Hoehne (10-1) at Dayspring Christian (10-0), Brazleton Field, Saturday, 1 p.m. It’s a classic matchup of size versus speed. The Farmers and Eagles are in the semifinals for a second straight year, but this will be the first time they’ve met. . . . Hoehne’s brand of power football has been devastating, including its last two playoff wins against perennial 8-man powers Haxtun and Stratton. The Farmers have thrown the ball less than 50 times this season. . . . The Eagles’ high-flying offense, led by QB Jared Sanderford, will test every facet of the Farmers’ defense.
Merino (10-1) at Caliche (9-2), Saturday, 1 p.m. The Buffs, who spent much of the early part of the decade the laughingstock of the Plains League, have rebounded with great fervor. . . . Caliche RB Derek Weingardt is the heart and soul of a team looking for payback against the defending champion Rams, who won the regular-season game 30-28. . . . The staple of Merino is not only its depth but a quality defense. The Rams will have to be at their best against the Buffs, who have scored 87, 63 and 63 in the past three weeks.
Jon E. Yunt, The Denver Post
