WHERE
Hornets Nest, Pueblo County High School, 1050 Lane 35, Pueblo.
WHERE THE TEAMS STAND
Florence Huskies (4-0, 1-0), ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News Class 3A poll vs. Pueblo County Hornets (4-0, 1-0), 3A’s No. 1, in the 3A South Metro League.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
As they hit midseason, Pueblo County and Florence have maintained their preseason rankings. However, there’s much work to be done. After their head-to-head matchup, the rest of the top-heavy South Metro awaits for the stretch run. Friday’s winner will say “Whew!” and gladly take a leg up.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Mid-range 11-man football, particularly for southern teams, is mainly smashmouth, and the Hornets and Huskies are card-carrying members of the Fight Club – they want to slug it out and see who’s left standing. Pueblo County coach Jeff Wilson said one of his seven two-way starters volunteered to be the wedge-buster on kickoff coverage. “You have to love that,” Wilson said.
KEY MATCHUP
Very nice 3A skill players such as Pueblo County’s Joe Pullara and Florence’s Bret Leader should figure heavily in the outcome, but games of this ilk usually are decided up front, where the Hornets average about 230 pounds, heavy for the class. The Huskies realize gaining at least a draw across the lines is a must. “We’re going to put some extra air in our helmets,” 23-year Florence head coach Mark Buderus said.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
A year ago, Pueblo County gutted out a 7-6 victory over the Huskies, ending their 15-game winning streak in league and knocking down the 2004 state champions. Florence, which moved to 3A in 2002 (and may drop to 1A in 2008), had won the previous four meetings with the Hornets by totaling 159 points.
