Celebrations did not last long however, as M-CHS soon began preparing to face its second-round opponent, Kent Denver High School.
A private school located in Englewood, Colo., Kent Denver has enjoyed a rich football history, which culminated with a Class 2A State Championship in 2012.
Stocked with talented players on both sides of the ball, this year’s Kent Denver team enters its matchup against M-CHS ranked second in Class 2A. Winners of each of their first 10 games, the Sun Devils feature a potent offense that has averaged 48 points per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kent Denver features great depth, with nine players making at least 37 tackles on the year.
While the Sun Devils figure to present more than their fair share of difficulties, M-CHS coaches agreed that the Panthers are capable of pulling out a win.
To do so however, the Panthers must figure out a way to stop Sun Devils senior running back Jaden Franklin, who has rushed for 1,635 yards and 32 touchdowns on the year.
Blessed with outstanding speed and the ability to make tackles miss, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior ranks as one of Colorado’s all-time leaders in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
“Jaden Franklin is a beast,” said M-CHS head coach Casey Coulter. “He’s extremely fast and knows how to run the ball. Our ability to stay in our lanes and play (fundamentally sound football) will be key.”
If the Panthers are able to contain Franklin, pressure will fall on senior running back Randy Haley and senior quarterback Jonathan Walck to help the M-CHS offense move the football.
Over the last two games, Haley has rushed for 464 yards and 10 touchdowns. During the same two games, Walck has passed for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Another factor that could impact the outcome of the game is experience. A perennial contender in Class 2A, Kent Denver has played in seven playoff games since 2012.
M-CHS played its first playoff game since 1994 this year and before to last week, had not won a playoff game since 1957.
“Kent Denver is a very well coached football team,” said Coulter. “They have a lot of talent and a lot of tradition. We’re going to have to play our best.”
The game will take place at Kent Denver High School in Englewood, Colo., on Nov. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Live updates will be available on Twitter @imac_34 and on the Cortez Journal’s Facebook page.