Photo courtesy of the Poudre School District twitter (@PSD_ATHLETICS)
Football
11/23/2024 3:59:38 PM
Story Links
AURORA – Excitement builds as the championship game matchups have been finalized for the 2024 Colorado High School Activities Association Football State Championships, encompassing 6-man, 8-man, 1A, and 2A divisions. All four highly anticipated championship games will unfold next Friday and Saturday, November 29 and 30, at the historic Dutch Clark Stadium in Pueblo, providing a thrilling backdrop for local high school football.
The prestigious 6-man championship game is set to kick off the weekend festivities, featuring the top-ranked Cheyenne Wells facing off against No. 2 Stratton at noon on Friday. Later that day, at 5 p.m., the 8-man championship game will see No. 1 Haxtun take on No. 3 Akron. The championship action continues on Saturday, where the 1A title game will showcase No. 1 Wray squaring off against No. 2 Forge Christian at noon, followed by a highly competitive 2A championship match featuring No. 3 The Classical Academy against No. 9 Wellington at 5 p.m.
Tickets for this exhilarating series of events can be purchased online through the CSU Pueblo box office. A single ticket grants access to both games on a specified day, while an all-games pass offers entry to all four championship games, catering to the fervent football fans eager to witness every exhilarating moment.
In 6-man, the spotlight will be on Cheyenne Wells and Stratton as they meet for their championship battle for the second consecutive season. Top-seeded Cheyenne Wells, having withstood a fierce challenge from No. 4 Idalia in a nail-biting semifinal that ended 28-24, has advanced to its third championship game in just four years. This marks Cheyenne Wells’ impressive sixth overall title game appearance, of which four have been in the 6-man division. The Tigers, who boast one state championship title in football, claimed the 2021 6-man crown.
No. 2 Stratton, determined to secure a third consecutive state title in the 6-man division, overcame No. 3 Otis with a commanding 49-32 victory in the semifinals, booking their 19th appearance in a football state championship game. The Eagles have dominated the 6-man scene in recent years, winning the last two championships after facing Cheyenne Wells in the 2021 finals, and they now look to clinch the title game for the eighth straight year, having secured three titles within this impressive streak.
In 8-man, No. 1 Haxtun avenged its previous championship game defeat to Mancos last year by decisively handing the Bluejays a 28-8 loss in the semifinals. This victory propels Haxtun to the title game for the third time in four years. The Fightin’ Bulldogs last earned an 8-man state title in 2021, marking a significant milestone as the program’s sixth 8-man championship and eighth overall in football.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s No. 3 seed, Akron, defeated No. 7 Simla with a score of 48-27 in the semifinals, marking their return to the state finals for the first time since 2016. Although the Fighting Rams have yet to clinch an 8-man state championship, they have a rich history of participation, having competed for two titles in the 8-man division and securing six state championships in 1A, including their most recent victory in 2008. Notably, Akron reached eight of nine 1A title games from 2001 to 2009, triumphing in five of those encounters.
In 1A, No. 1 Wray achieved a resounding 52-15 victory over No. 5 Buena Vista, securing their spot in the championship game. This will be Wray’s fifth opportunity to claim a 1A state title since 2004. Despite their previous attempts, the school has not won a 1A state championship, with their last football title obtained back in 1993 when they captured the 3A championship, a remarkable achievement that marked their second overall in football.
No. 2 Forge Christian is making its inaugural appearance in the 1A state title game, having recorded a powerful shutout of No. 3 Limon with a score of 37-0 in the semifinals. Previously known as Faith Christian, the school boasts a history of success with four football championships, including a 3A title in 1998 as well as 2A titles in 2004, 2006, and 2009. Their most recent championship game appearance was in 2013, when they contested the 2A title.
In 2A, The Classical Academy, seeded No. 3 in the tournament, delivered a stunning upset against No. 2 Basalt, winning 41-28 in the semifinals and advancing to their second-ever state championship game. The Titans are now on a quest for their first-ever state title in football, with their last championship game appearance occurring in 2021 (spring).
No. 9 Wellington is also making strides in its third season since reopening in 2022, continuing its remarkable journey by defeating No. 13 Eaton 45-15 in the semifinals. With this victory, the new Wellington High School aspires to bring a state championship back to their community, a place that witnessed the former iteration of the school clinch back-to-back C (6-man) titles in 1952 and 1953, marking the only occasions the previous school participated in a football title game.
How do past performances and team histories shape the dynamics of matchups in the Colorado State Championships, particularly in the 6-man and 8-man divisions?
**Interview with Mark Thompson, High School Football Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Mark! The excitement is palpable as we approach the 2024 Colorado High School Activities Association Football State Championships. What can you tell us about the atmosphere leading up to the championship weekend at Dutch Clark Stadium?
**Mark Thompson:** Absolutely! The atmosphere is buzzing right now. Fans from all over Colorado are gearing up for a thrilling showcase of talent and school spirit. Dutch Clark Stadium, with its historic charm, provides a perfect backdrop for these championship games. It’s not just about the football; it’s about community pride, and everyone is excited to see their teams compete for glory.
**Interviewer:** Let’s break down the matchups. The 6-man championship features a rematch between Cheyenne Wells and Stratton. What should we expect from this clash?
**Mark Thompson:** This matchup is highly anticipated. Cheyenne Wells has displayed resilience, making it to their third championship game in four years. They are known for their strong offensive strategy and will look to turn defensive pressure into scoring opportunities. On the other hand, Stratton has been dominant, aiming for their third consecutive title. Their experience in finals will be crucial, and their victory over Otis in the semifinals shows they are in top form. It should be a hard-fought game, and close to the wire!
**Interviewer:** Moving to the 8-man division, Haxtun faces Akron. Both teams have compelling stories. Can you summarize their journeys to the finals?
**Mark Thompson:** Certainly! Haxtun made a statement in the semifinals by defeating the previous champions, Mancos. They’ve positioned themselves well with a strong history of playoff success, having previously won multiple 8-man titles. Akron, meanwhile, is back in the finals after a long absence since 2016. Despite not yet winning an 8-man title, their rich history and experience in the field can’t be underestimated. Expect a clash of strategies, with Haxtun leaning on their recent form and Akron pushing to tap into their past success.
**Interviewer:** And we can’t forget about the 1A and 2A championship games. What makes these matchups significant?
**Mark Thompson:** The 1A title game between Wray and Forge Christian is particularly intriguing. Both teams have demonstrated impressive skill sets and are very evenly matched. Wray, as the top seed, looks to assert their dominance, while Forge Christian will be eager to prove themselves on this big stage. In the 2A match, The Classical Academy vs. Wellington promises to be exciting as well. TCA has had a strong season, and Wellington is looking to upset the rankings. The stakes are high, and every team has something to play for!
**Interviewer:** how can fans get involved and catch the action this weekend?
**Mark Thompson:** Fans can purchase tickets online through the CSU Pueblo box office, which offer great options, including single-game access or an all-games pass. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support these young athletes as they compete for state championships. I encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the games, and be part of this incredible event!
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your insights, Mark! Excitement is definitely in the air for these championship games!
**Mark Thompson:** My pleasure! Looking forward to an unforgettable weekend of high school football!
