The 8-man football schedule provides some key showdowns in Week 6 and there are two top-10 clashes among them.
**
(8) Akron at (1) Haxtun
Haxtun will see another tough opponent this week after shutting out 6-man’s Fleming last week. The Bulldogs have already topped som impressive squads like Holly and Mancos this year. Both Michael Gerk and Ryland Wolff rushed for over 100 yards and they combined to score three touchdown last week to beat Fleming.
Akron played its worst game of the year last week in a loss to Holly. Ryan McCaffrey was intercepted four times and will likely clean up some mistakes this week. Anderson Fillo rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns and could see an increased workload against the defending state champion.
Sanford at Dove Creek
This is another game that could have big implications in the playoff seeding criteria. Dove Creek remains undefeated and has really looked dominant all year. In last week’s win over Monticello (Utah) Gage Buffington, Kendall Gardner and Kade Hankins all rushed for over 100 yards.
Sanford has only been dealt one loss and will try to avoid its second. Since losing to Simla, the Mustangs have outscored their opponents 112-28.
Calhan at Simla
The Cubs are another squad looking to get out of Week 6 without having suffered a loss. Wins over Sanford and Sedgwick County in recent weeks have given them some validity as a top-level 8-man team. That win against Sedgwick County came right before the bye week so the team should be healthy and rested for its key stretch of the regular season. Sophomore quarterback Caston Cox has thrown for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Sargent at (4) Mancos
The Bluejays rebounded from its loss to Haxtun a few weeks ago with a 62-6 thumping of Whitehorse (Utah) last week. They’ll look to ride that momentum in its league opener against Sargent. Ayden Mathews threw for four touchdowns in that win and will try to have another big week in Week 6.
Soroco at (5) West Grand
The Mustangs have held three of their four opponents scoreless this season and have been an under-the-radar team in the 8-man ranks. In last week’s 46-0 win over Elbert, Wyatt Howell rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns while Wyatt Shearer added three rushing touchdowns of his own.
Fowler at (6) Crowley County
Crowley County has a chance to jump out to a fast start in league play as it takes on winless Fowler. Against Las Animas last week, Dillon Buford rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown and if the strong running attack continues, the Chargers could be a tough team to beat in the regular season.
(7) Lyons 56, Byers 14 (Thursday)
Lyons jumped out to an early lead to rolled to a big win Thursday night. The Lions are now 5-0 this season.
Las Animas at (9) Holly
The Wildcats have a chance to get their third straight win and start league play 1-0 if they can beat Las Animas on Friday. They rushed for 370 total yards in last week’s win over St. Mary’s. Daunte Maldonado led that effort with 89 yards and a touchdown.
