Darkhorse 5A teams in the 5A 2022 Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year we have some known teams and just a couple teams to keep your eyes on for a sneaky run in the playoffs this year. These are the teams that I think have a chance to spoil the playoffs this year. Some of these teams are looking to finally get over the hump and make a deep run this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking it off we have Grandview. They are riding a three game winning streak going into the playoffs and this can make a big difference for them with having a bye and getting the winner of Mountain Vista vs Rocky Mountain. They are led by SO RB [player_tooltip player_id='495439' first='Donavon' last='Vernon'] and JR QB [player_tooltip player_id='218297' first='Liam' last='Szarka']. Vernon leads them in rushing touchdowns as well as rushing yards per game. He is a power back that does not go down easy which is noticeable in most of their games. Szarka is right behind Vernon for rushing touchdowns and has 16 passing touchdowns as well. He is an elusive QB and can fit it into tight spaces from the pocket or while he is on the move. I think with these two playmakers as well as a good defense they have as good a chance as any to make some noise this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arapahoe is the next team that is interesting. They were able to beat Grandview who I just mentioned but were not able to beat any of the other big teams on their schedule. They are led by the defense so if they can keep the game low scoring, they have a chance. They really have a balanced offense spreading the ball around and JR QB Michael Moynihan is the key to the operation. When they decide to run the ball they run option and he can utilize his speed as well as get his back into space. He is good with the quick game and gets the ball out quickly to the right receiver. If he is able to build on this he will be able to get his team to the next round and set up a rematch with Cherry Creek who beat them earlier in the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Canyon Is a team that is confident in the rushing game and are led by SR RB [player_tooltip player_id='246924' first='Aidan' last='Duda']. Rock Canyon are entering the playoffs coming off a tough lose to Thunder Ridge after being in the lead until the fourth quarter. They will look to bounce back in a good match-up against Cherokee Trails who allows a lot of rushing touchdowns. Duda will look to open this game up early with some haymaker runs. When he is able to find some room he does have some speed to be able turn it into longer runs. I think they will be able to bounce back with some good coaching and a team that has no quit. They are my second most intriguing team in this year's playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regis Jesuit has a chance to make a deep run if they can get back on track against the winner of Mullen vs Fossil Ridge. They are looking to bounce back after being taken down by Fountain-Fort Carson and will look to make some changes this week as they will have a bye. They are led by SR QB [player_tooltip player_id='150452' first='Exander' last='Carroll'] who is not only a factor in the passing game but can also make things happen with his feet when the play breaks down. He is effective in the quick game and looks to get the ball out of his hands. They were able to start the season with a win against Valor Christian and if they can make it past second round, they will be able to take them on again is Valor is able to do the same. Regis has not been able to make it out of the quarterfinals the past couple of years and Carroll is looking to change that around this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out our gems is Ralston Valley who I think will be able to make it over the hump this year and make it to the championship this year. The only teams Ralston Valley hasn't been able to beat this year are Valor and Creek. They are riding a five-game winning streak and one of those teams happens to be Chatfield who by chance is facing Fairview in the first round to determine Ralston Valleys next opponent. They are led by SR RB [player_tooltip player_id='150203' first='Diano' last='Benallo'] and JR QB Logan Madden. Benallo is a swiss army knife who can stuff the stat sheet and is going to be a great player at the next level. Madden has a cannon of an arm and can run the ball as well, also makes good decisions with the ball. I really like this teams chances to make some upsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->