The Dakota Ridge (Littleton, CO) varsity football team will host Ponderosa (Parker, CO) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Dakota Ridge. This matchup is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs for Class 4A.
Ponderosa vs Dakota Ridge High School Football Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Ponderosa vs Dakota Ridge
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Ponderosa vs Dakota Ridge
The Dakota Ridge Eagles (10-1) will host the Ponderosa Mustangs (8-3) in a highly anticipated playoff showdown in the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs for Class 4A. The game kicks off on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Dakota Ridge. These two league rivals faced off just last month, with Dakota Ridge securing a dominant 36-7 victory. Ponderosa now looks to even the score and keep their championship hopes alive.
Season at a Glance
Dakota Ridge Eagles (10-1, 5-0 League)
Ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, Dakota Ridge has showcased offensive firepower and defensive resilience all season. The Eagles average 37.8 points per game while holding opponents to just 16.2. Led by quarterback Kellen Behrendsen, who averages 157.3 passing yards and 188.4 total yards per game, and running back Landon Kalsbeck, with 113.5 rushing yards per game, Dakota Ridge’s balanced attack has been difficult to stop.
Ponderosa Mustangs (8-3, 4-1 League)
Ranked No. 27 in Colorado, Ponderosa boasts a strong ground game, averaging 213.1 rushing yards per game. The Mustangs are led by standout running back De’alcapon Veazy, who averages 118.8 rushing yards and 10.8 points per game. Quarterback Colter Espinoza adds 104.4 passing yards per game, providing balance to the offense. Defensively, Ponderosa has shown strength but will need to rise to the challenge against a potent Dakota Ridge offense.
Previous Matchup
When these teams met on October 4, Dakota Ridge dominated in a 36-7 road win. The Eagles’ defense held Ponderosa scoreless for the first half, while their offense steadily built a commanding lead. Kellen Behrendsen threw for key touchdowns, and Landon Kalsbeck contributed with strong rushing yards. Ponderosa managed just one touchdown in the third quarter, highlighting the challenge of cracking Dakota Ridge’s defense.
Team Statistics
Offensive Comparison
- Dakota Ridge: 419.5 total yards/game (255.3 rushing, 164.2 passing)
- Ponderosa: 336.8 total yards/game (213.1 rushing, 123.7 passing)
Defensive Comparison
- Dakota Ridge: 69.1 tackles/game, 2.1 sacks/game
- Ponderosa: 65.7 tackles/game, 1.8 sacks/game
Scoring Comparison
- Dakota Ridge: 37.8 points/game
- Ponderosa: 33.9 points/game
Key Players to Watch
Dakota Ridge Eagles
- Landon Kalsbeck (RB): 113.5 rushing yards/game, 11.3 points/game
- Kellen Behrendsen (QB): 157.3 passing yards/game, 188.4 total yards/game
- Nathan Rodriguez (WR): 56.5 receiving yards/game
- Troy Mcmullin (LB): 8.9 tackles/game
Ponderosa Mustangs
- De’alcapon Veazy (RB): 118.8 rushing yards/game, 10.8 points/game
- Colter Espinoza (QB): 104.4 passing yards/game, 134.3 total yards/game
- Max Mervin (WR): 54.6 receiving yards/game
- Caden Miller (LB): 10.7 tackles/game
Keys to Victory
Dakota Ridge:
- Replicate the defensive dominance from their previous meeting.
- Establish the run game early with Kalsbeck to control the clock.
- Limit Ponderosa’s big-play potential on the ground with strong tackling.
Ponderosa:
- Adjust offensively to find success against Dakota Ridge’s stout defense.
- Lean on De’alcapon Veazy to dominate the run game and control the tempo.
- Create turnovers and capitalize on short fields to swing momentum.
Final Thoughts
This game promises to be a thrilling rematch between two strong teams. Dakota Ridge enters as the favorite, with their balanced offense and strong track record this season. However, Ponderosa has the tools to surprise, especially if they can execute a more dynamic offensive game plan than in their previous meeting.
Will Dakota Ridge continue their march toward the championship, or can Ponderosa avenge their earlier loss and pull off the upset? Fans won’t want to miss this exciting Class 4A playoff clash!
