Centauri ends Monte Vista’s perfect season in last regular season game
Compiled by JJ Gerlach | jjgerlach@alamosacitizen.com
THE defending Class 1A state champion Centauri Falcons football team had something to say about Monte Vista’s bid for an unbeaten season. The Falcons upended the Pirates 28-24 on Friday night to secure Centauri’s sixth straight league title.
“This was a great game for us,” said Centauri Head Coach Kyle Forster. “Monte played us very physically and we’ll see that in the playoffs.”
The Pirates led 18-12 in the game, but left the door open after turning over two straight Centauri kickoffs. The Pirates also struggled to run the ball, as the Centauri defense held the Pirates running back duo of Khegan Gunter and Deangelo Archuleta in check. “Our defensive line played amazing, and then a lot of those guys turned around and played offensive line as well,” said Forster. “Without those guys we don’t win.”
Centauri (7-2) will face Gunnison (6-3) in a first-round Class 1A playoff game, while Monte Vista will take on Holyoke (4-5).
Other Valley teams earning a playoff spot:
Alamosa (6-3) will play D’Evelyn High (7-2) in a Class 2A matchup; Sanford will face Vail Christian (7-1) in an 8-man playoff game; and Sierra Grande draws Otis (7-2) in a 6-man playoff game.
In regular season action:
Alamosa (6-3)
The Mean Moose beat Woodland Park 14-0 on Friday to secure a playoff spot. The game was a defensive battle, with neither team scoring in the first half before junior RJ Meis scored to take the lead. The Mean Moose had a very strong effort from their defense, holding Woodland Park to just 16 yards passing and also forcing the Panthers into a turnover.
Center (4-5)
The Vikings wrapped up their season with a 55-6 win over Trinidad. Junior quarterback Jesus Valadez collected 291 yards and four touchdowns in the win.
Del Norte (3-6)
The Tigers ended their season with a 26-6 loss against Ignacio on Friday. Junior Cody Worz ended his season on a high note, pacing the Tigers with four catches and 83 yards.
Mountain Valley (3-7)
The Wolves season ended on Saturday with a forfeit against North Park.
Sanford (6-3)
The Mustangs handled business on Friday when they beat Dolores 44-14. The win puts Sanford at third in their league, and secures a playoff berth for the fourth straight year.
Sangre de Cristo (2-7)
The Thunderbirds season ended with a win by technicality as Miami-Yoder forfeited.
Sargent Football (3-6)
The Farmers wrapped up their season on Friday with a tough 50-12 loss to Dove Creek. The win for the Bulldogs secures their perfect season and their league championship.
Sierra Grande (7-3)
The Panther lost their final game of the season against Granda 62-28. The Bobcats were also the team that bounced the Panthers in last year’s playoffs. Sierra Grande did however secure a playoff spot.