West Grand enters play-offs ranked #1

by Chris Brown
West Grand Head Football Coach

Last Friday night, at Gilpin County’s beautiful new sports complex, the West Grand Mustangs wrapped up their 8th league title in 9 years since joining the 8 man ranks. With a cold wind blowing hard the Mustangs cruised to a 48-0 lead with less than 30 seconds into the second quarter on the outmanned Eagles. The varsity offense ran 12 plays to score their 7 touchdowns and then gave way to the jv offense and defense in the second half. It should be pointed out many teams in Gilpin’s situation would have canceled the game but their depleted squad and coaching staff said no way, let’s play
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On the third play of the night, Luis Dominguez bolted 42 yards untouched for the first score. The Mustangs then kicked the extra point to make it 7-0. With the return of snapper Austin Stauffer, a healthy leg of kicker Collin Warren, and holder Jakob Buller getting some practice they were 6 of 6 on the night. The Eagles would fumble the kick return and the following play Rene Dominguez would follow the pulling Stauffer for a 39 yard TD run. Opposing players must think Stauffer looks like a huge convoy truck at 6-4 245 which Rene smartly hides behind until he darts out from the imposing shadow with his quick explosion to the open field.

In quick succession, Hugh Wheatley would have a 40 yard TD run and after a Wheatley interception return of 37 yards, Luis would have a 7 yard TD, followed by a 12 pass for a touchdown Luis to Warren. Then Omar Dominguez had a 40-yard scamper with huge blocks from Wheatley, Stauffer, and cousin Rene. The last TD was a Rene 27 yarder following the mini convoy of Alejandro Castanon.

Defensively, the varsity limited the Eagles to -18 yards in 24 plays. With the states leading tackler Jordan Knight sitting out the game, some other Mustangs were allowed to get in some fine work. Ely Ryszkowski had 8 tackles, a QB sack, and a fumble recovery for an excellent night. Also shinning on defense were Alejandro with 7 tackles, Marcus Sanchez had 7 tackles, and Austin and Marcos Ramirez each had a sack.

Now the attention turns to the State Playoffs and with the upset of 3 time defending State Champs Sedgwick County, the Mustangs with the # 1 RPI takes the number one seed. This means the Mustangs host #16 seed Front Range Christian of Littleton, the Central League Champions with their 6-2 record. This top passing team will feature the states leading receiver and QB. They did not make the top 16 in RPI but by winning their league were qualified for the playoffs. They are a former 11 man team dropping to 8 man this cycle. The game will be Friday night at 7pm. Only CHSAA and CHSCA passes are allowed and all WG students must pay. Most small school playoffs are Saturday afternoon due to travel distances so we hope to get a large turnout by being able to have a night game. Bundle up and hopefully enjoy a great playoff run