In the spotlight.
Colorado’s Class 3A (601-1,200 students) has its quirks. It has the fewest teams (40) of the 5A-2A divisions and the greatest enrollment range of any of the seven classifications. Over the past 20 years, many of the state’s new schools have begun in 3A. Roosevelt understands the spotlightcoach Ed Eastin has the RoughRiders practice under the lights once per week.
Key matchup.
A must for the RoughRiders is stopping or containing Jordan Major, Berthoud’s quarterback, who has been stellar the past month operating the rushing attack and taking advantage of defenses that foolishly stack the box, then surrender big gains in the air. Major has accounted for nearly 1,300 yards total offense. Roosevelt’s strength has been on defense and special teams that have forced turnovers and scored while its offense continues to sputter.
Coaching:
Eastin is in his 13th season with the RoughRiders after 25 at Caliche. “We’ve scrimmaged them the past couple of years, and I’m glad to see them,” he said of the matchup with the Spartans. Berthoud boss Dan McGinn is in his eighth season in command after 17 as an assistant and four others as a player.
Compiled by Neil H. Devlin
Game facts
Who: Roosevelt RoughRiders (4-0, 3-0 Tri-Valley League), ranked No. 8 in The Denver Post/9News Class 3A poll, vs. Berthoud Spartans (4-0, 3-0), 3A’s No. 1
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where: Max Marr Stadium, 850 Spartan Ave., Berthoud
Historical perspective: The Spartans have won nine games in a row, and 16 of 18, including last year’s state championship, their first. Included was a four-game playoff run, which also accounted for Berthoud’s first playoff victories since 1985. In 2006, the Spartans were 10-0, then lost in the first round. The RoughRiders, meanwhile, rival the Spartans as the talk of 3A. In moving up from 2A, Roosevelt has delivered in a blistering start in the Tri-Valley, historically one of 3A’s top groups.
