“It’s the typical Platte (Canyon) team against the typical Kent Denver team,” Platte Canyon Huskies coach Mike Schmidt said.
Yes, it is. So expect no surprises for The Denver Post game of the week Saturday in Bailey. Actually, the unpredictable weather that blows through the canyon comes with more variables.
The visiting Sun Devils (4-2) will bring offensive balance and they’ve faced better competition through six weeks, including a 23-13 victory against defending state champion Faith Christian, but that’s about it.
Every other reference involves similarities.
Since 2004, Kent Denver is 52-22, Platte Canyon 55-20.
In the past seven head-to-head matchups, Kent Denver holds a 4-3 edge. A year ago, the Huskies (6-0) won in the regular season (21-14), and the Sun Devils did likewise in the state semifinals, 42-21.
“There are things we both bring to the table,” Kent Denver coach Scott Yates said.
The Sun Devils will mix it up more when they have the ball — senior quarterback Richard Yates has nine touchdown passes, and Matt Florence averages 7 yards per carry and has scored seven touchdowns — and their defense is permitting 12 points an outing.
“The only teams that have scored any (real) points on us were pretty good,” Coach Yates said, also pointing to 2A power Florence and 3A Silver Creek.
As for Platte Canyon, a roster only 23 strong is executing its double-wing attack to the tune of 213 points. Never mind opponents know it’s coming.
“When you’re playing them, all conventional things go out the window,” Yates said. “That’s part of the beauty of their system. It’s like (Colorado State) playing Air Force. You can work on defending the option, but you have to use different techniques.”
Mikey Gunkel has emerged as the Huskies’ top rusher with 573 yards. In just 25 pass attempts, Michael Clark has completed 19 for five touchdowns.
