4A Quarterfinals Takeaways: First Round Standouts
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With the entire state preparing for the second round of the 2020 Fall playoffs, it is imperative to recognize the effort of the players and programs that fought for this opportunity. We previously took a look at the 5A standouts…
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Continue ReadingWith the entire state preparing for the second round of the 2020 Fall playoffs, it is imperative to recognize the effort of the players and programs that fought for this opportunity.
We previously took a look at the 5A standouts from the first round, and now it is time to shine the spotlight on the 4A classification.
Dakota Ridge vs Montrose
Dakota Ridge entered the postseason as the number one seed, which matched them up against eighth-seeded Montrose. It was a tough-fought game that ended with Montrose falling 76-34 to the Eagles. Jason Soderlin Jason Soderlin 6'3" | OL Dakota Ridge | 2021 State CO and the Eagles’ offensive line set the tone by establishing the line of scrimmage early. Quarterback Ben Gultig went 10-for-13 with 210 yards and three passing touchdowns, in addition to his eight carries for 101 yards and one rushing touchdown. Noah Triplett Noah Triplett 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Dakota Ridge | 2023 State CO ’s three rushing touchdowns and Mason Galbreath Mason Galbreath 6'2" | WR Dakota Ridge | 2021 State CO ’s two receiving touchdowns helped ensure Dakota Ridge’s trip to the semifinals. Montrose senior running backs Trent Blundell and Eli Evans put on a spectacular show, but it was not enough to stave off a mighty Eagles team. Dakota Ridge will be facing off against Loveland for a shot at the state title.
Palmer Ridge vs Pine Creek
This game between second seed Palmer Ridge and seventh seed Pine Creek was a matchup between two reigning state champions. After the Palmer Ridge Bears won their third consecutive 3A state title last year, they stepped up to 4A and have not seemed to miss a beat. The Bears bested the Eagles 32-7 in their quarterfinal matchup. Three-star offensive tackle Conner Jones and a solid core of linemen put in work to make CSU quarterback commit Luke McAllister Luke McAllister 6'4" | QB Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO ’s job much easier. McAllister threw for 367 yards and five touchdowns, four of which were caught by Pittsburg State commit Marcellus Reed Marcellus Reed 5'10" | DB Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO . The other was caught by Anthony Costanzo Anthony Costanzo 6'3" | 210 lbs | ATH Palmer Ridge | 2022 State CO , who is a standout junior with multiple D1 offers. Linebacker Saxon Wright Saxon Wright 6'0" | LB Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO led the Bears in tackles with 16 total, 13 of which were solo, and he also accounted for two pass deflections. Unfortunately for Eagle’s quarterback Josiah Roy Josiah Roy 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Pine Creek | 2022 State CO and linebacker Braden Kramer, there seemed to be little their team could do to stop the Bears. Palmer Ridge will be facing a very tough Fountain-Fort Carson team for their chance to reach the state final in their 4A season debut.
@PalmerRidgeFB @McAllisterQb15 to @marcellus_reed for 4️⃣ TOUCHDOWNS today!… pic.twitter.com/aPIdQUuvnp
— robwashiii (@robwashiii) November 22, 2020
Ponderosa vs Fountain-Fort Carson
Third seed Ponderosa Mustangs faced off against seventh seed Fountain-Fort Carson Trojans in a matchup that came down to the wire, ending with the Trojans pulling off a 41-38 victory. Mustangs quarterback Jack Hanenburg finished the game 21-of-31 for 256 yards and four touchdowns. While Cael Porter Cael Porter 5'10" | DB Ponderosa | 2021 State CO and Ponderosa’s defense were able to come away with three interceptions, it was not enough to hold off Q. Jones and the Trojans. Jones, the second-leading rusher in the state, finished the game with 332 rushing yards and three touchdowns off of 28 carries with the help of offensive tackle Jayden Fuller and the line’s ability to create running lanes. With a game that came down to a fourth and short, Tai Faavae Tai Faavae 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB Fountain-Fort Carson | 2023 State CO and the Trojans defense were able to stand tall and force a turnover on downs that ultimately won them the game. Fountain-Fort Carson’s semifinal match will be against Palmer Ridge in what will undoubtedly be their most challenging contest of the season.
Loveland vs Broomfield
Fourth seed Loveland and fifth seed Broomfield ended their quarterfinals matchup with a 28-7 victory for Loveland. Quarterback Zack Rakowsky Zack Rakowsky 5'8" | QB Loveland | 2021 State CO finished the game 4-for-6 with 25 yards but did most of his damage with his legs. Rakowsky carried the ball 26 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Jadyn Tafoya had six carries for 30 yards and one touchdown but really made his presence felt while playing on defense. Tafoya finished with a total of 10 tackles, two quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup. Joe Killian was also a factor defensively for Loveland, finishing with five tackles and an interception that was returned 69 yards for a score. Josh Dunn Josh Dunn 6'4" | 190 lbs | Wide Receiver Broomfield | 2022 CO finished with four catches for 70 yards and the sole touchdown for Broomfield, but the Eagles were unable to match their opponents’ firepower. Loveland will be taking on a dominant Dakota Ridge team as they fight for their chance to appear in the state championship game.