H.S. Football: Trojans, Eagles geared up for title-like clash

Fountain-Fort Carson knows how important its clash with 4A Pikes Peak Conference rival Pine Creek is. The last two seasons the Pikes Peak No. 2 Trojans and No. 5 Eagles have split the league championship, so when the two undefeated teams meet again at 7 p.m. Friday in Fountain, it will be a playoff-like atmosphere.

"We feel this is our first big challenge of the season so far and we are excited to see what we can do," Trojans coach Mitch Johnson said.

Either way, the Trojans (4-0, 2-0 Pikes Peak) or the Eagles (3-0, 2-0) will have a decided advantage in pursuit of the league title and a home playoff game.

For the Trojans' offense, it starts with two star running backs, junior Quinton Lawson and senior Devyn Harris. The two have combined for 961 yards in 2008.

"We have a lot of talent on this team and our offense is very strong," Lawson said. "All we need is for our offensive line to get a good push and I can handle the rest."

The Trojans know the Eagles run the ball often and, so far in their first three games, effectively.

For Fountain-Fort Carson to get the win, it will need to slow down the Pine Creek rushing attack, which is anchored by the three-man gang of quarterback Josh Chance (222 yards rushing, 65 passing) and tailbacks Connor Stevens (287 rushing) and Zach Karr (146).

"We've put together some special things to stop Pine Creek's offense," Trojan defensive end James Sexton said. "We are going to know where their playmakers are and we're not worried about the strength of our defense."

In recent years, the annual contest has been a low-scoring game dictated by the two defenses. Fountain-Fort Carson has won the previous two years by a combined score of 35-10 while Pine Creek won the previous two matchups by a 37-7 margin.

"Traditionally we are a solid team on defense," Johnson said. "But their defense is also very strong, so it comes down to execution and who makes fewer mistakes."

Pine Creek has outscored its opponents by an average of 27-2.3, allowing only one touchdown and recording two shutouts. The defense is led by Stevens (18 tackles) and Kenny Klein (12 tackles).

Falcon at Woodland Park

In 3A Southern Conference action, Falcon travels to Woodland Park as both teams attempt to rebound from double-digit conference losses last weekend.

The Falcons' offense is anchored by quarterback Paul Rotering and star running back Desmond Phillips, while the Panthers counter with quarterback Lee Stunkard and receiver Jared Giambalvo.

This is a very important early conference match-up, as both teams are 1-1 in 3A Southern play. The winner of the 7 p.m. Friday game will hold an edge in the hunt for a playoff berth.

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