Class 4A First Round
Weekend state playoff lineup by Neil H. Devlin. In bracket order; seeds and records in parenthesis:
(16) Loveland (7-2) at (1) Ralston Valley (10-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., North Area Athletic Complex
What’s up? Nothing new here — Loveland coach John Poovey has been turning out winning teams for 30 years. Loveland quarterback Collin Klein, bound for Kansas State, one of the state’s top multi-sporters. Ralston Valley’s main man is QB Cameron Wright. Another semifinals showing, after 2006, won’t be good enough.
What’s next? Loveland got in despite playing only nine games and opens with the early favorite.
(9) Monarch (9-1) at (8) G. Washington (6-4)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m., All-City Stadium
What’s up? Monarch won the earlier nonleaguer, 48-7, at midseason. There probably was the most haggling here as far as playing Friday or Saturday — it was the last of the round’s 38 games to be designated. Visiting Coyotes as basic and sound as ever, running back Cale Soole the main ball-carrier. Host Patriots hope to untrack their ground game with Joe Harris and Ken Henderson, and get its lines going.
What’s next? Fellow city members TJ and East have had recent success against the suburbs. Pats now get their turn.
(13) Pine Creek (8-2) at (4) Cherokee Trail (10-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Legacy Stadium
What’s up? Visiting Eagles dropped their opener, then reeled off eight victories in nine games. Pine Creek has the J.J. show — quarterback Jake Roberson and running back James Colvin account for most of the offensive production. Host Cougars, set to join 5A next season, would like nothing more than to bring a title with them. Antoine Jones heads balanced rushing; Gabe Walsh puts the air in passing attack.
What’s next? Eagles quite capable of advancement; Cherokee Trail in the midst of reaching new heights.
(12) ThunderRidge (8-2) at (5) Air Academy (9-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., District 20 Soccer Stadium
What’s up? Before heading into 5A in 2008, ThunderRidge has a chance to punctuate one of the great runs on the next-to-highest level. T-Ridge’s Grizzlies, led by the 1-2 rushing punch of Alex Grado and Chris Nwoke, are 96-17 since 1999. The Kadets, who stumbled only once, against undefeated Pueblo South, feature quarterback Brennan Price in a balanced approach. Kadets also have their most victories since 1998.
What’s next? Grizzlies have been a huge pain to southern-area teams on their assorted playoff runs. Kadets wouldn’t mind some payback.
(14) Longmont (7-3) at (3) Pueblo South (10-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Dutch Clark Stadium
What’s up? Trojans lost their chance at the Northern title in Week 9, then recovered by downing Thompson Valley. Nice bloodlines for coach Doug Johnson, whose brother is ThunderRidge coach Joe. Jake Johnson (no relation) and Beau Brittenham have accounted for 20 touchdowns. Host Colts in the playoffs for the 10th consecutive time and have won 53 of 56 Foothills games. Their search for a title begins with quarterback Tony Medina, who has had a hand in 22 touchdowns.
What’s next? Trojans long for glory days of the 1980s and early 1990s; Colts keep knocking at championship door.
(11) Dakota Ridge (8-2) at (6) Pueblo West (8-2)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m., Cyclone Stadium
What’s up? The visiting Eagles love offense and run a fun brand with Eric Cain, Zach Erfurdt and Andrew Melton at the front. Dakota Ridge’s survival of the rugged Mountain Plains League can’t hurt. Cyclones, who have a player named Hans Ask, have been making other names for themselves by losing only 24-21 in the season opener to preseason No. 1 Pueblo County and downing Fountain-Fort Carson in Week 9. Hosts’ Justin Jackson averaging nearly 10 yards per carry.
What’s next: Eagles capable vs. relatively newer group trying to further establishing its tradition.
(10) Fountain-Ft. Carson (9-1) at (7) Montrose (6-4)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
What’s up? Military-based Trojans know all about tough road trips. Will Paddock the team’s leader. He carried the load while younger backs and linemen grew into their jobs. Be advised, Indians’ Kirk English a premier, skilled, two-way back. Montrose opened by downing defending state champ Wheat Ridge in OT. What’s up? Fountain-Fort Carson hoping to use superior conditioning and depth. Meanwhile, Indians, who had an ambitious schedule, hope it pays off.
(15) Sierra (8-2) at (2) Broomfield (10-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium
What’s up? Visiting Stallions from Colorado Springs, 3-7 a year ago, are here for the first time since 1998. Take a bow, coach Joe Reskam, who has harnessed Sierra’s usual speed and quickness. As for counterpart Gary Davies, celebrating his 20th year, he probably will win his 200th game sometime next season. Ryland Snow closing in on 2,000 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns.
What’s next? It’s the upstart against the longtime, stable power.
