Game of the Week: Valor Christian vs Ralston Valley
After a few scheduling rearrangements, Valor Christian (4-0) and Ralston Valley (3-1) will square off tonight in what will be each team’s toughest matchup yet. An undefeated Valor team will be looking to five-star running back Gavin Sawchuk Gavin Sawchuk…
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Continue ReadingAfter a few scheduling rearrangements, Valor Christian (4-0) and Ralston Valley (3-1) will square off tonight in what will be each team’s toughest matchup yet.
An undefeated Valor team will be looking to five-star running back Gavin Sawchuk Gavin Sawchuk RB Valor Christian | 2022 State CO to lead the Eagles’ ground attack against a relentless Mustangs defense. Sawchuk has a total of 767 rushing yards on 61 carries with 14 touchdowns. He has also proven himself to be a valuable addition to the passing game, tallying 70 total receiving yards on eight catches. Knowing how dangerous Sawchuk is, the Mustangs will have to rely heavily on their defensive line and linebacker core to fight to contain him. This will put a spotlight on Mustangs’ defender Will Lester Will Lester 5'11" | LB Ralston Valley | 2021 State CO who will have his work cut out for him. Lester, an outside backer/box safety hybrid player, is leading his team tackles with 18 solo and a total of 38. He has also recorded four sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in addition to his tackles.
The Eagles will more than likely need to maintain a run-pass balance in expectation of the Mustangs doing everything they can to contain the run. This means senior quarterback Sean McNair (27 of 40 for 302 yds, 3 TD’s) will need to find his rhythm with his talented group of receivers, especially Tyler Larson Tyler Larson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Boulder | 2022 State CO . Larson is leading the Eagles in receiving yards with 182 total yards on six catches with 2 touchdowns. Grant Simmons Grant Simmons 5'11" | 170 lbs | Wide Receiver Valor Christian | 2022 CO and Landon Turnwall are tied for the most receptions with 10 catches each while combining for a total of five touchdowns.
The Mustangs have a heavy offensive arsenal of their own. Junior quarterback Zach Friedman (51 of 81 for 663 yds, 7 TD’s) will be looking to Charlie Carlston, Devin McNearny, and Rocco Tate Rocco Tate 5'10" | RB Wheat Ridge | 2021 State CO in the passing game. McNearny is leading the Mustangs in receiving yards (250 yds) and touchdowns (4), while Carlston is close in stats with a total of 226 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. Running back, Tyler Roybal Tyler Roybal 5'9" | RB Ralston Valley | 2021 State CO has also proven himself to be extremely effective in the passing game. In addition to his 181 rushing yards on 31 carries and four touchdowns, he has racked up a total of 60 receiving yards on six receptions.
On paper, both of these teams stack well against one another, making this game a highly anticipated matchup. The true testament for either team will be how well the defenses play and which one will help their team outshine the other. Fans will not be permitted to attend this contest; however, it will be available to be live-streamed. Needless to say, this game could easily go down as one of the toughest matchups of the regular season!