As we looked at the attractive Saturday football schedule, Colorado Preps found at least 11 games that will factor into the various playoff chases across the state. The list includes three important top 10 clashes in Class 2A and a major battle on the Eastern border in Class 1A. There’s also a long-time rivalry in eight man and the annual Cannon Game in Class 3A. PHOTO BY ANGIE PURDY.
Updates of games in progress and final scores will be available throughout the day on our Football Scoreboard. Updates can be sent to us by text to 970.380.7737, by email to [email protected] or by clicking on the Report button below each game on the scoreboard. Please note the time/quarter of the game when sending us updates and thanks for your help in advance.
Pueblo East at Pueblo South: The annual Cannon Game carries playoff importance again this year as both the Eagles and Colts seek a spot in the Class 3A bracket. Due to COVID issues, South has played just one game but they were very impressive in blowing past Pueblo Centennial 41-0 in week three. The lack of games though has hurt their RPI numbers as the Colts are not included in the top 16 in today’s release. However, they were 6th in the Colorado Preps consensus rankings early this week so they’re much alive for a post-season berth. Pueblo East has opposite numbers. They’re #11 in RPI but are not included in the top 13 of the consensus polls. Due to an early season loss to Canon City, the Eagles likely must remain their remaining three games, including today, to become a playoff team.
Evergreen at Durango: Finally playing their home opener, the biggest question for Durango is the status of QB Jordan Woolverton. He was hurt in last week’s win over Pueblo County and did not play in the second half. If Wolverton is out, the Demons will turn to Ben Finnesmith who led the more ground-oriented offensive attack in the second half a week ago. Evergreen has won two straight games, but only sits #15 in RPI so they need a win to remain playoff contenders. Durango is #3 in RPI.
Lamar at Pagosa Springs: Should be a great battle with the winner moving to the top of the Southern standings. Each team has been very strong in racing to 3-0 leads and the survivor could move very close to nailing down a top four playoff seed and play at home in round one. Pagosa Springs will look to control the football with their running game and keep the explosive Savages offense off the field. The Savages are #4 in RPI standings released this morning and Pagosa Springs #7.
University at Resurrection Christian: A second top 10 clash in Class 2A that will impact the playoff chase. Resurrection Christian sits number one in the coaches’ poll and is favored. Their defense has not allowed a point through three games this year. This game will also boost their RPI number as they’re 9th in those rankings. University is coming off a solid win over Severance that kept them in the playoff chase. They’re hoping to control time of possession after running for 320 yards and two scores last week.
Eaton at Brush: The Beetdiggers are playing their second game in five days; having lost at Berthoud in overtime on Tuesday night. That loss dropped them to 1-2 on the season so they’re likely in a must win situation the rest of the way to crack open a playoff berth. Eaton is 2-1 with a narrow loss to Sterling as their only blemish. The Reds must also avoid looking past one long-time rival to another as they have Platte Valley lined up for week five. Brush is #11 in RPI standings announced today with Eaton #12.
Berthoud at Severance: Colorado Preps believes that seven of the eight playoff berths in Class 2A are very close to being locked up. The Spartans and Silver Knights are two of the six teams battling for that last remaining berth; joining Woodland Park, University, Valley and Brush. Woodland Park was upset by Moffat County and Valley fell to Sterling on Friday while University and Brush are also underdogs in Saturday games. That means the winner of this one will gain valuable ground in the playoff chase. Berthoud is 2-0 and coming off an overtime win over Brush on Tuesday; the Silver Knights suffered their first loss to University last week.
Holyoke at Wray: Easily the most important game in Class 1A this week as it’s the only contest pitting two top 10 teams on the same field. Both clubs are unbeaten and the winner steps forward as the top challenger to Limon in the North Central race. Regardless of outcome, both teams will remain strong playoff contenders. The Dragons are #2 in the Colorado Preps consensus rankings and are a top three club in three of the four major polling outlets. Wray is 4th in the consensus poll including a number two spot in the Packard rankings.
Merino at Haxtun: The Rams head on the road in search of a fourth straight win to open the season. If that happens, they set up a huge showdown with top ranked Sedgwick County this week. A win also boosts their playoff hopes as they’re ranked seventh in eight man when all four polls are combined. Haxtun has two losses but both are quality (Sedgwick County & Holly) plus they have a win over Dayspring Christian. A win gives them a good chance for a top two finish in the Plains conference.
West Grand at Gilpin County: Gilpin County looks to keep pace with Rangely atop the Northwest standings but must get by the tradition rich Mustangs. West Grand has a loss to Rangely on their resume already this year so a league crown is only within reach if they win this game and then Gilpin County knocks off Rangely later in the season. Neither team is the top 14 of the Colorado Preps consensus polls so both likely need to win their remaining games to be in the playoff chase.
Prairie at North Park: Both teams sit at 2-1 on the season with each falling short to top ranked Fleming. The Mustangs fell to the Wildcats 32-8 last week but battled them to a scoreless tie at halftime while controlling time of possession. North Park suffered a couple of key injuries early in their 56-6 loss to Fleming in week two. Playoff wise, North Park probably needs the win a bit more. They were 13th in the Colorado Preps consensus polls this week with Prairie a very solid fourth.
Mountain Valley at La Veta: Mountain Valley has played just one game but the Indians are very much in the six-man playoff picture. They’re seventh in the current RPI standings released today and were also seventh in the Colorado Preps consensus rankings from Thursday. La Veta was outscored 120-13 in two opening losses but then cruised by Cripple Creek 60-12 last week.
