Week 8 Football Previews

Week 8 Football Previews are sponsored by: "Watts Property Group"

Pueblo County @ Pueblo East (Thursday 7pm, Dutch Clark Stadium)

This is a matchup that has been highlighted on the schedule for weeks!  #8 East (6-1, 5-0) and #5 County (7-0, 5-0) meet up for what should essentially be a league championship game.

This standalone Thursday night battle should have an exciting environment, as both communities do a good job supporting their respective schools.

While offense gets a lot of the attention, both squads have tenacious defenses that will be ready for the challenge.

East has only allowed 15 points through 5 league games.  They are led in tackles by seniors Logan Trujillo (74 tackles), Justin Robles (54 tackles), and Dylan Cooper (51 tackles).  Defensive Ends Daeryus Soto and Dominic Gallegos cause havoc up front, both contributing 2.5 sacks a piece.  The back end features SR Safety Dion Allsworth.  He has forced 3 turnovers this year, while also punting and throwing 3 for the touchdowns on offense.

County has been stout as well, only surrendering 30 points in league play.  Linebackers Jorden Muniz (67 tackles) and Donovan Garcia (65 tackles) anchor the defense.  Brothers Jace and Jaxon Gonzales start at the safety spots, and have combined for 5 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

While we expect this one to be a barnburner, there is some uncertainty going in.  While both teams have dominated league play, neither has had to play in many tight games.  Both senior-laden teams will look to lean upon their experience and execution to come out with a victory.

Pueblo Central @ Canon City (Friday 7pm, Canon City High School)

Central (3-4, 2-3) hits the road for the 2nd straight week to take on the Canon City Tigers (3-4, 2-3). 

With identical records, both teams will come into this looking to better position themselves for league standings and a playoff push.  24 teams make the playoffs this year.  Canon City is currently 27th, while Central is ranked 29th.

With their current youth movement, getting some playoff experience would be huge for this Central squad.

Last week in a loss to Lewis-Palmer, sophomore Porter Sobiesk was inserted into a bigger role.  He finished the day with 30 carries and 150 rushing yards.

Pueblo West @ Mesa Ridge (Friday 7pm, Mesa Ridge High School)

There is currently a 3-way tie at the top of the 4A Mountain Plains league between Pueblo West, Mesa Ridge, and Cheyenne Mountain (all 3-0 in league play). Things will start to shake out quickly, as the Cyclones take on both teams in the next two weeks.

The Cyclones (5-2, 3-0) are coming off of a big win against winless Doherty last weekend.  Chase Harrison threw for two touchdowns, while Maddox Guerrero and Dylan Grinstead found paydirt on the ground.

They will have to travel to Mesa Ridge (6-1, 3-0) who has won 4 straight games.

The Grizzlies are led by QB Koa Dietrich, who lived in Pueblo up until high school.  There should be some familiarity between him and a few Pueblo West players.

We expect this game to be close and competitive throughout!

Discovery Canyon @ Pueblo South (Friday 7pm, Dutch Clark Stadium)

South (5-3, 4-2) is looking to make it two in a row this week, as they take on the struggling Thunder of Discovery Canyon (1-7, 1-5).

It was a sloppy win last week against Falcon, but sophomore Brandon Norris stepped up by scoring a receiving touchdown and kicking 3 extra points for the first time all season.

While a league title may be out of reach, the Colts still have a lot to play for.  They are currently ranked 15th in the CHSAA rankings, and must remain in the top 16 to host a play-in game come playoff time.

Pueblo Centennial @ Thornton (Friday 7pm, Thornton High School)

The Bulldogs (1-6, 1-3) will head north to start a 3 game road stretch to end the year.  They will begin with Thornton (4-3, 2-2).

Despite the long travel, this is a league game in the 3A Front Range.  Getting a win here can move Centennial up a spot in the standings.

It has been a rough go for Centennial, but they have some young pieces who have been getting their feet wet.  Competing down the final stretch of the year will go a long way for the program in the following years to come.