WHERE
Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch
WHERE THE TEAMS STAND
Douglas County Huskies (7-0 overall and in Continental League), ranked No. 1 in The Denver Post/9News Class 5A poll vs. Mountain Vista Golden Eagles (6-1, 6-1), 5A’s No. 8
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Huskies, defending 5A champions, can turn 21 (as in victories in succession). They haven’t lost since the 2005 opener and can clinch the Continental title with a victory. Conversely, a triumph by the Golden Eagles forges a tie with one game to play.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Douglas County, the area as opposed to the specific school, is the reigning Colorado power in the top two classes – nearby district member ThunderRidge has won back-to-back 4A crowns.
KEY MATCHUP
New to 5A, the Golden Eagles will be taking on one of the classification’s top offensive units as well as its leader in defense. While the skill on both sides is good, with Douglas County’s Kieffer Garton and Ryan Misare, and Mountain Vista’s Danny Beck and Eric Longoria, the Golden Eagles realize handling the Huskies up front is their prime directive.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
It will be their first meeting. The 2005 Huskies won their first state title last season. Including their last loss, they have outscored the opposition by an average of 39-15 over 21 games. The next 2006 victory for Mountain Vista, 24-32 in its sixth year, would match its season high, set in 2005.
COACHSPEAK
“(The Golden Eagles) are a very solid team and do a good job mixing the run and pass.”
– Jeff Ketron, Douglas County coach
“(The Huskies) are exceptionally balanced, a very confident group. They have big-play capability and also the ability to grind it out. … It makes it tough.”
– Ric Cash, Mountain Vista coach
