In the spotlight.
There is a strong suspicion that 2A, the state’s midrange, is top heavy and poised to justify it with next week’s opening of the playoffs. The Tigers and Eagles are undefeated; top-ranked Florence has lost only to an upper-class program, and two others, Kent Denver and Grand Valley, also have one loss. Plus, Erie-Faith Christian to cap the regular season is a welcome gauge that may occur again over the next couple of weeks.
Key matchup.
It’s 2A, so stopping the run is the first objective. In this case, Erie has a large front in front of Alex Ortega (27 rushing touchdowns) and Mike Chambers in a well-run, double-wing set that has rolled this season. It’s up to the Faith Christian defense, featuring Andy Anderson, Richard Rush and Jayson Spitzer, to stop the run and Erie from eating the clock.
Coaching.
Erie’s Larry Gartrell has been in command since 1995 and won a state title (1A) in 1997. He is 70-65. Faith Christian’s Blair Hubbard is in his 10th season and is 95-17. He has two state titles (2004, 2006).
Compiled by Neil H. Devlin
Game facts
Who: Erie Tigers (9-0 overall, 6-0 Flatirons League), ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News Class 2A poll vs. Faith Christian Eagles (9-0, 6-0), 2A’s No. 4
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Where: Faith Christian, 4890 Carr St., Arvada
Historical perspective: The public vs. private fixation in 2A is in its third year. In 2006, Colorado’s only football class predominant in schools of choice realigned its leagues after the old — some suddenly deemed it selective — Metropolitan League collected the previous four titles. A breakup ensued, although former Metro member Faith Christian won it all as an inaugural Flatirons member in 2006. The Eagles have landed Flatirons foe Erie twice. Two years ago, Faith Christian whipped the visiting Tigers 36-0, then blanked them 14-0 at their new school in 2007.
