Compiled by JJ Gerlach | jjgerlach@alamosacitizen.com
Monte Vista remains unbeaten on the gridiron
MONTE Vista remains unbeaten after three weeks of the high school football season, and the Pirates have a bye week before returning to action Sept. 23 against Peyton. Here’s a full recap of games played Sept. 9-10, which saw Valley teams go a combined 2-8, including a second loss for the defending Class 1A State Champion Centauri.
And a look ahead to this week’s games.
PHOTOS: Alamosa v. The Classical Academy, Sept. 9, by Kacey Hillis.
Alamosa
The Mean Moose took one on the chin against The Classical Academy, 42-14. Senior quarterback Kasey Jones finished with a 40-percent completion rate and a pair of touchdown passes for Alamosa. He also threw two interceptions. The Titans managed to rush for 238 yards against the Moose.
- Next Game: Friday, 7 p.m. at Pagosa Springs.
- Record: 1-2
Centauri
The defending Colorado 1A Champion Falcons lost for the second time, dropping a close game, 24-18, at Buena Vista. The Demons marched out a very efficient passing offense against the Falcons as senior quarterback Haden Camp had a 55 percent completion rate to go with two touchdown passes and no turnovers. The loss dropped the Falcons to 1-2 and down to No. 7 in the Colorado 1A football rankings (MaxPreps). The Falcons will have a bye week to regroup.
- Next Game: Sept. 23, Bayfield, 7 p.m.
- Record: 1-2
Center
The Vikings beat Peyton, 28-20, with junior quarterback Jesus Valadez passing for 219 yards and three touchdowns to continue his strong season. He now ranks No. 7 in the state in passing yards (725). Center’s defense stood up well against Peyton, with the Panther’s sophomore quarterback Noah Martin completing only 22 percent of his passes.
- Next Game: Friday, 7 p.m. at Rye.
- Record: 2-1
Del Norte
The Tigers lost their first game of the season against Cedaredge, 20-0. Bruins senior quarterback had a great game with 265 yards passing and three touchdown passes. Cedaredge also did a great job of getting into the backfield, racking up a total of six sacks against the Tigers. Del Norte also has a bye this week to make their adjustments.
- Next Game: Sept. 23, Salida, 7 p.m.
- Record: 2-1
Monte Vista
The Pirates went on the road to Gunnison and won, 18-10, in their first road of the season. Coach Manny Wassinger said he wanted to see how the Pirates would do on the road, and he had to be pleased to see Monte come out with a 3-0 record. The Pirates had another good game rushing as they gained 276 yards. Senior Alex Felix finished the game with two sacks against the Cowboys.
- Next Game: Sept. 23, at Peyton, 7 p.m.
- Record: 3-0
Mountain Valley
The Wolves are still winless this season as they lost to La Veta, 76-30. Mountain Valley had a hard time in the passing game as junior quarterback Riley Heater completed just 21 percent of his passes for 65 yards. The Redhawks racked up 229 yards rushing, led by senior Joey Autry with 145.
- Next Game: Saturday, 1 p.m. at Cotopaxi
- Record: 0-3
Sanford
The Mustangs lost their first game of the season, 29-8, against Simla. Cubs sophomore quarterback Caston Cox had a great game against Sanford with a total of 323 all purpose yards. Sophomore Treven Kocerha also played a part defensively, forcing two fumbles that were recovered by Simla.
- Next Game: Friday vs. Fowler.
- Record: 2-1
Sangre
The Thunderbirds are also winless on the season as they fell, 66-13, at home against Cotopaxi. Pirates senior quarterback Ty Coleman had a strong game, completing all of his passes for six touchdowns, and defensively collecting two interceptions in the win.
- Next Game: Saturday, 1 p.m. vs. Branson/Kim.
- Record: 0-3
Sargent
The Famers lost against Hoehne, 46-0, on Friday. Sargent was unable to get anything going offensively against Hoehne, gaining just 36 total yards. Senior Wyatt Cross was the Farmers’ best performer as he totaled 12 tackles in the game for Sargent.
- Next Game: Friday, 7 p.m. vs. Custer County.
- Record: 1-2
Sierra Grande
The Panthers lost a close game, 28-22, against Branson/Kim on Friday. Senior Angelo Lucero did all he could, collecting 180 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. He also had 18 tackles on defense.
- Next Game: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. at Hanover.
- Record: 1-2