Football Game Preview: Rye Thunderbolts vs. Colorado Springs Christian Lions

Rye hasn't had much luck against Colorado Springs Christian recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Thunderbolts will welcome the Lions at 7:00 p.m.

Rye came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They had to suffer through a 48-7 loss at the hands of Buena Vista. While losing is never fun, the Thunderbolts can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado football rankings (they are ranked 138th, while the Demons are ranked 41st).

The match pitted two dominant backs against one another in Jackson Bjorum and Eli Schuknecht. Schuknecht had a great game and gained 139 total yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Bjorum was balling out in the loss, rushing for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Colorado Springs Christian). They really took it to Ellicott for the full four quarters, racking up a 44-0 victory. The win continues a trend for the Lions in their matchups with the Thunderhawks: they've now won six in a row.

Rye better keep an eye on Fisher Tenpas. He was instrumental in Colorado Springs Christian's win, throwing for 167 yards and three TDs.

Rye's loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 6-2. As for Colorado Springs Christian, their victory bumped their record up to 5-2.

Rye was taken down by Colorado Springs Christian 52-0 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Thunderbolts, Jace Velasquez (who rushed for 46 yards and three scores, and also threw for 146 yards and one touchdown on only ten passes) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.