Week Eleven seems different. Oh… PLAYOFFS!
The editor might rip into me for the effort here, however this will be a smart play by me in the long-term. The entire Class 4A football season is going to finish with the annual finale inside Broncos Stadium at Mile High, and I will once again be working your championship event. So what I’ve done here is prepared unofficial Game Notes for all 16 playoff squads based on information from MaxPreps.com, the new playoff history tool here at ColoradoPreps.com, and some direct exchanges with team staff.
For you, I am thinking this could be a useful one-page scroll to carry with you on gameday(s).
The journey begins now for sixteen teams seeking two spots in the December 1st championship game.
Whichever Class 4A football teams remain alive after three playoff rounds; I will merely update the busy data and get to work on stories to tell. And those stories are the diamonds in the flubber of that funky turf!
Best to the players trying to make something happen that can’t ever be taken away. #emojipound
 

Friday, November 9, 700pm: (16) HERITAGE at (1) PINE CREEK

TEAM NOTES — HERITAGE
8-2 (3-2) — Metro
HC: Tyler Knoblock (5)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2016 R1
Playoff Record: 19-20
Championships: 2009
 
STAT LEADERS — HERITAGE
Passing: Conner Cummiskey (Jr) — 109-189, 1479 yards, 15 TD 9 INT
Rushing: Giani Palazzo (Sr) — 719 yards, 13 TD
Receiving: Terrance Ferguson (So) — 60 receptions, 893 yards, 9 TD
Total TKL: Phillip Ferguson (Sr) (Sr) — 102
Total TKL: DJ Delimont (Sr) — 90
TFL: JC Aguirre (Sr) — 14.0
Sacks: Noah Freng (Jr) — 3.5
INT: Everett Darrington (Jr) — 2
Kicking: Christiano Palazzo (So) — 3-4 FG, 13-16 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — HERITAGE
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Arapahoe (5A)
Terrance Ferguson — 99.2 receiving yds/game ranks 2nd among 4A playoff participants
Terrance Ferguson — 60 receptions ranks 2nd among 4A playoff participants
Phillip Ferguson — 11.3 tackles per game ranks 1st among 4A playoff participants
Turnovers Forced: 5 INT / 8 FR = 13
Turnovers Lost: 9 INT / 3 FL = 12
Travel distance from Heritage HS to District 20 Stadium is 56 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — PINE CREEK
9-1 (5-0) — Southern
HC: Todd Miller (14)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 F
Playoff Record: 26-11
Championships: 2016, 2014, 2013
 
STAT LEADERS — PINE CREEK
Passing: Gavin Herberg (Jr) — 52-112, 961 yards, 12 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: David Moore III (Jr) — 1390 yards, 16 TD
Receiving: Max Lofy (Jr) — 12 receptions, 400 yards, 6 TD
Total TKL: Sam Miller (Sr) — 55
Total TKL: Daniel Bone (Sr) — 50
TFL: Abner Schwab (So) — 7.5
TFL: Elias Rolfe (Jr) — 7.5
Sacks: Elias Rolfe (Jr) — 5.5
INT: Daniel Bone (Sr) — 2
INT: Vito Arciniega (Sr) — 2
Kicking: Luke Wieland (Jr) — 3-3 FG, 40-44 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — PINE CREEK
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Pueblo West, Grand Junction Central, Palmer Ridge (3A)
David Moore III (Pine Creek) — 1390 rushing yards ranks 3rd in 4A
Pine Creek appeared in five championship games in the previous seven years
Only previous playoff meeting was a Pine Creek victory in 2008 in Round 2
Turnovers Forced: 9 INT / 6 FR = 15
Turnovers Lost: 2 INT / 8 FL = 10
Todd Miller is the only head coach in the 4A playoffs to have a championship with his current team
 
 

Friday, November 9, 700pm: (11) DAKOTA RIDGE at (6) MONTROSE

TEAM NOTES — DAKOTA RIDGE
6-4 (4-1) — Jeffco
HC: Ron Woitalewicz (18)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2015 R1
Playoff Record: 11-11
Championships: 0
 
STAT LEADERS — DAKOTA RIDGE
Passing: Ben Biffinger (Sr) — 86-157, 932 yards, 4 TD, 6 INT
Rushing: Jered Garcia (Sr) — 1290 yards, 18 TD
Receiving: Justin Sanchez (Sr) — 27 receptions, 393 yards, 1 TD
Total TKL: Charlie Offerdahl (So) — 65
Total TKL: Chris Freddolino (Sr) — 63
TFL: James Hess (Jr) –12.0
Sacks: Jackson Bartlett (Sr) — 12.0
INT: R. Kissinger (Sr) — 4
Kicking: Max Hart (So) — 6-9 FG, 20-27 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — DAKOTA RIDGE
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Chatfield
11 INT ranks 2nd in Class 4A
26.0 sacks ranks 2nd in Class 4A
Jered Garcia — 18 rushing TD ranks 3rd in 4A
Max Hart — 6 FG tied for most among playoff participants
Turnovers Forced: 11 INT / 10 FR = 21
Turnovers Lost: 8 INT / 3 FL = 11
Travel distance from Dakota Ridge HS to Montrose Community Stadium is 250 miles
Eagles could fly 64 minutes round-trip between DIA and Montrose Regional Airport at $492 per player.
 
TEAM NOTES — MONTROSE
9-1 (4-1) — Metro
HC: Brett Mertens (3)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 R1
Playoff Record: 26-23
Championships: 1950
 
EXTRA POINTS — MONTROSE
Wins versus 2018 postseason qualifiers: GJ Central, Durango (3A), Palisade (3A), Fruita, Heritage
Most victories versus 2018 playoff teams than any other 4A squad.
2850 rushing yards ranks 4th in Class 4A
33 rushing TD ranks 4th in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 3 INT / 11 FR = 14
Turnovers Lost: 2 INT / 9 FL = 11
Montrose and Dakota Ridge have appeared in 71 playoff games combined yet never met each other.
 
 

Friday, November 9, 700pm: (10) GRAND JUNCTION CENTRAL at (7) FRUITA MONUMENT

TEAM NOTES — GRAND JUNCTION CENTRAL
7-3 (4-1) — Southern
HC: Shawn Marsh (6)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2016 R1
Playoff Record: 8-15
Championships: 0
 
STAT LEADERS — GRAND JUNCTION CENTRAL
Passing: Max Marsh (Jr) — 153-243, 2149 yards, 19 TD, 9 INT
Rushing: Anthony Zubiate (Sr) — 949 yards, 13 TD
Receiving: Cade Balleweg (Sr) — 54 receptions, 784 yards, 7 TD
Total TKL: Tanner Hickey (Sr) — 99
Total TKL: Shaun Stepisnik (Sr) — 83
TFL: Coben Miller (Sr) –5.0
Sacks: Jence Morrison (Sr) — 6.0
INT: Josh Barela (Sr) — 2
Kicking: Joe Carol (Jr) — 1-1 FG, 27-28 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — GRAND JUNCTION CENTRAL
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Fruita Monument
223.7 passing yds/game ranks 3rd in Class 4A
386.3 total yds/game ranks 5th in Class 4A
Max Marsh — 214.9 passing yds/game ranks 4th in 4A
Max Marsh — 247.0 total yds/game is most among 4A playoff participants
Turnovers Forced: 4 INT / 8 FR = 12
Turnovers Lost: 9 INT / 4 FL = 13
Travel distance from Grand Junction Central HS to Stocker Stadium is 10 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — FRUITA MONUMENT
8-2 (5-0) — Pioneer
HC: Cameron Ross (1)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 R1
Playoff Record: 29-26
Championships: 1966
 
STAT LEADERS — FRUITA MONUMENT
Passing: Zach Rush (Sr) — 47-80, 914 yards, 12 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Treyton Queen (Sr) — 1262 yards, 14 TD
Receiving: Cade Balleweg (Sr) — 54 receptions, 784 yards, 7 TD
Total TKL: Max Belshe (Jr) — 80
Total TKL: Brody Swenson (Sr) — 71
TFL: Kaden Jolley (Sr) — 18.5
Sacks: Kaden Jolley (Sr) — 9.5
INT: Zach Rush (Sr) — 2
Kicking: Connor Scholes (So) — 2-3 FG, 30-35 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — FRUITA MONUMENT
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Pueblo West, Chatfield, Standley Lake
283.3 rushing yards/game ranks 4th in Class 4A
481 rushing attempts ranks 1st in Class 4A
30.0 team sacks is 2nd among 4A playoff qualifiers
Kaden Jolly — 18.5 TFL ranks 1st in 4A
Kaden Jolly — 9.5 sacks is most recorded by 4A playoff participants
Turnovers Forced: 6 INT / 8 FR = 14
Turnovers Lost: 1 INT / 12 FL = 13
18 miles apart and 78 combined playoff games. This will be their first playoff meeting.
 
 

Friday, November 9, 700pm: (15) RAMPART at (2) LOVELAND

TEAM NOTES — RAMPART
7-3 (4-1) — Pikes Peak
HC: Rob Royer (5)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 QF
Playoff Record: 10-16
Championships: 1998
 
STAT LEADERS — RAMPART
Passing: Cale Cormaney (So) — 28-68, 441 yards, 3 TD 3 INT
Rushing: Chris Yoo (Jr) — 1241 yards, 16 TD
Receiving: Ethan Temby (Sr) — 10 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD
Total TKL: Zach Tuggle (Sr) — 60
Total TKL: Ethan Temby (Sr) — 47
TFL: Bryce Delahoy (Sr) — 13.0
Sacks: Bryce Delahoy (Sr) — 5.0
INT: Cale Cormaney (So) — 5
Kicking: David Peters (Jr) — 3-6 FG, 42-47 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — RAMPART
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Dakota Ridge
304.7 rushing yards/game ranks 2nd in Class 4A
43 rushing TD ranks 2nd in Class 4A
35.3 points/game ranks 3rd in Class 4A
11 INT ranks 2nd in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 11 INT / 5 FR = 16
Turnovers Lost: 7 INT / 3 Fumble = 10
Cale Cormaney — 5 INT ranks as most among the 4A playoff teams
Travel distance from Rampart HS to Ray Patterson Field is 114 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — LOVELAND
10-0 (5-0) — Longs Peak
HC: Wayne McGinn (6)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 QF
Playoff Record: 47-29
Championships: 2003, 2000, 1982, 1942, 1939, 1936
 
STAT LEADERS — LOVELAND
Passing: Riley Kinney (Sr) — 45-76, 981 yards, 6 TD, 4 INT
Rushing: Zach Weinmaster (Sr) — 1392 yards, 20 TD
Receiving: Cody Rakowsky (Sr) — 16 receptions, 260 yards, 1TD
Total TKL: Michael Deschene (Sr) — 95
Total TKL: Sean Boylan (Sr) — 67
TFL: Collin Morrison (Sr) — 14.0
Sacks: Collin Morrison (Sr) — 8.0
INT: Isaiah Meyers (Sr) — 4
INT: Zach Weinmaster (Sr) — 4
Kicking: Cody Rakowsky (Sr) — 1-2 FG, 50-52 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — LOVELAND
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Broomfield, Ralston Valley (5A), Skyline
323.5 rushing yards per game rank 1st in Class 4A
48 rushing TD rank 1st in Class 4A
40.0 scoring average ranks 2nd in Class 4A
432.9 total yards per game ranks 1st in Class 4A
4.8 points/game allowed ranks 1st in Class 4A
18 INT ranks 1st in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 18 INT / 9 FR = 27
Turnovers Lost: 4 INT / 1 Fumble = 5
Zach Weinmaster — 1392 rushing yards ranks 2nd in 4A
Zach Weinmaster — 20 rushing TD ranks 1st in 4A
Only postseason meeting between programs was the 2000 semifinals
 
 

Saturday, November 10, 100pm: (9) SKYLINE at (8) PUEBLO WEST

TEAM NOTES — SKYLINE
7-3 (4-1) — Longs Peak
HC: Mike Silva (4)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 R1
Playoff Record: 9-8
Championships: 1986
 
STAT LEADERS — SKYLINE
Passing: Chase Silva (So) — 148-208, 2196 yards, 24 TD, 5 INT
Rushing: Jeremy Hollingsworth (Sr) — 1351 yards, 17 TD
Receiving: Kyle West (Sr) — 73 receptions, 1183 yards, 9 TD
Total TKL: Ethan Drewes (Sr) — 80
Total TKL: Creighton Trembly (Jr) — 54
TFL: Will Drewes (Jr) — 6.5
Sacks: Kyle West (Sr) — 3.0
Kicking: Ben Kalashar (Sr) — 1-1 FG, 39-47 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — SKYLINE
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Mead (3A)
224.8 pass yards/game ranks 1st in Class 4A
27 passing TD ranks 1st in Class 4A
46.0 points/game ranks 1st in Class 4A
411.2 total yards/game ranks 2nd in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 4 INT / 8 FR = 12
Turnovers Lost: 6 INT / 4 Fumble = 10
Chase Silva — 219.6 passing yards/game ranks 2nd in 4A
Chase Silva — 24 passing TD ranks 1st in 4A
Kyle West — 1183 receiving yards ranks 1st in 4A
Kyle West — 73 receptions ranks 1st in 4A
Jack Wathen — 10 receiving TD ranks 2nd in 4A
Travel distance from Skyline HS to Cyclone Stadium is 168 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — PUEBLO WEST
8-2 (5-0) — Pikes Peak
HC: Clint Buderus (1)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 SF
Playoff Record: 8-8
Championships: 2007
 
STAT LEADERS — PUEBLO WEST
Passing: Chandler Mason (Jr) — 34-71, 479 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Kyle Jameson (Sr) — 670 yards, 12 TD
Receiving: Reece Bundy (Jr) — 21 receptions, 223 yards, 2 TD
Total TKL: Martin Trujillo (Sr) — 70
Total TKL: Jacob Lee (Sr) — 51
TFL: Martin Trujillo (Sr) — 7.0
Sacks: Dillon Derting (Jr) — 2.0
Kicking: Preston Gasperetti (Jr) — 0-2 FG, 23-27 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — PUEBLO WEST
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Pueblo East (3A), Rampart
9.4 points per game yielded ranks 2nd in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 4 INT / 2 FR = 6
Turnovers Lost: 3 INT / 3 Fumble = 6
First postseason meeting between two programs with 33 combined playoff appearances.
 
 

Saturday, November 10, 100pm: (13) CHATFIELD at (4) BROOMFIELD

TEAM NOTES — CHATFIELD
7-3 (4-1) — Jeffco
HC: Bret McGatlin (17)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 QF
Playoff Record: 15-14
Championships: 2001
 
STAT LEADERS — CHATFIELD
Passing: Zach Yanda (Sr) — 98-165, 1312 yards, 8 TD, 5 INT
Rushing: Hunter Barnes (Sr) — 1258 yards, 13 TD
Receiving: Malcolm Boyd (Jr) — 19 receptions, 259 yards, 1 TD
Total TKL: Colin Simcox (Jr) — 89
Total TKL: Anthony Johnston (Sr) — 76
TFL: Anthony Johnston (Sr) — 5.0
Sacks: Anthony Johnston (Sr) — 2.0
INT: Zach Yanda (Sr) — 2
Kicking: Charlie Wildermuth (Sr) — 6-9 FG, 40-42 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — CHATFIELD
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Rampart
402.2 total yards/game ranks 3rd in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 7 INT / 7 FR = 14
Turnovers Lost: 5 INT / 9 Fumble = 14
Charlie Wildermuth — 6 FG tied for most among 4A playoff participants
Travel distance from Chatfield HS to 1 Eagle Way is 34 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — BROOMFIELD
8-2 (4-1) — Northern
HC: Blair Hubbard (3)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 SF
Playoff Record: 39-33-1
Championships: 1984, 1983, 1981
 
STAT LEADERS — BROOMFIELD
Passing: Steven Croell (Sr) — 69-131, 1225 yards, 15 TD, 7 INT
Rushing: Dylan Torres (Sr) — 1154 yards, 19 TD
Receiving: Caden Peters (Jr) — 13 receptions, 280 yards, 5 TD
Total TKL: Hall Edmonds (So) — 84
Total TKL: Ryan Capasso (Sr) — 66
TFL: Ryan Capasso (Sr) — 12.0
Sacks: Ryan Capasso (Sr) — 9.0
INT: Trey Ortega (Jr) — 3
Kicking: Matthew Eich (So) — 4-7 FG, 34-37 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — BROOMFIELD
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Legacy (5A), Standley Lake, Longmont
Turnovers Forced: 7 INT / 4 FR = 11
Turnovers Lost: 7 INT / 6 Fumble = 13
Dylan Torres — 19 rushing TD ranks 2nd in Class 4A
Ryan Capasso — 9.0 sacks ranks 5th in Class 4A
First playoff meeting between two programs with 102 combined postseason games.
 
 

Saturday, November 10, 100pm: (12) LONGMONT at (5) PONDEROSA

TEAM NOTES — LONGMONT
7-3 (3-2) — Northern
HC: Doug Johnson (19)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 SF (3A)
Playoff Record: 51-30-1
Championships: 1991, 1990, 1989, 1955, 1954
 
STAT LEADERS — LONGMONT
Passing: Oakley Dehning (Sr) — 109-203, 1690 yards, 22 TD, 9 INT
Rushing: Drake Engelking (Sr) — 1349 yards, 19 TD
Receiving: Sage Yazzie (Jr) — 35 receptions, 577 yards, 11 TD
Total TKL: Brayden Engelking (Jr) — 62
Total TKL: Dylan Hassler (Sr) — 62
TFL: Dylan Hassler (Sr) — 7.0
Sacks: Telvin Townsend (Sr) — 4.5
INT: Cruz Garcia (Sr) — 4
Kicking: Cruz Garcia (Sr) — 0-1 FG, 24-29 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — LONGMONT
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Skyline
398.1 total yards per game ranks 4th in Class 4A
Oakley Dehning — 22 passing TD ranks 2nd in 4A
Drake Engelking — 19 rush TD ranks 2nd in 4A
Sage Yazzie — 11 receiving TD ranks 1st in 4A
Turnovers Forced: 7 INT / 7 FR = 14
Turnovers Lost: 5 INT / 9 Fumble = 14
Only postseason meeting between the two programs was in R1 of 1993 Class 5A playoffs
Travel distance from Longmont HS to EchoPark Stadium in Parker is 67 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — PONDEROSA
8-2 (5-0) — Metro
HC: Jaron Cohen (5)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 R1
Playoff Record: 13-21
Championships: 2003
 
STAT LEADERS — PONDEROSA
Passing: Dylan Hollowell (Sr) — 28-47, 367 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Koby Kercher (Sr) — 527 yards, 6 TD
Receiving: Joe Hufford (Jr) — 27 receptions, 412 yards, 5 TD
Total TKL: Ryder Blair (Sr) — 112
Total TKL: Ben Beecher (Jr) — 91
TFL: Ethan Waite (Sr) — 18.0
Sacks: Ethan Waite (Sr) — 9.0
INT: Mason Maggio (Sr) — 3
Kicking: Mat Waid (Sr) — 5-7 FG, 30-32 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — PONDEROSA
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Dakota Ridge, Montrose, Heritage
8 consecutive victories ranks as the second longest win streak in Class 4A
34.5 sacks is most recorded among 4A playoff teams
Ethan Waite — 18.0 TFL is 2nd in Class 4A
Turnovers Forced: 7 INT / 13 FR = 20
Turnovers Lost: 12 INT / 5 Fumble = 17
 
 

Saturday, November 10, 100pm: (14) STANDLEY LAKE at (3) GREELEY WEST

TEAM NOTES — STANDLEY LAKE
7-3 (4-1) — Pioneer
HC: Don Morse (19)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2017 R1
Playoff Record: 0-4
Championships: 0
 
STAT LEADERS — STANDLEY LAKE
Passing: Alex France (Sr) — 32-66, 702 yards, 11 TD, 4 INT
Rushing: Alex France (Sr) — 737 yards, 10 TD
Receiving: Tyler Williams (Sr) — 18 receptions, 467 yards, 6 TD
Total TKL: Alec Halbeisen (Sr) — 74
Total TKL: Matt Estrada (Sr) — 69
Sacks: Brady Kizer (Sr) — 9.0
INT: Alex France (Sr) — 3
Kicking: Kevin Ruzicka (Sr) — 1-1 FG, 32-36 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — STANDLEY LAKE
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: None
73 pass attempts is the least recorded by all 4A playoff qualifiers
301.7 rushing yards ranks 3rd in Class 4A
Brady Kizer — 9.0 sacks ranks 2nd among playoff participants
Turnovers Forced: 8 INT / 10 FR = 18
Turnovers Lost: 4 INT / 11 Fumble = 15
Travel distance from Standley Lake HS to District 6 Stadium in Greeley is 53 miles
 
TEAM NOTES — GREELEY WEST
8-2 (4-1) — Northern
HC: Jason Renouf (6)
Most recent playoff appearance: 2016 QF
Playoff Record: 11-14
Championships: 0
 
STAT LEADERS — GREELEY WEST
Passing: Jarod Clark (Sr) — 32-56, 399 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Derrick West (Sr) — 938 yards, 14 TD
Receiving: Joseph Piacenza (Sr) — 12 receptions, 224 yards, 2 TD
Kicking: Drake Holdren (Sr) — 4-9 FG, 32-33 PAT
 
EXTRA POINTS — GREELEY WEST
Wins vs. ‘18 postseason qualifiers: Chatfield, Longmont, Broomfield
This will be the first time Greeley West meets Standley Lake in the postseason