Coronado is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Friday. After each having a week off, they and the Pueblo County Hornets will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Coronado's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.
Two weeks ago, Coronado strolled past Berthoud with points to spare, taking the game 40-22.
Thomas Buckmiller
| 09/25/25 vs Berthoud | 26 |
| 10/25/24 vs Sierra | 9 |
| 09/18/25 @ Pueblo Centennial | 5 |
| 09/06/25 vs Lewis-Palmer | 2 |
| 08/29/25 @ Palmer | -9 |
Thomas Buckmiller was his usual excellent self, throwing for 309 yards and three touchdowns while completing 73.9% of his passes, and also punching in a pair of scores on the ground. Those 26 rushing yards gave him a new career-high. Coronado's leading receiver Lyrik Smith was Buckmiller's top target yet again, picking up 137 receiving yards and one TD.
Coronado didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Brayden Taylor and Vaughn Miller.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Pueblo County, who bounced back after a loss on the road back in September. They breezed past Pueblo South to the tune of 35-6 last Friday. The result was nothing new for the Hornets, who have now won three matchups by 29 points or more so far this season.
Coronado better keep an eye on Brody Harrison. He was instrumental in Pueblo County's win, throwing for 138 yards and a pair of touchdowns while completing 78.6% of his passes, and also rushing for 52 yards.
Pueblo County was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 244 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 195 rushing yards in seven consecutive games dating back to last season.
Pueblo County's defense made their presence known, laying out Caeden Herrera six times. Luca Tucci was especially locked on to Pueblo South's QB and sacked him five times. Tucci is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least six every time he's taken the field this season. Pueblo County received some extra help from Marcus Lucero, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Pueblo County pushed their record up to 3-2 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 8.7 points on average over those games. As for Coronado, they now also have a winning record of 3-2.
The upcoming contest will be a clash of competing strengths. Coronado has relied on air attacks this season and has averaged 405.6 passing yards per game. Pueblo County, on the other hand, has relied on a stout run game: they average 264.8 rushing yards per game. So which strategy will prevail on Friday? There's only one way to find out.
Coronado was taken down by Pueblo County 41-12 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Cougars, Cohen Glenn (who rushed for 101 yards and one score on only 13 carries, and also threw for 107 yards and three TDs) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
