After a rocky start to this fall, the Reds pulled ahead for the second half of their season, and they made a statement at game one of the playoffs. As the number fifteen seed, they had to play the number two seed, the Kent Denver Sun Devils.
Both teams played hard in the first quarter, with the Reds scoring 10 points, and the Sun Devils scoring 21. Because the Reds gave up so many points, they would have to play lockdown defense to give themselves a chance of obtaining a win.
The second quarter was scoreless due to the intensity of play from either side. The score remained 21-10, Sun Devils at the end of the half. The Reds had to put in some serious work in the second half if they wanted to advance.
The Reds proved that they had more endurance than the Sun Devils by scoring 14 points in the third quarter, and taking the lead with a score of 24-21. Fans of both teams were on the edge of their seats as the final quarter of the game rolled around.
The Sun Devils went for the throat in the next quarter, in which they scored another seven points. The Fighting Reds weren’t discouraged though because they were able to match Kent Denver with seven points of their own.
Senior Zack Maske said, “We’ve been able to come together a lot better and play more as a team. Being able to do that along with having the underdog mindset has really helped us to step into our own.”
As the game came to a close, the Reds were proud to prove that they could hang with any team that they played. With a final score of 31-28 Reds, the fifteen seed unexpectedly advanced to round two of the playoffs.
In round two, the Reds played the Pagosa Springs Pirates. They traveled to the Pirates’ field and looked to upset yet another team. Being the number ten seed, Pagosa had the upper hand on the Reds, but Eaton once again played with ferocity and defeated the Pirates 17-14.
Junior Cooper Nider said, “The game plan against Pagosa was to stop the run, which the defense did well. They had a good game.” Despite the best efforts of the Pirates, the Reds were triumphant.
In week three of the playoffs, the Reds will play the number three seed, the Rifle Bears, at home. Be sure to show up and support the Reds as they tear through the playoff bracket.
