If you can imagine me rattling off and frisbee-flickin’ some sticky notes:

  • Each Class 4A quarterfinal is a first-time meeting in 2018.
  • Three of the eight teams are making return appearances in the quarterfinals.
  • Five of eight programs are seeking their first-ever playoff win over their opponents.
  • Two teams will travel over 300 miles.
  • Bird mascots play each other.
  • Horse mascots play each other.
  • Both of the Indians are competing in the quarterfinals.  Not against each other.

One guy is about to share some more notes with timely quotes in order to preview this next round of Class 4A football postseason games.
 

Friday, November 16, 630pm: (6) MONTROSE at (3) GREELEY WEST

After their 26-14 first round victory over Dakota Ridge, the quality win total over playoff teams for this Montrose (10-1) squad is now six. The Indians’ 320 mile ride over the Divide represents the longest possible travel distance between any two squads in the entire 16-team playoff field.
Head coach Brett Mertens is looking for a focused start after the long trip. Another key on Mertens’ is for his team to earn the edge in turnover security and opportunity against an exceptionally athletic, 3-seed in Greeley. The Indians went 2:2 last weekend — which updates their 2018 turnover ratio to plus-3.
Long-strider QB Jarod Clark broke free in the 4th quarter for 74 yards and the game-winning touchdown in a 35-31 Round One win over Standley Lake. Clark, RB Derrick West and multiple ball-carrier options will try to run Greeley West (9-2) into the semifinals for the first time in ten seasons.
The most recent postseason meeting between the two programs was 2011.
The last playoff victory for Montrose over Greeley West was 1979.
 

Saturday, November 17, 100pm:  (1) PINE CREEK at (9) SKYLINE

“This is the first time we have ever played, so that is always fun.” Knuckles to head coach Todd Miller for the game note before this unique bird battle.
Pine Creek (10-1) shut out Heritage, 58-0, in Round One. LB Sammy Miller and DL Gio Long are mentioned among defenders amping up their execution in October and November. The Eagles defense has allowed six touchdowns in their previous five contests — including two shutouts. Meanwhile, junior WR Max Lofy and junior QB Gavin Herberg have been steadily increasing their quality of play for an offense that has posted 40-plus points in the last five games.
“They’ve kind of run the roost in 4A. That’s who they are. We know what that brings.” That is the respectful reality from head coach Mike Silva. Skyline (8-3) held off Pueblo West, 32-23, last weekend to bank their first playoff win since 1999 and earn this quarterfinal meeting with the 1-seed in the 2018 bracket.
Sophomore QB Chase Silva and the Big Three — RB Jeremy Hollingsworth, WR Kyle West, and WR Jack Wathen — will have to optimize their efficiency as the highest scoring offense in Class 4A. LB Ethan Drewes and junior LB Will Drewes are noted among Falcons defenders who must match the physical play of a perennial power.

Saturday, November 17, 100pm:  (5) PONDEROSA at (13) CHATFIELD

And now the Pondo’ streak is at nine consecutive victories — including three straight over playoff teams.
Ponderosa (9-2) surged past Longmont, 50-20, in the 1st round. QB Dylan Hollowell has been on target with his productive group of receivers — especially WR Joe Hufford. A confident and opportunistic defense led by LB Ryder Blair and DE Ethan Waite has allowed a total of two 1st half touchdowns in the last four games.
“Chatfield is an excellent program with a lot of stuff for us to prepare for. It will be a dog fight for sure.” — Mustangs head coach Jaron Cohen
Bret McGatlin at Chatfield (8-3) notes that his defense — which returned zero starters from 2017 — has been playing well. They allowed a combined two touchdowns in their previous three games. Another defensive-themed stats from the head coach: The two interceptions snagged by QB Zack Yanda in the 10-7 win over Broomfield last week give him 4 INT in two games played on defense — both versus playoff teams.
“The Playoffs is like Christmas to me. It’s fun.” — McGatlin
Ponderosa and Chatfield last played each other in 2009. The two programs have never met in the postseason.
 

Saturday, November 17, 100pm: (7) FRUITA MONUMENT at (2) LOVELAND

“Our offensive line will have to play great as both, us and Loveland, want to run the ball and chew up clock.” — Fruita Monument (9-2) head coach Cameron Ross
The Wildcats have recorded more rushing attempts than any other team in Class 4A. RB Treyton Queen and RB Cason Gisner have combined for 32 total touchdowns and nearly 2500 rushing and receiving yards for an offense commanded by QB Zach Rush. After solving the 3rd-ranked passing offense of Grand Junction Central in their 31-14 victory in the first round, the strong Fruita defense —  led by DE Kaden Jolley, junior LB Max Belshe, and junior S Denim Luster — now chases the most productive rushing offense in Class 4A.
Loveland (11-0) has now outscored four playoff squads in 2018 by combined totals of 155-45.
LB Michael Deschene, LB Sean Boylan, junior LB Colby Mauck fuel an Indians defense that has given the least points and collected the most turnovers in Class 4A.
These two programs have met in the postseason four times — including the 2003 and 2000 championship games. Loveland has won all four playoff battles.