Three top 10 matchups are on the 1A Football schedule this week as Colorado Springs Christian heads to Holyoke, Florence faces Peyton and Strasburg renews their series with Burlington. We look at each contest in-depth and also preview many others this week.
Top Five
Coal Ridge at Meeker
Both teams are coming solid efforts in week one victories. Coal Ridge dropped Olathe 35-14 and with the decision, they’ve already matched their win total of 2018. Meeker worked past Hotchkiss 28-7 in a non-conference game. Ryan Phelan, coming off a tremendous sophomore season, started 2019 strong with 289 yards and three TD’s passing. Two of the scoring passes went to Jacob Shelton while Cole Rogers (5) and Kelton Turner (4) combined for nine catches. The defense was also stout; allowing just 223 yards with three interceptions including two by Turner. Coal Ridge QB Karsen Dubios ran and threw for a TD last week. Kobe Wild recorded 10 tackles and Damien Spell had 8 including four for loss. Spell also added 151 yards and two scores.
Colorado Springs Christian at Holyoke
We’ll use the word relevant in previewing this one. The Lions, who are ranked second in the division, were relevant in the state championship race last year as they reached the state semifinals for the first time in school history. Holyoke, ranked 5th, has not been relevant in football since the late 90’s where they reached at least the semifinals four straight years including a championship in 1995 and a runner-up finish in 1997. The Dragons have just one playoff win since that era. Holyoke rolled Haxtun 34-0 last week in a game that was called a final just 11 minutes in. The clubs had waited through a long weather delay and finally decided to make the game official. Blake Mosenteen had a huge opener as the junior scored on a 64-yard run in his first carry and then from 71 yards on his second touch. Colorado Springs Christian returns the running tandem of Peyton Brones and Joe Dunn who combined for over 2,500 yards rushing as juniors. Caleb Stockton also returns at QB.
Paonia at Centauri
Neither club played in week one so both are chomping at the bit to get on the gridiron. Centauri is ranked fourth and has high expectations again this year while Paonia begins a new era with coach Eric Neal. He succeeds Blaine Escher who directed the Eagles the past two years. Centauri won easily a year ago (38-0) and key contributors in that win return for the Falcons. Eric Maez threw for 203 yards and three TD’s including two to Mason Claunch who was playing his first ever high school game at the time. Taj Cornum also gained 104 yards on the ground.
Strasburg at Burlington
It’s always on the list when these two clubs square off but Strasburg has dominated the series since joining the 1A division in 2016. The Indians are 5-0 in that stretch and each of the past two years, has knocked off Burlington both in the regular season and playoffs. Burlington has had struggles getting the ball in the end zone; scoring more than six points only once (2016 in a 48-14 loss). They’ve been shutout in both playoff matchups. The edge is again with Strasburg as they have a game already in the books this year; beating University 45-28 last week. QB Collin Russell was perfect in the win; connecting on all five pass attempts for 178 yards and two touchdowns. The Indians also churned out 197 yards rushing with Michael Burns leading the charge (85 yards). Burns, a senior, also caught a TD pass. Burlington has many new faces in the lineup and may struggle in this one, but coach Glynn Higgs always gets his club into the playoffs and this year should be no different.
Florence at Peyton
Peyton won this matchup by a 41-0 margin last year but the Panthers may be considered the underdog this year. They have to replace a talented senior class that helped the program earn four consecutive playoff berths. Last year the Panthers ran for 260 yards and four touchdowns but all the yards generated were lost to graduation. Florence is coming off a strong 40-6 win over Rocky Ford last week. Owen Busetti had a huge day; running for 220 yards and three TD’s. Jacob Kennedy picked up 81 yards on the ground and scored twice while QB Josh Martinez finished 5-9 for 96 yards and another score. Defensively, the Huskies gave up just 115 yards. That effort was led by Brandon Hoska. He had 14 tackles and Busetti added eight.
Others to Watch
Basalt at Olathe
This is a battle for former league members as both teams have kept it going despite Olathe dropping into Class 1A. The Pirates are coming off a tough 35-14 loss to Coal Ridge and hope to avoid an 0-2 start against a second straight 2A rival. Basalt starts the quest for a fourth consecutive playoff berth which has never happened in school history. The Longhorns have also won a playoff game each of the past two years after producing just one prior. They did lose a very good senior class and will feature many new faces in key roles.
Buena Vista at Platte Canyon
The Huskies have made the playoffs seven straight years and have missed only once since 2004. But they start a new era as Coach Lance Gunkel takes over for Mike Schmidt. So, the big question is whether the Huskies will continue the ball control attack that has been so successful. Buena Vista ended last season at 4-6 with a first-round playoff loss to Strasburg. One of the victories came against Platte Canyon (26-6) in the opener. A key graduation loss is Parker Johnson. The QB ran for 103 yards and threw for another in last year’s win. He was also involved in three TD’s.
Crowley County at Rye
This game moved up the ladder quite a bit thanks to Rye’s impressive 30-0 shutout of Ellicott in week one. The Thunderbolts ran or 274 yards with nine different players getting a carry. Bryce Benz and Hayden Polk shared team honors with 72 apiece. Polk also scored twice. Rye has not had a winning season since 2015 (6-4). Crowley County used a late score to avoid an upset loss to Ridgeview Academy (22-14) last week. Sophomore Tach Brewer hit five of 10 pass attempts for 81 yards and a TD. The Chargers ran for 83 yards including 33 from Adam Schulz and 31 from freshman Skeeter Baker. The defense picked up two crucial turnovers.
