Montrose – Grand Junction jumped on Western Slope rival Montrose early Saturday and cruised to a 41-25 Class 4A state quarterfinals victory.
Running back Kris Means ran for two touchdowns, Justin Murray returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown and linebacker Tucker Neilson ran an interception back 89 yards as the Tigers (12-0) went up 27-3 at halftime.
“Our offensive line and defensive lines both played well,” Grand Junction coach Shawn Marsh said. “It was a good game. Montrose was well-prepared and had a great crowd. We had a great time.”
Tigers quarterback Isaiah Quigley rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown and threw for 65 yards. Defensively, the Tigers limited Indians standout Tyler Rawlings to just 79 yards rushing and no receptions.
Grand Junction will host Ralston Valley (9-3), which blasted Greeley West 49-14 on Friday to advance to its first state semifinal.
Montrose (9-3), in the postseason for the first time since 1991 under the direction of first-year coach Todd Casebier, got 82 yards rushing from fullback Quinton Haynes and 183 yards passing from quarterback Landon Hornbeck. Hornbeck, who was picked off twice, ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and threw a 10-yard strike to Preston Neill.
