In Attendance: Games of Week Two

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week two of the season kicks off tomorrow, making it time to provide a brief preview of the games I will be attending.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article will cover which players I will look forward to seeing during the games while finding new names to add to the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Thursday, September 1, 2022 |</strong> <strong>Timnath (0-1) at The Academy (0-0) | 6:00 P.M.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timnath will be traveling to play The Academy for the program's second game in the new school's first year. The Cubs debuted against Berthoud, falling 48-0 to a tough Spartans team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Academy will be opening their season tomorrow, coming off a 5-4 (0-3 in league) season from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pregame Perceptions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Academy will be returning more than a few players with high school playing experience from previous seasons, giving them an edge over their opponents. Timnath may be lacking in the experience as a program, but that does not mean they will not show up and compete. The expectation for this game is to identify hidden talent on both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Timnath Cubs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new team means new players to add to the radar. Having sophomores and freshmen among the ranks, Timnath will be a team to watch as the players continue to develop. The size and popularity of a team should not dictate a prospect's potential, and the Cubs are no different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vince Hochhalter</strong> (2025 LB/FB) has emerged as a leader on the gridiron for his young team. He recorded 19 total tackles as a linebacker, one for a loss, and 36 rushing yards on eight carries. Freshman defender <strong>Braden Pollyea</strong> is the team's second-leading tackler with 12 takedowns. <strong>Cade Geist </strong>(2026 DT) secured seven tackles, one sack, and a quarterback hurry. Freshman defensive back <strong>Mitchell Deangelis</strong> had three total tackles and two pass breakups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Cubs to watch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davis Payne</strong> | 2025 WR/DB<br><strong>Evan Vasa</strong> | 2025 DB<br><strong>Connor Switala</strong> | 2025 WR<br><strong>Alex Kolczak </strong>| 2025 QB<br><strong>Stefan Lukinic</strong> | 2025 QB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Academy Wildcats</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='22786' first='Isaiah' last='Eliot']</strong> (2023 QB/ATH) will return for his final year following a junior season where he threw for 1,519 yards and 16 touchdowns while running for 591 yards and 10 touchdowns. Fellow seniors <strong>Derrek Rael</strong> (WR/DB) and <strong>Aden Petrick</strong> (WR/DB) will be two targets for Eliot in the passing game. Sophomore running back <strong>Jacob Arzberger</strong> is a physical player who should get an opportunity to shine this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Wildcats to watch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Dotterer</strong> | 2023 OL/DL<br><strong>Corbin Miller</strong> | 2023 LB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Friday, September 2, 2022 | #20 Pine Creek (1-0) at #5 Valor Christian (0-1) | 7:00 P.M.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pine Creek Eagles will be traveling to Valor Christian following a commanding 43-3 win over Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NV, in their season opener. The Valor Christian Eagles will be looking to bounce back this week after a hard-fought game that ended in a 23-17 loss to Regis Jesuit in overtime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pregame Perceptions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup has been circled on the calendar since the schedules were announced, primarily due to Pine Creek elevating classifications for 4A to the 5A level. This playoff-caliber game is expected to be another nail-biter with exciting plays from each team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The questions for Pine Creek coming into this game will be can the defensive line get a push on the front and control the trenches, and will the QB lead his offense against one of the state's more prestigious teams and emerge victorious?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Valor Christian, eyes are on them as the naysayers continue to grow against them. Will they be able to shake off the tough loss and get back to business this Friday as they host another high-powered offense?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Pine Creek Eagles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pine Creek has one of the more impressive offensive line groups, mainly made up of a squad of highly talented juniors. Class of 2024 players <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220428' first='Carson' last='Caplan']</strong> (OL), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143636' first='Matthew' last='Jennings'] </strong>(OL), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322233' first='Connor' last='Laxson']</strong> (OL), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316725' first='Tristan' last='Randall'] </strong>(OL) will have their work cut out for them as they look to keep third-ranked 2025 QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152282' first='Cameron' last='Cooper']</strong> protected and off the turf. Offensive weapons <strong>Johnathan Coar</strong> (2025 RB) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404945' first='Elijah' last='Roy'] </strong>(2025 WR) will be joined by two-way standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='306981' first='Jerry' last='Lydiatt']</strong> (2023 TE/OLB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251217' first='Mason' last='Miller'] </strong>(2024 ATH), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251280' first='Justis' last='Nicholson']</strong> (2024 ATH) as the Pine Creek Eagles look to give the Valor Christian defense fits during the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='22783' first='Brett' last='Alvey']</strong> (LB) will be the senior leader in the box charged with stopping a challenging Valor Christian running game alongside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251228' first='Jaiden' last='Anetone']</strong> (2024 LB), <strong>Brayden Mallery </strong>(2024 DE), Miller, and Lydiatt. The secondary is loaded with talented players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146050' first='Ramon' last='Pacheco']</strong> (2024 DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146074' first='Leyton' last='Robinson']</strong> (2024 DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316721' first='Cannon' last='Budge']</strong> (2024 DB), and Nicholson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Eagles to watch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ramon Robles-Reynoso</strong> | 2023 DL<br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1280073' first='Isaac' last='Landry']</strong> | 2025 DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Valor Christian Eagles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Valor Christian Eagles are a program whose roster is consistently loaded with talented players yearly. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143630' first='Gabe' last='Sawchuk'] </strong>is the number one-ranked running back (third-ranked overall) in the 2024 class who will be splitting carries in a new offense with seniors <strong>Roman Bradley</strong> (LB/FB) and <strong>Ethan Carlson</strong> (QB). As for the passing attack, Carlson will be looking to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146072' first='Jake' last='Krekeler']</strong> (2024 WR/DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='62247' first='Trey' last='Stott']</strong> (2023 FS/WR), and Sawchuk as he works against a tough Pine Creek secondary. With senior linemen like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='189119' first='Brody' last='Bliek'] </strong>(OL/DL) and <strong>Tanner Morley</strong> (OL/DL) working to control the front, Valor Christian's offense should be a problematic one to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the defensive side of the ball, <strong>Rowdy Beers</strong> (2023 DE/TE), Bliek, and Morley will have their work cut out for them as they look to get Pine Creek's offense off the field quickly as possible. Stott and Krekeler will also have their hands full with a high-powered passing offensive attack. Stott, one of the top safeties in the state, is expected to shine no matter what.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Other Eagles to watch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='381192' first='Asher' last='Weiner']</strong> | 2024 QB<br><strong>Cole Scherer </strong>| 2025 WR/DB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Saturday, September 3, 2022 |</strong> <strong>Broomfield at Holy Family (JV) | 11:00 A.M.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Saturday's game attendance will be reserved for a lower-level match-up between the Broomfield Eagles and the Holy Family Tigers. Junior varsity and freshmen games are a great way to see the young talent getting developmental work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251319' first='CT' last='Worley']</strong> (2025 QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404969' first='Keegan' last='Pottorff'] </strong>(2025 DB/SB), <strong>Justin Johnson </strong>(2025 WR), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404987' first='Darien' last='Jackson'] </strong>(2025 QB/LS) are a few young names to note from the Eagles team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The young talent for the Tigers is still somewhat of an unknown, but that will change after this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px">Other notable Thursday and Friday matchups</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There are more than a few games kicking off this week worth watching. Here is a look at my top runner-up games and a name to know from each team.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Pomona (1-0) at #11 Legend (1-0) | Thursday at 7:00 P.M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Sawer Woods</em></strong><em> - Pomona - 2023 QB</em><br><strong><em>John Brookhart</em></strong><em> - Legend - 2023 QB</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">#3 Grandview (1-0) at #15 Fossil Ridge (1-0) | Thursday at 7:00 P.M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='218297' first='Liam' last='Szarka'] </em></strong><em>- Grandview - 2024 QB</em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='62214' first='Mac' last='Busteed'] </em></strong><em>- Fossil Ridge - 2023 WR</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">#7 Montrose (0-1) at #21 Fruita Monument (1-0) | Thursday at 7:00 P.M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='143632' first='Blake' last='Griffin'] </em></strong><em>- Montrose - 2024 RB/LB</em><br><strong><em>Corben Rowell</em></strong><em> - Fruita Monument - 2023 QB/LB</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Severance (1-0) at Green Mountain (1-0) | Friday at 4:00 P.M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='283655' first='Jeremiah' last='Hoffman'] </em></strong><em>- Severence - 2025 WR</em><br><strong><em>Zach Wallace</em></strong><em> - Green Mountain - 2023 QB</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">#9 Erie (0-1) at #25 Mullen (0-1) | Friday at 6:00 P.M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill'] </em></strong><em>- Erie - 2023 DE</em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='220425' first='Hayden' last='Woodruff'] </em></strong><em>- Mullen - 2023 OL</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">#13 Columbine (1-0) at #23 Dakota Ridge (0-1) | Friday at 7:00 P.M.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='150207' first='Tyree' last='Trusty'] </em></strong><em>- Columbine - 2023 MLB/RB </em><br><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='150210' first='Noah' last='Triplett']&nbsp; </em></strong><em>- Dakota Ridge - 2023 RB/ATH</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->