Playoffs 5A R1 Preview: Fort Collins vs ThunderRidge

<p>The Fort Collins Lambkins will be hosting the ThunderRidge Grizzlies in another exciting round one matchup in 5A. The Lambkins have been on a 3 game winning streak and are currently sitting at an 8-2 record. The Grizzlies have had a couple of big upsets this season, and are looking to bounce back against a loss from Fruita Monument last week. ThunderRidge is currently sitting at 4-6. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fort Collins</h2>   <p>Fort Collins relies on the run game a lot with standout RB Jack McKeon. McKeon has 224 carries for 1697 yards and 23 touchdowns and 12 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. His elite balance allows him to consistently get yards after contact. He has very good athletic ability and vision to run through the gaps and punish the defense. He's a legitimate prospect, and his play has shown that all year long. Here are some of his highlights down below:</p>    <p>Despite having one of the top backs in the state, their QB senior [player_tooltip player_id='1308443' first='Justin' last='Cranford'] has been slinging it. The 6'0 160-pound QB has 139/201 for 1783 yards, 69.2% completion, 17 TDs and 3 INT with 36 carries for 150 yards and 4 touchdowns. Cranford has very good throw power and release. He launches the ball downfield with ease but what separates him from others is his accuracy. Cranford demonstrates very good accuracy at all 3 levels and stays poised. He has a handful of great receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='1695875' first='Griffin' last='Campain'] (53 receptions, 634 yards, 5 touchdowns), [player_tooltip player_id='1346446' first='Preston' last='Mozer'] (23 rec, 421, 3 TD), and [player_tooltip player_id='1311222' first='Kyrei' last='Kincaid'] (15 rec, 301, 4 TDs). These receivers can take the top off the defense easily. It all starts up front and [player_tooltip player_id='1113009' first='Mason' last='Bandhauer'] leads the offensive line and protects his QB or creates big running lanes. </p>    <p>The Fort Collins defense has stout linebackers in SR [player_tooltip player_id='1219790' first='Kaden' last='Souders'] and SO Holden Irby. Souders has 61 total tackles, 8 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 7 QB pressures, 4 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR, and 1 blocked punt. He leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss, and interceptions. Souders uses his very good athletic ability to range all around the field. He's a very good tackler with very good ball instincts. Whether it's stopping the run or disrupting plays in the passing game, Souders make his presence known. Here are some of his highlights down below. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ThunderRidge</h2>   <p>Head Coach Jay Madden has done a great job with setting the foundation and turning this ThunderRidge program around. The offense is a balanced attack between both running game and passing game. With 254 team passing attempts compared to 273 team carries. Senior Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1707057' first='Caeden' last='Reeder'] has thrown for 145/248 for 1730 yards, 58.5% completion with 15 TDs and 7 INT with 42 carries for 88 yards. He has very good touch and good throw power making it an easier ball to catch for his receivers. He pairs his very good pocket mobility and poise to stay in the pocket under duress and fire a ball downfield. He has good scramble ability and powerful legs to drive forward when defenders are holding onto him. Reeder has 4 great receiving options in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1714949' first='Sidney' last='Lynn'] <em>(28 rec, 440, 3 TD</em>), [player_tooltip player_id='1890699' first='Dieuvenson' last='Sorenson'] <em>(27 rec, 281, 2 TD</em>), and juniors Dillon Gaynor <em>(12 rec, 278, 2 TD)</em>, and [player_tooltip player_id='1673616' first='Camden' last='Neumann']<em>(23 rec, 272, 3 TD)</em>. Sorenson can take the top off a defense with his speed, and the remaining have great catching and route running to attack the defense. Neumann has good release at the line of scrimmage and very good catching. He has very good athletic ability to get open and is a big body receiver with a large catch radius.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1707057' first='Caeden' last='Reeder'] Highlights:</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1673616' first='Camden' last='Neumann'] also leads the team with sacks, and T-1 with 2 INT. He has 37 total tackles, 15 TFL, 8 and 1 FR as well. The edge rusher has very good initial quickness out of his stance, very good hand speed and strength. He's fast and strong with powerful bull rush. Consistently knocking over tackles. Very good lateral quickness with a relentless pursuit. He'll chase a guy downfield to make a tackle. He's a legit prospect for ThunderRidge. I included Neumann's highlights down below.</p>    <p>Junior linebacker Dane Giles is the leading tackler on this ThunderRidge defense. The 5'9 165-pound linebacker has 90 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 5 QB pressures, 3 FF, and 1 FR. Giles is a downhill linebacker but has good athletic ability to cover tight ends out ins pace. He has good lateral quickness and very good range. One thing about Giles, is he'll rip the ball from the ballcarrier creating fumbles. He has good block shedding and good get off speed. Very good tackling. Wraps up them up and uses his good strength to stop them in their tracks. I included some highlights of his down below. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>   <p>I think this is going to be a brawl between two great defenses and balanced offenses. Jack McKeon has been on fire all year long and I wouldn't be surprised if he got another 100 + yards on the ground. A matchup I'm really excited for is Iowa State commit (T) [player_tooltip player_id='1113009' first='Mason' last='Bandhauer'] against ThunderRidge's Caeden Neumann. Should be a great one, and I can't wait to find out who wins. </p>

The Fort Collins Lambkins will be hosting the ThunderRidge Grizzlies in another exciting round one matchup in 5A. The Lambkins have been on a 3 game winning streak and are currently sitting at an 8-2 record. The Grizzlies have had a couple of big upsets this season, and are looking to bounce back against a loss from Fruita Monument last week. ThunderRidge is currently sitting at 4-6.