The Arvada West Wildcats will look to defend their home field on Sunday against the Fort Collins Lambkins at 1:00 p.m. Arvada West is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 32.3 points per game this season.
Arvada West is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Colorado's top teams: Ralston Valley, who was ranked fifth in their home state at the time (Arvada West was ranked 20th). Arvada West took a 17-7 hit to the loss column at the hands of Ralston Valley last Thursday. Despite 81 more yards than the Mustangs, the Wildcats couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.
Arvada West wouldn't let Ralston Valley keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Arvada West can thank Jaxon Pyatt and Tyriek Cullum for forcing both of them. Cullum also made four total tackles, which is notable because Arvada West is undefeated when he posts at least three total tackles, but 3-4 otherwise. Arvada West got some further help from Daniel Marette: he picked up a sack and made 12 total tackles.
Meanwhile, Fort Collins had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 13 points) and they went ahead and made it three last Friday. They blew past the Thunderhawks 49-19. Considering the Lambkins have won four matchups by more than 25 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Justin Cranford was his usual excellent self, throwing for 193 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 83 yards and a touchdown. That's the most rushing yards he has posted since back in August. Jack Mckeon was in the mix as well, providing Fort Collins with two touchdowns.
Fort Collins didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off four passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Kaden Souders, Evan Kadrich, Cam Smith, and Rigoberto Galvez picked up one apiece. Souders is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in the last 20 games he's played dating back to last season.
Fort Collins was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 222 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 177 rushing yards in five consecutive games.
Arvada West's loss dropped their record down to 6-4. As for Fort Collins, their win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 6-4.
Sunday's match might be decided in the on the ground. Arvada West has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 167.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Fort Collins struggles in that department as they've been averaging 186.6. It's looking like Sunday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other football content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
