MileHigh Prep Report

CLASS 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW – SECOND ROUND

By Anthony Garcia

The Class 2A football playoffs continue this weekend with eight second-round matchups as 16 teams remain in pursuit of a state championship. The opening round featured several impressive performances, a few closely contested games, and some lower-seeded teams looking to carry their momentum into the next round.

Elizabeth earned the No. 1 overall seed following an undefeated regular season, while The Classical Academy enters as the No. 2 seed. Defending state champion Wellington holds the No. 3 seed, followed by Delta, Eaton, La Junta, Brush, and Alamosa, completing the top eight.

Several intriguing matchups highlight the second round, including a meeting between longtime postseason contenders Eaton and Strasburg, a battle between two productive offenses in Delta and University, and an interesting contest between Alamosa and Forge Christian. Pagosa Springs will look to continue its postseason run against Wellington, while Elizabeth attempts to remain undefeated against Weld Central.

#1 ELIZABETH (9-0) VS #16 WELD CENTRAL (7-3) – FRIDAY 7PM

Elizabeth enters the second round with a perfect 9-0 record and the No. 1 overall seed. The Cardinals will face Weld Central, which improved to 7-3 following a hard-fought 6-3 victory over Aspen in the opening round. Elizabeth enters the postseason with momentum after defeating The Classical Academy 27-17 in its regular-season finale.

Elizabeth has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 257.1 yards on the ground and 328.8 yards of total offense per game. The Cardinals have also been outstanding defensively, allowing just 52 points during the regular season. Ryker Atkins has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 69.9 yards per contest. Quarterback Joaquin Aviles has helped direct the offense, averaging 52.5 passing yards per game. Cole Robinson has provided a receiving threat, averaging 27.7 yards per contest. Defensively, Elizabeth has received production from several players, with its ability to limit opposing offenses playing a major role in its undefeated season. The Cardinals have averaged 57.8 tackles and two sacks per game.

Weld Central enters the second round with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 191.2 rushing yards and 102.2 passing yards per game, producing 293.4 yards of total offense per contest. Braden Schellenberg has been outstanding in the rushing attack, averaging 117 yards per game. Quarterback Luke Witzel has helped direct the passing attack, averaging 113.6 yards per contest. Andrew Dinges has been one of the Rebels’ top receiving threats, averaging 82.3 yards per game. Defensively, Jake Ford has been one of Weld Central’s leaders, averaging 7.3 tackles per contest. Bryen Stalcup has been outstanding getting into the opposing backfield, averaging 1.5 sacks per game. The Rebels have averaged 4.7 sacks per contest as a team.

Elizabeth will look to establish its rushing attack early and use its defense to control the tempo. Weld Central must find ways to slow the Cardinals’ ground game while generating offensive production through Schellenberg and Witzel. The Rebels showed their ability to win a defensive battle against Aspen, but moving the football consistently will be critical against Elizabeth. The Cardinals have the home-field advantage and enter as the top seed, but Weld Central will look to keep the game close and create opportunities for an upset.

#8 ALAMOSA (6-3) VS #9 FORGE CHRISTIAN (7-3) – SATURDAY 2PM

One of the most intriguing matchups in the second round features Alamosa facing Forge Christian. The Mean Moose earned the No. 8 seed following a strong regular season in the Southwest League, while Forge Christian enters as the No. 9 seed after defeating Englewood 35-0 in the opening round. With just one seed separating the two programs, this could be one of the more competitive contests of the weekend.

Alamosa has featured a balanced offensive attack, averaging 191.8 rushing yards and 154.9 passing yards per game, producing 346.7 yards of total offense per contest. Evan Anderson has been the leader of the offense, averaging 90.6 rushing yards and 153.8 passing yards per game. Anderson’s ability to make plays through the air and on the ground gives the Mean Moose a versatile offensive weapon. Anthony Montoya has been one of the top receiving threats, averaging 55 yards per contest. Defensively, Aiden Pintor has been outstanding, averaging 9.6 tackles per game. Keenon Woodward has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.8 sacks per contest. Alamosa has averaged 75 tackles and 2.3 sacks per game as a team.

Forge Christian enters the second round averaging 211.6 rushing yards and 90.5 passing yards per game, producing 302.1 yards of total offense per contest. Raleigh Cleveland has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 93.8 yards per game. Quarterback Jack Widdifield has helped direct the offense, averaging 92.2 passing yards per contest. Brady Antolak has been one of the Fury’s most important players on both sides of the football, averaging 42.1 receiving yards and 8.5 tackles per game. Antolak has also helped provide pressure defensively, averaging 0.4 sacks per contest. Forge Christian has averaged 46.2 tackles and 1.2 sacks per game as a team.

Alamosa will look to use its offensive balance and establish Anderson early. Forge Christian must find ways to contain Anderson while getting Cleveland involved in the rushing attack. The matchup between Alamosa’s passing attack and Forge Christian’s defensive playmakers could be especially important. Both teams have shown the ability to move the football, making turnovers and defensive stops critical. With just one seed separating these programs, this could be one of the closest games of the second round.

#4 DELTA (9-0) VS #13 UNIVERSITY (6-4) – SATURDAY 1PM

Delta enters the second round with a perfect 9-0 record and the No. 4 seed after another outstanding regular season. The Panthers will host University, which improved to 6-4 following a convincing 35-3 victory over Denver West in the opening round. Delta has been one of the most productive offensive teams in Class 2A, while University will look to build on its impressive opening-round performance.

Delta has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 306.9 yards on the ground and 404.8 yards of total offense per contest. The Panthers have averaged 39.6 points per game, making them one of the more explosive offenses in the classification. Mack Lockhart has been outstanding this season, averaging 163.7 rushing yards per contest. Quarterback Cole Morlan has helped direct the offense, averaging 94.2 passing yards per game. Alex Ryan has provided a receiving threat, averaging 49.4 yards per contest. Defensively, Lockhart has also been a major contributor, averaging 8.1 tackles per game. Tony Maigatter has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.7 sacks per contest.

University enters the second round averaging 192.8 rushing yards and 110.9 passing yards per game, producing 303.7 yards of total offense per contest. Preston Schiller has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 64.6 yards per game. Quarterback Henson Doss has helped direct the offense, averaging 80.7 passing yards per contest. Ethan Dennis has provided a receiving threat, averaging 29 yards per game. Defensively, Angel Orduna-Arciniega has been one of the Bulldogs’ leaders, averaging 5.8 tackles per contest. Anwar Al-Rashed has helped generate pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.8 sacks per game.

Delta will look to establish Lockhart early and use its rushing attack to control the game. University must find ways to slow the Panthers’ ground game while creating opportunities offensively through Schiller and Doss. The Bulldogs showed their ability to dominate in the opening round, but Delta presents a difficult challenge with its offensive production and undefeated record. Turnovers and the battle along the line of scrimmage could play a major role in determining the outcome.

#5 EATON (7-2) VS #12 STRASBURG (5-5) – SATURDAY 1PM

One of the marquee matchups of the Class 2A second round features Eaton hosting Strasburg. The Fightin’ Reds earned the No. 5 seed following another strong regular season, while Strasburg enters as the No. 12 seed after defeating Fort Lupton 56-22 in the opening round. Both programs have plenty of postseason experience, and this matchup features two offenses capable of putting points on the scoreboard.

Eaton has featured a balanced offensive attack, averaging 209.7 rushing yards and 157.9 passing yards per game, producing 367.6 yards of total offense per contest. Jackson Savona has been the leader of the rushing attack, averaging 124.3 yards per game. Quarterback Brayden Legler has helped direct the offense, averaging 155.7 passing yards per contest. Cooper Wiedeman has provided a receiving threat, averaging 35.9 yards per game. Defensively, Ben Lawhead has been outstanding, averaging 9.8 tackles per contest. Paxton Pettinger has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.4 sacks per game.

Strasburg enters the second round with one of the more productive passing attacks in the playoff field, averaging 223.2 passing yards and 360.4 yards of total offense per game. Quarterback Brody Hopwood has been outstanding through the air, averaging 205.9 passing yards per contest. Reagan Rosier has helped provide balance in the rushing attack, averaging 68.1 yards per game. Ayden Dodge has been one of the top receiving threats, averaging 97.5 yards per contest. Defensively, Rosier has also been a major contributor, averaging 9.8 tackles per game. Nic Gutierrez has helped provide pressure along the defensive front.

Eaton will look to establish its rushing attack with Savona and use its offensive balance to challenge Strasburg. The Indians must find ways to protect Hopwood and generate explosive plays through the passing game. Both teams have the ability to move the football, making turnovers and red-zone execution especially important. Eaton has the home-field advantage, but Strasburg enters with momentum following its 56-point performance in the opening round.

#2 THE CLASSICAL ACADEMY (8-1) VS #15 COAL RIDGE (5-4) – FRIDAY 6PM

The Classical Academy enters the second round with an 8-1 record and the No. 2 overall seed after putting together another impressive regular season. The Titans will host Coal Ridge, which improved to 5-4 following a 40-24 victory over Resurrection Christian in the opening round. The Classical Academy has been one of the more balanced offensive teams in Class 2A, while Coal Ridge enters with momentum following its opening-round victory.

The Classical Academy has averaged 221.7 rushing yards and 152.1 passing yards per game, producing 373.8 yards of total offense per contest. Josiah Musilli has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 105.3 yards per game. Quarterback Wilson Grothe has helped direct the offense, averaging 151.6 passing yards per contest. Garrett Moore has been one of the Titans’ top receiving threats, averaging 48.9 yards per game. Defensively, Nathaniel Thorne has been one of the leaders, averaging eight tackles per contest. Joshua Dazey has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.4 sacks per game.

Coal Ridge enters the second round with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 208.1 rushing yards and 110.8 passing yards per game, producing 318.9 yards of total offense per contest. Quarterback Clayton Epp has been outstanding, averaging 100.9 rushing yards and 108 passing yards per game. Epp’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives Coal Ridge a versatile offensive weapon. Marcus Munoz has been one of the receiving threats, averaging 64.3 yards per contest. Defensively, Aaron Chavez has been one of the Titans’ leaders, averaging 9.4 tackles per game. Jayden Emery has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.8 sacks per contest.

The Classical Academy will look to establish its balanced offensive attack and use its defense to create problems for Epp. Coal Ridge must find ways to slow Musilli and limit Grothe’s opportunities through the air. Both teams have shown the ability to move the football, but turnovers and field position could play a major role in determining the outcome. The Classical Academy has the home-field advantage and enters as one of the favorites, but Coal Ridge has already shown it can put points on the scoreboard in the postseason.

#7 BRUSH (6-3) VS #10 LAMAR (7-3) – SATURDAY 1PM

Brush enters the second round with a 6-3 record and the No. 7 seed following a competitive regular season. The Beetdiggers will host Lamar, which improved to 7-3 following a thrilling 31-28 victory over Prospect Ridge Academy in the opening round. Both teams feature different offensive styles, making this one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend.

Brush has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 285.9 yards on the ground and 329.3 yards of total offense per contest. Cassius Middlemist has been outstanding this season, averaging 127.4 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Trent Garrett has helped direct the offense, averaging 41.6 passing yards per contest. Ben Herrera has provided a receiving option, averaging 16.8 yards per game. Defensively, Middlemist has also been a major contributor, averaging 7.3 tackles per contest. Jolani Thomas has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.5 sacks per game. The Beetdiggers have averaged 63.2 tackles and 1.7 sacks per contest as a team.

Lamar enters the second round with one of the more productive passing attacks in the playoff field, averaging 186.7 passing yards and 294.4 yards of total offense per contest. Quarterback Jacob Dunning has been the leader of the passing attack, averaging 183 yards per game. Alex Aguilar has helped provide balance on the ground, averaging 53 rushing yards per contest. Andrew Chairez has been one of the receiving threats, averaging 54 yards per game. Defensively, Aguilar has been one of the Thunder’s leaders, averaging 7.9 tackles per contest. Santiago Perez has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.3 sacks per game.

Brush will look to establish its rushing attack with Middlemist and control possession. Lamar must find ways to slow the Beetdiggers’ ground game while generating explosive plays through Dunning and the passing attack. The Thunder showed their ability to win a close contest against Prospect Ridge Academy, but Brush presents a different challenge with its physical rushing attack. Turnovers, field position, and the battle in the trenches could determine which team advances.

#3 WELLINGTON (8-1) VS #19 PAGOSA SPRINGS (5-4) – SATURDAY 5PM

Defending Class 2A state champion Wellington enters the second round with an 8-1 record and the No. 3 overall seed. The Eagles will host Pagosa Springs, which improved to 5-4 following an impressive 33-13 victory over No. 14 Banning Lewis Academy in the opening round. Wellington enters the postseason looking to defend its state championship, while Pagosa Springs will attempt to continue its run after pulling off an opening-round upset.

Wellington has relied heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 329.2 yards on the ground and 397.7 yards of total offense per contest. Brayton Meglen has been outstanding this season, averaging 172.8 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Eli Lavelle has helped direct the offense, averaging 70.4 passing yards per contest. Gavin Miller has provided a receiving threat, averaging 51 yards per game. Defensively, Teagen Greiman has been one of the Eagles’ leaders, averaging 9.3 tackles per contest. Peyton Cushman has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.9 sacks per game.

Pagosa Springs enters the second round with one of the more productive rushing attacks in the classification, averaging 291.9 yards on the ground and 310.5 yards of total offense per contest. Hudson Mazur has been the leader of the offense, averaging 132.8 rushing yards per game. Kasen Limebrook has helped contribute in the passing game, while Mazur’s ability to make plays on the ground has been an important part of the Pirates’ success. Defensively, Colby Ross has been one of the leaders, averaging 8.6 tackles per contest. Jimmy Elledge has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.4 sacks per game.

Wellington will look to establish Meglen and its rushing attack early while using its physical defense to create problems for Pagosa Springs. The Pirates must find ways to slow the Eagles’ ground game while getting Mazur involved offensively. Both teams have shown the ability to control possession with their rushing attacks, making the battle along the line of scrimmage especially important. Wellington has the home-field advantage and championship experience, but Pagosa Springs enters with confidence following its opening-round victory.

#6 LA JUNTA (8-1) VS #11 BASALT (7-3) – SATURDAY 1PM

La Junta enters the second round with an 8-1 record and the No. 6 seed following another strong regular season. The Tigers will host Basalt, which improved to 7-3 following a dominant 42-0 victory over Florence in the opening round. Both teams feature balanced offensive attacks and several defensive playmakers, making this one of the more evenly matched contests of the weekend.

La Junta has averaged 212.8 rushing yards and 129.1 passing yards per game, producing 341.9 yards of total offense per contest. Chris Barela has been one of the leaders of the rushing attack, averaging 142.8 yards per game. Gavin Denahy has helped direct the passing attack, averaging 140.5 passing yards per contest. Eban Morales has provided a receiving threat, averaging 61.3 yards per game. Defensively, Josia Martinez has been one of the Tigers’ leaders, averaging 6.8 tackles and 0.6 sacks per contest. La Junta has averaged two sacks per game as a team.

Basalt enters the second round with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 223.9 rushing yards and 129.4 passing yards per contest, producing 353.3 yards of total offense per game. Jude Webb has been outstanding in the rushing attack, averaging 132.3 yards per contest. Quarterback Nate Donnelly has helped direct the offense, averaging 129.1 passing yards per game. Sam Volf has been one of the top receiving threats, averaging 43.4 yards per contest. Defensively, Tripp Spung has been one of the Longhorns’ leaders, averaging nine tackles per game. Brooks Ragan has helped provide pressure along the defensive front, averaging 0.8 sacks per contest. Basalt has averaged 70.2 tackles and two sacks per game as a team.

La Junta will look to establish its rushing attack with Barela while using its offensive balance to challenge Basalt. The Longhorns must find ways to contain Barela and generate offensive production through Webb and Donnelly. Both teams have nearly identical offensive production, making turnovers and defensive stops especially important. La Junta has the home-field advantage, but Basalt enters with momentum following its shutout victory over Florence. This could be one of the closest matchups of the second round if both offenses establish an early rhythm.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Class 2A playoff field will be trimmed from 16 teams to eight following this weekend’s action. Several of the top seeds enter the second round playing outstanding football, but the opening round showed that lower-seeded teams are capable of challenging quality opponents.

Elizabeth and Delta enter the second round undefeated, while The Classical Academy and defending champion Wellington remain among the top contenders. Eaton, La Junta, Brush, and Alamosa will look to take advantage of their higher seeds, but teams such as Strasburg, Forge Christian, Basalt, and Pagosa Springs have the offensive weapons to make the second round interesting.

With talented quarterbacks, productive rushing attacks, and defensive playmakers throughout the bracket, the second round should provide plenty of excitement. Every team enters with the same goal of advancing to the quarterfinals and moving one step closer to a state championship.

The road to the Class 2A state championship continues this weekend.