When hosts Erie in the Class 3A title game on Saturday at the Air Force Academy, the focal points for each team will be markedly different.
The Bears are defined by Colorado’s top quarterback recruit in junior Ty Evans (3,318 yards and 39 touchdowns passing), while the Tigers are led by the state’s leading rusher in junior Noah Roper (2,537 yards and 34 touchdowns).
But beyond the offensive differences, both programs have much in common leading into this weekend in terms of bringing pigskin prominence back to their respective schools. Erie is gunning for its first state title victory in two decades since its 1A title in 1997, and Palmer Ridge is making its first championship appearance.
“You want to set the mark by winning a state title, but what this team has done thus far has been impressive — they’ve transformed Erie into a state-contending team, which is what this community deserves,” Erie coach Chad Cooper said. “Hopefully this experience leaves us in a long-term position where this is a continual habit — playing deep into November and into December.”
Erie’s playoff run following last season’s 6-5 campaign had its origins in the weight room, where the Tigers — already blessed with natural size in the trenches as epitomized by 6-foot-7, 295-pound tackle/nose guard Cameron Marcucci — put in serious sweat equity.
“I think our weight room program was something that really elevated us in the offseason to be able to win more games this year,” Cooper said. “And five of our offensive linemen have started every game this year — we haven’t had any injury from tackle to tackle, and they put us in a position last Saturday where we were able to run the ball at will against Longmont.”
But the Tigers’ defense has its work cut out, as there’s a reason Evans — who recently decommitted from Arkansas and holds a litany of power-five Division I offers — is one of the most sought-after signal callers in the Class of 2019.
“He is an extremely athletic, mobile quarterback who can run very well, so we can’t let him escape the pocket because he does a great job of creating with his legs on top of his arm,” Cooper said. “And we need to make him uncomfortable by getting pressure on him, because his offensive line has done a good job this year of not allowing him to get hit a lot.”
Are the Bears ready for their championship close-up? Coach Tom Pulford was short in his assessment, much like a pinpoint-focused Bill Belichick as the biggest football game in school history looms.
“We’re working very hard to make sure they will be ready by Saturday,” Pulford said.
2017 CHSAA 3A state title
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
³:Air Force Academy
Matchup: No. 5 Erie vs. No. 2 Palmer Ridge
Records: Tigers 11-2, Bears 13-0
Visitor Keys: Jr. LT Spencer Brooks, Sr LG Gianni Velotta, Soph. C Colby Arlington, Jr. RG Nathan Hackney, Sr. RT/NG Cameron Marcucci, Jr DL Jaymeson Nelms, Jr. ILB Ian Mcdonald
Home Keys: Soph. RB Raef Ruel, Soph. RB Noah Brom, Soph. SB/CB Anthony Roberson II, Sr. WR/FS Cory Mclellan, Sr. DE/TE Zach Hester, Jr. MLB Jaden Sparks, Jr. MLB Colton Dill
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