Playing against Thompson Valley’s defense this season is akin to unleashing a plague of locusts.
The Eagles run, attack in swarms and try to strip the ball on nearly every play.
This diminutive group, which began the season with no defenders weighing more than 200 pounds, has parlayed its speed and ball-hawking mentality into one of Class 4A’s stoutest defenses.
But perhaps even more effective – and appreciated by the players – are the big hits generated by this freewheeling horde.
“That’s what I go for,” linebacker Brian McWethy said, “to lay a smack on a guy.”
Playing in the postseason for the first time since 1989, Thompson Valley (9-2) will test its defensive mettle Saturday against Foothills League powerhouse Pueblo South (11-0).
The Eagles have leaned on their defense all season, which has produced enough turnovers and set up favorable field position for the offense to be effective.
“We’ve got really hard-nosed, good kids that love to work,” said coach Clint Fick, a 1980 graduate of Thompson Valley who led Faith Christian to a 3A state title in 1998. “Physically, there are very few teams this year we’ve played that we’re bigger than or faster than.”
The Eagles have allowed just 110 points in 11 games this season and have posted four shutouts.
Linebackers McWethy, Clint Pepperd, linemen Joe Vodjansky, Jared Jay and defensive back and special-teams wizard Matt Schinke have been the lifeblood of the Eagles’ meteoric rise.
Thompson Valley’s base defense is a 4-3 that will switch to a 4-4 and 3-4 at times to create chaos.
“Our goal is to shut the other team out,” McWethy said. “It’s possible every game if we play perfect.”
In a 26-20 overtime victory over Loveland in Week 7, the 6-foot, 198-pound McWethy knocked Indians quarterback Beau Leyba out of the game with a crushing hit.
“He’s got as much out of his natural physical ability as any player I’ve probably coached,” Fick said of McWethy. “He’s a great leader. If he had another inch or two and another 20 pounds, he’s probably a Division I player.”
Schinke ran a punt back 75 yards for a touchdown against Loveland, had a 53-yard interception return against Greeley West and ran a kickoff back 70 yards in Saturday’s 14-6 preliminary-round victory over Pine Creek.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” Fick said. “I just hope we can live up to the expectations.”
CLASS 4A QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS
Grand Junction (11-0) at Montrose (9-2)
Pure bliss on the Western Slope – the Indians at home and the Tigers travel only 60 miles.
Montrose celebrated the end of its 14-year playoff drought with a narrow victory last week over Littleton in a game the Indians won by forcing turnovers and riding talented back Tyler Rawlings. The Tigers must contain Rawlings and match Montrose’s effort on the line.
The Tigers remain balanced on offense (Isaiah Quigley, Kris Means, Justin Murray) without two-way playmaker Mark Novotny (knee). Grand Junction can run, pass long and throw screens, which will keep the Indians on their toes.
Grand Junction beat Montrose 35-14 in Week 8.
Greeley West (9-2) at Ralston Valley (8-3)
Contain is the name of this Friday night game.
Ralston Valley will try to control the clock running the ball (Clayton Cammon, Derek Gonzales, Blake Rice) and can throw (Preston Silvey) comfortably when needed – primarily to the backs in the slot. The Spartans’ defense is big and experienced and must limit long drives.
The Spartans have a nice balance of run (Blake Morgan, Seth Budde) and pass (Rex Morgan, Seth Bunting). The Mustangs’ defense must prevent the Morgans from ringing up some big plays.
This is the first time these programs have met.
Pueblo South (11-0) at Thompson Valley (9-2)
Which defense is the toughest?
Thompson Valley’s running offense is effective (Rayne Rule), although at times predictable. The Colts will have to stay home to counter the misdirection and be especially stout in short-field situations – the Eagles’ specialty.
The Colts focus on running (Steven O’Dorisio) off unbalanced lines and proved last week against Dakota Ridge they can throw the ball in a pinch. The Eagles’ defense will enjoy this test and must not give up the big plays as it did against Greeley West.
The Eagles were last in the playoffs in 1989, while the Colts are looking for their third straight trip to the 4A semifinals.
ThunderRidge (11-0) at Monarch (10-1)
What would the playoffs be without these two meeting?
The Coyotes (Wade Landow- ski, Rocky Borgstrom) remain a power running team not afraid to go four downs to move the chains and consume the clock behind its huge line (Levi Salmans). ThunderRidge’s defense (James Tucker, Brendan Nelson) has been outstanding against the run this season, which would put Monarch in deep trouble.
The Grizzlies’ running game is more versatile and quicker. The fullback trap (Nick Lind) remains the nucleus, drawing defenses in for Kyle Black and Mike Coffey to burst outside. Monarch’s defense has the size up front to absorb a pounding, but the linebackers and secondary must stick every tackle because they don’t have the speed to catch the Grizzlies.
ThunderRidge crushed Monarch 50-29 last season on its way to winning the state title.
