The Forge Christian (Arvada, CO) varsity football team is set to host Meeker (CO) today at 3 p.m. for a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 1A tournament.
Meeker vs Forge Christian High School Football Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Meeker vs Forge Christian
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 1A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Meeker vs Forge Christian
As the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs in Class 1A gear up, one of the most exciting matchups takes place today at Forge Christian High School. The undefeated Forge Christian Eagles (10-0) host the Meeker Cowboys (8-2) in a highly anticipated home playoff game. This clash of football titans promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting impressive records and high-scoring offenses.
Team Records and Rankings
Meeker enters this matchup with an 8-2 overall record, having dominated its league with a perfect 5-0 record. The Cowboys have been particularly strong on the road, where they hold a 5-0 record. Their only losses came in non-league play, including a 27-12 defeat against Wiggins, a common opponent with Forge Christian. Meeker’s balanced attack has helped them score an average of 35 points per game while allowing just 15.2 points on defense.
On the other hand, Forge Christian has been near perfect this season, going 10-0 and claiming the top spot in their league with a flawless 4-0 record. The Eagles have been unstoppable at home, with a perfect 4-0 record, and they’ve averaged an impressive 46.9 points per game while surrendering only 19 points per game. Their offense has been prolific, outscoring opponents by an average margin of nearly 30 points per game.
Key Statistics and Comparisons
- Offensive Firepower:
Meeker has averaged 277.5 rushing yards per game, led by standout Cade Blunt, who has rushed for 109.9 yards per game. Their passing game has been modest, averaging just 50.8 yards per game. In contrast, Forge Christian boasts a more balanced offensive attack, with 222.8 rushing yards per game and 159.5 passing yards per game. The Eagles’ dual-threat offense, led by quarterback Sullivan Strange (145.2 total yards per game), will present a formidable challenge for Meeker’s defense. - Defensive Strengths:
While Meeker averages 76.4 tackles per game, Forge Christian has been impressive with 48.1 tackles per game but excels in pressuring the quarterback, recording 2.8 sacks per game compared to Meeker’s 1.2. The Eagles’ ability to disrupt the passing game could be crucial in slowing down Meeker’s offense. - Scoring Averages:
Meeker has been solid in scoring, with an average of 35 points per game. They tend to score heavily in the first and third quarters, averaging 12.6 and 10.9 points, respectively, while cooling off in the fourth quarter. Forge Christian, however, has been a more consistent scoring machine, putting up 18.8 points in the first quarter and 17.6 in the second, and they are particularly strong in the first half.
Key Players to Watch
- Meeker:
- Cade Blunt: With 109.9 rushing yards per game, Blunt is the heart of Meeker’s offense and will need to be a workhorse to keep the Eagles’ offense off the field.
- Cade Mills: Averaging 47.3 passing yards per game, Mills will need to take advantage of the passing game and make big plays downfield.
- Forge Christian:
- Sullivan Strange: The Eagles’ dynamic quarterback, Strange has racked up 145.2 total yards per game and will be a key figure in both the passing and running game.
- Euli Tafoya: As one of the team’s top defensive players, Tafoya’s ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback could be pivotal in this matchup.
Common Opponent Performance
Both teams faced off against Wiggins earlier in the season. Meeker suffered a 27-12 loss to Wiggins on September 6, while Forge Christian dominated in a 41-0 victory over Wiggins on August 29. This gives Forge Christian a slight edge in terms of performance against common opponents.
Playoff Implications
The outcome of this game holds major playoff implications for both teams. A win for Forge Christian would solidify their spot in the next round and keep their perfect season intact. For Meeker, a victory would be a huge upset, as they aim to prove they are more than capable of competing against one of the top teams in the state.
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes contest, one thing is clear: fans are in for an exciting and hard-fought battle that could go down to the wire. The Forge Christian Eagles are heavy favorites, but with Meeker’s strong rushing attack and postseason pedigree, this game promises to be a classic.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Forge Christian High School, and fans are encouraged to pack the stands to support their teams as they battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs.
