Peetz to battle undefeated Eads for spot in state championship game

After thrashing previously undefeated Hanover, 60-14 last week in the first round of the CSHAA six-man tourmanent, the Peetz Bulldogs (9-1) football team looks to take down another undefeated squad in Eads (10-0) in the semi finals. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at Eads High School. The winner will play in the CSHAA state championship game.

Peetz head coach Scott Sorensen says his team is excited to be where it is, but has a little bit extra motivation for its game with Eads.

“We need to win this game because the state championship will be in Peetz,” Sorensen said. “We haven’t had a state championship game here since 2001 and 2002.”

The Bulldogs have an excellent shot at returning to their home field for a state title showdown. The team is in a groove after rolling over Hanover with 60 points and is currently on a nine-game winning streak. The Bulldogs have surpassed 60 points in five of those nine victories and have scored at least 42 points in every game this season.

Overall, this is an offense that is averaging over 53 points per contest. That is due in large part to the balance of Peetz’ offense. The Bulldogs have weapons all over the field and everyone is getting touches. Against Hanover, junior Jordan Nelson, sophomore Cody Wilson and senior Bradey Holtz combined for 181 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

“We know we are playing well when all three of our backs are gaining big chunks of yards,” Sorensen said. “Our line has done a fabulous job this year and I expect them to do it again.”

While the Bulldogs are usually lighting up the scoreboard, their defense has been stingy this season as well, allowing just 23.5 points per game. Considering the wide open nature of the six-man game that is a number that puts the Bulldogs’ defense in the category of elite.

Forcing turnovers was another major component of Peetz’ blowout win against Hanover. The Bulldogs forced four turnovers—three fumbles and an interception—and took the ball out of the hands of a top-notch Hornet offense.

But Sorensen and his players know that Eads is a whole different animal. The Eagles are coming off a 60-14 first round win of their own against Kit Carson. It’s a squad that is averaging nearly 60 points per game and surrendering just over 17 per game.

“Eads has always been a difficult challenge for us,” Sorensen said. “They are disciplined, patient and they block very well.”

The Peetz defense will have to contend with another top rusher on Saturday in Eads’ junior Dylan Dixon. This runner is as about as explosive as they come—he’s only needed 109 carries to rack up 1,229 yards and 21 scores.

The Eagles don’t have another true threat in their backfield, but senior quarterback Tyler Rouse has been a nice complement in the passing game. He’s completed 46 of his 75 passes for 729 yards and 15 TDs to just one interception. Rouse is an accurate passer who doesn’t make many—if any at all—mistakes. The Bulldogs will need air-tight coverage in the secondary in order to try make the Eagles a one-dimensional offense, as they did to Hanover last week.