WHERE
Gaskill Field, at Limon High School, 874 F Ave., Limon
WHERE THE TEAMS STAND
Burlington Cougars (4-0 overall, 2-0 South Central League), ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News Class 1A poll, vs. Limon Badgers (4-0, 2-0), 1A’s No. 1
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Limon, the three-time defending 1A champion, will be putting its 43-game winning streak on the line against another power on Colorado’s Eastern Plains that had big success in 2A before dropping down.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sweet, innocent small-school ball and the right side of the state should bask in the glow. Also, Limon agrees Burlington is its biggest bump in the road to surpassing 8-man Stratton’s 48 victories in a row (1992-96).
KEY MATCHUP
Limon must deal with Burlington running back and linebacker Brian Hendricks, clearly the most feared player in 1A. He’s a punishing runner with breakaway capabilities and a mobile wall on defense. Meanwhile, Burlington knows better than to underestimate the 16 new starters for the Badgers, who have logged major playing time during blowouts over the years and made the adjustment to becoming front-liners. Limon’s offense also is balanced.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
A combined 26 titles is about as good as it can get in one state game. Limon has won the most championships (17), including six in a row (1963-68). It also is two victories from tying Longmont (45 in succession, 1988-92) for tops in 11-man football. For Burlington, its nine titles include a great run the past decade, trophies in 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001.
COACHSPEAK
“I really don’t know if (the Cougars) have any holes. … They’ve always been so solid in 2A and it just makes them that much more dominating when they come down into 1A.” – Mike O’Dwyer, Limon
“(The Badgers) are solid top to bottom. (Their coach) does a great job; they’re so sound fundamentally. Our kids know the Limon kids. They’re trying to make a place in history.” – Glynn Higgs, Burlington
