Week 3 Review: Fountain-Ft Carson Trojans vs Pueblo West Cyclones

A look at the top five performance from this cross-division, nonconference matchup.   Review   Like many of the nonconference matchups this weekend, this one between the 12th ranked Fountain-Fort Carson Trojans and the Pueblo West Cyclones was one that many fans were looking forward to, with both teams carrying 2-0 records heading into the contest. Early on, it looked like there might be an upset brewing, as the Cyclones were the first to draw blood - scoring in the 1st quarter and holding a 7-0 lead for most of the 1st half. Late in the 2nd quarter, however, the Trojans were able to add a touchdown of their own as well as a two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead. Pueblo West would respond quickly though, adding a touchdown but a failed two-point conversion attempt to hold a tight 13-8 lead heading into the locker room at the half. Coming out of halftime, the Cyclones would control most of the 3rd quarter, holding onto their 13-8 lead until the Trojans were able to add a touchdown and a two-point conversion to take a 16-13 lead going into the 4th quarter. Unfortunately for Pueblo West, the 4th quarter is where the game would start to unravel, with Fountain-Fort Carson adding another touchdown and two-point conversion on their first possession of the quarter - extending their lead to 24-13. The Cyclones wouldn't lie down just yet though, punching it in on their next possession but failing to convert the two-point conversion - cutting the Trojan lead to 24-19. The glimmer of a comeback would be short-lived, however, as the Fountain-Fort Carson offense would add a touchdown and two-point conversion on their final possession to seal the 32-19 victory that was much closer than the final score shows. In a game like this one, it might come as a surprise to hear that most of the strong performances from this game actually came from the losing side of the field. With that being said though, here are the five players who I felt had the strongest performances in this game.   Players of the Game   [player_tooltip player_id='698231' first='Mathias' last='Price'], Fountain-Fort Carson Trojans (RB)(Sr.)(5) – Price was, in my opinion, the most dominant player on either side of the ball in this game, churning out big play after big play. The Pueblo West defense had no answers for Price on the ground as he accounted for a remarkable 151 yards rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns on 22 carries (6.9 YPC). When you look at the night Price had against the Cyclones on tape, the first thing that jumps out is his incredible size (6'2, 220 lbs) for his position, standing head-and-shoulders taller than most other players on the field. Displays an extremely powerful and aggressive running style that shows up in just about any scenario or down and distance. Incredible strength and drive behind his pads whether in short yardage situations to move the chains, on the goal line, or at the point-of-attack when making and finishing through contact with the opposing defender. Deceptive top end foot speed allows him to pull away from slower 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Shows good balance and lateral agility, allowing him to be a deceptively elusive runner in the open field if given enough space in 1-on-1 situations. Shows good ability as a receiver out of the backfield, creating matchup problems when being covered by slower 2nd level defenders. Price is currently ranked the number 5 RB and the number 64 player overall for the class of 2024, with that ranking certainly being well-deserved given his showing against the Pueblo West defense. If Price can continue to carry the load for the Trojans offense, they'll be tough to stop for any opponent.   Terrence Morris, Fountain-Fort Carson Trojans (RB)(Jr.)(32) - In the Trojans' talented backfield, Morris was the lightning to Price's thunder, creating big plays when Fountain-Fort Carson needed them the most. Morris might not have put up gaudy numbers but still played a key role for the Trojans, accounting for 84 yards rushing on 11 carries (7.6 YPC) with the numbers not truly reflecting his impact on the game. Diving into the film of Morris' performance against the Pueblo West defense, you can see the first thing that jumps out to you about him is his elite combination of exceptional explosiveness and top-end foot speed that allows him to hit top gear in a matter of steps. Incredibly gifted athlete with excellent top-end foot speed that compliments his elite explosiveness making him a threat to turn any touch into a chunk play if given enough space. Outstanding lateral agility and vision allow him to consistently win with elusiveness when in one-on-one situations with 2nd and 3rd level defenders in the open field. Shows good ability as a receiver out of the backfield, showing a knack for finding space and creating big plays after the catch. Morris isn't currently ranked on any recruiting boards for the class of 2025, but either way, he's an immensely talented player that will continue to be one of the key pieces on the offensive side of the ball for the Trojans.   [player_tooltip player_id='251317' first='Gavin' last='Lockett'], Pueblo West Cyclones (QB)(Jr.)(3) – Despite being on the losing side of this game, Lockett was easily the top passer from this contest. Lockett contributed in every phase of the offense against the Trojans, as he went 7 of 16 (44%) for 119 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, and a QBR of 109.1 while also adding 130 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown on 20 carries (6.5 YPC) as well. When you dive into the tape of Lockett's night against Fountain-Fort Carson, the first thing that jumps out to you is his athleticism, as he shows elite level explosiveness and top-end foot speed as a ball carrier. Displays excellent vision and patience as a runner to find space/set-up his blocks, and more than enough explosiveness to pull away from 2nd and 3rd level defenders. Highly elusive ball carrier in one-on-one situations with defenders in the open field, that is a threat to take any scramble or designed run the distance. Displays great arm strength as a passer, consistently displaying the ability to hit throws at all three levels of the field. Exceptional accuracy and ball placement to all levels of the field, showing the ability to consistently squeeze throws into tight throwing lanes. Shows incredible accuracy on throws off-platform with different arm angles and while on the run. Lockett is currently ranked the 7 QB and the number 26 player overall in the class of 2025, which feels fairly underrated given his potential. Regardless, as long as he's leading the Cyclones offense, Pueblo West will be a tough outing for any team they play.   [player_tooltip player_id='251218' first='Josiah' last='Perez'], Pueblo West Cyclones (DL)(Sr.)(52) – While I'm sure Perez would rather have the win than the individual accolades, he was still an anchor for the defensive line against the Trojans. Perez consistently pushed the opposing offensive line all game, as he accounted for an impressive 8 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection. When you turn on the tape of Perez's night against the Fountain-Fort Carson offense, you can see that he shows an extremely explosive first step coming out of his stance that consistently overwhelms the opposing tackle. Ridiculously high motor player that never quits on a play or in his pursuit of the ball carrier. Shows great closing speed while crashing downhill, routinely knifing into the backfield to stuff the ball carrier. Displays exceptional pop/force at the point-of-contact with opposing blockers and ball carriers, consistently driving them back through the initial contact. Show a good speed rush with good bend that can push the edge of the pocket when pushing the opposing tackle's outside shoulder. Perez is currently ranked the number 7 DL and the number 59 player overall for the class of 2024, with his showing against the Trojans last Friday serving as another example as to why he's generated buzz on the recruiting trail. As the Cyclones look to rebound next week, Perez will definitely play a huge role on the defensive side of the ball this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='986648' first='Garrett' last='O'Brien'], Pueblo West Cyclones (DB/WR)(Jr.)(9) – O'Brien had an all-around fantastic game in the defensive backfield for the Cyclones, making his presence felt in run support and pass coverage. O'Brien was all over the field defensively against Fountain-Fort Carson, registering 7 tackles, a tackles for a loss, and a pass deflection. Diving into the film of O'Brien's night against the Trojans offense, you can see he displays an incredible and uncanny knack for finding the football – with this being the result of a combination of great foot speed, lateral agility, and tracking ability while the ball is in the air. Exceptional athlete with remarkable first step explosiveness that allows him to hit top gear quickly. Displays excellent top-end foot speed that allows him to crash downhill quickly in run support or act as an eraser in pass coverage. Shows great ability as a run defender, routinely being asked to move into the box for run support. Displays an impressive ability to generate significant force at the point-of-contact with the ball carrier when making a tackle. O'Brien is currently unranked on recruiting boards for the class of 2025 but is still a staple for the Pueblo West defense, recruiting rankings aside. With the Cyclones looking to bounce-back next week though, expect O'Brien to continue making plays this season.

A look at the top five performance from this cross-division, nonconference matchup.