The Pine Creek varsity football team from Colorado Springs, CO, will face off against Erie High School in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs for Class 5A.

Erie vs Pine Creek High School Football Game Info:

What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Erie vs Pine Creek
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Erie vs Pine Creek

On Friday, November 15, Pine Creek High School from Colorado Springs will meet Erie High School in a neutral-site quarterfinal matchup in the 2024 CHSAA Class 5A State Football Playoffs. With both teams among the top-ranked in Colorado, this game promises to be a high-stakes battle of offensive firepower and defensive grit. Here’s a closer look at how the two teams compare going into Friday’s game.

Season Records and Rankings

Erie comes into the playoffs with an impressive 9-2 record, ranked 13th in Colorado and 11th in Class 5A. Their undefeated 5-0 league record underscores their dominance, and they hold a win percentage of .818. Pine Creek, ranked 7th in both the state and Class 5A, has a solid 7-3 record, with a league mark of 4-1 and a .700 overall win percentage. Erie’s slightly higher win rate and stronger league record suggest a team that’s tough to beat, but Pine Creek’s competitive season and consistency on the road make them formidable opponents.

Team Scoring Averages

• Erie: With an explosive offense, Erie averages 39.4 points per game. They typically dominate early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and 13.3 in the second, then maintain a steady pace through the second half.
• Pine Creek: Pine Creek averages 33 points per game, showing strength in the second and fourth quarters, where they score 9.4 and 8.1 points on average, respectively. They will likely look to maintain momentum in the second half to counter Erie’s fast starts.

Key Statistical Comparisons

• Rushing and Passing Yards: Erie’s powerful ground game averages 220.5 rushing yards per game, led by running back Braylon Toliver, who puts up 89.1 yards per game. Pine Creek counters with 190 rushing yards per game, with Caleb Petree averaging 65.6.
• Passing and Receiving: Erie’s passing game is managed by quarterback Ronin Ward, who averages 124.2 passing yards per game, with standout receiver Donovan Obien contributing 83 yards per game. Pine Creek’s Cameron Cooper averages 139.1 passing yards and 171.4 total yards per game, showing his dual-threat capabilities.
• Defense: Both teams are defensively solid, but Pine Creek has a slight edge, averaging 59.4 tackles per game compared to Erie’s 50.6. Sacks are also close, with Pine Creek averaging 2.4 per game and Erie 2.2.

Key Players to Watch

• Erie:
  • Braylon Toliver (#7): Leading Erie’s rushing attack, Toliver averages 89.1 yards per game and will be crucial for keeping drives alive.
  • Ronin Ward (#0): With 124.2 passing yards and 180.6 total yards per game, Ward is a versatile quarterback who keeps defenses guessing.
  • Carson Hageman (#1): Defensively, Hageman is a standout, averaging 10.2 tackles per game, which will be key in limiting Pine Creek’s offensive success.
• Pine Creek:
  • Cameron Cooper (#2): A dual-threat quarterback, Cooper averages 139.1 passing yards and leads the team with 171.4 total yards per game.
  • Caleb Petree (#5): With 65.6 rushing yards per game and leading scorer for Pine Creek, Petree is pivotal in both the running game and as a scoring threat.
  • Isaac Landry (#58): Known for his blocking ability, Landry has 26 pancake blocks, providing Cooper and Petree with crucial support in the offensive line.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

While Pine Creek and Erie have no direct head-to-head or common opponents this season, both teams have proven their strength in league and non-league games. Erie is undefeated in league play, and Pine Creek has shown resilience in both home and away games, underscoring the well-rounded competition expected in this quarterfinal matchup.

Game Outlook

Erie’s balanced offense and strong early game scoring will be a challenge for Pine Creek’s defense, which will need to hold firm, especially in the first half. Pine Creek’s strength in the second half could be a deciding factor if they can weather Erie’s opening surge. Pine Creek’s quarterback Cameron Cooper and running back Caleb Petree will need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, while Erie’s Braylon Toliver and Ronin Ward will aim to put pressure on Pine Creek’s defense early.

With two highly ranked teams looking to advance in the state tournament, fans can expect a thrilling and closely contested game. This Class 5A playoff matchup is set to be a showcase of skill, determination, and high-energy Colorado high school football.