Palmer Ridge senior Anthony “Deuce” Roberson II insists Saturday’s Class 3A football championship against Pueblo South will be treated “like any other game.”
After three straight years of playing in the game at CSU-Pueblo’s ThunderBowl, it’s probably starting to feel that way for the fourth-seeded Bears and their record-breaking receiver.
“Itap nothing new to us,” Roberson said. “At the end of the day, itap just another football game — we’re putting our pads, helmets and cleats on the same way.”
Behind a prolific offense, the Bears (12-1) will be looking to put the finishing touches on a third straight 3A title when they face second-seeded Pueblo South (12-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Colts are no stranger to the bright lights, either.
Lifted by some gritty postseason performances, including last week’s 28-24 semifinal victory over Frederick that came down to the game’s final drive, South is going for its second title in three seasons after winning 4A at Mile High in 2017.
Quarterback Logan Petit has been a steadying force for a balanced attack for South, while the team’s bend-but-don’t-break defense has allowed just over 17 points per game.
“We have some great kids on both sides of the ball,” Pueblo South head coach Ryan Goddard said. “The one thing we’ve done well all season is play well off one another.”
Under the guidance of seventh-year head coach Tom Pulford, Palmer Ridge has been defined by its explosive offense. The Bears have beaten opponents by an average of nearly 33 points per game in postseason wins over Holy Family, Conifer and Green Mountain.
Replacing the graduated Ty Evans at quarterback, first-year starter and CSU commit Luke McAllister has grown into the role, producing 2,394 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns this season.
“He’s young, so he had a curve to get around to fit in our offense,” Roberson said. “But he’s always had the talent and the I.Q. He’s matured and he’s going to be a big key to the game come Saturday.”
With McAllister’s help, Roberson set a state mark for career receiving yards (4,002) this season. The Bears can run the ball, too: Senior running back Raef Ruel topped 1,000 yards rushing for the third straight season.
Pueblo South will look to neutralize those strengths with a pass rush and good coverage. A little help from the home crowd won’t hurt, either.
“It will be a game between two good teams that are very talented,” Goddard said. “It will be an electric environment. The opportunity to play in the last 48 minutes of the season, thatap special.”
