 49 TDs. QB Brody Hopwood leads the passing attack with 1780 yards passing on 61% completion, 17 TDs and 5 INTs. WR Jayden Miller (27 catches for 590 yards) and WR Ayden Dodge (45 catches for 554 yards) are the main weapons in the passing attack. RB Cade Hemphill leads the rushing attack with 144 carries for 1270 yards and 21 TDs. Defensively Strasburg has forced 23 turnovers on the season highlighted by Ayden Dodge 6 INTs and 1 Fumble recovery. Strasburg is led in tackles by Ethan Freeman (87 tackles & 16 TFL) and Jorge Parra (73 tackles & 15 TFL).
Basalt on the season has 2265 yards of total offense. Basalt is led by their rushing attack which has 1461 yards on the season and 24 TDs. QB Karson Schneider leads the passing attack with 717 yards, 5 TDs, and 2 INTs. WR Dylan Johnston is the top target with 15 catches for 295 yards and 3 TDs. RB Will Tarallo leads the rushing attack with 109 carries for 847 yards and 17 TDs. Basalt defensively has forced 14 turnovers on the season highlighted by Parker Sims who has 4 INTs. The Longhorns are led in tackles by Dylan Johnston (80 tackles) and Connor Anthes (78 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Strasburg reached the Quarterfinals last season before falling to Wellington 17 to 0. Strasburg defeated Denver West in the opening round. Basalt reached the Semifinals last season before falling to Classical Academy 41 to 28. Basalt defeated The Academy & Sterling on their run last season.
Series history… These two teams have not meet in the playoffs since 2004.
#8 La Junta (7-2) vs #9 Eaton (6-3), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…La Junta is the #8 seed after winning the South East League. La Junta has key wins over Florence and Lamar. Eaton is the #9 seed after finishing in 3rd place in the North League. Eaton has key wins over Platte Valley, University, and Berthoud.
On the Year Stats…La Junta on the season has racked up 2371 yards of total offense. La Junta is balanced in their offensive attack with both the passing and rushing attack breaking the 1000 yards mark and combining for 43 total TDs. QB Gavin Denahy leads the passing attack with 1024 yards passing, 14 TDs, and 8 INTs. WR Jordan Gamez leads all pass catchers with 15 receptions for 211 yards and 2 TDs. RB Chris Barela powers the rushing attack with 88 carries for 577 yards and 8 TDs. Defensively La Junta has forced 14 turnovers on the season highlighted by 2 INTs by Calvin Hill. The Tigers are led in tackles by Joe Nunez (80 tackles) and Raif Robinson (41 tackles).
Eaton on the season has racked up 2507 yards of total offense. Eaton is powered by their rushing attack which has racked up 1630 yards and 15 TDs. QB Andrew Loyd leads the passing attack with 711 yards, 7 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 446 yards and 4 TDs. WR Max Blaskowski is the top target with 19 receptions for 385 yards and 3 TDs. RB Jackson Savona leads the rushing attack with 153 carries for 969 yards and 9 TDs. Eaton defensively has forced 9 turnovers on the season highlighted by 3 INTs by Paxon Wilkinson-Greenly. Eaton is led in tackles by Vinnie Juarez (56 tackles) and Ben Lawhead (51 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…La Junta missed the playoffs last season going 4-5. Eaton reached the Semifinals before falling to Wellington 45 to 14. Eaton defeated Elizabeth and Lamar on their run.
Series history… La Junta leads the series 2-1 over Eaton, since 2004.
#4 Elizabeth (7-2) vs #13 Pagosa Springs (6-3), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Elizabeth is the #4 seed and finished second in the East League. Elizabeth has key wins over Glenwood Springs, Weld Central, Pagosa Springs, and Kent Denver. Pagosa Springs is the #13 Seed and got their by winning the Intermountain League. Pagosa Springs has key wins over Alamosa and Montezuma-Cortez.
On the Year Stats…Elizabeth has racked up 3084 yards of total offense this season. Elizabeth is a run first team racking up 2384 yards of rushing and 38 TDs. QB Griffin Widhalm leads the passing attack with 690 yards passing, 6 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 464 yards and 9 TDs. The rushing attack is powered by RB Tristain McCray who has 1112 carries for 649 yards and 14 TDs and RB Andrew Martinez 53 carries for 555 yards and 4 TDs. Defensively Elizabeth has forced 12 turnovers on the season highlighted by Brody Aldridge who has 2 INTs and 1 Fumble Recovery. The Cardinals are led in tackles by Carter Jones (48 Tackles) and Tyler Hanak (47 tackles).
Pagosa Springs, on the season has 2524 yards of total offense. Pagosa Springs is a run heavy team with 2362 yards of rushing accumulated and 34 TDs. RB Colten Lucero powers the rushing attack with 138 carries for 1529 yards and 21 TDs. RB Alex Pacheco (438 yards & 6 TDs) and RB Hudson Mazur (341 yards & 4 TDs) also pitch into the rushing attack. Pagosa Springs defensively has forced 21 turnovers this season highlighted by 3 INTS by Creede Dozier. The Pirates are led in tackles by Zander Lefthandbull (65 tackles) and Hayden Mazur (45 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Elizabeth lost in the first round of the playoffs last season to Eaton 21 to 13. Pagosa Springs lost in the first round of the playoffs last season to Classical Academy 49 to 7.
Series history… Pagosa Springs and Elizabeth are tied at 1-1 since 2004.
#5 Brush (9-0) vs #12 Delta (7-2), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Brush is the #5 seed and won League 7. Brush has key wins over University, Wray, Yuma, Sterling, and Weld Central. Delta is the #12 Seed finishing in second in the Western Slope League. Delta has key wins over Alamosa and Coal Ridge.
On the Year Stats…Brush on the season has racked up 3521 yards of total offense. The rushing attack powers the offense for Brush with 3072 yards and 44 TDs. QB Eric Rico leads the passing attack with 440 yards, 4 TDs, and 3 INTs while rushing for 447 yards and 7 TDs. RB Ritchie Bruno powers the rushing attack with 123 carries for 993 yards and 14 TDs and RB Jolani Thomas has also contributed with 587 yards rushing and 10 TDs. Brush defensively has forced 19 turnovers on the season highlighted by Eric Rico with 6 INTs. The Beetdiggers are led in tackles by Dylan Krob (65 tackles) and Andrew Herrera (53 tackles).
Delta on the season has amassed 2790 yards of total offense. The rushing attack leads the way for Delta racking up 1828 yards of rushing and 25 TDs. QB Jhett Ryan leads the offense passing for 834 yards, 16 TDs, and 4 INTs, while rushing for 595 yards and 6 TDs. WR Deacon Shean is the top target with 30 catches for 591 yards and 11 TDs. RB Mack Lockhart leads the rushing attack with 61 carries for 504 yards and 5 TDs. Delta defensively has forced 20 turnovers on the season highlighted by Scott Floyd who has 3 INTS and 1 Fumble Recovery. The Panthers are led in tackles by Alex McKenna (69 tackles) and Mack Lockhart (63 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Brush did not make the playoffs last season going 2-7. Delta lost in the first round of the playoffs 27 to 23 to Wellington.
Series history… Brush and Delta have not played each other in the playoffs since 2004.
#2 Wellington (9-0) vs #15 Alamosa (6-3), Saturday at 1pm
How they got here…Wellington is the #2 overall seed and won the tough North League. Wellington has key wins over Montezuma-Cortez, Timnath, Berthoud, University, Eaton, and Resurrection Christian. Alamosa is the #15 seed and finished second in the Intermountain League. Alamosa has key wins over Monte Vista and Montezuma-Cortez.
On the Year Stats…Wellington on the season has 3102 yards of total offense. Wellington is a run first team and has racked up 2555 yards of rushing and 42 rushing TDs. QB Tanner Gray leads the offense with 547 yards of passing, 11 TDs, and 3 INTs while rushing for 461 yards and 8 TDs. The rushing attack is led by RB Kyle Kisner who has 72 carries for 750 yards and 12 TDs and RB Brayton Meglen also contributes with 556 yards and 9 TDs. Defensively Wellington has forced 20 turnovers on the season highlighted by Teagen Greiman who has 2 INTs and 3 forced fumbles. The Eagles are led in tackles by Teagen Greiman (50 tackles) and Ethan Thurnes (48 tackles).
Alamosa on the season has racked up 3288 yards of total offense. A balanced offensive attack powers Alamosa with both the rushing and passing attack having over 1500 yards and 33 total TDs. QB Tony Griego powers Alamosa with 1444 yards passing, 11 TDs, and 2 INTs while rushing for 857 yards and 9 TDs. WR Brennon Maez is the top target with 39 receptions for 656 yards and 4 TDs. RB AJ Baker leads the rushing attack with 88 carries for 646 yards and 9 TDs. Defensively Alamosa has cored 11 turnovers on the season highlighted by AJ Baker who has 1 INT and 1 Fumble Recovery. The Mean Moose are led in tackles by Tony Griego (56 tackles) and Elijah Salazar (53 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Wellington is your runners up from a season ago falling to TCA in the State Championship 42 to 36. On their run to the state finals they defeated Delta, Strasburg, and Eaton. Alamosa lost in the first round to Lamar 14 to 7.
Series history… Alamosa and Wellington have not played each other since 2004.
#7 Resurrection Christian (6-3) vs #10 Denver West (8-1), Friday at 7pm
How they got here…Resurrection Christian is the #7 seed after finishing in 2nd in the North League. Resurrection Christian has key wins over Canon City, Eaton, Berthoud, and University. Denver West is the #10 seed after finishing 2nd in the Metro League. Denver West has key wins over Manual, Highland, and D’Evelyn.
On the Year Stats…Resurrection Christian has racked up 2861 yards of total offense this season. They are balanced in their offensive attack with both the rushing and passing attack having over 1400 yards and totaling 40 TDs. QB Jackson Lucas leads the passing attack with 1353 yards, 13 TDs, and 5 INTs while throwing at a 70% completion. WR Jaxson Pszanka is the top target catching 42 passes for 585 yards and 6 TDs. RB Britton Walston leads the rushing attack with 1115 yards and 20 TDs. Resurrection Christian defensively has forced 20 Turnovers led by 6 INTS and 1 Fumble recovery by Camden Davis. The Cougars are led on defense by MJ Peterson (89 tackles) and Ethan Carter (68 tackles).
Denver West on the season has 2583 yards of total offense. Denver West is balanced in their offensive attack with both the passing and rushing attacks breaking the 1000 yards mark and totaling 35 TDs. QB Marcelo Ortiz leads the passing attack with 1171 yards, 19 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 326 yards and 6 TDs. WR Robert Wittke is the top target with 19 receptions for 524 yards and 11 TDs. RB Freddy Lucero leads the rushing attack with 54 carries for 413 yards and 4 TDs. Denver West defensively has forced 20 turnovers on the season with Freddy Lucero forcing 2 INTs and 3 forced fumbles. The Cowboys are led in tackles by King Stancil (49 tackles) and Aries Uong (44 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Resurrection Christian missed the playoffs going 5-4. Denver West made the playoffs losing in the first round to Strasburg 41 to 0.
Series history… Denver West and Resurrection Christian have not played each other since 2004.
#6 Kent Denver (7-2) vs #11 Lamar (7-2), Saturday at 1:30pm
How they got here…Kent Denver is the #6 seed after finishing in third in the East League. Kent Denver has key wins over Florence, Denver Christian, and Forge Christian. Lamar is the #11 seed and finished in 2nd in the South East League. Lamar has key wins over Banning Lewis and Florence.
On the Year Stats…Kent Denver has racked up 3130 yards of total offense. The passing attack leads the way for Kent Denver racking up 1880 yards and 26 TDs. QB Yianni Balafas leads the passing attack with 1750 yards, 24 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 336 yards and 3 TDs. WR Colton Meade is the main target who has 31 receptions for 437 yards and 5 TDs. RB Seb Meyers leads the rushing attack with 632 yards and 6 TDs. Defensively Kent Denver has forced 27 turnovers on the season highlighted by 5 INTs by Colton Meade. The Sun Devils are led in tackles by Caleb Fay (59 tackles) and Max Fanale (50 tackles).
Lamar on the season has racked up 3213 yards of total offense. The passing attack leads the way for Lamar with 2392 yards and 23 TDs. QB Jacob Dunning leads the passing attack with 2353 yards passing, 23 TDs, and 5 INTs. 5 WR’s for Lamar have over 10 receptions with WR Cason Pollart leading the way with 41 receptions for 868 yards and 11 TDs and WR Alexander Williams pitching in the 759 yards and 8 TDs. Lamar defensively has forced 22 turnovers on the season with Jacob Dunning leading the way with 6 INTs. The Thunder are led in tackles by Adriel Gonzalez (84 tackles) and Braxen Shelton (79 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Kent Denver missed the playoffs last season going 5-4. Lamar reached the Quarterfinals last season, falling to Eaton 14 to 0. Lamar defeated Alamosa in the first-round last year.
Series history… Kent Denver leads the series 3-0 over Lamar, since 2004.
#3 Classical Academy (9-0) vs #14 Florence (5-4), Saturday at 1:30pm
How they got here…Classical Academy is the #3 seed and won the Metro League. TCA has key wins over Eaton, Florence, Elizabeth, La Junta, and Denver West. Florence is the #14 seed after finishing 3rd in the South East League. Florence has key wins over C.S Christian and Banning Lewis.
On the Year Stats…Classical Academy has racked up 2772 yards on the season. TCA is balanced in their offensive attack with both the passing and rushing attacks breaking 1100 yards and totaling 35 TDs. QB Jackson Smetana leads the passing attack with 1078 yards, 12 TDs, and 4 INTs. WR Hayden Gustafson is the top target with 21 catches for 442 yards and 7 TDs. RB Jackson Schipfer is the top rusher with 106 carries for 819 yards and 11 TDs. TCA defensively has forced 11 turnovers on the season highlighted by Johnny Howe who has 1 INT and 1 Fumble Recovery. The Titans are led in tackles by Hayden Gustafson (50 tackles) and Josiah Musilli (40 tackles).
Florence on the season has 3437 yards of total offense. The rushing attack has led the way racking up 2688 yards and 32 TDs. QB Noah Howard leads the offense passing for 642 yards, 6 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 2050 yards and 23 TDs. WR Jaret Lozano is the top target catching 21 passes for 279 yards and 5 TDs. RB Ryan Robinson also contributes offensively with 59 carries for 445 yards and 8 TDs. Defensively Florence has forced 14 turnovers led by 5 INTs by JJ Baker. The Huskies are led in tackles by Wyatt Dudley (59 tackles) and JJ Baker (54 tackles).
Last Year Playoffs…Classical Academy is your defending State Champions. They defeated Wellington 42 to 36 in the State Championship. On the way to their title TCA defeated Pagosa Springs, Berthoud, and Basalt. Florence missed the playoffs last season going 2-7.
Series history… Classical Academy leads the series 4-0 over Florence since 2004.
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