Class 1A Football Preview-Week Seven
We use the MileHigh Prep Report Coaches/Media Poll and go thru the top matchups of Week One. The 8 games selected seem to be the big matchups of the 7th week of the Season. Four weeks are all that remain and it’s playoff hunting time.
#5 C.S Christian (6-0) at #1 Limon (6-0), Saturday at 2pm (South Central League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Winner of this game keeps pace with Burlington for the league title and this also goes a long way to securing a top 4 seed in the playoffs.
Last Week…Limon improved to 6-0 on the season following a 54-20 win over 2A Salida. Limon sits at 3-0 in league play with wins over Byers, Bennett, and Salida. On the season Limon is averaging 44.5 ppg while giving up just 7.8 ppg. Limon is led by their rushing attack with 1566 yards and 502 yards passing. RB Liam Yoder is the top rusher with 639 yards and 7 TDs and RB Camdyn Tacha is the #2 rusher with 371 yards and 8 TDs. QB John White leads the passing attack with 471 yards, 9 TDs, and 3 INTs. Defensively, Limon has forced 16 turnovers on the season along with 12 sacks and 41 TFL. Carlos Nunez (31 tackles) and Ben Carr (30 tackles) are a few names to watch for on the defensive side of the ball.
C.S Christian improved to 6-0 on the season following a 45 to 6 win over Bennett. C.S Christian sits at 3-0 in league play with wins over Ellicott, Byers, and Bennett. On the season C.S Christian is averaging 38.3 ppg and giving up just 9.3 ppg. C.S Christian is led by their passing attack with 1410 yards passing to just 740 yards rushing. QB Fisher Tenpas leads the offensive attack with 1410 yards passing, 24 TDs, and just 1 INT. Tenpas top target is WR Silas Lambert who has 22 catches for 667 yards and 12 TDs. RB Liam Smith is the top rusher for the Lions with 522 yards and 6 TDs. Defensively, C.S Christian has forced 31 TFL while also forcing 10 turnovers, and 6 sacks. Matt Hinderland (67 tackles) and Nate Aichele (29 tackles) are a few players to watch on defense.
Last Year…Limon defeated C.S Christian 41 to 14.
Series history… Limon leads the series 8-1 over C.S Christian, since 2004
Buena Vista (4-2) at #10 Monte Vista (4-2), Friday at 6pm (Southern League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Winner of this game stays 1 game back of Centauri and hope the Falcons can slip up. Also, both teams are currently inside the top 16 of the CHSAA Rankings. A win would go along way to nearly locking up a playoff spot.
Last Week…Monte Vista bounced back with a win last week over 2A Bayfield 52-6. Monte Vista currently sits at 2-1 in league with wins over Ignacio and Bayfield and the lone loss to Centauri (14-0). On the season Monte Vista is averaging 31.5 ppg while giving up 10.8 ppg. Monte Vista is led by their rushing attack which racked up 1465 yards to just 346 yards passing. RB Judah Howe leads the rushing attack with 663 yards and 8 TDs and RB Nehemias Sarinana-Sandoval is the #2 rusher with 241 yards and 2 TDs. QB Manny Jiron leads the passing attack with 338 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs while also rushing for an additional 179 yards and 2 TDs. Defensively, Monte Vista has forced 16 turnovers during the season while sacking the QB 14 times and forcing 29 TFL. Diego Zamarippa (52 tackles) and Mason Mondragon (51 tackles) lead the Monte Vista defense.
Buena Vista dropped to 4-2 in the season following a 32-8 loss to Centauri. Buena Vista now sits at 2-1 in league with wins over Trinidad and Ignacio and a loss to Centauri. On the season Buena Vista is averaging 28.8 ppg while giving up 18.2 ppg. Offensively, Buena Vista is led by their rushing attack with has 996 yards while the passing attack has racked up 580 yards. RB Joe Bearss leads the offensive attack with 380 yards rushing and 3 TDs while also catching 10 passes for 261 yards and 4 TDs. QB Casen Pridemore is another key offensive weapon with 477 yards passing, 8 TDs, and 2 INTs while also rushing for 287 yards and 7 TDs. RB Corey Pridemore also contributes offensively with 194 yards and 3 TDs. Defensively, Buena Vista has forced 17 turnovers on the season while forcing 9 sacks and 21 TFL. Casen Pridemore (47 tackles) and Levi Windle (21 tackles) are a few players to watch on defense.
Last Year…Did not play each other last year and last meet in 2019 with Buena Vista getting the 27-15 win.
Series history… Buena Vista leads the series over Monte Vista 4 to 2, since 2004
#9 Wiggins (4-2) at Wray (2-4), Saturday at 1pm (Big Northern League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Winner of this game keeps pace with Platte Valley, and if Yuma wins then Yuma as well. Also, Wray is sitting at #21 and a win over Wiggins would shoot them up the CHSAA Rankings. Wiggins needs a win to keep a top 8 spot.
Last Week…Wiggins dropped to 4-2 on the season following a heart-breaking loss to Yuma 15 to 14. It all came down to a successful two-point conversion that sealed the win for Yuma. On the season Wiggins is averaging 21 ppg while giving up 17.7 ppg. Wiggins has played one of the toughest schedules in Class 1A with a strength rating of 6.175 which is the highest in Class 1A. Offensively, Wiggins is powered by their rushing attack which has racked up 1286 yards to the passing attacks 394 yards. RB Cyrus Barkdoll leads the rushing attack with 401 yards and 5 TDs with RB Owen Erker taking the most carries at 63 and rushing for 392 yards and 3 TDs. QB Isaac Flores leads the passing attack with 382 yards, 2 TDs, and 5 INTs while rushing for 279 yards and 5 TDs. Defensively, Wiggins has forced 43 TFL and 17 sacks while also forcing 10 turnovers. Ryken Wadley (51 tackles) and Brock Forsha (47 tackles) are a few players to watch defensively.
Wray saw their two-game winning streak snapped last week falling to Platte Valley 24-0. Wray is currently 2-1 in league and sit tied with Platte Valley, Wiggins, and Yuma. On the season Wray is averaging 9.2 ppg while giving up 27.2 ppg. Wray has also played a tough schedule with 4.2 strength rating. Later today I will make a post with toughest schedules. Offensively, Wray is balanced in their offensive attack with 671 yards passing and 759 yards rushing. QB Grady Godsey leads the offensive attack with 645 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs while rushing for 143 yards and 3 TDs. Godsey top target is WR Jaden DePue who has 9 receptions for 248 yards and 1 TD. RB Adan Aguilar leads the rushing attack with 322 yards and 1 TD. Defensively, Wray has forced 6 turnovers on the season while also forcing 3 sacks and 29 TFL. Lance Buoy (39 tackles) and Benjamin Riggleman (38 tackles) lead the Eagles defense.
Last Year…Wray defeated Wiggin 42-2 last season
Series history…Wray leads the series 21-2 over Wiggins, since 2004
Olathe (5-1) at #2 Meeker (4-1), Friday at 7pm (Western Slope League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Meeker with a win keeps pace with North Fork who has a bye and makes next week an outright league title match. A win for Meeker will also lock up a playoff spot imo unless they pick a up a loss in their final two games. Olathe needs to probably win at least 1 of their final three games to get into the playoffs but also a win here keeps their league title hopes alive since they still play North Fork in the final game of the season.
Last Week… Meeker currently sits at 4-1 overall and are coming off back-to-back bye weeks after receiving a forfeit win over Roaring Fork. Meeker last played September 18th with a 36-14 win over Cedaredge. On the season Meeker is averaging 32.8 ppg while giving up 19.5 ppg. Offensively, Meeker is a run heavy team with 1101 yards rushing and just 184 yards passing. RB Said Rodriguez leads the rushing attack with 364 yards and 5 TDs and RB Tucker Chinn also contributes with another 256 yards and 3 TDs. QB Cade Mills leads the passing attack with 184 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs while rushing for 183 yards and 1 TD. Defensively, Meeker has forced 7 turnovers while also forcing 9 sacks and 21 TFL. Wesley Thompson (36 tackles) and Jonah Lee (29 tackles) lead the Cowboy Defense.
Olathe currently sits at 5-1 overall and are coming off a bye week as well (forfeit win over Roaring Fork). Olathe last played on September 25th and they got a 28 to 12 win over Grand Valley. Olathe has one of the tougher remaining schedules in 1A facing #2 Meeker, Cedaredge, and #3 North Fork in their final three games. On the season Olathe is averaging 27.2 ppg while giving up 14.8 ppg. Olathe is led by their rushing attack which has racked up 1307 yards and the passing attack has 411 yards. RB Bryce Good leads the rushing attack with 390 yards and 2 TDs and RB Hunter Lynch also has contributed with another 373 yards and 2 TDs. QB Bridger Vincent has also been a big contributor with 411 yards passing, 5 TDs, and 1 INT while rushing for 292 yards and 5 TDs. Defensively, Olathe has forced 7 turnovers on the season. Bryson Corn (31 tackles) and Hunter Lynch (26 tackles) lead the Pirates defense.
Last Year…Meeker defeated Olathe 41-7
Series history… Meeker leads the series over Olathe 11 to 4, since 2004.
Yuma (3-3) at Highland (2-3), Friday at 7pm (Big Northern League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Yuma secured a huge win last week and need to follow that up with a win to stay in the top 16. A loss and they will drop right back out of the top 16 and then probably need to win out over Wray and Holyoke. Highland is going to need to win 3 of their last 4 games to have a shot at the playoffs. Their remaining schedule is tough Yuma, Holyoke, Platte Valley, and Wiggins.
Last Week…Yuma improved to 3-3 on the season following a 15 to 14 win over Wiggins. Yuma secured the win on a two-point conversion that appeared to be stopped but a late pitch gave the Outlaws the win. On the season Yuma is averaging 20.3 ppg while giving up 24.0 ppg. Offensively, Yuma is powered by their rushing attack which was racked up 1121 yards while the passing attack has 648 yards. QB Iann Duran leads the offensive attack for Yuma with 326 yards passing, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs while rushing for 219 yards and 3 TDs. RB Christian Thomson (299 yards and 3 TDs) and RB Drayden Black (225 yards, 2 TDs & 161 yards receiving) also contribute heavily to the Yuma offensive attack. Defensively, Yuma has forced 11 TFL, 2 Sacks, and 4 turnovers. Brodie Kallweit (42 tackles) and Jorge Ramos (33 tackles) lead the Yuma defense.
Highland dropped their third straight game last week falling to Dayspring Christian, 14 to 0. The three game losing streak has seen their record drop to 2-3 and they will look to snap that streak. On the season Highland is averaging 10.8 ppg while giving up 18.6 ppg. Offensively, Highland is balanced in their offensive attack with 455 yards passing and 434 yards rushing. QB Jason Batka leads the offensive attack with 422 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 4 INTs while rushing for 93 yards and 2 TDs. Batka top receiver is WR Wyatt Enns who has 4 catches for 119 yards and 2 TDs. RB Brighton Morrow leads the rushing attack with 172 yards and 2 TDs. Defensively, Highland has forced 2 sacks, 4 TFL, and 2 turnovers. Caiden Jackson (29 tackles) and Audie Lewis (26 tackles) lead the Huskies defense.
Last Year…These two teams did not play each other last year and last meet in 2021 with Yuma getting the 28-21 win.
Series history… Yuma leads the series 8-2 over Highland, since 2004
Platte Canyon (4-1) at Pinnacle (3-2), Friday at 7pm (Front Range League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Platte Canyon suffered their first loss and dropped around 5 spots in the rankings. They cannot lose this game or possibly drop out of the top 16. Pinnacle sits at #18 in the rankings and another loss will probably drop them outside of the top 20. Pinnacle with a win would probably jump Platte Canyon in the rankings.
Last Week…Platte Canyon suffered their first loss of the season falling to #7 Denver Christian 40 to 0. Platte Canyon will hope to figure out what happened offensively and fix the mistakes of a 24 point first quarter. On the season Platte Canyon is averaging 33.4 ppg while giving up 18.2 ppg. Offensively, Platte Canyon is a run heavy team attempting just 9 passing attempts on the season. The rushing attack has racked up 1617 yards on the season. RB Weston Kool leads the rushing attack with 771 yards and 8 TDs and RB Colton Shirley is the #2 rusher with 551 yards and 5 TDs. QB Mikey Clark has also contributed offensively with 46 yards passing and 2 TDs while rushing for 95 yards and 3 TDs. Defensively, Platte Canyon has forced 8 turnovers on the season while also forcing 4 sacks and 20 TFL. Jarod Horta (17 tackles) and Tyler Tanner (16 tackles) are a few other players to watch on defense.
Pinnacle snapped their two-game losing streak last week defeating Alameda 20-0. After back-to-back shutouts Pinnacle got it going again this week and hope to continue that this week. On the season Pinnacle is averaging 16.8 ppg while giving up 18.0 ppg. Pinnacle offensively is a run heavy team with 1154 yards rushing to just 109 yards passing. RB AJ Duran leads the offensive attack with 712 yards rushing and 5 rushing TDs and QB Ezequiel Ibarra is the #2 offensive weapon with 63 yards passing and 259 yards rushing and 3 TDs. Defensively, Pinnacle has forced 60 TFL along with 9 sacks and 8 turnovers. Valentino Fuentes (48 tackles) and AJ Duran (48 tackles) lead the Pinnacle defense.
Last Year…These two teams did not play last year and last meet in 2023 with Platte Canyon getting the 54-0 win.
Series history… Platte Canyon leads the series 2-0 over Pinnacle, since 2004
Holyoke (2-3) at Dayspring Christian (2-3), Saturday at 1pm (Big Northern League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…I feel like this is an elimination game for these two teams baring Dayspring Christian upsetting Platte Valley or Wiggins and same for Holyoke upsetting Yuma or Platte Valley. Both teams are outside the top 18 of the CHSAA Rankings and a loss to another team outside the top 18 could be the final nail. Winner keeps hopes alive for a playoff berth.
Last Week…Dayspring Christian improved to 2-3 on the season following a 14-0 win over Holyoke. The win snapped a two-game slide for the Eagles. On the season Dayspring Christian is averaging 22.2 ppg while giving up 24.6 ppg. Offensively, the rushing attack leads the way with 1373 yards with the passing attack adding on another 342 yards. QB Hawkins Flanagan leads the offensive attack with 342 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 6 INTs while rushing for 552 yards and 9 TDs. Flanagan top target is WR Owen Crust who has 12 receptions for 173 yards. RB Luke Martin is the top RB with 474 yards and 1 TD. Defensively, Dayspring Christian has forced 13 turnovers on the season along with 12 sacks and 18 TFL. Luke Martin (45 tackles) and Liam Polk (37 tackles) lead the Dayspring Christian defense.
Holyoke is coming off a bye week and currently sit at 2-3 on the season. Holyoke last game was a 27-14 loss to Wray on September 25th. Holyoke has started the league season off at 0-2 but look to bounce back this week. On the season Holyoke is averaging 15.2 ppg while giving up 31.6 ppg. Offensively, Holyoke has leaned heavily on their passing attack which has 668 yards to just 186 yards rushing. QB Dathyn Dirks leads the passing attack with 593 yards passing, 6 TDs, and 8 INTs. WR Elbin Padilla is the top target with 17 receptions for 209 yards and 3 TDs and WR Riley Powell is the #2 WR at 195 yards and 1 TD. Defensively, Holyoke has forced 12 TFL, 10 sacks, and 3 turnovers. Jacob Quintana (78 tackles) and Kaden Herman (34 tackles) lead the Dragons Defense.
Last Year…These two teams did not play each other last year
Series history… These two teams have not played each other since 2004
Flatirons Academy (4-1) at Valley (2-3), Thursday at 7pm (Front Range League)
Playoff Implications/What is on the Line…Winner of this game keeps pace with Denver Christian atop the league standings. Flatirons Academy is inside the top 16 and a win keeps them their and sets up a huge matchup with Denver Christian next week. Valley has a tough remaining schedule and needs a key win to help their case for the playoffs.
Last Week…Flatirons Academy improved to 4-1 on the season following a 50-0 win over Middle Park. Flatirons Academy is currently 2-0 in league play with wins over Pinnacle and Middle Park. On the season Flatirons Academy is averaging 42 ppg on offense while giving up 10.2 ppg. Offensively, Flatirons Academy is led by their rushing attack with has racked up 1053 yards to the passing attacks 451 yards. QB Caleb Doughty leads the offensive attack with 451 yards passing, 7 TDs, and 2 INTs while rushing for 216 yards and 3 TDs. RB Zeke Friedman (374 yards and 9 TDs) and RB Joel Costello (246 yards and 6 TDs) lead the rushing attack for the Bison. Defensively, Flatirons Academy has forced 11 turnovers while also getting 6.5 sacks and 38 TFL. Isaiah Figueroa (44 tackles) and Micah McGuin (40 tackles) lead the Flatirons Academy defense.
Valley is coming off a bye week and currently sit at 2-3 overall. Valley is coming off back-to-back wins over Alameda and Middle Park and look for their best win of the season. On the season Valley is averaging 18 ppg on offense while giving up 24.6 ppg. Offensively, Valley is led by their passing attack which has racked up 714 yards and the rushing attack has 436 yards. QB Jaiden Vanhoesen leads the passing attack with 441 yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTS. WR Logan Iske is the top target with 10 receptions for 257 yards and 2 TD. RB Zyon Gonzales leads the rushing attack with 202 yards and 3 TDs. Defensively Valley has forced 35 TFL along with 4 sacks and 10 turnovers. Brady Herman (54 tackles) and Steven Stambaugh Jr. (51 tackles) lead the Vikings defense.
Last Year…These two teams did not play last year
Series history… These two teams have not played each other, since 2004
Other Games to Note:
Cedaredge (2-4) at 2A Salida (2-4), Friday at 6:30pm
Ignacio (0-5) at Rye (3-2), Friday at 7pm
2A Bayfield (1-5) at Trinidad (1-4), Friday at 7pm
Byers (0-5) at Burlington (4-1), Saturday at 1pm