Ponderosa rolls to 4-0 behind star players
The No. 4 ranked Ponderosa Mustangs have cleared their first four tests of the regular season. Their latest win came on Halloween, a 45-14 win at Grand Junction in the team’s second trip to the Western Slope. Those four wins…
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Continue ReadingThe No. 4 ranked Ponderosa Mustangs have cleared their first four tests of the regular season. Their latest win came on Halloween, a 45-14 win at Grand Junction in the team’s second trip to the Western Slope.
Those four wins were critical as Ponderosa is now set to take on top 10 teams in Montrose and Palmer Ridge in the final two weeks of the regular season for the 4A Western Slope title and a playoff spot.
While Palmer Ridge has received the majority of the headlines from the league having moved up to Class 4A this year, and Montrose proving to be worthy with how they competed with Palmer Ridge in their game on Oct. 30, Ponderosa has proven to be just as formidable in the league.
The Mustangs have plenty of star power that has guided them so far, and those stars were on full display in Grand Junction. Here is a look at some of the key players for Ponderosa in Saturday’s win and heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Cael Porter Cael Porter 5'10" | DB Ponderosa | 2021 State CO , 2021, 5’10, 175, RB/DB
Porter is a versatile athlete who moves well, whether it’s eluding defensive players while carrying the ball in the backfield or flying to the ball from his safety spot. Porter was one of the top tacklers in the state last year and is leading Ponderosa again with 39 tackles coming into their Week 4 game. At his size, he plays well against the run. He was flying all over the field on defense against Grand Junction, and while he was not the big playmaker on offense in the game, he showed flashes getting away from tackles in the run game. He is a focal point for many defenses, which opens up plays for his teammates.
Jack Hanenburg, 2021, 6’0, 200, QB
Hanenburg showed a willingness to push the ball down the field, and he was rewarded with a couple of passing touchdowns at Grand Junction. He can put the ball in some tight windows and allow his play-making wide receivers to go up and win some 50-50 battles for receptions. His legs are also effective and were utilized well in extending plays in the pocket. When teams crash in on stopping Porter from running the ball, Hanenburg can pull it and take off himself, and he rushed for a huge touchdown run in the first quarter and had some other nice runs in the win.
Kolton Miller, 2021, 5’8, 140, WR/DB
The star of the game Saturday, Miller was great on both sides of the ball. From his wide receiver spot, he showed good hands and an ability to run after the catch for a couple of touchdown receptions, including one off a deflection from a defender early in the third quarter. His hands were also key on defense from his cornerback spot as he picked off a pair of passes as well. Miller is a true playmaker in the passing game on both sides of the ball and showed great speed and instincts to come up with some big plays. Those skills will be counted on down the stretch.
Carter Motichka, 2021, 6’3, 175, WR
Motichka is a reliable receiver. Early in the game, he was a favorite target on the outside to throw to. With steady hands and a good 6-foot-3 frame, he can come down with many receptions. He showed some good route running to find space in the zone and to break free from defensive backs, and he also has the speed to go up the sideline for a deep shot.