Rifle extended their losing streak to seven on Thursday, dropping them down to 0-7. They were dealt a 41-0 defeat at the hands of the Palisade Bulldogs. While losing is never fun, the Bears can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Colorado football rankings (they are ranked 141st, while the Bulldogs are ranked 33rd).
Alex Gonzalez threw for 39 yards on six of 11 attempts. On the ground, Arath Lopez rushed for 44 yards.
As for Palisade, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 5-2. Considering they have won four games by more than 25 points this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Palisade's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Branson Springer led the charge by rushing for 16 yards and a pair of scores, while also throwing for 92 yards and one touchdown on only five passes. That's the most passing yards Springer has posted since back in September of 2024. Adyn Cassity was another key rusher, rushing for 74 yards and one TD.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming matchups. Rifle will take on Glenwood Springs at 7:00 p.m. on the 17th. As for Palisade, they will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Steamboat Springs at 7:00 p.m. on the 24th.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
