CLASS 1A FOOTBALL PREVIEW – OPENING ROUND
By Anthony Garcia
The Class 1A football playoffs get underway this weekend with eight opening-round matchups as 16 teams begin their pursuit of a state championship. The postseason field features several teams with championship experience, difficult regular-season schedules, and talented players capable of making a major impact.
Meeker earned the No. 1 overall seed and will host Dayspring Christian Academy, while Denver Christian enters as the No. 2 seed following an undefeated regular season. North Fork and Burlington round out the top four, with Centauri, Wiggins, Platte Valley, and Monte Vista completing the top eight.
Several intriguing matchups highlight the opening round, including a meeting between longtime postseason contenders Limon and Wiggins, a battle between two physical rushing attacks in Burlington and Platte Canyon, and an interesting contest between Monte Vista and Flatirons Academy.
#1 MEEKER (8-1) VS #16 DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (4-5) – SATURDAY 1PM
Meeker enters the Class 1A playoffs with an 8-1 record and the No. 1 overall seed. The Cowboys will host Dayspring Christian Academy, which finished the regular season at 4-5 and earned the No. 16 seed.
Meeker has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 255.3 yards on the ground and 303.9 yards of total offense per game. The Cowboys have averaged 33.6 points per contest, with their ability to establish the run helping control possession and wear down opposing defenses. Said Rodriguez has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 78.5 yards per game. Quarterback Cade Mills has helped direct the offense, averaging 54.6 passing yards per contest, while Lawson Anderson provides a receiving threat with 31.1 yards per game. Defensively, Wesley Thompson has been one of the Cowboys’ leaders, averaging 7.4 tackles per contest. Liam Thomson has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.4 sacks per game.
Dayspring Christian Academy enters the postseason with one of the more productive offenses in the opening round, averaging 265.9 rushing yards and 94.3 passing yards per game. The Eagles have produced 360.2 yards of total offense per contest, giving them the ability to move the football against quality competition. Quarterback Hawkins Flanagan has been the leader of the offense, averaging 129 rushing yards and 91.8 passing yards per game. Flanagan has also been one of the Eagles’ most important defensive players, averaging 7.8 tackles per contest. Owen Crust has provided a receiving threat, averaging 52.8 yards per game, while Liam Polk has helped lead the defense. Stephan Sang has contributed pressure along the defensive line.
Meeker will look to establish its rushing attack early and use its physical style of play to control the game. Dayspring Christian must find ways to contain Rodriguez and force the Cowboys into passing situations. The Eagles have the offensive production to move the football, but protecting Flanagan and avoiding turnovers will be critical. If Dayspring Christian can generate explosive plays and keep the game close into the second half, the Eagles could put pressure on the top seed.
Series Reference: These two teams have never played each other, since 2004.
#8 MONTE VISTA (7-2) VS #9 FLATIRONS ACADEMY (7-2) – SATURDAY
One of the most evenly matched contests in the opening round features Monte Vista hosting Flatirons Academy. The Pirates earned the No. 8 seed after finishing 7-2, while Flatirons Academy enters with the same record and the No. 9 seed. With just one seed separating the two programs, this could be one of the more competitive matchups of the weekend. Both teams have faced quality competition throughout the regular season and will look to establish their physical rushing attacks.
Monte Vista enters the postseason having won four consecutive games, including a 57-8 victory over Trinidad in its regular-season finale. The Pirates have been effective running the football, averaging 258.6 rushing yards and 306.7 yards of total offense per contest. Judah Howe has been the leader of the rushing attack, averaging 102 yards per game and accounting for 13 total touchdowns this season. Nehemias Sarinana-Sandoval has provided another offensive weapon, averaging 21.4 receiving yards per contest. Sarinana-Sandoval also had a strong performance against Trinidad, rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Mason Mondragon has been outstanding for the Pirates, averaging 10.4 tackles per game and recording five sacks this season. JohnJake Naranjo has also contributed along the defensive front, while Blaine Mondragon has been a playmaker in the secondary, recording three interceptions. Monte Vista has averaged 68.2 tackles and two sacks per game as a team.
Flatirons Academy enters the postseason following a 35-6 victory over Platte Canyon in its regular-season finale. The Bison have averaged 213.8 rushing yards and 72.4 passing yards per game, producing 286.2 yards of total offense per contest. Caleb Doughty has been one of the leaders of the offense, averaging 75.4 rushing yards and 79.3 passing yards per game. Doughty’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives the Bison a versatile offensive weapon. Zeke Friedman has also contributed at running back, while Jack Joyner has been one of the team’s top receiving threats, averaging 44.8 yards per contest. Defensively, Isaiah Figueroa has been one of the Bison’s top performers, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. The Bison have also received production from their defensive front and will need to make stops against a Monte Vista offense that has been difficult to contain on the ground.
Monte Vista will look to establish its rushing attack with Howe and use its physical defense to create problems for Flatirons Academy. The Bison must find ways to slow the Pirates’ ground game while generating offensive production through Doughty and Friedman. Both teams have shown the ability to control the line of scrimmage, and the battle in the trenches could be the deciding factor. Monte Vista will have the home-field advantage, but Flatirons Academy has faced several quality opponents and has the potential to make this a close contest.
Series Reference: These two teams have never faced each other, since 2004.
#4 BURLINGTON (8-1) VS #13 PLATTE CANYON (7-2) – SATURDAY
Burlington enters the postseason with an 8-1 record and the No. 4 seed after putting together another strong regular season. The Cougars will host Platte Canyon, which finished 7-2 and earned the No. 13 seed. Both teams have been outstanding running the football, and this matchup could be decided by which offensive line can establish control early.
Burlington has averaged 319.7 rushing yards and 364.3 yards of total offense per game. The Cougars have also averaged 45.4 points per contest, making them one of the more productive offenses in the Class 1A playoff field. Scout Humrich has been the leader of the rushing attack, averaging 195.9 yards per game. Humrich has also been a major contributor defensively, averaging 5.8 tackles per contest. Quarterback Weston Schaal has helped direct the offense, averaging 40.3 passing yards per game, while Yandel Ornelas has provided a receiving threat with 17.7 yards per contest. Defensively, Omar Loza has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, while Jorge Santillan has contributed to the Cougars’ defensive effort.
Platte Canyon enters the postseason with one of the top rushing attacks in the classification, averaging 331.4 yards on the ground and 347.6 yards of total offense per contest. The Huskies have averaged 38.4 points per game, with their offense built around controlling possession and establishing the run. Weston Kool has been outstanding this season, averaging 148.1 rushing yards per game. Kool has also been a major contributor defensively, averaging 8.9 tackles per contest. Quarterback Mikey Clark has helped direct the offense, while Tyler Tanner provides another option in the passing game. Weston Kool has also contributed in the rushing attack, and the Huskies will look to get the football into the hands of their top playmakers. Defensively, Tanner and the rest of the Platte Canyon defense will need to make stops against a Burlington rushing attack that has been difficult to contain.
Burlington will look to establish Humrich early and use its rushing attack to control the game. Platte Canyon must find ways to slow the Cougars’ ground game while getting Kool involved offensively. Both teams have the ability to sustain long drives, making turnovers and field position especially important. The Cougars have the home-field advantage and have been one of the top teams in Class 1A, but Platte Canyon has the rushing production to make this an interesting matchup.
Series Reference: Burlington leads the series 1-0, since 2004. They last meet in 2016 with Burlington getting the 41 to 0 win.
#5 CENTAURI (7-2) VS #12 YUMA (6-3) – SATURDAY
Centauri enters the Class 1A playoffs with a 7-2 record and the No. 5 seed after another strong season in the Southern Peaks League. The Falcons will host Yuma, which finished the regular season at 6-3 and earned the No. 12 seed. Centauri enters the postseason riding a six-game winning streak, including a 54-0 victory over Ignacio in its regular-season finale. Yuma has also put together a strong season, finishing 5-1 in league play. Both teams feature productive rushing attacks and several defensive playmakers, making this one of the more intriguing matchups in the opening round.
Centauri has relied on a balanced offensive attack, averaging 221.6 rushing yards and 91.4 passing yards per game, producing 313 yards of total offense per contest. The Falcons have averaged 29.6 points per game while holding opponents to just 79 total points during the regular season. Caden Ruggles has been the leader of the rushing attack, averaging 103.8 yards per game and providing a physical presence in the backfield. Quarterback Grayson Hunzeker has helped direct the offense, averaging 91.4 passing yards per contest. Dallyn King has been one of Hunzeker’s favorite receiving targets, averaging 34.1 receiving yards per game and accounting for 12 total touchdowns this season. King has also contributed defensively, recording three interceptions. Defensively, Ruggles has been outstanding for the Falcons, averaging 13.3 tackles per game and recording four sacks this season. AJ Norton has also been effective getting into the opposing backfield, averaging 0.6 sacks per contest. Centauri has averaged 84.8 tackles and 1.6 sacks per game as a team.
Yuma enters the postseason with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 205.7 rushing yards and 110.6 passing yards per game, producing 316.2 yards of total offense per contest. The Outlaws have averaged 28.6 points per game and will look to use their offensive balance to challenge a Centauri defense that has been difficult to score against. Iann Duran has been one of the leaders of the Yuma offense, averaging 58.3 rushing yards and 81.8 passing yards per game. Duran’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives the Outlaws a versatile offensive weapon. Brodie Kallweit has been one of Yuma’s top receiving threats, averaging 32.3 yards per contest. Defensively, Kallweit has also been a major contributor, averaging six tackles per game. Adam Vasquez has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.3 sacks per contest, while Jorge Ramos has contributed to the Outlaws’ offensive production.
Centauri will look to establish its rushing attack with Ruggles and use its defense to create problems for Yuma. The Falcons have been particularly effective limiting opposing offenses during their six-game winning streak, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage will be important. Yuma must find ways to slow Ruggles while generating offensive production through Duran and Kallweit. Both teams have the ability to move the football, but turnovers and field position could play a major role in determining the outcome. Centauri will have the home-field advantage and enters the postseason with plenty of momentum, but Yuma has the offensive balance to make this a competitive contest.
Series Reference: Centauri leads the series over Yuma 1 to 0, since 2004. They last meet in 2021 in the playoffs with Centauri getting the 40 to 7 win over Yuma.
#2 DENVER CHRISTIAN (9-0) VS #15 CEDAREDGE (5-4) – SATURDAY 1PM
Denver Christian enters the Class 1A playoffs with a perfect 9-0 record and the No. 2 seed after putting together one of the most impressive regular seasons in the classification. The Thunder will host Cedaredge, which finished 5-4 and earned the No. 15 seed. Denver Christian enters the postseason having won nine consecutive games, including a 51-8 victory over Valley in its regular-season finale. Cedaredge enters the playoffs following a 49-20 victory over Grand Valley and has won four of its final five games. The Thunder have been one of the most productive offensive teams in Class 1A, while the Bruins have faced a difficult Western Slope schedule that could help prepare them for this opening-round matchup.
Denver Christian has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 328.2 yards on the ground and 384.4 yards of total offense per contest. The Thunder have averaged 46.1 points per game while allowing just 74 points during the regular season. Quinn Barkema has been the leader of the rushing attack, averaging 126.4 yards per game and accounting for 20 total touchdowns this season. Quarterback Cole McCabe has helped direct the offense, averaging 50.4 passing yards per contest. McCabe has also been a playmaker defensively, recording three interceptions. Mason Priebe has provided a receiving threat, averaging 22.9 yards per game. Defensively, Barkema has also been one of the Thunder’s leaders, averaging 5.2 tackles per contest. Tobin Delle Donne has been effective getting into the opposing backfield, recording five sacks this season. Denver Christian has averaged 46.2 tackles and 1.3 sacks per game as a team.
Cedaredge enters the postseason with a more balanced offensive attack, averaging 135.3 rushing yards and 137.2 passing yards per game, producing 272.6 yards of total offense per contest. The Bruins have averaged 24.2 points per game and will need to find ways to move the football against a Denver Christian defense that has been difficult to score against. Quarterback Logan Sanders has been the leader of the passing attack, averaging 135.6 yards per contest and accounting for 10 total touchdowns this season. Makai Salazar has helped provide balance on the ground, averaging 54.9 rushing yards per game. Dane Brown has been one of Sanders’ favorite receiving targets, averaging 49.4 yards per contest. Defensively, Alyx Mann has been one of the Bruins’ top performers, averaging 7.1 tackles per game. Zaden Robidoux has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, recording two sacks this season, while Carson Rupp has contributed in the secondary with two interceptions.
Denver Christian will look to establish its rushing attack with Barkema and use its offensive line to control the tempo. The Thunder have been particularly effective scoring early, averaging nearly 30 points in the first half of games this season. Cedaredge must find ways to slow Barkema and force Denver Christian into passing situations while generating offensive production through Sanders and Brown. The Bruins have the offensive balance to challenge the Thunder, but protecting the football and avoiding early mistakes will be critical. Denver Christian has the home-field advantage and enters the postseason with plenty of momentum, but Cedaredge has been tested against quality Western Slope competition and will look to make this a competitive contest.
Series Reference: These two teams have not faced each other before, since 2004.
#7 PLATTE VALLEY (8-1) VS #10 COLORADO SPRINGS CHRISTIAN (8-1) – SATURDAY
One of the most intriguing matchups in the opening round features Platte Valley hosting Colorado Springs Christian. Both teams enter the postseason with identical 8-1 records, with Platte Valley earning the No. 7 seed and Colorado Springs Christian receiving the No. 10 seed. Both programs have been outstanding offensively, and with nearly identical total yardage averages, this could be one of the most competitive games of the weekend.
Platte Valley has featured a balanced offensive attack, averaging 346.2 yards of total offense per contest. The Broncos have averaged 36.1 points per game, with their ability to establish the rushing attack helping create opportunities through the air. Logan Vannest has been one of the leaders of the ground game, averaging 69.6 rushing yards per contest. Quarterback Jackson Gentry has helped direct the offense, averaging 113.4 passing yards per game. Jason Harrison has been one of the receiving options, averaging 40.3 yards per contest. Defensively, Kaden Tucker has been a standout for the Broncos, averaging 13.9 tackles per game. Frankie Dardon has also helped provide pressure along the defensive front, while Baudillio Modesto has contributed to the Broncos’ defensive effort. Platte Valley has averaged 2.4 sacks per game as a team.
Colorado Springs Christian enters the postseason with one of the more productive passing attacks in the classification, averaging 233.6 passing yards and 346.4 yards of total offense per contest. The Lions have averaged 36.7 points per game, giving them the ability to put points on the board quickly. Quarterback Fisher Tenpas has been outstanding through the air, averaging 234.9 passing yards per game. Tenpas has also contributed on the ground, giving the Lions another offensive weapon. Silas Lambert has been one of his favorite targets, averaging 102.2 receiving yards per contest. Liam Smith has helped provide balance in the rushing attack, averaging 73.8 yards per game. Defensively, Matt Hinderland has been one of the Lions’ leaders, averaging 8.2 tackles per contest. Cruz Mullins has also contributed along the defensive front, helping the Lions generate pressure.
Platte Valley will look to establish its rushing attack and use its defense to create problems for Tenpas and the Colorado Springs Christian passing game. The Lions must find ways to protect their quarterback and generate explosive plays through Lambert. Both teams have shown they can move the football, making turnovers and red-zone execution especially important. Platte Valley has the home-field advantage, but Colorado Springs Christian has the passing attack to challenge the Broncos’ secondary. This could be one of the highest-scoring contests of the opening round if both offenses establish an early rhythm.
Series Reference: These two teams have not faced each other since 2004.
#3 NORTH FORK (8-1) VS #14 RYE (5-4) – FRIDAY 6PM
North Fork enters the Class 1A playoffs with an 8-1 record and the No. 6 seed after another strong season in the Western Slope League. The Miners will face Rye, which finished the regular season at 5-4 and earned the No. 11 seed. North Fork has been one of the top defensive teams in the classification, allowing just 76 points during the regular season. Rye enters the postseason with momentum after defeating Buena Vista 21-16 in its regular-season finale. Both teams have productive rushing attacks and defensive playmakers capable of making a major impact.
North Fork has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 182.2 yards on the ground and 231.2 yards of total offense per contest. The Miners have averaged 26.2 points per game and enter the playoffs following a 23-7 victory over Olathe. Alex Csere has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 75.3 yards per contest. Csere was outstanding against Olathe, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Tate Carver has helped direct the offense, averaging 44.8 passing yards and 108.9 total yards per game. Trenton Rupe has been one of the Miners’ top receiving threats, averaging 62 yards per contest. Bentley Farmer provides another option in the rushing attack, while David Audelo has contributed in the receiving game and secondary. Defensively, Bronson Hall has been one of North Fork’s leaders, averaging 9.5 tackles per game. Gunnar Lee has been outstanding getting into the opposing backfield, averaging 1.2 sacks per contest. The Miners have averaged 61.9 tackles and 2.4 sacks per game as a team.
Rye enters the postseason with one of the more balanced offensive attacks in the opening round, averaging 220.4 rushing yards and 134.4 passing yards per game. The Thunderbolts have produced 354.9 yards of total offense per contest and averaged 24.7 points per game. Jackson Bjorum has been the leader of the rushing attack, averaging 112.7 yards per contest and accounting for 12 total touchdowns this season. Quarterback Brady Baumgartner has helped direct the offense, averaging 133 passing yards and 181 total yards per game. Baumgartner was instrumental in Rye’s victory over Buena Vista, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for 60 yards and another score. Wyatt Scheid has been one of the Thunderbolts’ top receiving threats, averaging 52 yards per contest. Defensively, Nathaniel Gray has been outstanding for Rye, averaging 8.1 tackles per game. Tom Sheppard has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.4 sacks per contest. Baumgartner has also been a playmaker in the secondary, recording two interceptions this season.
North Fork will look to establish its rushing attack with Csere and use its defensive pressure to create problems for Rye. The Miners have been particularly effective limiting opposing offenses, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage will be important. Rye must find ways to slow Csere and Carver while generating offensive production through Bjorum and Baumgartner. The Thunderbolts have the offensive balance to challenge North Fork, but protecting the football will be critical against a Miners defense that has been difficult to score against. North Fork enters the postseason with plenty of momentum, but Rye has faced quality competition and has the offensive weapons to make this a competitive contest.
Series Reference: These two teams have not faced each other since 2004.
#6 WIGGINS (7-2) VS #11 LIMON (7-2) – SATURDAY
One of the marquee matchups of the Class 1A opening round features Wiggins hosting Limon. Both teams enter the postseason with identical 7-2 records, and both have been among the more competitive programs in the classification throughout the season. Wiggins earned the No. 6 seed, while Limon received the No. 11 seed. Despite the difference in seeding, these teams are closely matched statistically, and this could be one of the most physical contests of the weekend.
Wiggins enters the postseason averaging 239.6 rushing yards and 82.2 passing yards per game, producing 321.8 yards of total offense per contest. The Tigers have averaged 26.8 points per game, with their ability to establish the run playing a major role in their success. Cyrus Barkdoll has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 109 yards per contest. Quarterback Isaac Flores has helped direct the passing game, averaging 83.6 yards per game. Arath Carrazco has provided a receiving threat, averaging 30.2 yards per contest. Defensively, Barkdoll has also been one of the Tigers’ top performers, averaging 10.9 tackles per game. Camrynn Maddox has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 1.1 sacks per contest. Wiggins has averaged 2.8 sacks per game as a team, making its defensive pressure an important part of its success.
Limon enters the postseason with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 233.9 rushing yards and 89.4 passing yards per game. The Badgers have produced 323.3 yards of total offense per contest and averaged 32.2 points per game. Liam Yoder has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 99 yards per contest. Quarterback Joe White has helped direct the offense, averaging 77.8 passing yards per game. Camdyn Tacha has provided a receiving threat, averaging 25.8 yards per contest. Defensively, Carlos Nunez has been one of Limon’s leaders, averaging 5.3 tackles per game. Ben Carr has also contributed along the defensive front, averaging 0.8 sacks per contest. The Badgers have averaged 1.8 sacks per game as a team.
Wiggins will look to establish Barkdoll and its rushing attack while using its defensive pressure to create problems for Limon. The Badgers must find ways to slow the Tigers’ ground game and establish their own rushing attack with Yoder. Both teams have been effective running the football, and the battle in the trenches could be the deciding factor. Wiggins has the home-field advantage, but Limon has the postseason experience and physical style of play to make this a difficult matchup. Turnovers and field position could ultimately determine which team advances.
Series Reference: Limon leads the series over Wiggins 16 to 2, since 2004. They faced each other this season with Limon getting the 34 to 0 win.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Class 1A playoff field will be trimmed from 16 teams to eight following this weekend’s action. Several of the top seeds enter the postseason playing their best football, but the opening round features multiple teams capable of challenging higher-seeded opponents.
Meeker and Denver Christian enter as two of the favorites, while North Fork, Burlington, Centauri, Platte Valley, Monte Vista, and Wiggins will look to take advantage of playing at home. Teams such as Limon, Flatirons Academy, Colorado Springs Christian, and Yuma have the talent to make the opening round interesting.
With talented quarterbacks, productive rushing attacks, and defensive playmakers throughout the bracket, the opening round should provide plenty of excitement. Every team enters with the same goal of advancing one step closer to a state championship, and one loss will bring the season to an end.
The road to the Class 1A state championship begins this weekend.
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