There’s really no debate about who’s been carrying their football teams to hot starts in Colorado’s small-school ranks.
Several, in fact, have taken control of the microphone — so to speak — and put everyone on notice as to what the rest of this fall may look like.
A few players from top-ranked squads who have kicked off their campaigns loudly, followed by some games to keep an eye on this week:
6-man
Gabe Sintas, Primero: The Bulldogs have demolished their two opponents so far by outscoring foes 141-38, and the junior Sintas already has eight touchdown receptions and 254 yards. All five of his receptions in a Week 1 win over Walsh went for scores.
8-man
Trevan Ivie, Dove Creek: Helping the Bulldogs outlast Plateau Valley (36-12) and Rangely (22-20, OT) in the first two week, the junior Ivie has racked up five sacks. He had five total sacks between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Class 1A
Eli Schuknecht, Buena Vista: The Demons have scratched out two victories this year by an average of 4.5 points, but part of that has been because of the ability to control the clock with the run game. Schuknecht, a junior, has toted the rock 41 times for 404 yards (9.9 yards per carry) to go along with four touchdowns.
Class 2A
Skyler Streicher, Berthoud: The Spartans (1-1) are second in MaxPreps’ 2A rankings despite losing to 3A Thompson Valley in Week 1, 14-7, and the senior Streicher has done nothing but toss bullets so far this year in his return to the team’s starting QB slot. He’s racked up 566 yards passing with four touchdowns in two games.
Top billing
La Junta at Strasburg, Friday, 7 p.m.
Under the lights on Friday night, the two undefeated programs will clash for the first time in the MaxPreps era as Strasburg rises in to the 2A ranks this year. Senior Rylan Schmidt has helped the Tigers put up 116 points in two games, while SHS sophomore Ayden Dodge has fronted the Indians’ attack.
Manual at Denver West, Saturday, 11 a.m.
The Thunderbolts and Cowboys take over All-City Stadium early Saturday, and DWHS is looking to go to 3-0 for the second consecutive season and beat Manual (1-0) for the fourth straight time. Last year’s game was a doozy with the Cowboys winning, 40-36.
Mancos at Merino, Saturday, 1 p.m.
What do you do when you want a marquee matchup but your programs are on complete opposite ends of the state? Why, you meet in the middle, of course. These teams will caravan to Fairplay for an 8-man tussle between playoff teams (Mancos are the defending 8-man champs). Both teams are 1-1 this season and the Blujays are hoping to beat the Rams for a fifth straight time and sixth time in seven games since they picked up the series in 2018.
